Mums hotly debating ‘overused’ baby names will make you say “what the heck?”
We love a parenting forum, we truly do, but they’re also very often a quite anonymous platform where people type before they think.
“Trying to decide on a name”
A recent post on one popular forum delved into the idea that some baby names are “overused” as an expectant mum asked for help choosing a name that won’t “date”.
While it’s true that lots of names are quite common, this mum was concerned that some names make people roll their eyes because of overuse – or might even seem a bit outdated in 20 years time.
“Trying to decide on a name,” she posted. “Would like something that won’t seem ‘dated’ in so many years to come. There are a few names I keep hearing pop up at baby groups etc that feel a bit ‘faddy’ and ‘of the moment’ and would like to avoid that if possible. Hoping to avoid a name that becomes the Tracey, Sharon, David or Gary etc of this generation.”
“Oh, not another one”
She hoped to choose a name that was perhaps classic and enduring, rather than something predictable and over-familiar. Hyphens, it seems, are also out.
“I’ve noticed a lot of names hyphenated with Rose, (which is an absolutely beautiful name) but kind of has the shine taken off it when it’s so overused in various combinations. What names make you think “oh, not another one!?”
You can kind of see where she’s coming from with some of her points, and you have to admire her for wanting to consider her child’s future feelings. That said, it started a discussion which seemed to single out a lot of brilliant names and brand them “faddy” or overused.
Wait, what?!
Perfectly lovely names that people warned against – taking into account this expectant mum’s brief – included:
Amelia
Eve/Evie
Ella
Jack
Oliver
Oscar
Alfie
Theo
Zack
Grace
Isla
Tilly
Poppy
Freddie
Arlo
Noah
Bertie
Archie
Alfie
Charlie
Ezra
Max
Sophie
Matilda
Harry
Freya
Millie
Mason
Jackson
Mia
Ivy
Henry
Bella
Charlotte
Leo
Florence
Darcy
Wait, what?! We KNOWWWWWW!
A large number of these names have indeed made the list of Australia’s most popular baby names. But does being popular really mean a name should be avoided? We think not!
And does using a hyphen to link two pretty names together take the shine off one of those names? We think not!
In fact, to us, the list above looks like a selection of brilliant names to give your baby, proving that as helpful as forums can be, it’s best to cast a very critical eye over some of the advice that pops up on them! #GrainOfSalt
