Numbers 4 Names
We''ve talked about wacky names before, but this latest story may top the list of all-time strange names. A couple in New Zealand was recently blocked from naming their new son ... wait for it ... "4real". Yes, 4real, for real . Officials are still in negotiations about the name, but say that names beginning with a number are not allowed. Of course, this case has sparked a lot of reaction on both of our Baby Names message boards, as well as in our playgroups and expecting clubs. Here''s what some moms are saying about "4real" and unusual names in general:
From the November 2007 expecting club:
"... why don''t some parents spend at least 10 seconds thinking about the impact their self-centered naming choice will have on their child someday? How little did a parent care about their child if they might name them Satan or Adolph Hitler? I''m dumbfounded!"
More opinions from the March 2007 playgroup:
"I DO NOT agree with the government preventing the parents from naming their child whatever they want to. It''s really none of their concern."
"I grew up in communism, where parents had to either go with a name that was in the calendar (every day in the calendar has a designated name) or had to ask the appropriate government department for a permission. You can imagine it was pretty boring over there name-wise."
"Who knows, though . . . maybe this is the next trend for the future? Far be it from me to pooh pooh progress! I could very well have a great grandchild named G8r^zzle2f, or something like that. Personally . . . I''d like to hold that off as long as possible."
What do you think of incorporating numbers into names? Is this a unique choice for a child''s moniker or an unnecessary burden? Should parents be able to name their kids whatever crazy combo of characters they choose or should there be some limits? Sound off with your opinion on this topic -- and share some of the wild names you''ve seen over the years!