There are numerous reasons for parents to choose a name for their child. It might be a family name passed down through the generations, it might be a favourite that they’ve had since being a child themselves, or it might simply be one that they think sounds good with their surname! But increasingly, parents are also creating a very personal name that has significance to them - as parents. Names are now not only an identifier of the child, but often also representative of a time, place and importance to those who love them.
Why choose a symbolic name?
As well as providing a uniqueness and individuality, names with personal meaning and personal also bestow a sense of roots and purpose on the child – because of the reasons behind the choice. And it’s something that they can carry with them for the rest of their lives, also passing onto their own children.
It can therefore bring an added depth to the naming process, rather than simply picking a name from a book, which to many parents carries more emotional value.
Celebrity names with meaning
We can always rely on celebrities to provide some great examples of trends, and in this there is no exception:
Harper Seven Beckham: named after David Beckham’s No 7 shirt from Manchester United
Brooklyn Beckham: named after where he was conceived
Sunday Rose Kidman Urban: Sunday being a significant day to Keith Urban
Blue Ivy Carter: blue being a significant colour for JayZ, and Ivy being roman numerals for the number 4 - a symbolic number to both JayZ and Beyonce.
But it isn’t only celebrities naming their baby in this way nowadays, us regular people are increasingly choosing their children’s names in this way too (I did recently hear a story of a little girl being named ‘Corridor’ after where she was born, but have no idea if it was true!)
Meaning, without obscurity?
Choosing a name with meaning and personal significance might be an important factor in your selection process, but if it is too obscure, the child could be forever burdened with explaining their name, or constantly having to spell it out for people. Though we want individuality and meaning, we still want them to fit in! But, don’t worry, there are plenty of ways of giving your child a name with meaning without the concern of over-obscurity.
Give it as a middle name - middle names are a great way of giving something personal but giving them the choice as to whether they use it
Use a name that has meaning to you, but also makes sense as a name - nature themes often work for this, such as Spring, Clover, Star, Autumn, Sky.
Some parents are choosing a name with meaning in the belief that it might influence their baby’s temperament, with names such as Zen, Halo, Serenity, Justice becoming increasingly popular.
Some are even looking to their favourite brand-name to give some meaning to their baby name. Names such as Levi, Lexus, Celica, Armani, (even Ikea!) are all on the rise.
Looking for that significant name?
If you want a name with meaning, but aren’t sure where to start, why not try our Baby Name Finder? You can search by meaning, so it’s the ideal way to find that symbolic name that is perfect for you and your new baby.
This article was written for Birth by Angela Sutherland.
Read more about baby names here
Last revised: Tuesday, 10 September 2013
This article contains general information only and is not intended to replace advice from a qualified health professional.