Let’s face it: you can’t “claim” a baby name as your own. When it comes to naming a child, people can get pretty territorial. After all, choosing a name is a significant decision that will last a lifetime. But can we all agree that everyone should have the freedom to name their babies whatever they choose? There are no ownership rules when it comes to baby names.
In a survey conducted by Today Parents, over 12,000 readers shared how they selected names for their little ones. When asked about the concept of “baby name stealing,” more than half acknowledged it as a real issue, but one that shouldn’t even exist. So, can someone really “steal” a baby name? Absolutely not. “Stealing” suggests taking something that belongs to someone else, and since no one owns a name, it’s simply impossible.
Baby naming can bring out some odd behaviors in people. Some parents guard their chosen name like it’s a state secret—“We’re not sharing! Not even with Grandma!” Meanwhile, others throw out name ideas every week, as if trying to claim them first. Ultimately, naming a child is a personal choice that doesn’t concern anyone else. If someone is inspired by the name you chose, consider it a compliment. Perhaps your little one is so charming that the name just fits! Plus, keep in mind that your baby will grow into their own identity, making the name uniquely theirs.
Consider the story of one mom who felt wronged when her brother’s ex-girlfriend used the name she had wanted for her son. “I’ve loved the name Jacob since I was a kid. Imagine my shock when they announced their baby’s name was Jacob!” she lamented. Really? Jacob? You can’t just call dibs on a name. And does this person truly believe the ex-girlfriend chose that name just to irritate her? It might be best to reevaluate that relationship.
If you have a family legacy tied to a name, like your great-great-grandfather Chance Owen Jester IV, that’s wonderful! But if someone else loves that name too, they’re perfectly entitled to use it. Names are not exclusive property; they’re labels that follow a person for life. Unlike the last croissant at brunch, there’s no limit to how many people can share the same name. That’s why we see lists of the most popular baby names every year.
Yes, naming your child is a monumental task. But as long as you love the name you choose, don’t stress over who gets there first. Many people share names with countless others, and that’s perfectly fine. Baby names aren’t treasures to hoard; they’re meant to be shared.
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In summary, no one can truly own a baby name, and the idea of “stealing” one is flawed. Naming your child is a personal experience that should not be dictated by others. Embrace the name you love and enjoy the journey of parenthood!