In 1996, a very unusual name was given to a Swedish boy by his parents to protest the naming law of Sweden. The registered name was Brfxxccxxmnpcccclllmmnprxvclmnckssqlbb11116 (pronounced as albin). For the parents, this name is an “expressionistic development of what they see as an artistic creation.” The court did not accept this. So the parents then changed the name to A instead but the court did not consent this too. This is one of the most unusual names in history.

As parents give a name to their child, they secretly show to the world who they are and what they want for their children. Although not all parents follow this example, it is every parent’s wish for their child to be distinctive in every way and it starts with their name. Parents, hoping to avoid having their child’s names confused with the common Mary’s and Josephs, become quite creative with names, using a variety of spellings and inventing words to name their children. Some create their own name for their child by adding a diminutive ending to a popular name like –ina, -ette, -ita. Examples are Angel + ina, Georg(e) + ette, Juan(a) + ita. The use of ethnic or foreign names is also a known practice. Names of objects, holidays, and places are popular too in extraordinarily naming a child. Examples are Feather, Mardigras and Brooklyn. Last names as first names like Morrison and Kennedy have become a trend but they are still less common compared to the traditional ones. Boys’ names are given to girls like Patrick (sometimes also short for Patricia) and George (Georgina). Some parents would go further and consult the dictionary for a fresh idea in naming their child.

Having an unusual name can be an advantage. For one, a person with this kind of name surely stands out. People get curious with an uncommon name. Aside from this is the individuality of your child. Your daughter will be glad she’s not one of the 4 Michelles in the classroom. Her unusual name can be good for her as she develops her confidence and sense of self. She will feel special, independent and free.

If you want unique names, try classical literature. The classics is a treasure trove of unique or unusual names. Search in folklores of different cultures and discover names like Anund (a Viking name), Naias (a river nymph, Greek mythology) Koshchei (from a Russian folk tale) and many more. Names of trees are also interesting as names of people. Amherstia, a beautiful, unique name, is actually a small tropical tree with gorgeous hanging hot pink flowers. It is also called “queen of flowering trees.” For the not-too-adventurous parent, one way to avoid the trend on names is to look for trends in the past. Search for baby names on the Internet for popular names during the 1900 to 1950. You can also try combining the names in your family as a name for your child. Firstborns are usually given a combination of their parent’s names especially if the child was first-born on both sides of the family. One example here is Jan Zen Paola Marie = Jan from John, the grandfather, Zen for Zenny, the grandmother, Paula for Paul, the father and Marie for Mary, the mother.

Hold on! Before you start experimenting on your child’s name, think about the consequences of having a very different name. As much as it can give your kid the limelight, it can also cause alienation. Extraordinary names can lead to teasing by other children, if not chosen carefully. First impressions as the child grows older can also be affected. But how do you know its possible effect on your child? Popular advice is to say the name aloud so you can decide if you’d want to keep the name or not. Let your friends and relatives hear it and ask them what they think. Try to imagine old people with that name so you can tell if it is only cute for a child. You can also just choose to be creative on the spelling of an ordinary name so it still sounds the same. Jennifer can be spelled as Dzeniferr or Dyennifur. Write it a couple of times to see if this is ok with you. Here, you have given her something unique yet saved from being laughed at.

Being a parent is one of the most exciting thing in this world. Enjoy the time in looking for the best name. Don’t forget though that whether you give an ordinary or unusual name, it is the one that means something to you that’s more important.

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