Is This Mom Being Unreasonable For Wanting To Change Her 4-Year-Old Daughter’s Name Because It’s “Too Common” Now?
What's in a name? A name can define who we are, making us individuals. Some names are passed down from generation to generation, and others are chosen to be unique as possible.
This parent thought she had given her daughter a beautiful and unique name but realized it wasn't as unique as she thought, and now she's regretting it.
Mumsnet; A Way For Parents To Connect
Mumsnet is a popular website in the United Kingdom for parents to connect and share stories with other parents. Basically, it is Reddit for parents!
It started in the early 2000s and has grown over the years, with millions connecting on the website.
"Am I Being Unreasonable?"
In a popular thread called "Am I Being Unreasonable?"
A mother with the username Chesternut made a post asking if she was being unreasonable for wanting to change her 4-year-old's name.
Her Reasoning
Chesternut wanted to change her daughter's name because when she was born, she thought it would be unique.
However, when her daughter started school, this wasn't the case, and she was one of three girls with the same name.
What's The Issue?
For Chesternut, she grew up sharing her name with four other girls, and she hated it and was scarred by it; in fact, she changed her own name.
She was hoping her daughter wouldn't have to deal with that problem, and that's why she gave her such a unique name.
Is She Being Unreasonable?
Many parents commented on her post, saying she was being very unreasonable. Her daughter is 4 now, so she's used to her name.
It would be confusing to change it so suddenly just because there are other classmates with the same name.
Parenting Blogger Samantha Scroggin
"Walking Outside In Slippers" blogger Samantha Scroggin shares her thoughts on the topic.
"Naming a child should be a carefully considered process before or at least shortly after a child is born."
Choose Unique Names Immediately
She continues by saying,
"If you want a unique name for your kid, choose one right out of the gate. But on the flip side, I think too goofy of names don't serve kids well either."
Kids Know Their Names
Samantha says, "They've already come to identify with the name and maybe even learned to write and spell it."
The only time Samantha would see it acceptable to change a name would be because of a divorce. Not because a name is too popular.
