Monday, May 5, 2008

The Great Name Debate

So during Miles' gestation we had his name picked out by now - at least a first name. We are not there yet with #2 and I am not sure why. Well, I know why. We used our best name with #1 - you can't expect perfection twice! Others seem to have the same question in their minds as well since the question of the month is "Do you have a name picked out YET?" So why the hang up? It's not like I don't think about it. It is always on the forefront of my brain. I hear names on the radio, and movies, and tv shows, even commercials, and give them consideration. I have read our baby naming book - The Baby Name Wizard - cover to cover (minus the girl names) about three times. I ask friends and family for ideas. It's just that nothing has grabbed me.
I have new criteria that I did not consider when naming Miles. The same ideology is present - it has to be a dignified, intelligent, successful sounding name but at the same time not get him beat up. I like to have a name that is a little different but not so different that he gets asked "what?" every time someone asks him his name. And, it needs to grow with him - be appropriate as a little boy, but ok as an adult as well.
Here are a couple new rules that are a bit more practical: 1. The name has to yell well. Sounds very primitive but useful. When Miles goes speed crawling out of the room while my hands are in something like dinner or dishwater (or worse), and things then become very quiet, I proceed to yell to figure out where Miles has positioned himself. It's not effective right now being he seldom yells back but it is the one time I am very aware of what his name sounds like.
2. The name has to write well. I appreciate the fact that Miles' name is short. It is very easy to write when filling in all the doctor office forms and such. Its like the ritual girls do in junior high where you sign your name with your current beau's last name to see how the mrs' fits - I have been doing that(or at least plan on doing that) before settling on a name for #2.

Despite the list below, nothing is set yet. There are a few that I like but haven't monogrammed any cute baby things with them. I am open to suggestions if anyone has good boy names they aren't using or planning on using. I am also going to list my contenders for feedback as well. Again, this is not an exhaustive list - just what I have going on right now in my little head.
1. Grant Mitchell Atkinson
2. Heath Mitchell Atkinson
3. Von ? Atkinson
4. Vaughn Preston Atkinson - writing that I think I like Preston Vaughn Atkinson better.
5. Sinclair is another middle name we like but I don't have a first to go with it.
What do you think about any of these?

We will be meeting with my step-mom this weekend and she says she has a list worked up for us. Maybe next week this will be settled. I hope so. It's starting to wear on me.

3 comments:

Matt and Kim Cleveland said...

I think Claire will definitely have some suggestions for you :). But I personally really like Grant Mitchell.

Anonymous said...

I like Grant the best. It's a wonderful name!

Liz Harrell said...

I LOVE Grant. Perfecto. I can only imagine the insanity and hair pulling I would be doing if I had the responsibility of naming a child. That's a huge responsibilty! But I love Miles' name... so whatever you pick will be great. :)