Names I Love But Won't Be Using

Oh, baby names! A land of endless possibilities, filled with joy, tradition, and the occasional, "Wait, *that's* a name?"

For years, I've been collecting names like shiny pebbles on a beach. Some are classic, some quirky, all deeply loved. But alas, most will never see the light of a birth certificate, at least not from me.

The "Sounds Amazing, But…" Category

First, let's talk about Guinevere. Isn't it stunning? Evokes images of Arthurian legends, damsels, and epic romances.

The problem? I can already hear the playground taunts: "Guinea pig!" Maybe not the best start for a little one.

Then there's Lysander. So sophisticated, so Shakespearean! I adore the sound of it.

But let's be honest, spelling it out for everyone, forever, sounds exhausting. And what nicknames do you even get? Lys? Sander? Neither feels quite right.

The Family Name Fiasco

Family names are tricky. You want to honor your ancestors, but sometimes, their names are best left in the past. Case in point: Mildred.

Bless Great Aunt Mildred, but that name screams "sensible shoes" and "knitting circles," not exactly the vibe I'm going for. No offense to any Mildreds out there, of course!

My husband's side has Eustace. Again, strong history, but... Eustace? It feels like a grumpy old badger who’s permanently unimpressed.

Let's just say we've agreed to maybe use their initials as inspiration instead. Much safer.

The "Too Unique" Dilemma

I appreciate a unique name. But there's a fine line between "original" and "will this child resent me forever?"

I once stumbled upon Zephyra. It's beautiful, ethereal, like a gentle breeze. But in reality, I imagine she'd spend her entire life correcting people.

“It’s Zeph-I-ra, not Zeph-EE-ra!” I want my kids to be confident, not eternally frustrated by mispronunciations.

The "Occupied" List

Sometimes, you just love a name that's already "taken" by someone close to you. It's like finding the perfect dress, only to discover your best friend already owns it.

My cousin named her daughter Hazel, and it's the sweetest name on the sweetest little girl. Adorable.

It's completely off-limits for me, though. There's an unspoken baby name code, and breaking it is a big no-no. Besides, I could never compete with her cuteness.

Another name I adore is Owen. But it's also the name of my best friend’s son. So, sadly, it’s off the table.

Instead, I’ll have to admire these names from afar, celebrating them on other people's children. Maybe someday I'll write a novel and give them to my characters. Until then, they'll remain cherished members of my "Names I Love But Won't Be Using" list. It's a long list, and it keeps growing!