The search for unconventional names is starting to cause problems. This is likely to have unintended consequences.
Over the past few years parents, although mostly mothers, have moved away from conventional concepts of names to embrace much wider possibilities. Many years ago the names of popular performers such as Kylie Minogue, Shania Twain and Barry Chuckle would be reflected in the names given to babies. The lack of a popular character, real or fictional, named Nigel has led to no recent babies being given that name.
With the rise of highly popular streaming programmes over the past five years there’s been lots of people taking baby names from these fictional characters. Game of Thrones has provided over 80 names for babies including: Arya, Khaleesi, Yara, Lyanna, Daenerys, Shae, Renlyy, and Jory.
What is the driving force behind this search for unusual names? Some mothers will say that they want unique names for their unique little darlings, however research has revealed another side to this trend. A trend that is being driven by many mothers having spent too much time on Reddit and MumsNet. On these sites people like to post ridiculous names they have given their babies and then complain that they have been traumatised by trolling and bullying.
Name categories that have been used up include:
- Disney characters (Pinocchio still available)
- dog’s names including Sheba, Prince, Cerberus
- Italian dishes – Carbonara,
- Game of Thrones
- Buffy the Vampire Slayer – Buffy, Willow, Angel, Spike and Xander.
- Avatar – Neytiri, Eywa and Toruk Makto
- Rugby clubs – Cardiff
- mixed martial arts fighters – Wanderlei
There is a danger that the available categories for unlikely names will soon be running out.
The UN was contacted for comment and their spokeswomen Abbra Kadabra told us that the UN was not interested, and that she didn’t appreciate us sniggering at her name.
Photo by Alex Green: https://www.pexels.com/photo/expressive-young-black-lady-arguing-during-video-conversation-on-smartphone-5699832/