In today’s digital age, the importance of a name transcends traditional factors — even social media handles must be considered for your newborn!
Table of Contents
Short Summary:
- A name could have implications for email addresses and social media handles.
- Unique and social media-friendly names are becoming more popular.
- Professional baby namers help parents choose perfect names for their children.
The Digital Age Dilemma: Naming Your Baby
We’ve all seen those cringe-worthy names that unfortunately abbreviate into a world of embarrassment when it comes to email or social media handles. Take Samantha Hart, for instance. The 27-year-old Virginia resident discovered to her horror that her first initial and last name formed an unfortunate “shart” when creating typical workplace email addresses. Thankfully, her employers caught on and saved her from a lifetime of office jokes.
“My name does not exactly fit the company email structure as they would intend, and would I mind if they gave me a different structure for my email,” Hart explained they asked her.
Names carry weight in the digital realm, affecting not just email IDs but also future social media handles. Hart’s experience isn’t isolated; there’s a veritable community of individuals sharing similar stories, often with humor but always with a tinge of exasperation.
It’s More Common Than You Think
The internet is full of people who realize, often too late, how important their name is when translated into digital form. Sue Hartlove and Sara Hartman have work emails famously abbreviated into “shartlove” and “shartman” respectively. It’s a cautionary tale for new parents.
How can you ensure your baby grows up with minimal digital embarrassment?
How To Avoid Awkwardness
Here are some tips:
- Consider All Three Initials: Evaluate how the initials form on monogrammed items and digital IDs.
- Pair Initials With Last Names: Say them aloud to check for problematic combinations.
- Google It: Search the full name to ensure it isn’t infamous for unsavory reasons.
The Popularity Factor
About 30 years ago, names like John and Mary reigned supreme. But with the rise of social media, now we need distinguishable, unique, even Instagram-friendly names. In fact, baby name consultants have become quite the trend, like Colleen Slagen, who has dedicated her TikTok account @NamingBebe to this niche.
“For some people, [baby naming] is naturally a fun process, and for others, it’s actually very stressful,” says Slagen.
Baby name consultation has evolved into a service aimed at helping parents find the right balance between traditional, unique, and digit-friendly.
Internalizing Uniqueness
Personalized, unique names hold tremendous appeal for the modern parent. Names like Theodore, Charlotte, and Oliver that previously got vetoed due to their popularity are making way for more unique selections, inspired by trends on social media.
Analyzing Trends
Jessie Paquette from @DreamBabyNames noted in her TikTok videos that names such as Silas and Freya might sound unique now but may become mainstream in a few years. What frustrates her is not just the predictability but the social media backlash she receives for her opinions.
“You’re not just naming a baby, you’re naming a future adult,” Paquette argues.
Nostalgia & Legacy
Historically, names have tracked lineage and legacy. Names from a century ago are reappearing, with classic names like Eleanor and Maude making a comeback. Laura Wattenberg, founder of Namerology, discusses how naming a baby today feels akin to naming a product in a competitive, attention-driven market.
If You’re Going To Be Online Forever, Be Unique
Naming a child today is a high-stakes venture. It’s not just about the first day of school; it’s about a lifetime of social interactions. For social media-friendly names, think Ferris, Keaton, and Townsend for boys, or Birdena, Doretta, and Velma for girls. These names don’t just stand out; they create a unique identity online.
Gender-Neutral Powerhouses
Gender-neutral or androgynous names are rising in popularity, offering flexibility and uniqueness. Steph Coffield, from @NamesWithSteph, notes that the trend includes surnames as first names and overtly masculine names for girls, like Rogue and Rebel and Story.
“Names don’t have an age,” Coffield declares, emphasizing timeless flexibility.
What The Future Holds
Consider Sophie Kratsas, who had her email and social media profiles set up on her birthdate in 2014 to secure her digital future. It’s a burgeoning trend wherein digital identity might become just as crucial as one’s education and finances.
Investing in a name now goes beyond cultural or familial significance. It’s an investment in your child’s lifelong digital footprint, ensuring they have a name that resonates well into adulthood, both in person and on social media.