Upon encountering this vintage Atlantic article, I did a double take…
The headline read “The Women Naming Their Babies After Themselves,” which initially puzzled me. The idea of sharing a name with your child seemed strange. However, writer Maggie Mertens highlighted that for centuries, it has been common for men to name their sons after themselves, so why shouldn’t women do the same with their daughters? “For some mothers, sharing a name with a child is an inherently feminist act simply because it’s unexpected in our society,” she notes.
“My brother’s a Junior, and throughout his whole life, nobody seems to bat an eye when he and my dad share their names,” says Susannah Wilson, who named her daughter Susannah. Former competitive speed skater Nancy Swider-Peltz added that naming her daughter after herself “was a joyful decision that brought her happiness.”
Certain cultures appear to embrace namesakes more than others. In my boyfriend Freddie’s Italian-American family, there is an abundance of Freds and Johns and Anthonys. As for the women? “My grandparents Fred and Patricia named two of their children Fred and Patricia,” Freddie explains. “Then my aunt Patricia named her daughter…Patricia.” Additionally, my Brazilian friend Gisela is aware of a woman, Antônia, in São Paulo, named after her mother, Antônia. “Zero creativity, 100 ancestry,” she chuckles. “Sometimes you need to create a family tree.”
What are your thoughts? When I was expecting, I adored the name Anna for a girl, but “Joanna and Anna” came across as a tongue twister. The matter became irrelevant when we ended up having two boys anyway!
What baby names are you excited about these days? Would you consider naming your child after yourself? Perhaps a fictional character or a location?
P.S. One surprise I’ve encountered in parenting, six ways to select a middle name, and as a mother, would you grant your child your surname?
(Image by Stephanie Tamir/Stocksy.)
Selecting a baby’s name is a significant choice for parents, as it is a precious gift that will stay with their child throughout their life. An effective approach to choosing a baby name includes a careful and methodical process that weighs personal preferences, cultural importance, and practical factors. Here’s a step-by-step guide to assist parents in making this important decision:
1. **Begin with Inspiration**: Start by collecting inspiration from various sources. Think about family customs, cultural backgrounds, literature, historical figures, or favorite locations. This brainstorming phase is about exploring options and identifying what resonates with you and your partner.
2. **Compile a List**: Create a list of possible names that attract you. jot down any names that pique your interest, regardless of whether they seem ideal at first. This collection will act as a base for refining your selections.
3. **Examine Meaning and Significance**: Investigate the meanings and origins of the names on your list. Names often have historical and cultural relevance, and understanding these can enrich your decision. Choose names with positive meanings or those that carry personal importance for you and your family.
4. **Assess Pronunciation and Spelling**: Reflect on how the name will be pronounced and spelled. A name that is straightforward to pronounce and spell can spare your child from a lifetime of correcting others. Try saying the name aloud and writing it down to ensure it sounds good and is easy for others to understand.
5. **Consider Nickname Potential**: Think about possible nicknames that could emerge from your chosen name. Decide if you are comfortable with these variants or if they might carry undesirable associations. A name that allows for pleasant nicknames can be an additional benefit.
6. **Review Initials and Combinations**: Write out the complete name, including middle and last names, to look for any unintended initials or combinations that could be awkward or amusing. Make sure the full name sounds pleasing and is devoid of potential issues.
7. **Anticipate Future Implications**: Reflect on how the name will suit your child during various life stages. A name that suits a baby should also be fitting for an adult. Avoid excessively trendy names that might seem outdated in the future.
8. **Gather Feedback**: Share your top alternatives with trusted family members or friends to obtain their views. While the final choice belongs to you, external opinions can provide valuable insights or highlight aspects you might have missed.
9. **Think About Personal Connection**: Ultimately, select a name that feels right for you and your partner. Trust your instincts and choose a name that you both cherish and feel connected to. This personal bond is vital, as it will become part of your child’s identity.
10. **Conclude Your Decision**: After narrowing down your options and considering all elements, take your time with the final choice. Remember, this is a personal decision, and there is no definitive right or wrong answer. Pick a name that brings you happiness and feels like the perfect match for your new addition.
By following this structured method, parents can choose a name that is meaningful, practical, and treasured, giving their child a solid foundation for their identity.
