A Tale of Two Families: How Normal and Overbearing Were Their Names for My Best Friend’s Baby?

As a mother, selecting a name for your child is one of the most special moments. However, when it comes to naming a baby, family involvement can sometimes lead to unexpected outcomes. This story is for my best friend, Alexa, whose family couldn't quite agree on a name for her daughter, Elle Estrella.

The German Side: A Mix of Classic and Unique

My parents, on my father's side, have strong ties to their German heritage. They envisioned a girl and were ready with names inspired by their roots. My father was enthusiastic, purchasing pink baby pajamas and getting names like Odette, Cordelia, Mila, Helga, Bastienne—names that are certainly unique, though not exactly common. Even among these, the name Lidia seemed quite 'normal' compared to the rest. Although my father couldn't have predicted her gender, he was set on ensuring that the baby had a name that would be special and fitting.

The Southern Side: Tradition and Religion

My mother's side, filled with southerners and deeply religious, had a different perspective. Their names were not only more 'standard' but also heavily influenced by the Bible. They were enthusiastic about names like William, Moses, Elijah, and Memphis. One might not typically associate Memphis with a biblical name, but to them, it was a perfectly normal choice—except, of course, for its actual origin. Names like Abraham, Matt, Luke, and Paul were also on the list. To my mother, these were safe and meaningful choices, reflecting both tradition and faith.

Brooklyn's Choice: Keeping It Simple?

Alexa and her partner wanted to keep things simple. They didn't want to involve their own families in the naming process, particularly because of a gender reveal party where they would be more open about their choices. However, Alexa's family, hailing from Brooklyn, really wanted a 'normal' name. They seemed almost disappointed when Alexa and her partner decided on Estrella, a Spanish name meaning 'star', which none of them were familiar with.

The Outcomes: A Middle Ground?

It was a mix of emotions as everyone came to terms with the name Estrella. To my father, it was a name that was out of the ordinary at first but then seemed like a wonderful choice once he heard the meaning. Alexa's parents, however, were quite disappointed as they felt their daughters had named the baby girl with a name that wasn't part of their cultural or religious heritage. The name Elle, which suits her as a child, will probably fit in beautifully as she grows older. Now, Estrella or Elle—both are fitting and meaningful names for her.

Family Dynamics and Influence

This story is not just about the names; it’s about the dynamics of family names and the influence different generations can have. While one side prioritizes tradition and others uniqueness, both ultimately want what is best for the baby. This journey of naming can highlight the importance of understanding and respecting each other's cultural and religious backgrounds. The name Estrella became a symbol of compromise and love, illustrating how families can still come together and find harmony despite their differences.

Keywords: family naming preferences, cultural influences on names, mother's side vs. father's side