Post # 1
Member
5493 posts
Bee Keeper
When a name post comes up on these boards I always see a lot of ladies warning parents to be about giving their child an unusual or unique name and cautioning that the child will be picked on and made fun of in school due to the name. This got me thinking about my days in school and I came to the realization that I personally have never experienced this.
I have an unusual name myself and I was never picked on because of it. Nor did I ever see or heard someone getting made fun of because of their name. Maybe this boils down to the fact that I grew up in a very diverse area with lots of cultures and thereby lots of unique names. Unique names just sort of became the norm. I think more and more people are giving their children unique or ethnic names, making unique names…normal.
So ladies, were you or anyone you know or knew actually picked on because of your name? And if so to what extent?
Post # 3
Member
4464 posts
Honey bee
I have a unique name, and nope, I was never picked on. I plan on giving my children unique names as well because I’ve always loved having a name that not a ton of other people have!
Post # 4
Member
4693 posts
Honey bee
My first name is a relatively common first name with a less common spelling and that never gave me any trouble, but my last name sounds like boner so that earned a lot of jokes!
Post # 5
Member
3367 posts
Sugar bee
My husband was teased because his name was easily changed into a word that kids find funny… I wouldn’t think twice to use his name for our children, but he refuses! I remember one friend being called “Smelly Kelly”, but Kelly is a beautiful, common name. Most of what I remember was teasing based on rhyming, or they would just make up some nickname. If a kid is the type to bully another, it won’t matter what name the child has. I would consider how the child might feel about their name, though, more than worrying what other people might think.
Post # 6
Member
2649 posts
Sugar bee
I had a not so different name and I got made fun of. ” smelly Michelley”. I didn’t smell, but kids are mean! I also remember going home crying and telling my mom I wanted to dye my hair blond so the kids wouldn’t make fun of my red hair anymore.
Post # 7
Member
4652 posts
Honey bee
My name is Shanda (I have posted before so no big deal)
I have been picked for my name. People used to say my name wrong on purpose. a freind used to call me Shanda-Leer (NBD) but then bratty kids changed it to Shanda-Queer.
In Choir we had to sing Shenandoah and they used to replace Shenandoah for Shanda…
AND actually just 2 weeks ago when I started summer classes the supid Professor went on a HUGE rant about unusual names and how they wont get your kid anywhere in life and how I should never correct him ever because I told him he pronounced my name wrong. (HE IS AN ASS)
Growning up I always wanted a normal common name. But Now I love my name even if douche professors dont like it!
Post # 8
Member
1659 posts
Bumble bee
I did. I have a cutesy “old lady” name that’s trendy now, but when I was a kid I was teased a lot because it rhymes with a bodily function. When I was older, guys at parties and bars (including FH!) would think I was giving them a fake name.
Post # 9
Member
4272 posts
Honey bee
I have a pretty common name so never got picked on. I actually don’t remember anyone getting picked on over their name.
Post # 10
Member
6009 posts
Bee Keeper
My sisters and I all have very unusual names, and none of us have ever been made fun for it. I honestly can’t remember any getting made of fun of for their name while in school.
I did (and still do!) get a lot of random, funny nicknames, though. 🙂
Post # 11
Member
2622 posts
Sugar bee
I didnt, but I think kids can get made fun of for their name no matter what it is. I know Matt’s that have been made fun of as well as more unique names. Its going to depend on the kid, his personality and the dynamic of his friends and classmates.
Post # 12
Member
9916 posts
Buzzing Beekeeper
My last name was the first name of a certain annoying younger brother on a Nick show…that was a little irritating for a while, but people got over it.
Post # 13
Member
4428 posts
Honey bee
@Meowkers: i was ; ( they called me nadine the bean lol but i think with anyname kids will find a way. i named my son dante i figured there wasent much to work with there lol
Post # 14
Member
2359 posts
Buzzing bee
I don’t think i was really picked on but noone thought my name was real.
Kids will always find something to pick on another kid about…. I don’t think it should prevent you from naming your child something you want to.
Post # 15
Member
6593 posts
Bee Keeper
I have a very unusual name, and it is not phonetic and I LOVE my name!!!!
I NEVER got made fun of.
Everyone has always pronounced it wrong (and still do) and I don’t mind – I correct them and move on.
When people on the boards go on and on about how your kid will hate their name being mispronounced I just don’t get it!
All the kids in class when I was young would love waiting to here how the subsitute teacher would butcher my name LOL. I guess I just liked the attention. I guess if a kid was really shy they wouldn’t like it but I didn’t/don’t mind a bit!
In my opinion if kids are going to make fun of a kid they are going to find something to make fun of no matter what their name is!
Post # 16
Member
5285 posts
Bee Keeper
My first name is very common so not much with that but my last name is unusual and kids had a field day with that one!! i’m excited to get married and change that name for good!!