So you’d better keep your mouth closed about what you’re calling your future child – because baby name burglary is a thing now.
“I can’t believe you are freaking out over a baby name. You aren’t even pregnant.”
That line is straight out of Sex and The City when someone stole Charlotte’s secret baby name.
And it happens in real life too.
One reader wrote into Elle Magazine:
Dear E. Jean: I don’t know if I’ll ever have kids, but one of my dearest friends is pregnant. She may be having a girl, and the name she’s chosen is Isabel. That’s the name I’ve always wanted if I were to have a baby girl! I’m distraught!
In fact, it’s so common, it has a name. Baby name burglary.
So far, I have 3 names on reserve. Two girls’ names and one boy’s name. I am not pregnant. I am not trying to get pregnant (sorry mum). But I would cry if one of my friend’s used one of MY names.
Even though I know that they aren’t MY names.
And even though I know that there are a million people with those three names. See they are pretty common names. They aren't even originals. One may or may not be on the Top 10 Australian baby names list each and every year. One of them might even be a name of a person in the office.But I worked hard at thinking of those names (and convincing my husband to like them). And I don't want any of my friends to use them first.
I remember when my friend gave birth (the first in our group). Her baby's name was TOP SECRET. The CIA wouldn't have even been able to get it out of her. We only found out when the baby announcement was texted around.
And guess what?
On the same day as my friend, pop star Pink decided to give birth. And stole my friend's baby name. Pink, you lost a fan that day.
I know there are some people out there asking what's the big deal?
I don't have an answer for you. I don't know why I care so much. But I am not alone.
Most of my friends have baby names that no one tells each other. My best friend once told me her baby names - only after pinky swearing that I wouldn't tell anyone. And she only did so to have me as a witness that those were HER names.
Luckily for her, I didn't like any of her names.
Did you tell people what your baby's name was before they were born? Has anyone ever 'stolen' your baby name?
Want more? Try this:
Posting pics of a baby before the parents is just plain rude.
