Sunday Summary: What’s the Hardest Part?

I’ve been thinking about names for as long as I can remember. And I’ve been writing about names here since 2008. And yet, lately I’m stuck on this one question: What’s the hardest part about choosing a name?

So often the answer is:

It depends!

Maybe it’s:

• Working with a long, complicated, tough to spell/pronounce, hyphenated surname
• Compromising with a partner with different ideas about style
• Finding a name that isn’t already taken in your circle of family and friends
• Narrowing down a long list of names you like
• Conflict with your family about potential names
• Balancing a desire for a name that stands out with a sense that your child’s name shouldn’t be too different
• Incorporating your cultural background or family customs – or figuring out a graceful way to start fresh
• Matching your new child’s name with her older siblings, but not matching too much
• Giving your child room to be themselves, while choosing a name that speaks to your interests
• Knowing which risks are worth taking, and which might be too out-there
• The feeling that if you just look a little more, the perfect name will appear – won’t it?

The list goes on and on.

I think I can tell you what most – maybe all – of those stumbling blocks have in common. But I’m curious:

How would you describe the biggest challenge to choosing a name?

ELSEWHERE ONLINE:

Not one, but two #namespotting episodes featuring Orion as a middle name for a girl. Dove Orion and Violet Orion. Interesting …

Lots of Wilfreds and a James Horatio Somerled. I just love the British Baby Names birth announcements.

An intriguing list of neglected names for girls. Madigan, Vega + more. The boys’ list is here.

I haven’t seen the movie Free Guy yet, but I’m curious. Will Guy catch on? Cleveland Kent Evans has the backstory on Guy here.

If you had to name your triplets with a theme, would it be famous pitchers? This family of Dodgers fans went that direction.

If you’re looking for more name talk, sign up for the weekly newsletter – sent every Tuesday!