We’ve all heard the urban legends about children being given the names of flavors of gelatin, the first five letters of the alphabet, where they were conceived, or sexually transmitted infections. While it is likely that these stories are just stories, they may have a grain of truth in them when you think about what some contemporary parents are actually naming their children. While nowhere near as deeply strange as the pronounced punctuation of “La-a,” the names some parents are giving their children will likely be almost as much of a burden to their kids as they grow into adulthood.
Most parents want the best for their children and want to do the right things for them in all areas of their lives, right down to the names they choose when they are born. Unfortunately, not all parents are as wise in their selection of a moniker for their children as might be wished. Sometimes a child will be given an unfortunate name or series of names purely through an oversight on their parents’ part.
Many times, though, parents think that they are doing their children a favor by giving them unusual names, helping them to stand out from the crowd. Sadly, however, all these names often do is make their kids’ lives more difficult.
One thing parents sometimes do when deciding what to call their children is to make up a name, like Jesaray, Lanaya, and Reylyt (pronounced Rel-let). While this name will often be unique, it might not always be unique in a way that will benefit the child. A name that is obviously made up will sometimes have the unfortunate effect of labeling a child as coming from a less affluent or educated family. These names are also sometimes difficult to pronounce or spell for the child. Neither of these factors is helpful for the child’s future chances of success.
Another thing parents sometimes do when naming their children is give them trendy, traditional, or popular names, but then add syllables to the names or spell them in new and strange ways. Currently, there is a plethora of spelling variations on a few very popular names. These spelling modifications often involve abusing letters like “K” and “Y,” apparently so that the name will look cooler or more unique.
Thus, “Caitlin” becomes something like “Kaytllyn” and “Aidan” becomes something like “Kaydyn.” One name that has become infamous for different spellings is “Kaylee,” variations of which are as numerous as the name is popular. These creative misspellings can eventually become almost unpronounceable, such as with names like Kymbuirleigh. To add to the confusion, many of these names, like Caden, are used for both boys and girls, often spelled in exactly the same ways for both sexes.
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