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John or Sundance? Mary or Isabella? In today’s society baby names are becoming more and more unique. Should a parent pick a common name for his child or he should give him a name that stands out in the crowd?
Each year in the United States, just before Mother's Day, the Social Security Administration releases a list of the names most commonly given to newborn babies in the country during the previous year, based upon applications for Social Security cards. The report includes the thousand most common names for each sex. In the 1950s, the top ten names for boys and girls accounted for a quarter of all American babies. Today it's less than a tenth.
Through the 1950’s the top five names for males were John, Robert, David, James and Michael. The top five names for females were Mary, Linda, Patricia, Debra and Barbara.
Slowly but surely most of these conventional names have disappeared from the list, with Emily being the most popular name since 2000, and names like Alexis, Isabella, Olivia and Abigail also appearing widely.
In some European and Latin American countries, Denmark or Venezuela for example, unconventional names must be approved by the authorities. A parent cannot name his child as he wishes. In the US the situation is different; giving parents a much broader spectrum of names to choose from. But should you push the boundaries?
When considering a popular name as opposed to a unique one a parent should examine the ramifications of both choices: picking a common and popular name assures that your child will not be ridiculed because of his name. Childhood is challenging enough without having to deal with being teased and taunted about a name which may bring satisfaction to the parents while being a burden to the child. On the other hand he may have to share his name with five other kids in his class. A common name, however, does not mean a common child. Every child has his own unique characteristics and personality.
Picking a unique name assures that your child will stand out and make a stronger first impression. Who would not remember meeting a Liberty or a Moon Unit? An unconventional name gives a child a special starting point.
If you are still not sure, here are a few suggestions that can help you: Firstly - balance your child's first and last name. If your last name is unique, then pick a more conventional first name, and visa versa. Secondly, try channeling your creativity into your child’s middle name. If your child learns to love it, he may brag about your originality, and if he hates it, he may hide it from his peers. Finally, if you are considering an international career it may be wise to choose a name that is easily pronounced and written in many Languages. But in the broader scheme of things, it is the character of the person that makes the name memorable, whether it’s John F. Kennedy or Upton Sinclair.
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What do you think? Popular or unique what direction is better? Please add your comment below.
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