Conference oass::babynames

    I really liked Brooke Morgan Wagner when I heard it.  (I like the BMW
    part too)  It sounds the most sophisticated of all the names you
    listed.  I like Blake a lot too.  I'd say go with those two .
    
    --Angela
    

    I like your choice of names, however with the initials BMW they could 
    very likely be nicknamed "Beemer", which may or maynot be something
    this new person wants to live with.
    
    --Anne

    Brooke Morgan is very pretty, and I think a little girl would be
    very happy with that.  Blake Matthew is nice too, but reminds me
    of the TV show Dynasty.  Chase is a great name and would sound good
    with Wagner, but you need a middle name-- Chase Matthew Wagner.
     Stay away from Jessica.  It will be one of the "Mary's or Sue's"
    of the 90's.  Same with Tyler.  It is becoming very popular.  If
    you like the name Jordan, how 'bout that for a girl's first name?
    
    Good luck and let us know what you decide!
    
    Zoe
    

>    for a boy, but we're still not sure.  Bob would love the middle
>    names to start with M so the initials could be BMW. (Sickining to
>    Me).  Brooke Morgan or Blake Matthew. (These are our first semi

	This is sick!  Why does your husband want these intials?
	-- cruelty? perverseness?  You shouldn't fool around with
	something that your kid's going to have to live with for
	the rest of their life.  Take it from a CPA (Clifford Paul
	Anderson).

>   Brooke, Blake

	Both sound a little prime-time soapy to me.  I also don't
	like the association with Brooke Shields.  Look in a dictionary
	for some less common "b" names -- Bryce, Boyce, and Boyd come
	to mind for boys.  For girls, however, I might suggest another
	letter.  Though Barbara is pretty, feminine "b" names tend to
	be more of the Bertha, Bettina, Beatrix variety.  Also, beware
	of schemes -- i.e., giving your kids "b" names because you
	two happened to have "b" names.  See the note by the guy
	looking for "l" names (forget which number) for more info.
    
>   Camille, Carrissa
    
	I *love* Camille -- it's different, pretty, feminine.
	Carrissa is nice, but might be a little too exotic.  How about
	Clarissa?  Do you like "c" names?  Again, check the dictionary.
	How about Chloe? Collette? Claire?

>   Jessica

	Yup, *very* common.  Also, don't give a kid a name if you
	don't like the nickname.

>    Tyler, Chase, Jordan

	Tyler probably is becoming fairly popular and may be the
	Justin of the 90s.  I doubt that Taylor would give it any more 
	eclat.  Also, I don't know that it goes that well with Wagner.  
	Both end with "-er" -- kind of reminds of the C&W singer Porter
	Wagner.  Jordan is also pretty popular these days.  Chase
	is interesting.  Where did you get it?  If it's a family
	name, I say go with it.  If not (another prime-time soap name?), 
	it might be a little much.  Manhattan might go well with it as 
	a middle name,

		-- Cliff  ;^>

    Ha Ha very funny.  I can't wait to print this one for my husband!
    I love Camille also, but my husband hates it.  He says it sounds
    like a cleaning lady.  I love Cami for short too.  I have loved
    the name Camille ever since I was little and my brother went out
    with a beautiful girl named that.
    
    We got the name Chase from someone that named their boy Chase Tyler
    at church.  We don't go to that church anymore so two Chases wouldn't
    be a problem.
    
    I'm beginning to like Blake Matthew more and more.  By the time
    the baby is grown, Dynasty will be forgotten.  Also BMW will probably
    not be as popular a car.  Matthew is special to us because its my
    grandfather's name.  He is 82.  I really don't want that for a first
    name though.
    
    Jordan is one of my husband's idea, and we would really only consider
    it for a middle name.
    
    Brooke was just a compromise name.  It was always on my middle name
    list only!  And Morgan was never considered until our neighbor came
    up with the BMW thing and Bob has wanted that ever since. HELP!
    
    I hope we end up with something I REALLY like.  Sounds like so far
    Blake or Chase for a boy, (It would make it easier if I just had
    a BOY!), alot of thinking for Bob and I still on the girl's name.
    I will let you know what we decide.  Anymore opinions Welcome!

	Some more "b" names ...  First, for girls:

	o  Beata
	o  Bethany
	o  Beatrice
	o  Bridget
	o  Blythe
	o  Bryony/Briony

	Now, for boys:

	o  Bevan/Bevin
	o  Blaine
	o  Brady
	o  Brent
	o  Brock
	o  Bryden

		-- Cliff

    re:.4
    
    Come on, Cliff, lighten up a little, huh?  This initial thing must
    really bug you.  Do little kids actually know what a CPA is and
    tease you about it?  For that matter, little kids or even adults
    don't even know what one's middle name is unless they ask.  Very
    few people in my lifetime have asked me what my middle name is
    and I'm finding it very hard to believe that having your initials
    is such an embarrassment to you.  What's wrong with having intials
    that stand for something else?  Now, I could understand if someone's
    initials were B.U.M. or N.U.T. or D.O.G., but C.P.A., B.M.W. or
    even E.R.A. (from a previous note - and remember they liked it?)
    are nothing to make such a fuss over - much less label it "cruelty"
    or "perverseness".
    
    - KLM (formerly KAL and KLF)
    

    Re .7.  I agree.  The most important thing in naming a child is
    to give them a name that you like!  Then you MUST instill in the
    child a sense of security and love.  Then the child will grow up
    secure and won't care if people make fun of their name, and if it
    really bothers them, they'll have the guts to change it.  I grew
    up with a "weird" name -- Zoe.  It's not so strange now, but in
    the 60's in the Midwest, forget it.  You know what?  It NEVER bothered
    me.  I had friends with weird initials too.  It NEVER bothered them
    either.  Because our parents loved us.  Because we realized that
    kids will tease you about SOMETHING.  It might be a name, it might
    be your weight, it might be because you're smarter than they are,
    or dumber, or wear glasses.  Come on!
    
    To the initiator of this note:  Name your child what you want. 
    You can take our suggestions in mind, but don't take them too
    seriously.  And remember that whatever you name your child, make
    sure they know you gave them that name because they're special.
     And you wanted to give them a name you loved because you love and
    want them so much.
    

	So, my parents obviously didn't love me, eh Zoe?  :^)
	Seriously, though, that was excellent advice.  But for those 
	of who are interested in something a little less profound ...

	All I'm counseling is a little consciousness-raising.  All
	I'm suggesting is that you err on the side of caution,
	instead of on the side of creativity or cuteness.  As
	-.2 pointed out, there's a continuum -- you can have initials
	as innocuous as ERA or as bad as ASS, you can have a name as
	common as Jennifer or as John Doe, as strange as Kendyll or
	as Karenhappuch.

	The same continuum exists for people's reactions to these
	names.  Some could care less, some would like being called
	Obadiah, some would like being called Mary Smith ...  On the
	other hand, though, a lot of people simply do not like their 
	names.  Sure, we all ought to have enough self-confidence to 
	live with them or change them, but couldn't we make the process 
	a little easier?  

	What if BMW ends up being pretty sensitive?  What if he hates 
	yuppies as much as I do?  What if yuppies are very unpopular 
	20 years from now.  There is actually a lot of research in
	names these days that shows that names can have a big influence 
	on self-image -- all by themselves.  All I'm saying is give the 
	kid a break.

	I'm sorry if I seem to go on about this, but I often get the
	feeling that all parents seem to care about is pleasing them-
	selves (or their relatives).  I often am left wondering who
	thought of the baby.  Yes, of course, CPA or ERA or even BMW
	are not that big of a deal.  But where do you draw the line?
	I have seen some real "criminal names" in this notes file alone.
	I often get the impression that parents aren't even aware of
	some of the variables -- initials, nicknames, popularity, 
	assoiations, etc.  I'm sorry if I come on strong -- usually I'm 
	just trying to point things out that people may not even have 
	thought of.

		-- Cliff

	P.S.  I really do dislike CPA -- but probably because I'm just
	      a name nut.

    Re:-1
    
    Sorry to beat a dead horse or to get off the subject of a name
    for Barbara's baby, but Cliff, I still can't believe some of the
    things you say.  Of course parents want to please themselves when
    naming their child!!!  How can you please an infant or predict whether
    your child is going to like its name later on?  You can't!  What Zoe
    and I are saying is NAME YOUR CHILD WHAT YOU WANT!  If you don't like
    a particular name but give it to your child anyway because, heck,
    he or she *may* like it is to me, absolutely ridiculous.  I plan
    on naming my child what *I* like because that's all I can go on
    right now.  If my child hates it, well, we'll cross that bridge
    when we come to it.
    
    By the way, do you have children of your own?  If so, what are their
    names?
    
    - Kathryn
    

    Barbara,
    
    To me, Brooke Morgan is a great name.  Don't worry about the references
    made to soaps, either, because you're right, when your child is
    older, there will be new soaps with new names.  
    
    I also like the name Chase for a boy - and no, I don't think it's
    too different.  In fact, I've heard of a few new, little baby boys
    named Chase within the last few months - one is the son of a man
    who participates regularly in the PARENTING notesfile.  Chase, I
    feel is a good, strong name - and one that will be just different
    enough and not as common as Tyler (which may be getting a bit too
    trendy).
    
    Anyway, good luck - I can relate to the problems you're having -
    my baby is due October 18th and we don't really have a clue what
    his/her name will be, but I do know that it's going to be a name
    that pleases my husband and I and hope that when our child grows
    up, he/she will like it too.  For now, that's all we can do.
    
    Take care,
    Kathryn
    

    re. 10
    
    I'm in agreement!!  I'd like to know your child(ren)'s names (if
    you have them), too, Cliff!!
    
    Being the author of a previous note, I don't think Kendyll is STRANGE!
    ... and certainly resent it being in the same "strange" catagory
    as the Kataxxxxxxx name.
    
    In reading some of your replys, I think that you too strongly
    insinuate that some folks ideas for names are foolish.  
    
    I thought we were supposed to give our opinions and feedback to
    each other, not to criticize!!
                                                     
    Lighten up a bit, please.
    
    Laurel   (_who_still_likes_Kendyll_and_Kirby)
          
    
    
    

	Geez, I didn't mean to turn BABYNAMES into SOAPBOX!

	I too thought I was just giving my two cents worth.  Sorry if
	I came on too strong -- I'll watch it in the future.  If you
	really do feel, Kathryn, that the parents are the only ones
	who count in the naming process, we do, however, have some
	major differences.  So, you go ahead and express your opinions,
	and I'll express mine.  I have no designs on being name czar.

>    Being the author of a previous note, I don't think Kendyll is STRANGE!
>    ... and certainly resent it being in the same "strange" catagory
>    as the Kataxxxxxxx name.

	Sorry, about the misunderstanding, Barb.  I was only trying to
	point out that there's a continuum of unusualness that goes from
	Kendyll (not too) to Karenhappuch (extremely) -- just like that
	from ERA (barely noticeable) to ASS (extremely objectionable) or
	from Jennifer (rather over-used just right now) to John Doe
	(which no one would believe).

    	We now return you to your regularly scheduled programming,

		-- Cliff

	P.S.  My quadruplets are named:

		o  Marion Elvis Habbakuk (boy)
		o  Leslie Adolf Hrothgar (boy)
		o  Portia Dorchas Candy-Lou (girl)
		o  Mercedes Gertrude Berthetta (girl)

    Wow.. I didn't think I would cause that much of an up roar!
    What do you all think of the name Camille for a girl?  No one has
    said much about it.  I think Camille and Chase would be cute.  
    
    Barb

    Camille do indeed fairly roll off the tongue, but you might want
    to consider the inevitable nicknaming process.  "Cam" sounds like
    an engine part, and "Milly" (though I've known some lovely Millies)
    rhymes with "Silly."  But perhaps your Camille will be strongwilled
    enough to resist such boorish, uninvited shortenings.
    
    Chase sounds elegant, but you want to be careful using verbs as
    names, as you wind up with complete sentence names, such as Wade
    Boggs.  At least your last name isn't "Rabbitz" or "Wimmen."
    Go for it!

    re:  Cliff
    
    You've misunderstood what people are saying to you.  It's a terribly
    difficult task to name a child and I agree that all you can do is
    give the child a name that you (the parents) like and hope that
    your child feels the same.  If you think about it, most children
    go through a phase of disliking their names anyway and appreciate
    them more when they grow up.  Nobody here has said that parents
    shouldn't concern themselves with how their child might feel.  You
    just haven't been listening.  Try sticking to names and stop
    criticizing parents.
    
    re:  Barb
    
    I like Camille, but I like Carrissa better with Brooke as a middle
    name.  And I like Brooke Morgan even better.  For a boy, I'd go
    with Blake.

    Barbara,
    
    I think Camille is pretty, although I've been hearing it a lot lately.
     But then again, that shouldn't matter.  If you like it, go for
    it!  I still think Brooke Morgan goes better with your last name.
    But Camille Morgan might be nice too.  Chase is a great boys name!
    Has your husband come around on any of these names, or is he still
    sticking with Phillip?
    
    Zoe
    

    Zoe, 
    
    Where did you get Phillip?  I don't think I ever mentioned that.
    I will have to corner Bob tonight and get him to tell me what names
    he definately likes and what ones he definately won't change his
    mind about.  I know he likes all the boys names, but the girls are
    a different story.  He might come around with Camille, because he
    did like it at first, until my mother said it sounded like a cleaning
    lady.
    
    BW

    Barbara,
    
    When you "corner" your husband tonight, give him a piece of paper
    and a pencil and ask him to write down 10 names for boys and 10
    for girls that he likes.  Then, you do the same and compare the
    lists.  My husband and I did this and I was surprised to see that
    we actually had four names in common.  The only problem is we did
    it last month and the names kept evolving and now I'm not sure 
    about anything anymore.  I have a feeling we're going to end up
    waiting until the baby is actually born and hope that something
    just "comes to us".  At least we have some ideas - but the list
    thing is kind of fun.  Try it - you might enjoy it.
    
    - Kathryn
    

    
    
    
    BMW!
    
    
    I love it!  This is great!  I love Brooke Morgan Wagner as well
    as Blake Matthew Wagner.  I would be very proud if I had those
    initials.  I say go for it!!!
    
    Donna (Nathan and Danielle's Mommy)
    
    

    .17  
    
      Zoe, I think you have me confused with Barb.  I entered note 408.
    
      It was my husband that was stuck on Phillip Micheal!!  See note
      408 for an update.  He's starting to "finalize" the names... notice
      "he" is finalizing.... Ha!
    
      Laurel
    

    Barb,
    
    Ooooooops! Yes I did have you confused with Laurel.  Sorry.  Why
    is it the husbands that are always so "difficult" when it comes
    to naming babies.  (No offense to those of you who aren't!)  All
    my friends have had problems with their husbands too.  Anyway, did
    you and you husband try that list thing someone suggested?  I'd
    be interested to know what names he put down.
    
    Zoe
    

    Sorry I haven't been around lately. But I've been BUSY!  I'm still
    hounding my husband for a decision.  LATELY, (since we always seem
    to change) he has said that he doesn't want Blake because he thinks
    it sounds snooty.  He seems to want Chase.  Middle names would be
    Jordan, or Matthew.  I told him that if he wanted Chase that the
    girl's name would have to be Camille, because it was a "C" name,
    and I wanted either Blake and Brooke or Camille and Chase.  Also,
    he said he didn't want either one of us to compromise on the names
    we didn't like.  I never wanted Brooke, (for a first name) so I said
    this would be a compromise for me.  So this week it is Camille or
    Chase.  He seems to be warming up to Camille.  He did like this
    name originally but then changed his mind along the way.  I want
    to do the list thing with him, so I'll let you all know how that
    goes.  Looks like Brooke and Blake are on the back burner for now!
    
    Barb                                                              

    Hi Barb,
    
    I like Chase Jordan a lot.  What have you decided for Camille's
    middle name?
    
    - Kathryn
    

    I once met a child named Chase Manhattan (something-or-other).
    
    K.C.

    To go with Camille, it would probably be Brooke.
    
    Camille Brooke Wagner
    
    Barb

    Just an update!  5 and 1/2 weeks til due date! 
    
    We have pretty much decided on Chase Jordan for a boy.  In a way
    I hope we have a boy!  Bob and I still are trying to come to terms
    on a girls name.  Camille is out according to Bob.  I am pushing
    for Carissa Brooke, but he still doesn't like any issa names.  He
    says it sounds too flighty.  He would still like Brooke Morgan.  I'll
    let you know what we decide!                                  
    

    Hi Barbara,
    
    So...  looks like the countdown is on!  You're lucky you've thought
    of a boy's name - that's still the one my husband and I can't even
    get close to and judging by the way I've been feeling lately, this
    baby will be here sooner than planned (it's due Oct. 18) and it'll
    be a boy! (just a hunch).  Anyway...  I think you've made a wonderful
    choice (I've liked Chase since the beginning) and I hope it's a
    boy.  By the way, I can't remember, but has anyone suggested Jordanna
    for a girl?  I thought that since you both like Jordan, Jordanna
    might also be something you like.  I think it sounds kinda nice...
    
    - Kathryn
    

    Kathryn,
    
    Thanks for your suggestion!  I think though since we've chosen Jordan
    as the middle name for Chase, we wouldn't be able to use Jordanna.
    I've always thought of Jordan being a masculine sounding name, but
    I think Jordanna is cute.  Is it pronounced Jordaaanna or Jordonna?
    What I think I like better though is Julianna.  Bob and I have been
    throwing that one around.  Julianna Clair.  I like C names, what
    can I say!?  What was your decision for a girl's name?

    re:-1 (Barbara)
    
    Well, this week the name we've got for a girl is Allyson.  It's
    kind of a compromise for me because all of the girls' names I
    *really* like, my husband can't stand.  I like names like Hannah,
    Emma, Elizabeth, etc.  He likes Ally, but I wouldn't go for that
    so I suggested Allyson to him and told him he could her Ally.
    Anyway...  we'll see how he feels next week.  He's really the
    indecisive one.
    
    - Kathryn
    

    Hi Barbara and Kathryn,
    
    It sounds like we've all made a bit of progress.  My husband and I
    came to a compromise too.  Although nothing is in concrete, we've
    made a decision on both boy's and girl's name.
    
    We've decided on Eric James or Ariann Paige.  I still have 8 weeks to
    go.
    
    Anna
    

    re:-1
    
    Anna...  I think the names you picked are wonderful!  I've always
    loved Eric and Ariann is so unique and feminine sounding.  I'm sure
    your child will be happy whether it's a he or a she.  Congratulations!
    
    - Kathryn
    

    Well, this is it.  My last day will be in two weeks!  We have finally
    decided on names.  Chase Jordan for a boy and Carissa Brooke for
    a girl.  Bob did not like Carissa, but after telling a few of his
    friend about it and receiving possitive responses, he has changed
    his mind!  Thank goodness!  He has also been pinned down a few times
    like in our childbirth class, where we had to stand up and give
    the names we had chosen.  He said Carissa, yea!  Its funny how we
    ended up with these names instead of a BMW name that caused all
    the comotion in this note.  Oh well!  You probably won't here from
    me because I won't be back, but maybe I'll get someone else to update
    this note after the baby is born!  Bye!
    
    Barbara
    

    Back temporarily...  It was a boy! Nov. 5, 1989.  Chase Jordan Wagner.
    8lbs 6ozs!

    Congrats!!!  Nice choice...
    
    - Kathryn
    

    Congratulations!  Chase Jordon is a beautiful name...
    My son Steven Richard was born on Nov 5, 1989 too!
    
    Linda