What NOT to Call Your Baby...
We all want beautiful and 'different' names for our babies, right? You know, like the cool names the celebs give their kiddies... Apple, Maddox, Romeo, Cruz, Suri (and thats the most normal ones!!).
So just in case you were thinking of giving your newborn some uber-cool name, just remember they'll be stuck with it for life!! And if you really have to name them something 'different', just make sure you go through this checklist from
BabyCentre.co.uk to make sure you don't take the uber-cooooolness way too far...
1. Places: There is a trend to name babies after places where the parents met or conceived the baby...well don't!! Especially not in NZ...think about it...Hokianga?? Dunedin?? Papamoa?? Errrrrm, no, just don't do it! Way too painful for your poor child.
2. Spelling: Ok, so giving your baby's name an interesting spelling might make it more different and individual, right? Wrong...its just plain wierd...like Lucie instead of Lucy...you're just setting you and your newborn up for a lifetime of hassle!
3. Connotations: What do you think of when you hear the name Wendy? Burgers? Yeah me too...so just remember to avoid names which bring up thoughts of things like fast food, being bullied or even electrical stores...anyone wanna name their baby Noel?
4. Silly Sounds: Think along the lines of Ben Dover and Chelsea Sue Porter...definite no! And you might also wanna check that your child's initials don't spell something bad. Imagine how Phoebe Imogen Green would get treated at school?! It doesn't bear thinking about...
5. Celebs: There was a time back in the 80s when Kylie and Jason were like the top most coolest names ever...but I bet you those parents and kids are hating the day they were named after Neighbours characters! So please, don't give your baby the same punishment?! No Scarlett, Ashton, Orlando or Paris and definitely definitely no Britney...!
6. Cutesy Cutesy: Yes, your new little bundle of joy makes you melt and go all soppy and gooey but that is no excuse to name them with cutie pie names! Jamie Oliver clearly didn't take this piece of advice...Poor Poppy Honey, Daisy Boo and Petal are stuck with those names forever.
So next time you are naming a baby (cos that happens sooooo often!) just remember the rules above ok? Think about the child! You don't wanna scar them for life now do you?
Happy Baby Naming!
By Shinead Cooke