"When a kid is just an idea, their name is one of the most interesting things to think about. But once they exist, there's so much else to enjoy, juggle, and struggle with."
"Whether another child has the same name is the last thing on most parents' minds."
"People are a weird mix of loving and self-centered. Me included."
"In retrospect, I think it would've bothered me more if a friend had done it."
Naming a child can evoke mixed feelings, especially when names overlap. A letter writer reflects on how an idea for a name may come from a past connection without any intentional borrowing. Parents often later find that the significance of their child's existence overshadows concerns over shared names. Past experiences with family dynamics can also shape feelings about naming, revealing complexities in relationships. Ultimately, names evoke joy, but the focus shifts to parenting challenges rather than name uniqueness.
Read at Slate Magazine
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