During a particularly devout phase of my life, my husband and I named our children after saints, following the tradition of our faith that emphasizes the importance of religious names. We thought it was essential for our kids to carry these significant names, so we combined them with family names, resulting in triple names. Each of my three sons has a name rooted in religion, but I find myself regretting two of them.
My Eldest’s Name Is Special, Even If It’s Religious
My oldest son’s name, St. Blaise, is quite unique and was ranked #977 in popularity the year he was born. We’ve yet to meet another child with this name. While it often requires spelling out, it’s distinct and doesn’t overtly convey its religious origins. If given the chance to rename him, I would still choose this name; it suits him perfectly and brings smiles to those who hear it.
This Isn’t a Blanket Condemnation of Religious Names
I am not entirely against religious names; rather, my issue stems from our departure from that faith. At the time we chose these names, we felt it was necessary, but now I wish I could change them. Nobody anticipates leaving the faith they were raised in, especially one so ingrained in tradition. When we did leave, it was a shocking and disorienting experience.
The core of my regret lies in the fact that this religion influenced the names we chose for our children. It dictated that I give them these deeply religious names, and now, I feel a weight of regret because of it.
My Second Son’s Name Has Its Issues
When we named my second son after St. Augustine, we overlooked his controversial views on women and other troubling aspects of his life. Though we commonly refer to him as August—a name I genuinely love—his full name carries a burden of religious significance that I wish could be different. If I could rename him today, I’d opt for something more modern and free-spirited. I often think about how fun it would have been to name him something like Bowie or Moon. Instead, I feel stuck with a name that feels outdated and overly religious.
My Youngest Son’s Name Is the Most Religious of All
The name I would most like to change is my youngest’s, Simon Peter. It’s a name steeped in biblical significance and screams devotion. While I once appreciated its association with a character from Lord of the Flies, my current agnostic views make me cringe at how overtly religious it is. I often wish I could have chosen a name that reflects the natural world, like River or Sky, rather than something tied to religious legacy.
As I reflect on these names, I realize my children will carry this religious baggage with them for life. Each time I hear a creative name, I feel a pang of regret for not being able to choose something that aligns more closely with my current beliefs.
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In summary, while I appreciate the unique aspects of my eldest son’s name, I deeply regret the overly religious names we chose for my other sons. These names carry a weight of tradition that no longer aligns with my beliefs. I often fantasize about what their names could have been instead, wishing for a more modern, free-spirited approach to naming.