Names Are Complicated—Some Things to Consider, Maybe?

Thinking of a Name? Some to Maybe…Skip?

By Leo Parks, Jape News Staff

So, a friend of mine just announced they’re expecting! It’s wonderful news, of course, and everyone’s already excitedly asking about names. Honestly? It got me thinking. Picking a name feels like a really big deal, right? You want something nice, something that fits, but also…something that won’t, you know, cause problems later on.

I’ve been doing a little reading (mostly just clicking links people have been sharing, to be honest) and it turns out there’s a surprising amount to consider. It's not just about liking the sound of it!

Apparently, some names can be actually tricky for kids to say. Speech therapists are suggesting maybe avoiding names like Rory, Rowan, or even Aurora. It’s something about the way little kids learn to talk – apparently “R” and “O” sounds together can be tough, and they might end up saying “Wory” instead. Laurel and Axl also made the list, because of how the sounds blend together. Who knew? You want your kid to be able to clearly say their name, right? Seems sensible.

And it’s not just about pronunciation. I stumbled upon some stories about names that are, well, illegal in some places. Like, in Mexico, you apparently can’t name your baby “Circuncisión” or “Robocop.” That seems…extreme! Though I guess it makes sense to have some rules. It's good to be aware if you're planning on, uh, international travel with the little one, I suppose. Definitely don't want any legal trouble!

Then there’s the obviously tricky stuff. Like, some names just have… baggage. I’m not going to mention it, but you know the one. It’s best to just steer clear of names with really negative associations. And maybe, just maybe, don't name your baby after an ex. Probably a good idea all around.

Honestly, it's a little overwhelming! There's also a worry about teasing, which is sad to think about, and apparently overly trendy names might not be the best choice if they’re hard to say. Simple and clear seems to be the way to go.

Of course, ultimately, it’s up to the parents. It’s your baby! But it’s nice to think about all these things, just to give your little one the best start. There are tons of lists out there with all sorts of name ideas, even themed ones – Irish names, Disney names, you name it! It’s just good to do a little research, I think.