On “Stealing” Baby Names

May 28, 2015 § Leave a comment

The linked articles discuss the etiquette of “stealing” baby names. Personally, I don’t think there’s any such thing. No one “owns” a name, and I don’t understand feeling affronted at the very notion of having more than one child of that name in your circle. You and your child are not such special special snowflakes that you get to claim ownership of words; come up with some nicknames and get over yourself.

(Also, parents who are hellbent on giving their children a “unique” name have apparently never spoken to people who have grown up with “unique” names. It’s not as delightful as you seem to think it is.)

Etiquette Hell: Stealing Baby Names

Battle of the Baby Name: Dear Prudence advises a woman incredibly hurt that another couple gave their baby a name similar to her baby’s name.

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