Monday, May 26, 2008

What's In A Name?




Picking your child's name when you teach is not easy. Every name reminds you of the reason you waited so long to have children in the first place.

My husband liked the name Eric. When I heard Eric I pictured the boy who sang his homework to the class every day. He then picked the name Bob. I pictured my son perpetually picking his nose. My mom suggested Jason but Jason was the boy who mooned the class. My dad liked Charlie, but Charlie had been arrested for shooting an FBI agent and I did not want my son going through life with that name. Keith was suggested by my sister, but Keith was the boy who never showered and wore the same clothing every day.

The girl names were just as bad. Jessica came to school dressed like a Playboy bunny so that name was eliminated. Paula was arrested for shoplifting so we didn't use that name either. Crystal tried to seduce the principal and Marla never stopped talking.

The problem with names goes on and on. It's a wonder that teachers manage to find names for their children after all.

7 comments:

Principal said...

So true. My wife and I are both educators so our list of children's names has dwindled quickly. We already have two children and hope to have a third one day. We truly look for obscure names for our children

Anonymous said...

I'm having that problem now!! I'm 8 months pregnant and it's amazing how every name has some connection. Brandon? The wacky kid who picked his nose. Daniel? The lump of a kid who always had a "huh???" look on his face. Megan? The witchy third grader who played mind games with kids even at age 9. It goes on and on..... :)

Dawn said...

Name them after vegetables and your problem is solved! Just make sure you never become a grocer...

17 (really 15) more years said...

At least you never had a student named "Dollarvan" - named after the location of his conception.

Chaz said...

Your husband had it right. Eric is a name that radiates strength. However, the best names are the ones that you both agree on for your children. Because you will love those names for the rest of your life.

Pissedoffteacher said...

We ended up using names that I had never come across teaching.

Eric may radiate strength but I can only see that kid in my class when I say that name.

"Ms. Cornelius" said...

Absolutely! My husband loved Nicole as a name, but every single Nicole (or Nicky-- shudder!) was a complete pain.

Needless to say, no Nicoles at Casa Cornelius.