Would you let a bet decide your child’s name?
It feels like a wacky kind of strategy. I don’t recommend it.
And yet … if you’re down to a few favorite names, I might suggest you try a coin flip.
Or put your final names into a hat and draw one.
Here’s the important part: you’re not actually letting the coin flip/turn of card/random lottery choose your child’s name.
You’re using it as a means to gauge how you really feel.
Often we say something like, “Oh yeah, I’d be happy with Liam, Everett, or Jack. They’re all great names.”
But we really have our heart set on Everett. We find that out after we draw the name Everett from a stack of index cards and feel a sense of incredible joy. Or we’re down to Everett or Jack, and the coin flip says Jack … which leaves us feeling disappointed.
Don’t let fate choose your child’s name … but maybe let it reveal your true feelings.
For more thoughts on naming and how-to advice, join the AM Baby Names Patreon community.
Favorite Blog Posts & Name Lists
Or maybe a bet is a good way to name your baby? My whole random pick-a-card musing was prompted by this story, reported by Nancy, about a baseball fan who named named his daughter Francesca Mookie Mancuso. I mean … it’s a great story, and actually involves baseball star Mookie Betts. Who actually saw the birth announcement on Twitter, which is wild …
Speaking of birth announcements, here’s a whole new batch from AM readers. Thanks to all for the #namehelp!
Thanks to Oleksandra for asking me to weigh in on the latest AITA over name theft. The way I approach such questions is pretty straightforward. Relationships matter more than names, but names often carry all of our hopes and dreams. Accidental name theft happens lots; intentionally taking a name that you know is meaningful? Whoa. Why would someone do that?
Wait, wait, wait … back to random ways to maybe choose names. Have your baby pick their collar color. Okay, no. This only works for a litter of puppies, but it’s adorable. And sometimes you just need to watch puppies being named Winnie, Honey, and Robin.
Calls Open for Next Week into Mid-September
Want to talk over a naming decision? Calls are open for September.
Love the #namehelp posts, but don’t want to share your questions publicly? Thanks to your requests, the summer sale is extended and spots are open into early September.
Featured Names Recently Updated
- Roman, a name as powerful as the Empire, as smooth as the European city.
- Elspeth, a quirky cool take on Elizabeth that deserves more love in the US.
- Camden, a London place name that’s creative and bold, but also an on-trend name for parents in love with Mason and Rowan.
For more updates, join the AM Baby Names Patreon community. Name of the Day posts are shared to all members, including those who join for free!
That’s all for this week. Thank you for reading and as always, have a great week!
