What shall we name the baby? 20-40-60 answers
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Parties Extra!….20-40-60 Question….From a dedicated NewsOk reader.
YOU ASK…WE ANSWER…YOU DECIDE
Question: Our baby is due in the summer months. We have been thinking about names for the baby. What is the protocol for the first born, second born and so on? Should we name the baby with a family name? Or should we just name our baby the best name that we can think of that goes with our last name? Thanks for all your thoughts! Keep up the good work!
Callie’s Answer: Not my department, but that is a tough decision.
Family names are always respectful, and very genuine. Also, choosing a name that will also be passed down from generations is exciting. It is what you and your spouse want to choose for the baby. Choosing a family name might be easier knowing that it already goes with your last name, or have your chosen name and give the family name as the middle name.
Bottom line: it is your decision and your baby.
Lillie-Beth’s Answer: In my opinion, naming a baby is up to the parents. Period. They’re the ones who have to set the tone for the baby’s life that they created (it starts with the name), and they’re the only ones who have to be OK with what the baby is named, at least until the baby is old enough to weigh in.
It’s fun to search the family tree for family names that span generations, and if there are some that stick, then go for it. Family names connect children to their roots, and parents shouldn’t overlook that significance. They’re a good way to honor or remember someone special, too, and using those names is a tradition that dates way back.
However, in the end, it’s up to Mom and Dad to name a child how they see fit. I don’t know of any etiquette requirement in this century for a child to have a family name. The child will grow into the name, and whatever the name is, perhaps someday, their descendants will look up the family tree and use that name for their little one, too.
Helen’s Answer: Your baby will carry his/her name with for the rest of his/her life, so you want to pick the best name possible. Family history certainly plays a role, as do the parents’ aspirations for their child. Some prefer names that can be shortened easily, or turned into nicknames. Others prefer a refined, traditional name.
Personally, I love family names! There are some great ones and there are some terrible ones. I don’t think my grandmother’s name, Ada Pearl, would fit any of my children, but the old-fashioned names have made a comeback. It is really personal choice on this one, and it is a great idea not to tell the name too soon, as it seems like EVERYONE has an opinion about what YOU should name your child.
On further thought: Here’s what I think my children should name any future granddaughters — “Helen.”
(Callie Gordon, a college sophomore, was a 2009 debutante and has been in many new social situations recently. Lillie-Beth Brinkman is a former debutante and currently the assistant features editor for The Oklahoman. Helen Wallace has written a social column for The Oklahoman for many years and has been on various local Ball committees.
This group does not always agree (via age differences), but they ALL see the need for proper behavior.)
Ask a specific etiquette question and you will get three answers…Then you decide for yourself how you would handle the situation. The answers have information for every age range….Callie is 20-ish; Lillie-Beth is 40-something, and Helen is 60-plus.
Please email us with your questions and follow us on Facebook, Twitter and daily blogs. We will try to answer your etiquette questions weekly on the Parties Extra! blog. Sometimes we will ask other people for their opinions.
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helen.wallace@cox.net…lbrinkman@opubco.com… calliezok3@aol.com
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callie – I am having a party for my daughter and her friends – Some are old enough to have alcohol and others are not yet of age – I am in a quandry of what to so—what would you suggest ??? Thank you for your help