Is it just me ?

iVillage Member
Registered: 04-03-2003
Is it just me ?
8
Sat, 03-19-2005 - 6:49pm
Is it just me or does anyone else take it really hard when someone you know chooses a name that you can't stand or think is way trendy and boring? An acquaintance of mine just chose a name that I am so tired of hearing and I feel embarrassed to say this, but it made me feel like I don't like her as much as I used to. I know this is ridiculous and I will get over it, but maybe I feel this way because it shows that we don't have as much in common as I thought and also my pet peeve is overused, ultra-trendy names. Has this happened to anyone else or am I bizarre?
iVillage Member
Registered: 01-22-2005
Sat, 03-19-2005 - 7:36pm
I know what you mean. When I meet someone who has a Hailey/Haley or a McKenzie I just can't understand how THAT was the name they picked, out of all the other names.
iVillage Member
Registered: 11-04-2003
Sun, 03-20-2005 - 6:55am

Nope, not just you.. it's me too.

I find my reaction upon finding out the name does color the relationship some. I've never entirely written off a friend just because their child/ren's names weren't up to my standard (so to speak) but I find I spend more time with people who's kids names more or less match mine.

I think it has something to do with similarities. People who think like you are more likely to be your friends and they're more likely to name like you as well.

I don't find it snobbish or reactionary in any way.. people who think alike end up friendly.. therefore your circle of friends usually have children that are named similarly to your own. Actually, my circle of friends have children with names like James, Alicia, Andrea, Glorianna, Katherine, Conan, Hector, Edwin, Otto, Mihály & Charlotte.

iVillage Member
Registered: 08-01-2003
Mon, 03-21-2005 - 11:41am

I am also one to think "yuck" a lot when I hear kids names. but I don't find myself liking the person any less, that's pretty extreme.

I mostly think "yuck" on really old-fashioned names, I'm just not into them. and when I hear yet another Hailey, Madison, Emily, or Emma, I just think the person isn't creative enough to come up with something other than the names they are hearing every day. I think "why? don't you know there are dozens of them just in this town"

but, no to find myself not liking them as much, now that's baby name addiction to an extreme I would think.

Satarday at a baby shower I asked one woman what the little girls' name was and she said Jaden and I wanted to say "that's a boys name" but I held my tongue until she was out of ear shot, then said to one of my daughter's friends - isn't that another one of their friends' little boys name, and she said yeah, that's exactly why I wouldn't use Jordan for my 2nd girl like my husband wanted, I don't like the boy/girl confusion.

and the little girl in particular just didn't look like she should be a Jaden either. weird how you feel that way sometimes about how a kid matches up with a name.

Avatar for tgdye
iVillage Member
Registered: 03-27-2003
Mon, 03-21-2005 - 11:54am

I do the same thing! About 2 years ago, a college friend and his wife (who has a PhD in history) named their daughter Madison. I know it's not entirely rational of me, but I just couldn't fathom why someone that educated would pick such a (IMO) trendy and overused name. It actually kind of affected my opinion of them.

I guess that's what happens when one has a passion for baby names....

iVillage Member
Registered: 08-28-2003
Mon, 03-21-2005 - 12:12pm

I do know what you mean to an extent. I too get really disappointed in people I know if they choose a super-trendy (imo) name, like "man, I thought they were more creative than that, do they really want their kiddo to be one of 5 ____'s in his/her class?" Generally I have liked the names friends have picked for their kids, but one or two picked ones that surprised me. And I totally know what the pp means about someone with a PhD picking Madison for his dd...too funny!!

I think I would still like them as much as beforehand, but probably would spend a little while thinking about their lack of creativity or think they were more on the trendiness bandwagon than I thought... then I'd be over it, I think :)

Marguerite
mom to Trevor Mason

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iVillage Member
Registered: 10-01-2003
Mon, 03-21-2005 - 6:40pm
If you want an opinion, I think you're sounding a little shallow on this topic. Really now, you feel differently about the person because of a name they choose? Many people like the way a name sounds, even if it's popular. Think of the names John, James, Andrew, David, Emily, Sara, Catherine. They're all very common names, and one would argue, not too creative either, and trendy in their own way. If you're going to let a name null and void certain qualities you "thought" you had in a friendship, i.e. common ideas, then you're going to have a difficult time maintaining friendships.
iVillage Member
Registered: 10-15-2003
Mon, 03-21-2005 - 6:57pm

Yes! I can't help but be a little disappointed when someone I know picks a name that's rather average. Of course, what's average is a matter of opinion...


Jen

iVillage Member
Registered: 06-22-2003
Mon, 03-21-2005 - 7:24pm

Honestly, I can partly see your point and used to think that way to a lesser extent. But then the more I think about things, why should a popular and trendy name chosen for their child make a person seem uncreative, unintelligent or uneducated? If you think about it realistically, people choose a name that they like the sound and look of, period. Now yes, I agree that it would be highly unusual to see a PhD name their daughter Mykenzee or Ryleigh. That said, a PhD or other highly educated, smart, witty, cool person may indeed choose Mackenzie, Riley, Madison, Taylor, Kayley, Alexis, Ashley, Caitlin, etc... Why? Because, again, they just like the name! That is why any parent chooses a name-obviously!! I'm sure people do consider that they might be more highly thought of if they chose a "hip and up and comer" name like Charlotte, Hazel (ugh!), Audrey or Sophie. But maybe that is not the name they truly LOVE.

Yes, I am tired of hearing Emma, Emily, Sophia, Isabella and Olivia. I yawn every time I hear of another parent choosing these names. But if that is the name that spoke to their heart then so be it. The thing is, I have tried and tried to like less popular names so that my child could "stand out". But some of my favorite names, I'm sorry to report, are indeed popular and trendy! I just like the sound of them-and I guess other parents do too or they would not be popular! :) Then I also thought about the fact that children actually like to fit in and probably are thrilled to share their name with cool, pretty girls or cool guys in their class. If a name isn't super popular but still known by people and you love it, then use it and more power to you! But if you are desperately seeking a name that is hardly used JUST to make your child stand out, I would think twice. Just use the name you love and if people look down on you because you chose Samantha, Kayla, Brianna, Megan, Sydney or Hailey-that's their own problem, isn't it?? JUST USE THE NAME YOU LOVE!!!! :)