We didn't consult with popular name lists or have the urge to give our daughters 'unique' names. This may sound boring and unimaginative but we did it the traditional way. Bounced names of each other with the usually, 'Nah....', until we both liked one. We did decide to use my mother's name as a middle name. We did allow for any shortening of her name by others and if the name initials formed a strange acronym. One was going to form an unfortunate ARS, which have the sounding and almost the spelling, so we gave that a miss. We also decided no 'unique' spelling. Ella was to remain Ella and not Ellah or Ellar. Good choice because in WA an egg company has popped up called Ellah! Ironically, the year we named our daughter her name was on the most popular name list. Her name is Ella Rose but the middle name isn't pronounced.
Our second was more difficult. I think we wore out the baby names book. Eventually we settled on Natasha with her Grandmother's name(still alive, my wife's mum), Valerie. It turns out Natasha has Russian origins, I believe Natalie is its translation. We liked to show respect to Val and weren't fussed if some saw it as an old fashioned name.
We like tradition. All and well to name your child as you see fit but I believe most parents are becoming selfish. There is no allowance towards how the child grows up with the name. Some pick a fanciful 'bastardised' name and then say its because they wanted a unique name. Nothing unique about every child having a name that defies spelling. I can see massive influx of name changing in years to come. And spare a thought for the poor teachers, four different variations on one name.
Children are unique for their personalities and not their name. What exactly does an Ella or Natasha look like?
As to my name, I like it. I don't have a middle name. I have to admit that when my certified name had to appear as is on my licence I was not happy. The 80s were still full of Italian and wog stereotyping. I always use Joseph as my full and Joe for everyday. Having Giuseppe as a licence name at the age of 18 didn't bring me any dramas. You end up learning to respect your name origins. In my case it's a reminder of my Italian heritage. And after all, I did become Papa Giuseppe. LOL
