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If you're planning on choosing an unusual name for your child, make sure to weigh the pros and cons. Think about just how unique you want it to be. Some names could cause embarrassment to a child that could have lasting damage to their psyche.

What's in a Name: So Many Things to Consider

From affecting the way they interact with others to determining their personality, names have a tremendous impact on children's lives. That's why it's so important to think of everything—spelling, meaning, pronunciation and popularity—before settling on a name for your new bundle.

Today, we're lucky to live in a less formal society where the last name is rarely used and people have to rely on their first name to make an overall impression. So we're seeing a new trend: a smaller percentage of kids are being given popular names while more and more are being named distinctively.

In an age when technology changes daily, it seems strange that people could be weirded out by an unusual name. Unfortunately, a great many of us frown upon the unusual, feeling out of place when confronted with originality. The same goes for first names. While we may turn our noses up at yet another Jennifer or Matthew, mocking their parents' lack of imagination, we contradict ourselves by making fun of the name Moondog.

Having a unique name has its benefits—everyone knows who people are referring to when they mention you; it's a great conversation starter (especially if there's a good story behind its creation) and an unusual name can help you stand out above the crowd. Another bonus of having an original name is that no one will have a preconceived stereotype about it. Plus, the more original the name, the harder it is to create a derogatory nickname.

If you're planning on choosing an unusual name for your child, make sure to weigh the pros and cons. Think about just how unique you want it to be. Some names could cause embarrassment to a child that could have lasting damage to their psyche. Being stuck with a name that's too weird, hard to spell or easy to make fun of could cause your child to be less socially desirable, according to a study by the Department of Physiology at the University of North Alabama. It could cause your child to become an introvert who chooses to spend time playing by themselves rather than risk altercations with other kids. A bad name could also instill fear and unnecessary stress in little ones who are constantly teased or misunderstood. And for some, these feeling and insecurities can last until adulthood.


Still Want to Choose an Unusual Name?
Here are a few tips to help tone down or slightly alter an unusual name to help your child avoid some potentially embarrassing moments.

- Spell Well
If you're creating a name, remember to make it as easy to spell as possible. The last thing you want is for your child to constantly have to correct people.

- Use a Nickname
Use a more familiar-sounding nickname to help your child ease into the social routine.

- Choose an Easy Middle Name
Give your kid a more traditional middle name, that way if she gets sick of being teased about her first name, she has another option.

- Consider Your Last Name
Avoid combining a unique, hard-to-spell or ultra long first name with a distinct last one.

- Be Consistent
If choosing an unusual name for one child, make sure it flows with your other kids' names.