Does the world really need another [name]David[/name]? There’s a frumpy feeling I get with ever so popular classics as if sheep were naming sheep. I just hear blah. Why not choose something more creative and less boring? I understand why certain people prefer to just be one of many and blend in with the conformists. It’s easier to pick a no-image, one-size fits commonplace son or daughter. You can’t fail if you don’t even try.
Does the world really need another judgmental hag? There’s a frumpy feeling I get with every word you type on here, as if you’re just being rude to be rude. I just hear blah. Why not choose to be more positive and less full of yourself? I understand why you feel the need to express your opinion and feel like a nonconformist. It’s easier to pick a contrary, obviously unpopular opinion to stir up trouble than it is to have a real hobby or passion. You can’t win if you refuse to be open and accepting.
Best response ever!
Haha they’re called classics for a reason! They might be a little common, but that just means people have loved them enough to put them on their children for centuries. I’m mostly confused by your comment “they’re used in too many cross sections of class, ethnic, or religious backgrounds.” What does that even mean? You should know, Oh, that one there, that’s a Presbyterian. That one’s a Buddhist. Yep, definitely a poor person. Ahh, decidedly middle class, she is… You make no sense.
At the end of the day a name is just that. A name. The [name]PERSON[/name] makes the name. You could just as easily have a frumpy blah conformist (to quote you) [name]Chablis[/name] as an exciting nonconformist one of a kind [name]Elizabeth[/name].
Btw. My brothers name is [name]David[/name]. So in my opinion the world does need another [name]David[/name]. And he’s one of the most amazing men I know.
I think you either want to start some controversy or you don’t know your audience very well.
Personally, I think that [name]Michael[/name] and [name]John[/name] are wonderful choices for boys. On a boy I much prefer a classic, storied, simple, masculine name to [name]Milo[/name] or Rykker or something that wasn’t in the top 1000 till recently. I think [name]Alexander[/name] is great. [name]David[/name] is not for me, but all of these “boring” choices like [name]Charles[/name], [name]Henry[/name], [name]Peter[/name], are so great imo.
My personal tastes are more adventurous for girl names, but I would so much rather meet [name]Anne[/name] or [name]Sarah[/name] than Elliette & [name]Shaela[/name]…just cause a name is worn by many others doesn’t mean that a girl can’t make it her own.
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A person isn’t defined by their given name.
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Not all people use their children’s given names as a way to express their own sense of originality, importance imagination, or personal taste. Many parents prefer to give their children a name that’s versatile, solid, and pratical or with strong (family, religious, personal) significance.
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Most of the names you listed would be positively unexpected and original on a child nowadays.
There’s a book called Why Be [name]Happy[/name] When You Can Be Normal? Some people just want a name that can be anything. Others want it because they project no specific personality. Some are sick of fashion or fed up with fads. Why ask if it’s chic? Perhaps all the creativity and invention with names is taking its toll on them. Sure they’re a little flat-footed and prefer being just common. No-frills classics fill that need for redundant visibility and ready-made significance ideal to the average. Despite some unfortunate personal comments, I feel that baby naming is often taken too seriously and borders on a unyielding solemnity. With little to no style, I believe still they are the new [name]John[/name] and [name]Mary[/name].
If you’ve actually read [name]Jeanette[/name] Winterson’s fabulous book I find it weird that you would be so judgmental.
[name]Just[/name] because you don’t like them, does not give you the right to deem the parents of children with these names “unimaginative”. And for the record, no “sacred cows of naming” need to be slaughtered. Slaughtered? That’s a very strong word. You can’t expect everyone to stop using these names because you have a distaste for them. I’m pretty sure almost every berry would be overjoyed to see a little girl/boy with these names. Why? Because they are classic. Classics are classics for a reason. They have history, depth, and meaning to them.
I clicked the 2nd link in your signature (no dumb names) and you will find that rule #3 is this:
A first name should ideally embody some kind of meaning. (And all of these names you want to “slaughter” have both history and meaning)
Oh and for the record, I will take [name]Emily[/name] with me. Especially with [name]Emma[/name].
yawn
Oh look, another boring, predictable thread created by someone who thinks they’re better than parents who give their children common, classic names… on what grounds exactly? You like unusual names? Congratulations, you’re a snob. Now please troll elsewhere.
I think all of those names are really nice names! [name]Just[/name] because they have been used a lot for quite a long time, does not mean they should go away. They are used a lot for a reason. Each person also has such different taste. So what you dislike and think should go away, someone else may feel is the best name out there. There are names I strongly dislike, but I understand that others like them, and don’t think they should ‘retire.’ The more I am on Nameberry, the more I see that each persons taste has a reason. [name]Even[/name] if it’s simply ‘Well it was popular, and I liked the sound of it.’ That is a reason. Anyway, I really don’t think any name should be retired.
@basicsand - I’d love to know which names you consider exciting choices.
Personally, I agree with everyone else who has posted. Classic names are beautiful. The names you listed are all beautiful. Suggesting they need to be “retired” is just ridiculous.
Quite an ignorant thread. We all have a different taste in names, just because there are names that you don’t like, it doesn’t mean that they should be “retired”. That’s quite a narrow-minded way of thinking which totally isn’t sustainable in the real world. Classic names are classical for a reason: they’re beautiful and almost timeless.
Why don’t you look at other forum posts to see which names I do like?
There are things that have become overly familiar or common. These are elements that are overused to the point of losing their original meaning to the point of being irritating and trite since at some previous time they were considered meaningful and novel. They are called cliches.
It’s kind of obvious who among here lack a sense of style as well as civility and decorum. Although I’m not thin-skinned, I’ve kept to the topic of what are the new [name]John[/name] or [name]Mary[/name] of today. It has been interesting to note who quickly reveal themselves to be so unbecoming.
Pot…meet kettle. I distinctly remember you making a back-handed comment about classic names, or have you already forgotten?
Anyway, to the OP,
It really depends on the name. I am a “uniquenamelover” but I do enjoy many of the classics. Yeah, I get a little tired of seeing [name]Elizabeth[/name] and [name]Sophia[/name], but those names sure beat [name]Kayleigh[/name] and [name]Alyvia[/name] anyday of the week. And…I have some unusual classics on my list that I plan on using.
What’s most obvious here, basicsand, is who lacks respect for others and their opinions…and tact, definitely tact. If you haven’t noticed, you’re vastly outnumbered on this topic, so I guess you must think that everyone here is “unbecoming.” My goodness, people can name their children what they want for the reasons they choose. What’s more, it’s no one else’s business! Some might be of the opinion that people who name their kids “unique” or “imaginative” names are trying to make their children be standouts. Personally, teaching my child that she must stand out from the herd at all costs is not in any way a priority. And I certainly don’t want her name to be the only reason people remember her. To my husband and myself, there are much more important things.
… This thread isn’t closed yet?
Ok, well everyone go re-write your top 10 list in your favorite color pen and delight in the style of names that you find most exciting. The end. =]
Honestly, I think those names are classic and have stood the test of time or a reason. If people want to use them, I see no problem with it. It keeps the names I like unique. 