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Popular vs. Unique Baby Names

Why Do Some Parents Avoid Popular Baby Names?

By Shannon McKelden

Choosing a less common name doesn't mean your child needs to be stuck with something unable to be pronounced or spelled. Just choosing a name not on the "most used" list may be enough. "With both of my children, we deleted any name that appeared on the Top 100 list," Amsler says.

Billena Calvachi of Chelsea, Mich., grew up with a unique name and wanted the same thing for her daughters. "I like to be different," Calvachi says. "I remember growing up with so many Stefanies or Brittanys or Mikes and Johns, and I decided that I didn't want to do that to my own kids." After searching Internet for names, as well as reading some books on baby names, Calvachi decided on Marina, Sierra and Savanna, all unique, but also easily spelled and pronounced.

One last thing to remember is that, when choosing a unique and individual name for your child, in the end that name belongs to your child, not you.

"Naming your child is a very personal choice," Zalon says. "But don't lose sight of the fact that this is the name your child will have for life. While many parents see their child's name as a reflection of themselves – or the aspirations they have for their child – the name you choose for them is ultimately theirs."

Want to see more?

• Baby Names as Creative as You Are: Unique Ways to Pick Baby's Name
• "You're Naming Her What?" 9 Rules for Discussing Names
• From Romeo to Juliet: The Power of the Name
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