What's in a name?

Okay, dear blog readers, I am going to reveal a huge secret: my true identity. Despite the fact that the little tag down there says my name is 'Reilly' it really isn't. Reilly is my maiden name, adopted as a nickname in high school and carried through all the way here to IC. Why? Because I was made in the 80's when baby girls were names Jennifer, Jessica, Jamie or some variation. My name is Jennifer, and while I love it, I have had to deal with the multiple Jen dilemma my whole life. In 4th grade, you could say the name Jen in a classroom and 6 of my classmates would reply. This is part of my explanation of why celebrities name their children very unique names. Gwen Stefani & Gavin Rossdale have a son named Kingston, Courtney Cox & David Arquette named their little girl Coco Riley, and even the vice-presidential candidate Sarah Palin has a son named Trigg. The most unique of all celebrity baby names comes from Frank Zappa who named his offspring Moon Unit, Dweezil, Diva Muffin, and Ahmed Emuukha.

Most of my colleagues here at IC have more traditional tastes. I asked a few what their favorite names are:

Jennifer (not me, the other Jen here): I like Ella Grace for a girl because the name is just beautiful and very feminine.  I like Logan Robert because it sounds like a strong name and combines a name that I love (Logan) with a name that honors my husband’s grandfather (Robert). 

Shawn: For a boy, I would go with Liam James.  They are both strong Irish names and seem to go well together. For a girl, I would pick Leigh Ann.  Leigh is Jami’s [his wife's] middle name and I’ve always liked how that sounds together.I also like the name Soda and Seven.

Kyle: Bob (not “Bobby”) the Baby – Because I like babies that have a real adult like names. Jack is good one. I’m also a fan of older names like Felix, Hubert, Ethel or Eleanor.

Maybe Bob the Baby and Soda would get along.

Personally, my favorite names are Jack Preston, Sophia Grace, Audrey Kelly, and Charlie Vedder [yes, Vedder for Eddie Vedder, lead singer of Pearl Jam]. A few light years away when I am ready to have some chillins' I plan on splattering their name across all of their belongings. They are going to have personalized back packs, have it written on their socks, their own children's stationery, calling cards with their names on it, personalized pencils, and maybe even it written on their bedroom wall. Their birth announcements will definitely feature their name or initial in huuuge letters.

So, now the cat's out of the bag. My name is Jen. What's your name and where did it come from?

Images: Gavin & Kingston from Celebrity Baby Blog, His Big Day, and Wonder in Rose 

Comments

[Sarahbeth]

My fave boy name is Everett. My fave girl names is Stella. But this changes every 36 days!

[Tanya]

Did you hear about Zuma? What does Zuma mean?

[reilly]

Zuma Nesta Rock?? I could not resist googling it... Kingston's new little sibling is named after Zuma Beach in CA. Rossdale & Stefani definately have interesting taste!

[Jessica]

I get so jealous of the people in my family who have pretty, exotic Italian names. I happen to be one of the 1,323,589 girls in the 80s named Jessica.