What's in a name?

What a challenge it can be, to find just the right name for a child. A name they'll carry for life, a name that represents who they are. What a spot a parent stands in, as they say, "I give you the name.....".

And this often can result in arguements among friends, relatives, and spouses. You announce a name you have chosen, and some smirk, groan, roll their eyes, while the next person thinks it's just the coolest name! A name a husband likes a wife doesn't, and vise versa, or one name triggers a not-so-delightful for one or the other. And then if you do actually settle on a name, finally? Then there's the spelling of the name.

Throughout my daughter's pregnancy, Alyssa, my husband and I couldn't settle on a name. I gave up and bought a baby name book and started going through the list. Finally, when I was in labor, the name Alyssa was finally decided on. But a spelling for this name wasn't agreed on until the birth certificate was finally being filled out. My goodness. And then the third name I wanted to give her, after her paternal grandmother, the grandmother didn't want her to have that name (she didn't like the name) and requested another one.

Is naming a child really this difficult?

A few years ago, I had a name for my hoped to one day male child - set - it was a perfect name, should this child ever come to exist.... and now that s/he is on his/her way, it doesn't seem like a fitting name anymore.

So the hunt begins.....

The dad has chosen Su-Sheng for a third name ... what a beautiful and perfect name. The meaning and thought behind it is just wonderful.

Samuel - although I saw the spelling tonight as Samuil.... and now I debate between the two. A first name?

But the second (or first, whichever ends up flowing best).... Isaiah, Keenan, Shawn, Orion, Shanti, Sani, Rian, Teagan, Snorre (ok, that was just chucklable) were tossed out there..... but none of those seem to really fit.

Maybe this is part of the reason nine-months is given. Nine months to decide on just the right name :)