Names hold a lot of meaning and often evoke strong images of the person who bears them before we ever see a face. Our associations with names aren't always accurate, of course, but they certainly set the stage for the opinions we form about those we meet throughout our lives.
So there's a lot of pressure put upon expecting parents. Everyone wants to find that perfect baby name, unique, but not too crazy, meaningful, but not too big to bear, and most importantly -- not one that sounds like a stripper. No offense to the hardworking strippers out there, but I'm guessing even they would agree that it's not their first choice of an occupation for their offspring.
But unless you visit strip joints frequently, how exactly do you know what connotes a stripper name? I mean Destiny is a lovely name, but ... it's definitely been around the pole a time or two. Here are a few tips to help you avoid stripper-sounding names for your child.
1. Google It
According to a recent New York Times article, the majority of parents now Google a name before they bestow it on their child. If pictures of scantily clad women come up, that's a clue you might have picked a stripper name.
2. If it involves the street you grew up on or the name of your childhood pet, avoid it.
Case in point, I would be Taffy Locust or Spanky Galloway. Ahem.
3. Ask People
If you have your heart set on a name and aren't going to change your mind no matter what, then don't ask. But if you truly want to know, then do. One thing is sure -- people are not shy about giving their opinion on baby names.
4. Just think twice about any of the following names:
Chesty
Fantasy
Starr
Sapphire
Angel
Sugar
Bambi
Bunny
Cinnamon
Shimmer
Glitter
If your child's name does happen to have a stripper-like sound, fear not. It certainly doesn't mean he or she will be become one. It just means they won't have to pick a stage name if that's the career path she chooses.
Does your child have a stripper-sounding name? Do you care?
Image via bardgabbard/Flickr
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Comments 42
GAHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!! Okay I'm done now. My daughter is almost 8...her name is Destiny. I didn't give her a "STRIPPER" name....I gave her a name. Destiny is her name...It has nothing to do with a pole or a scantily clad woman...I'm over the whole "OMG you gave your daughter a stripper name." If she wants to be a stripper when she grows up because of her name then so be it. There are 2 other Destiny's in her class and about 15 Destiny's in the whole school. Are all of them going to be strippers?
First of all I love the name Destiny and wanted to name my daughter that.
Second, I HATE names like Clementine, Penelope, etc I would rather have a stripper name than sound like I should be wearing a powdered wig.
Third I lol'ed at at your list of names I def. have to agree with those and would also like to add any name that is after a gem or jewel should not exist except for a pet even then only for like a bird or something.
"Nevaeh" certainly has become overly popular. The first time I heard it, I thought it was pretty and creative. Then I began hearing it EVERYWHERE. When everyone thinks they're being creative but using the same name, it's not creative any more. It's just another name.
I do have to say though, at least strippers make a living for themselves, and sometimes quite a good one. Stage names can be fun.
Shoot, we need more variety in society. There are way too many Jessicas, Michelles, Stephanies, and all those other boring names.
I second not using a gemstone name. Especially if you spelled it wrong. Dyamond is not a good idea.
I dont know if I gave my daughter a stripper name... I think any name COULD be a stripper name.
I know a stripper who's stage name is Cameron (female). There is no set of rules that these girls have to choose from a list of names. Name you kids whatever you want, they are your kids.
I just have to say that I am really fed up with all the Judgy-ness going on with baby names!!! I always thought people were waaaay too into themselves when they would keep their baby's name all to themselves until the birth. But I am trying to come up with a name for baby #2 and can say that now I totally understand it!!! Every name I think of that I like and run past a couple of people ends up getting made fun of in one way or another. It gets really old and makes you feel like crap that a name you like that you ran past your MIL and she made a comment about ends up being the name you choose. Or a name you love and have always loved and every other person you tell it to makes the same connection. I have always loved the name Colby and it seems like everyone after I tell them say CHEESE. Seriously Not. Funny. If its a name someone is considering for their child its obviously a name they love, why shit on someones parade! *stepping down* whew! I feel BETTER!!!! :)
My best friend names her angel baby Destiny - I think that strippers stole Destiny, not the other way around. My name could be considered stripperish. I like it.
Hutchfam I am sorry I feel the same way about Colby. My SIL named her daughter colby and her son Jax and everyone says Colby Jax Cheese!!! I know it annoys her but its TRUE!!!