Fuzzy Names, Sweet Names

by: Dawnell Harrison
As with everything, names go through cycles of change with passing generations. I also tend to think that names have improved immensely since the first Elmas, Minervas, Bufords, and Alfreds graced the baby’s room wearing appropriate nametags on their cribs.
A country of tradition, we still hold tightly to such commoners as Becky, Wendy, Mike and Bill. And being the trendsetters of a diverse time, we also like originality. Girls are acquiring sophistication with names such as Breanna and Kyla while boys are being called Dusty and Cameron, cute yet charming. I do like these names. I even think that the not-so-unique ones are fine. These names have humility and, most importantly, can be spoken without cringing, gagging, or regurgitating. When was the last time you could actually say “Bunny” and control the ruffling of your nose and the higher level of intonation in your voice? (Not to mention avoiding the picture of this girl nibbling on a very orange carrot.) I put her into a category I like to call the ‘itty bitty Bunny and Kitty committee.’
A girl of this stature serves your ex-boyfriend mixed drinks at the local dive bar and leaves the tip on the table because somebody accidentally left it there. She likes to think deeply when scuba diving and yells, “run to second base,” when a tight end gets the football. This type always has straight, white teeth and never gets fired from her cocktail jobs. She’s such an asset. I have my doubts about the advantages being endless though….I mean, how many lawyers, nurses, or even receptionists do you know named “Kitty?”
The next category is sweetly named the ‘Dandy Candy-land committee.’ The sound of these names are enough for a life-time supply of insulin shots and give one a compelling urge to stock-up on countless tubes of toothpaste. For instance, Carmel and Candy….even a salt addict would get cheek pangs simply by the sound. Maybe, just maybe, I am a little prejudiced because my ex-boyfriend’s new girlfriend is named Candy. Before I know her name, I asked him what it was and he told me. I only had to ask him once….the toothache and acne breakout brings back terrible memories.
Yes, I know, you’re wondering if Kitty and Candy work together serving my ex-boyfriend mixed drinks. Not only do they work together, they are also very close. Last week, Carmel overheard Candy telling Kitty, “You’re the best friend I’ve had since my cat, Mufkins, died.”

About Author:Owner www.spiritwhole.com, graduate University of Washington, poet, animal lover. info@thespiritwhole.com

Name Meanings

Most people don't know the meaning of their name, but most names do have meanings. You should at least find out the meanings of your favorite choices before giving one of them to your child. The meaning of your child's name probably won't greatly affect his or her life, but may help you to make a decision between your favorites.
Many names are shortened to nicknames during childhood, or other stages of life, so be sure to think about what shortened forms of your child's name may be. Also consider that names we might think are cute for a child could be embarrassing later in life, before giving your child a nickname as their legal name. For instance - shortening Samantha to Sam or Sammy while your daughter is young may be fine, but will she mind having to put Sam on her business cards or college application later in life if its her legal name?
No one likes having their name constantly misspelled or mispronounced, so keep this in mind before choosing a unique pronunciation or spelling of a common name. Remember that your child will spend his or her lifetime explaining to others how the name is really spelled or pronounced.
Unisex names, like Chris, Robin or Terry, may make it easier for you to choose your child's name before you know their sex, but others argue that it can be unfair and psychologically harmful to a child, especially to boys who may feel more insulted when presumed to be girls, than girls do when they're mistaken for boys.
Namesakes, or exact reproductions of a person's name, even if followed by II or Jr., are quite often confusing to everyone involved. Worse yet, the child never gets the satisfaction of having a clear identity or name of his own. Although namesakes can be complimentary to the original owner of the name, consider the impact to your child, and how you plan to differentiate between the people who share the name before you choose to name your child after someone else.
Remember, the name you choose for your child will be a lifetime decision, so take your time and enjoy the process!

(c) Copyright 2003, S. Denise Hoyle. All Rights Reserved