What's in a Name

Thursday, November 29, 2012

I think that choosing a name for a child is actually a really, really difficult thing to do. We had such a hard time, we ummed and ahhhed over it for almost my entire pregnancy. I had liked the name Ezra from the get go, but it didn't go over so well when we mentioned it to a few people, so it had me second guessing. We didn't officially decide that would be our baby's name until we were in the labour ward at the hospital.

We left the hospital a few days later with our bundle of screaming and pooping joy! Then as per usual we started going to all the normal appointments and getting out and about and people started asking us...

'oh, what's his name'

I reply 'Ezra' (obviously).

They would then furrow their brow and say 'Oh, that's an interesting name'

Followed by 'where did you get that from, or what made you choose that name?'

But, It isn't the questions themselves that get me all hot under the collar, it's the way that people ask them, their tone voice, and the look on their faces, as if to say 'wow, that kid is going to get beat up in school for that name' (some even come right out and say it)

I answer, 'Ezra is a person and a book in the Bible. (but that isn't why we chose it, it wasn't like we were set on naming our child out of a bible book. It just turned out that we liked the name, that's why we really chose it.'

Isn't that why most people choose names for their children, because they like it!! I know it is also because it's a family name, or it's sentimental, or it has a great meaning, but it is usually also because they like it. Do people questions parents who name their child David, why they chose that name?

Maybe I was just asking for this reaction when I named my child an apparently 'unusual' name.

Am I wrong to get irritated when people react this way?

I even had one lady at an op-shop tell me it was weird. Thank you 70 year old lady I don't know and don't particularly need the opinion of.

To be honest it is mostly the over 50's crowd that are the rudest about it, and mostly complete strangers. They go to lengths to make it sooooo obvious they don't like his name. Most younger folk have grown up with a neighbour called Rainbow, or a cousin called Jorjia (pronounced Georgia) so they don't seem to bat an eyelid and just say 'oh cool'.

I remember the kids that got picked on at my school, and they had names like David, Peter and Andrew. Kids at my school maybe made a quick joke or two about someone's unusual name, but that was never the reason for picking on someone. With our very multicultural society Ezra is not really going to stand out in a class scenario. But, Thankyou for your concern strangers in the supermarket!

So, the point of this...

Keep your opinions to yourself, I don't care if you don't like my child's name, I chose it, it is now his name, so as my Mum always said, if you don't have anything nice to say, don't say anything at all. You can gasp at his name behind my back, or tell your friends you don't like it, but I don't need to know what you think,

Feel free to vent in the comment section, I know you want to!!

Karen xx

12 comments on "What's in a Name"
  1. I like Ezra, it is such a beautiful classic name...I find it weird that people find it weird.

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  2. Well said! Isn't that the way most of our parenting choices go - there's always someone judging or making a scrunched up face at us. But we do the best we can and as long as we are happy with our decision and our lives, then it's good enough for us, right? Most days, we've just gotta let those 70-year old's comments roll off our backs :)

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  3. If I worried about everything everyone said about my kids I would be crazy by now. Just get over it. Who know what you will be complaining about when you are 70! For god's sake, they are old, and mostly lonely or senile. Let people say what they want to say, just smile and say "I like it and that all it matters" And yeah, Ezra might sound weird or strange to some people who have never heard it. And that's ok. Try pronouncing my name! :)

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  4. I have a mate with a boy called Ezra, he's nearly four. I think it's a gorgeous name. If you called your kid Hashtag, then yeah, I'd probably take the piss when you were out of earshot :P

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  5. So strange that people thing Ezra is an unusual name in Australia. In the states it's not at all uncommon. I know at least 3 grown men called Ezra and its a really popular baby name here right now too. It's popping up everywhere. I work with an Ezra and another friend is pregs with the intent on calling her baby boy Ezra. I even met a baby girl called Ezra a couple months back. Ive been a fan of the name since i was a teenager. Apparently there's a big Ezra boom in Washington Stare. :)

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  6. Yeah, I would deserve it too! Just like the people who tried to name their twins Fish and Chips.... some names are too crazy even for me!! ha

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  7. I tell people that it is pretty common in the US, apparently just not here!! Although I did think a lady was yelling at Ezra the other day, turns out her son who was in the process of hugging him was also named Ezra!!

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  8. Totally agree with you (and your Mom) - if you don't have anything nice to say - just shut up !!!
    Have a great day with Ezra !
    Me
    #FYBF visitor

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  9. I was always teased growing up with my name but I love it & believe I wear it with pride. We've had quite a few questions about our daughters name, Isla. Yes it is different but different is good!!
    Prue x

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  10. Someone in the US named their baby girl hashtag this week - I wouldn't worry about a thing...

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  11. Sonia@NaturalNewAgeMumNovember 30, 2012 at 8:39 PM

    It's a gorgeous name - it's good to be different - people won't forget you! :)
    visiting from FYBF

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