The major disadvantage of a unique baby name is, quite simply, that it is different.
And "different" attracts attention - not always of the best sort.
If your child grows up to be a shy wallflower, she may not appreciate having a name that shouts her presence from the rooftops!
And if you live in a community where traditional names are the norm, the school years may be very difficult if other children constantly make fun of the name you choose.
Other disadvantages?
Someone might copy it - instant loss of uniqueness!
Your child might never meet anyone with the same name. Ever. Ever ever ever!
A name that some consider odd can be a target for jokers wanting to change it into a not-so-funny-nickname.
Think about the reasons you want to choose a unique name
Focus on your baby. What name will suit him or her? Imagine their future. What will they enjoy? What will they excel at? What job will they do?
Now think of the name. And the baby. But not yourself!
Don't limit yourself to a list of very distinctive names for your baby name list if:
You are bored with your own... boring... name. Remember this: those of us with "distinctive" names may be rather envious of you! Why should you express your dissatisfaction with your own name by giving your child one that is so different?
You want to impress the neighbors. Or your friends. Or the rest of your family. Or anyone else! The problem with names that are unique is that they don't just refer to the person bearing the name. Somebody had to choose that name in the first place - and some of these names do leave us begging the question: "How did your parents dream that up?"
You're into eggzotik spelingz Don't create a name for your baby that nobody can pronounce - let alone spell. Your son or daughter will just end up with an initial for a name - which might be a better idea all round! Names that are unpredictably spelled - or just impossible for anyone to get right first time - will create problems for your child later in life. A name should be a gift - not a burden.
Shades of uniqueness
Of course, we all love a name that's different! "Different" can, as I mentioned at the start of this page, be hard for some to accept. But...
Whether it's a celebrity baby with something a little shocking, or just a friend down the road who's got the locals gossiping, a unique name can be fun and advantageous, too!
if you're still enthusiastic about choosing something unique:
Tailor the "shock factor" to your own circumstances.
A name can be unique, but soft and beautiful for a girl, or distinguished yet understated for a boy.
Balance "different" with "simple."
A name that's in a class of it's own, yet easy to understand, easy to say, easy to spell. A unique baby name for a unique person - but with an "ah hah!" moment - yes, that name is just right!
So... not always a no-no!
No! What would the world be like without any uniquely named babies?
