We’ve all got it – that list in our phone with an extensive amount of baby names that are past down through the family, the name of a TV show character or even a stranger’s name that you overheard. Even if the list only lives in your head, it is something that young adults and teens think about even in the early years of high school. Why is this so common? Why are we planning as though a baby is just going to pop out of thin air tomorrow?
Pressure for Originality
With celebrity influence and the urge to stray away from classic names, Gen Z and Millennials strive to come up with “unique” baby names. It’s almost like a competition – people want their baby’s name to be original and a name that others will envy. These new generations crave originality, even down to what they name their *future* children.
After the names of the Kardashian children were announced, people mocked them, especially after North West was born. Yet, we all are trying to do the same thing – find meaning in a name that most don’t have. We scribbled down random names to share with our friends and show them how “unique” they are, in the hopes they won’t take them themselves.
Creating Our Future Scenarios
As we prepare for the future, many see one with children in it. Therefore, while we are prepping for one part of our future through education or work experience, we often think of those other aspects of our future: kids. We think about those families we want to have in a house with a wrap around porch or in a New York City apartment. When we are daydreaming about our lives once they have “begun,” who do we see there with us? What are their names? Do we have two or three of them? Even if you don’t know the answers to all of these – or are not even sure about kids – it’s still fun to imagine. While it can be far away for some, the future is not a crazy thing to wonder about – whether by gaining skills and experience or coming up with baby names.
And those who are affected by “baby fever” most likely have long, and multiple, lists. That longing to have a child running around the house can be difficult for young adults, causing them to put that energy into their baby name lists instead. These baby-crazy people picture their lives with children in it – even if the rest of it isn’t so clear.
Whether you will stick to the classics like “Emma”s or “Ethan”s or name your kids after your favorite cereal – keep those lists coming! They can even make for fun ice breaker!
What names are on your baby name list? Let us know by tweeting us @VALLEYmag!
