Career Prospects After Weird Baby Name Craze

What does race have to do with having an odd name? I think all races and nations have names others might regard as odd. I have spent several years taking an informal poll on the names Josiah and Jebadiah. Most Christians find these very good names since they are Biblical and have fortuitous meanings. But non-Christians find them exceedingly odd and have recommended I not name a child either. It is a balance to find a name that is unique enough to suit you and not so outlandish the child hates it (and it is the child who gets the final vote, not anyone else). I like having a somewhat unusual name instead of Mary or Jane.

Leah of SC @ Aug 29, 2008 11:30:19 AM

One advantage of oddball names is that the owners are easy to google or facebook, which can make e-networking much easier.

Rick Bales of KY @ Aug 27, 2008 16:48:13 PM

I hear what you're saying, Sebastianalexander, but I think that in the end it comes to racism (or the equivalent) to consider someone's name rather than her qualifications. In the example you give, I would not make the *slightest* distinction between Ms Jackson and Ms Goldstein just based on their names. Really, that's true.

It's always amused me to read P.G. Wodehouse and to see the outlandish names he used in his stories -- mocking the aristocracy for the names they pass down the generations (well, and Pelham Grenville Wodehouse, that's quite the name itself, isn't it?).

But you have the option of changing your 18-letter name, either formally or informally. Perhaps we'll just call you "S16r" for short. But in any case, it wouldn't make a difference to me if I were considering hiring you (or being your friend).

Barry Leiba of NY @ Aug 26, 2008 23:23:27 PM

Odd names are cruel

While we all strive to be nonjudgemental and open minded, based on name alone would you hire Shaquinella Jackson or Jane Goldstein as your defense lawyer? It's a silent decision we all make quite often and we do what we honestly know is best. No blood no foul. When a mother names her child it's how the world will view this person before meeting them. My grandmother gave my father an 18 letter first name, my mother thought it wise to pass that horrific name onto me. It has been a hinderance my ENTIRE life, much more than mixing my father's mail and credit. Having an obscure name has only caused inconvience and problems in my life. God bless our heritage and family ties but when it comes to naming modesty is the best policy. Eventually your child will be able to make a name for themselves in the world... If you want to be called Puff Daddy or The artist formerly known as or Santa Clause... but leave that choice to an 18 year old legal adult.. until them use Jack, Jill, or something simple.

Sebastianalexander Durden of PA @ Aug 26, 2008 20:04:32 PM