Choosing a unique baby name:
I used to hear moms whine that other people are stealing their baby names. I would hear their stories and reply, that sucks, but inside I am thinking, “well that is a pretty common name. I can think of 15-20 other kids born this year that have it.” I always wanted unique names for my kids. I love hearing uncommon (to some people strange) names and always think, that is so a name I would like to have.
Fast forward to 5+ years. I had a son who I named a very unique slash strange name. I knew it would be a ‘cool’ name and not a stuffy or proper name. Then when he was 3.5 two acquaintances stole my name in the same month! It’s uncommon enough that it bugs me. I gave him that name so he would be the only one. Now I know 2 other people is not that big of a deal, but it still bugs me. They likely will not ever go to the same school, but it still drives me crazy. Mostly because I know they copied me. Yes, mimicry is the sincerest firm of flattery, but really? Whenever I see these people or read their facebook updates it drives me bonkers. Baby name stealing is not cool.
I confided it a friend how much it bugged me and she responded with a lame “well you obviously had it first!”. Yes, so not my concern. I am not wanting to be a trend setter here. I want to be unique or at least set apart in my awesome name selecting skills. My husbands response is that “you don’t own a name, who cares?” This is also from a man named one of the top ten most popular name for dozens of years. I myself have met very few people with my name. Its not weird, its just uncommon.
Second hand names available for free: new, unused (by me):
Has anyone stole your baby names? Have you stolen someone else’s baby names? What names did you love and not use?
Farquist says
My idiot brother stole my baby name. Now my parents have 2 grandkids with the same name. Confusing when we all get together.
Kyla @ Mommys Weird says
WHAA…. that is nuts!
Farquist says
Yes, nuts, oblivious and dismissive. My ex-sister-in-law couldn’t take it anymore.
Brooklyn Berry says
Thats interesting that his wife would ALLOW it. Or was it her choice? Either way, its just confusing. There are plenty of names out there.
Heather says
Hannah and Nathan are pretty conventional names so I kind of expect them to run into kids with the same name. I picked them because I liked them despite their commonality.
Brooklyn Berry says
I think they are great, classic names but not overdone. Its not about finding a name never used before, but avoiding the top 10 and always having to go by a last initial.
Katie says
Yes, I’ve had baby names stolen…one in particular 😉 I was super angry for years that I couldn’t use it, but then someone else I love who is more distant from the original stealer, used it so I’ve found some healing. I think when you name your baby a fairly common name, you can’t get annoyed at hearing others use it, ala Katie and Josh. Something unique and obviously stolen? Bugs to no end!
flowerchild says
I never got stuck on a baby name until I was pregnant and so nobody stole my names.
I chose Brianna and Brooklyn
Corrina says
Oh people are dumb. I love hearing someone stole my kids name. Well what’s his name? Jackson. I thought of it first. That’s the worst!!
Kazik says
yes! Candies and jewels smietomes!Two of the names that I got vetoed by all the guys are Madison and Ashley. I think both are lovely names, but apparently there’s a website called Ashley Madison for cheaters! :OAnother name that I used to love but somehow people say is a “stripper name” was Jade. Oh well… I still think all the names are lovely, but I understand if a Daddy-to-be doesn’t want anything that makes him or his friends think of a stripper. Lol