NAMING THE CHILD

Timaru Herald, Volume CXLIII, Issue 20782, 17 July 1937, Page 11 (Supplement)

NAMING THE CHILD

EFFECTS OF PARENT’S CHOICE Few parents realise what an important and sober duty is the naming of the child. Their choice may make or mar a whole life (states an exchange) . Consider the importance of a name. The film star on the road to fame, the fledgling author, the actor —what is their first consideration? A name. They discard their drab John Smith name and take unto themselves one that is striking or glamorous, challenging or so unaffected that it scores by very antithesis. Once a name is established one simply has to live up to it. Why not anticipate? Give your child a worthy name, and its future is unlimited. So, parents, name your children gloriously, sonorously, romantically.

Name them so that, by mere mention, they are notable. If you wish to call your girl child “Mar-ee-a,” fear not that the gross, the undiscerning, will call her “Maria.” Teach the child to look down her noble nose at these ignorant ones, and murmur in her infant tongue, “Mar-ee-a.”

Let not the fear of nicknames deter you. Name your lad Desmond (a fine poetic name) and scorn all reference to the dismal canine. Perchance it will goad the dark-browned youth to be the very leader of men. “ ’Tis well for leaders to be withdrawn from those they lead.”

Fashions in names may affect a generation. It is hard to decide whether Hepzibahs, Elspeths, and Tabithas caused Victorianism, or were the result of it. It is safe to say however, that Elizabeth and Victoria set their stamp on an age. A certain conservatism is perhaps desirable. Our modern trend may be towards Diesel and Stinson, but it should be remembered that the classic Icarus was also a high-flier.