Bizarre baby names

Go to: See the next story in this category | Go to previous story | Send to a friend!

Melissa Leonard

Have a question for our experts? Ask it here.

Your question:
A friend of mine is having a baby, and she's planning on naming her Castle. Like the place where the king and queen live. (She thinks it sounds "dreamy.") Am I allowed to tell her that this is a bad idea, and the kid will resent her for giving her a stupid name?

The expert answers:
I actually read your question three times; because it just made me laugh each time I read it. I then got curious and decided to visit the land of Google to see if Castle is a real name and lo and behold, I did findeth thy name Castle. Who would have thought? Before we address whether or not you can tell her that her name is a bad idea, here is what I found:

Name: Castel
Meaning: To the Castle
Gender: E
Origin: Spanish

Name: Castle
Meaning: Castle
Gender: M
Origin: Latin

I think in this case, we have to respect the 'to each his own' motto. If your friend was a celebrity, the media would be ohhing and ahhing over her unique choice of names. Castle is not nearly as bizarre as Audio Science, Pilot Inspektor, Banjo, Apple and Speck!

When a mom-to-be has her mind set on a name, there is usually nothing that can be said to sway the decision. No matter how close you are with this woman, I think it is best to leave things alone. If you do speak your mind and let her know that you think her child will resent her for bestowing such a "stupid" name on her, she will remember your words forever. There is no reason to destroy or cause a rift in your friendship because of your opinion. If she asks you, "What do you think?" or "Don't you love the name?" you don't have to lie, but be discrete. Tell her that it is quite unique and praise her for her creativeness. As for her child resenting her in the future, there are worse things that can happen. I would much rather have a well-behaved child with a unique name than a naughty child with a plain name.

Hey, you never know, perhaps 'Castle' will be on the Top 10 list in a few years. Weirder things have happened.

Send this page to a friend!

More baby features at Pregnancy & Baby

Come visit our message boards

Editor's pick: The No-Cry Sleep Solution

About the author: Melissa has been wowing clients and readers over the past few years with her fun and dynamic approach to the often perceived 'stuffy' world of etiquette. After having two children (well-behaved, of course!), Melissa took her innovative style of teaching business etiquette and tailored programs for children, parents and yes, even yachting enthusiasts. Her "distinctive style and sense of humor" has helped put manners back into the 'in-crowd'. Please visit her at her website www.establishyourselfNY.com.