(no subject)

[peytonlee.livejournal.com]

So after reading all these posts I've kinda thought more about naming my baby. After all, i have to chose a name that's going to be with her for the rest of her life.

The name is chose:
Peyton Lee (maybe Payton, but I'm not sure)

The names I like:
Addison nn Addy
Zoie
Joey
Kiera
Brooke
(Brooke Lynn is very  tempting)
Sadie
Baylee (but i need a new middle name for her) it cant be Lee =[ )
Harper
Kassie
Adelynn
Jordyn
Tara
Tyler


What Do you think? I love boy names on girls, i know i know, it's happening a lot, but i really do think they're adorable. Any ideas beyond those names? Or suggestions?
Now I'm confused, and it would be a LOT easier with the father here to help me chose names... =[

Comments

[requiem-morrow.livejournal.com]

You do realize that you ask this question every time someone says they like boy's names on girls, right?

Here's the sociological lowdown for you. Masculine names, as a whole, represent strength and the ability to provide and succeed. Typically when such names are given to a girl it is to help provide the intrinsic perception that the girl is or will be strong and successful. However, feminine names represent softness, beauty, likability...ie weakness in most cultures. Strength is a positive trait for a boy or a girl....softness, not so much for boys, which is why boy names on girls are more popular than girl names on boys. You will also notice that there are more formerly male names that are now female names (and historically the feminine version of most names came AFTER the male, ie Alvin came before Alvina)).

Now, that being said, Jain is in my top 5 and Kisten is my #2 choice for boys names and Rowen, Morrow, Harper, Joshua, and James are on my list for girls.

[requiem-morrow.livejournal.com]

Well the computer just ate my first reply so I'll try again.

Here's the deal. Most societies are patriarchal. As much as we pretend to ignore it, most of the world still values sons more than daughters. When a masculine name is used on a female, it is typically to counteract the sexist stereotypes that society subconsciously (and for some, overtly) continues to have regarding females (weak, silly, pretty, etc). Initially, it appears to work. The female with the masculine name is viewed as being smarter, stronger, and , if obviously feminine in appearance, sexier (there are more models named Dylan than Mary). Anyway, there is a honeymoon period where there are positive associations for the name with both genders. However, the more frequently used and accepted on females, it feminizes the name for boys and replaces the perceived positive masculine characteristics with more negative and unfortuately female characteristics. Societal pressures will prevent most people from choosing a negative (female on male) name for their son but make it acceptable to use a positive (masculine) name for a daughter. Now, the really interesting thing is that most masculine names used on girls have some feminine traits about them to begin with - the majority end with -an or some dirivitive of -lee (lie, ley, etc).

Have I mentioned that I spent two years in undergrad and grad school studying the psychology and socialogy of names? I have some interesting research studies that I've collected if you're interested. One in particular addressed the socioeconomic influences on "creative" names. Its pretty interesting if you'd like to read it.

So in summary.......sexism exists.

[requiem-morrow.livejournal.com]

Like said, I don't think you have anything to worry about with most of your names. I doubt they will ever become unisex. And, at least where I live, Ashley can still go either way:)

[requiem-morrow.livejournal.com]

Uh, dude...sexism exists but it doesn't mean you have to be a part of it. Use the names you like. Based on past transgendered naming trends. I really don't think you need to worry about Harvey, Dean, Ross, and Ramsey becoming girl names. They lack the traits that allow for the feminizing of a name. Thorne, maybe, but only in comic books and porn. Based on having read your posts for several months, you don't seem to care what people think of your names so why are you worried? If you like them, use them. There are some names that are so uber male that they will never not be masculine names, if you'll excuse my grammar. Some male names are never feminized despite being used on females. Junior is still a boy name, but go through a couple of yearbooks from your grandparent's generation and you'll find a female Junior. My gm went to school with a girl named Bunyon....it didn't change the fact that Bunyon is an awful name for either sex



Besides, the US is still so uptight about sex that Penis and Testicles would cause a whole other set of problems.

[politicking.livejournal.com]

i've really begun to like James on a girl. i've already used it on my son, but that's okay lol.

[requiem-morrow.livejournal.com]

I went through a phase in hs in which I wanted to change my name to James. It really is the most perfect name:)

[peytonlee.livejournal.com]

To respond to your question. I've never really been a big fan of "girly" names? For either girls OR boys. I think thats what attracts me most to the boys names on girls. I grew up as, and always will be a Tomboy. And i changed my name from Katherine to Kat, and yet from the age of 5-12 my nickname was "bud" ONLY bc all my friends were boys, and from there my nickname has been Kat.

I have gone to school with a Terry, for a boy and a Terry for a girl, as well as a boy named Ashley and a boy named Kristen. But to me it didnt seem too different? They never got made fun of, and in a way their names fit them. So, while i would never name my son a "girls" name, i also wouldn't look down on someone who did decide to do that.