Weird Names

I read an article today regarding how adjusted children are based on their names. The odder the name, the more likely they will get into trouble growing up. Children with odd names are bullied in school more, and are more likely to have self esteem issues.

Growing up I was constantly teased for my name. I didn't get bullied or was mistreated very much, but I did get a lot of jokes for me name. My name is so easy to make fun of. How could an kid resist? Hang ten, Hang on, Hang up, Hang loose, Hang over, Hang out, etc. I've heard them all.

But my brother was teased constantly about his name, and though he didn't turn out so bad, he still remembers how he hated being picked on. It's something that a person remembers for life, and it was all because of his ethnic name.

There are cases where children with interesting names learn to love their name. It's not a guarantee that children will weird names are going to be miserable.

There was even a study where people where more likely to become (career wise) what their name suggest. For example there is a an oceanographer named Dr. Fish, and even one named Mr. Seamann. A lot of people are more interested in subjects that relate to their name. Children may pay closer to attention to a topic that was related to their name, and in turn become very knowledgeable in the topic which leads to careers.

I used to think I wanted to name my children (if I ever have any) a funky name, but I'm starting to think maybe I should choose something not too weird. There goes naming my kid Elephant (I just adore elephants! I can't help it if I would want to name my child that.), but maybe I will name my daughter Elle. That's normal enough right? :)