Jess’s post today got me thinking about names and how parents choose their children’s names. While I had always wanted to name a daughter Lucy, I did some checking before we made a final decision. I didn’t want to use it if it was super popular. That was pretty much my only criteria. I wasn’t super picky. I did a quick check of the SSA baby name database and, while Lucy has gained in popularity as a name since 1999, it wasn’t in the top 100. That’s what I was looking for. I was actually kind of surprised that other names made the top 100 while Lucy didn’t. As Jess mentioned, Nevaeh, which is Heaven spelled backward, was No. 34. Seriously? I’m not seeing that as a top 50 name.
I spent a little bit of time this afternoon looking up other family names on the SSA database. My sister was born in 1969. My dad tells us that they didn’t know of any other babies named Lisa, which is why they chose that as her name. But that year? Lisa ended up being the No. 1 name. So much for being unique!
In 1980, the year I was born, Jennifer was the most popular name. I was surprised that my name, Cadence, actually made the list. Even more surprisingly, it was No. 212 in 2008.
So, for those of you who have kids, did you have any specific criteria you kept in mind when choosing your kids’ names? For those of you who don’t yet have kids, how will you pick their names? And, what was the most popular name the year you were born?
I didn’t want a popular name either. My goal was to pick a name that was strong, definitely masculine, and that there wouldn’t be 5 of him in his class. It also had to go well with our last name and the initials couldn’t spell out anything either.
The most popular name the year I was born was Jennifer. My name was number two. This makes me less worried about using popular names with my own kids, because having a popular name never bothered me. In fact, I didn’t even realize it was really that popular.
In terms of naming criteria, I think about this a lot and I have quite a few. I like first names that are solid, appealing, and work for babies and adults alike. I like middle names that have some sort of personal or family meaning. Generally, I prefer first names that have one main spelling and pronunciation so the kid isn’t constantly having to correct people. I like names to have at least one nickname option and I like it if they are familiar but not overly popular (hence, I tend to like old-fashioned names like Camilla). Also, this is specific to us, but we need names that work in English and in German, and preferably in French as well.
we named our last Hannah just for the fact it means “by the grace of God”….she was definitely an unexpected blessing 🙂
I had a lot of criteria for choosing a name. I also didn’t want our names in the top 100. I wanted them to be girly without sounding cutesy. I didn’t want unisex names. I didn’t want any names that ended with a long E sound (even though my own name does). I didn’t want any name I associated with any former students. I didn’t want any name anyone I know has used. LG’s name was # 329 the year she was born. A’s was 169, and E’s was #218 the year they were born. My own name was #470 the year I was born, but hasn’t been in the top 1000 (yes, 1000!) since 1993.
Michael and Jennifer were the most popular names in 1975, when I was born! 🙂
I’ve never met another Alynda – but I know there are a few out there! 🙂
When I have kids, I have an idea about names – but I’m sure that they will change..!