Just Asking: Why give your child weird names?

Have you ever stopped to think what kind of name to give your child? In the past, naming the child was done by his or her paternal grandfather and in other cases, the child’s father. In some families, if the child shared similar features with a family member, say the eyes or shape of the head, they were named after that person. Fast forward, many parents are naming their daughters and sons after celebrities – musicians, popular soap characters and the like. Some say they choose such names because they are unique while others like them because they sound “modern.” What these parents, especially mothers miss is that in wanting to be modern, they end up sounding ridiculous.

I’ve met Blairs, Clintons and Whitneys and I wouldn’t be surprised if there are little Gagas somewhere. If the intention is to stand out, they clearly achieve that. But at the same time, don’t be surprised if your child grows to dislike their name because he or she is teased at school. What happened to looking into the Bible or other religious references for names? People no longer take time to know the meaning of a name before giving it to their child.

There’s also the peculiarity of blending these “exotic” names with our local ones. Imagine a Blair Sempagama or Bolton Sendikadiwa, Gaga Asimwe. It’s ridiculous! I attended a friend’s baby shower recently and we were asked to float names for the baby. I was surprised when friends suggested Britney, Clarkson, Krishna among others. A colleague at work regrets naming her daughter Carey because many of her relatives mispronounce the name. Tired of her girl being called “Cali”, she decided to change it and now the little girl has to adjust to a new name. I understand the attachment we have to some of these celebrities but if we’re going to “force” our love onto our children, at least let it be a third name. Names are one of those things we carry for life. You don’t want your child to carry the burden of a funny name, waiting for any opportunity to change it.