I am quite the fan of quirky names. My boyfriend wants to be a little more traditional. We fought, nothing too serious, up until delivery day about what to name baby #1. He caved a bit and our son's middle name is Riot (my choice for first name.) Now we have #2 on the way another boy and I really want Loki for first name. Any ideas on a less crazy version so his dad will stop pouting? We're not due until December so there's still time to discuss!
That's an interesting choice! I don't have any ideas for a different version though. Loki was known for being a trickster in Norse mythology (took the class in college!). Sometimes tricking the Norse gods when they took his advice. Let us know what you end up choosing:)
I consider myself creative, and can see the appeal of naming your children something unusual or unique. Quirky can be fun, but remember it is your son who will have to go to school with this name, try to get a job with this name, and live with this name.
I'd say if you go with either of your choices, the names should be either nicknames or middle names..but not a first name. I have one friend with a quirky name and the other with an "ethnic" sounding name (one of those made up..not real name deals), and they both would be the first to say they've had problems in various situations because they've either been prejudged or taunted in school.
One friend is white, but she was given a very black sounding name...Tisha. She said everyone expects her to be black, and they're always surprised to see a blond, blue-eyed woman. She says she's really shocked at how rude people are to her on the phone, or the stereo-typical assumptions people would have about her sight-unseen when she was looking for work..just because of her name. While she got interviews, it was always tough until she actually showed up to meet people face-to-face.
The other is a co-worker- a man named Kim. He said he got his butt kicked at school everyday growing up, and all the guys accused him of not liking girls. He unfortunately was a softspoken guy, and his work was very phone oriented. People would always assume he was a she, and would give him a very tough time when they'd discover he wasn't.. especially when they'd find out he had a wife and many children.
I kind of liken trendy, quirky names to have the same permanent affect as getting something like a tattoo, or permanent makeup. When it goes out of fashion, or doesn't look so good because your old, you're stuck with it. Be kind to your kid and give them the option as to whether they want to be called by either of these names in the future. If you make it a nick-name, it won't be on permanent record anywhere, and they can easily ditch it they please. A middle-name is permanent, but unless someone is purposely trying to find it, no one really needs to know.
Worldwide, this is becoming a big issue. There have been many court cases involving children fighting parents for the right to change their name, because their name is causing them mental distress or other life issues. Just a week or so ago, a couple in New Zealand almost lost custody of their 8-year-old daughter for giving her the name "Lula Tula Does the Hula in Hawaii". The girl testified in court she was socially disabled by the name, and was too mortified to tell her friends what her real name was.
In fact, New Zealand apparently had several cases prior to this one in recent months involving angry and upset kids saddled with names including; Violence, Midnight Chardonnay, and Number 16 Bus Shelter.
While Lula Tulula's story made all the papers and national news last week, I was only able to track this version of the story. Here's a link to ABC news' coverage;
http://www.abc.net.au/news/stories/2008/07/24/2313126.htm?section=world
Here's an Italian case where a caucasian child was given a black slave name from a classic lit book;
In Canada, an alarming (perhaps biased) study says that society perception of kids with odd names is that they come from uneducated, lower income family families and are more likely to wind up in a life of crime;
http://www.wayodd.com/study-unusual-names-linked-to-male-juvenile-delinquency/v/9269/
In the U.S. kids who get ethnic sounding names get passed over and prejudged;
http://www.kirotv.com/irresistible/4482169/detail.html
A blog from a U.S. mom who grew up with an semi-unusual name and why she chose to name her children traditional names;
http://www.professorshouse.com/family/baby-names/unique-baby-names.aspx
Lastly, why do you want to give your children quirky names? I think too weird of a name, or one that's damning to their reputation is kind of unfair. Your child will be labeled before they get started in life. Whether they're a trouble maker or not, everyone will think they are if their name is "Riot" or that of a Norse god with the reputation of being a prankster or trouble-maker. In school they'll be the first one blamed if something goes wrong, and unless your son grows up to be a big bruiser, the kids will probably come up with unsavory versions of the name themselves to bully him with. I say, unless he's world touring rock-star, feared gang member with a reputation that precedes him, a Pitt Bull, or ex-con, I think I'd give the kid a break.
Hello! I've got some suggestions for you...
Malachi
Maddox
Mattias
Matteo
Kai (pronounced Kye. It means Ocean. Isn't that beautiful!)
Corbin (means Raven)
Dexter
Dominic
Pierce
Lucian
Ryder (means Knight, Mounted Warrior)
Rex
Hector
Wolfgang (Wolfgang Puck is a famous guy that a lot of people know so I think your little guy could pull it off.)
Thorne (nickname could be Thor, oh that would be cute!)
Tomai (this is the greek form of Thomas. Thomas is pretty traiditonal. So when Tomai gets older he could just go by Tom if he wanted to???)
Tyrell (nickname Ty)
Good luck!
I think you have two issues going on here. First, whether or not quirky names are in the best interest in your child and second, your boyfriend doesn't like them.
One of my very best friends named her kids, Darius, Cyrus, Ahesia (prounounced asia), Nautus, River and English.
Granted the kids are geniuses and even highlight by their local news organization for being so brilliant. The kids are the most socially gifted children I have ever met. They are friendly, polite, but more than that, they are incredibly physically gifted. coordinated. strong. healthy. These are truly wonder kids. Their parents are super involved and amazing.
For example. Darius is 10 and doing college courses. Recommended by the principle and school councilor. Not the usual nerdy kid by all means.
These kids could pull off any name that had been given to them. They were named after remarkable people.
When I first met them, I sniggered internally at the names, I have to admit, but as I got to know them....I was seriously blown away.
Honestly, kids can pull off a quirky name, but I do believe that it can set them at a disadvantage.
Also, I have always regretted not acting in unity where my kids are concerned. You have lots of years to work with this babies dad, whether or not you stay together. Good luck!
Make sure to let us know what you decide.
I don't have an alternative to Loki, but if you're looking for a middle name (that I think would go well with Riot), I really like the name Ranec (pronounced Rennick)...I used to want that as a first name for my little boy!
We really wanted to name our son Fleetwood. And nick name him woody .. We seriously liked it.But our last name is Peterson "Woody Peter-son" So his name is Caleb.
What about Luke or Lukas?
I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE, your quirky names. I do NOT believe they will tramatize your child either. Have fun!
Hi Beth-
Remember that your sons have to live with their names the rest of their lives. I am a teacher and kids can be harsh towards other kids. Children need every advantage they can get these days and then think ahead to when they are professionals.
How about going for a family name that is different or never used anymore, but still a strong name. I like different names too, but my husband likes traditional. So, we agreed on a strong family name and we both settled with it.
Good Luck
Congratulations on your baby. I usually try not to offer opinions on names since it is such a personal issue. I think unique names can be great, but in this case I have some experience with the name Loki. I studied Norse mythology in college and as one person pointed out Loki was the Norse god of mischief. However, he was more than that and could often be quite evil in Norse mythology. I just wonder how people might react if they were familiar with the god Loki. I also have a dog named Loki and there are quite a few dogs named Loki, which is something you might want to consider. Even though I've run into other canine Lokis people also think it's an unusual name for a dog and I have gotten several reactions and comments to his name and I always have to explain it. (He is 15 1/2 so I've had a lot of time to explain the name Loki!) Also, people actually mispronounce Loki quite a bit, which always surprises me. But just so you know--it happens. How about looking through some sort of book or reference for another name that is unique that starts with L? Or another Nordic name? Good luck and best wishes with whatever you decide.
P.S. I should have added that I personally love the name Loki, but there are just some things to think about when giving that name to a child. Happy naming!
Have you tried to find a more traditional name that you could nickname as Loki? (Logan, Lucas, etc.) That way your boyfriend gets the traditional name he wants and you still can call your son what you want.
My friend has very untraditional names for her kids. She named her first girl Jackson. Her son, her fourth and only boy, she named Dane. Don't know if that's quirky enough but I love it and there are not that many Danes out there.
When I was in the hospital having my daughter, there was a couple with a little boy that they'd chosen to name Panakake Adventure. All I could think was, that poor little boy! I think quirky names can be fun (and Loki isn't that bad), but while they sound good to the parents, you don't have any way of predicting how other people will perceive your child because of the quirky name.
I don't have any specific name suggestions for you, but an idea instead. I'm not sure what your families' ethnic backgrounds are (German, Swedish, etc), but how about looking for a name that might be a little unusual here in the US, but is a traditional name in your ethnic background? Or like someone else suggested, use a family name that isn't used as much anymore. I'm a big fan of that as my daughter is named Lily after my grandmother and if we have a boy, it will be Leo after my hubby's grandfather.
No matter what you do, make sure both you and your hubby are happy with the name you choose. You're both going to have to live with the name and you don't want ill feelings about it to color your child's view of his name (he will pick up on it if one parent doesn't like it).
I like it! We have ended up with a twist on normal names for some of our kids. Usually my husband would spell them weird because he wasn't getting his way, lol. Now he gets his way, but I do get veto power.
Our first is AnDrew Jaimes, pronounced ONdrew James. He was born in Germany, we were young, and the german language does use the aaaaaaaa sound, it is more like hond instead of hand, so we did that to his name for a memory, I guess.
Then there is Kaytlin, spelled so you can't call her Katie, its KAY for short, lol.
Devon and Cody are not too abnormal. Hope-Anne is different, I don't know why we did that. Donnie hated it, I didn't care for it, but I just "knew" it was her name. And she likes it.
Then came a 7 year gap due to a vasectomy. The babes started coming again after a reversal.
My husband then decided he gets to name the kids since he had the two surgeries.
Trinity came first. I still don't like it and she is 4. But she doesn't mind yet, and we haven't had a lot of people not like it.
Then came Samuel, God named him for us.
I regret AnDrew's spelling all the time because in order to get the capital D you have to make a space in the name on forms, An Drew, and now he gets all sorts of mail to An Pederson. With him goingn in the military, it really makes things difficult for him.
However, he really loves his name!
I know we are going to be going through this with Hope-Anne soon, because you can't put that hyphen on forms. And with Trinity Renèe we can't get the è on her social security card, even! They don't allow special characters.
So, my advice is to be careful with strange names, but I also know that kids do tend to like being different, as long as it isn't bizare. (like Harry Pitts)
I'm working on Trygve for our next boy, and my husband has been trying to get me to agree to Dorn since our first boy, lol. I've almost won, because he likes the nickname Trig, lol. I bet I could seal the deal with Trygve Dorn. Now to just get pregnant again.
Naming babies is such an honor! And such a dilemma, really! Ultimately, I soooo agree with the first person who 'posted' - and just have a few thoughts for you - I have a cousin who is friendly and warm and loving - and outwardly eccentric / quirky. Her boyfriend is much sillier, for lack of a better word. Friends and family cringe with each name choice they've given their children - and I do think they dislike their names very much. The names come with ugly meanings as well.
On the flip side, my husband and I chose names that were unique to our community - yet one that was strong for our children to have for their elementary years (could the teachers and other children pronounce them) - would the name look good and strong enough on a resume, in particular, strong enough to offset the last name they have no choice but to endure 'Ding' ! - and to have with them their entire life.
We chose Avery, Alivia, and Geneva - and so far have not been disappointed. Each have a nickname that suits their personality.
On the other hand, the children I was referring to have parents not allowing nicknames, so they are saddled with names like cauldron, mayhem, and worse - funny? maybe. quirky, yep. a choice for an employer to get past on a resume? who knows. but myself, I'd not take the chance.
good luck with your decision! my vote is for nickname, or middle name at the most - but that's my thought -
Just wondering if you were aware that Loki was the equivalent of the devil (or demon) in Norse Mythology? Perhaps some of the "good guy" names would be kinder to your son.
I think quirky names are great my first son is Justin and that is very popular of course when I named him I didn't know any Justin's and my other kids also have somewhat common names so one you don't here very often is great. My son has friends named Lark and Abshack for a boys you don't hear those alot either and another friend of mine her daughter is Willow i also know someone who named there baby Meadow.Maybe there is something you both could agree on and you will like the nickname so you can call him what you want.I wish you luck and happy naming =) I wish I would have put alot more thought into it as they got older I started hearing there names everywhere so a unique one is good!!
I'm not really a fan of quirky names because the child has to grow up, be teased, and live an adult life with that name. I have 2 nieces with quirky names and it's really hard for them now that they are 12 and 9.
Why can't you just use conventional names and then use quirky nicknames? That way your sons won't have to grow up and use initials for their names because nobody will take them seriously with their real names. Something even like Logan and call him Loki as a nick name.
Trust me, it's a cruel world out there and it will break your heart one day when they come home crying because everyone is teasing them. Or they can't get a professional job because nobody will call on their resume because they have a silly name. Trust me, it happens, I've worked in the corporate world. Go crazy with the nicknames but not the real ones.
Jennifer
Mom to Ainslow, Willow ba dillow, Pedobadeedo, and Dizzle. Cute nicknames but not their real names.
Luke might be an alternative, but you need to consider what he's going to go through in school with the name Loki. Is this something he's going ot get made fun of for? Does it rhyme with something like Dopey Loki? "Quirky" names are cool for the most part, but you can go to far with some of them (Apple, Kyd, etc). My kids dont have traditional names by far, but you need to look at how hard they will be to pronounce, spell, what they rhyme with, how well they will fare in the business world (would anyone respect a CEO names Puffy?) and if the initials spell something less than desirable. Remember, this name is going to be with im forever, and while it might sound cool now, in 10 years you might be kicking yourself. On a side note, I love the name Riot. I wanted our third son to be named Gabriel Kayne, but I got outvoted. :( Instead we have Rayden (god of thunder and lightning) Alexander. Good luck :)