What's In A Name?

One of the most unexpectedly hard parts for us in preparing for our son's arrival was picking a name.  Last name was easy.  After a little discussion, middle name was chosen (my father's name.)  But our son didn't have his first name until 2 hours after he was born.  I think I viewed literally every boy baby name website in existence.

There's so much in a name.  It's often times people first impression of you.  There are articles and studies done on how your name can effect your life success.  And the impression one gets from hearing a certain name is completely subjective.  Names that I liked and I felt gave off the impression I was looking for, had a completely different effect on my husband.  Maybe he knew someone of that name that was a bully in elementary school. Name is now permanently spoiled for our use.  We all have people from our past that leave a bitter taste in our mouths - likely you'll never name your child one of those people's names.

I wanted something that was versatile and suits whatever my son grows up to be.  Would it sound professional when his assistant answers his office line for him? Or if he's running for public office? Would it sound commercial if he becomes an entertainer or an artist? Or if the announcer is reading his stats over the PA during an athletic event?  And does the name flow when addressing us as a family: Kim, Cam and __________?  I wanted it to be unique enough to warrant an extra split-second on someone's radar, but also not something people can't pronounce or spell or makes people think "What were his parent's thinking?" I also wanted it to give him a name that can be shortened/customized to his liking as he grows and has his own preferences (like me: Kimberly, Kim, Kimmy, Kimber. For the record, Kim will do).  I'm very happy with what we decided on - sorry, I'm keeping it a little private, he is just KJ on this site - but his name suits him and addresses all my wants (I think.)  We have only ever gotten positive feedback from people when they ask his name - but then

I wanted something that was versatile and suits whatever my son grows up to be.  Would it sound professional when his assistant answers his office line for him? Or if he's running for public office? Would it sound commercial if he becomes an entertainer or an artist? Or if the announcer is reading his stats over the PA during an athletic event?  And does the name flow when addressing us as a family: Kim, Cam and __________?  I wanted it to be unique enough to warrant an extra split-second on someone's radar, but also not something people can't pronounce or spell or makes people think "What were his parent's thinking?" I also wanted it to give him a name that can be shortened/customized to his liking as he grows and has his own preferences (like me: Kimberly, Kim, Kimmy, Kimber. For the record, Kim will do).  I'm very happy with what we decided on - sorry, I'm keeping it a little private, he is just KJ on this site - but his name suits him and addresses all my wants (I think.)  We have only ever gotten positive feedback from people when they ask his name - but then

I went through a similar decision challenge when naming my blog, though I'm fully aware this decision is much less permanent and serious than my son's name.  But still, it gives readers an impression of me and of what the blog might be about.  I wanted it to be broad, to encompass all the areas of interest I may include here, and catchy, so it sticks with you or is easy to remember.  It  is a reflection of me physically in a metaphoric way, in that I am tall and slender, and it reflects the general content of the site, which I hope to be everyday things that make life look a bit better (just as stilettos do for their wearers). Put on a good pair of stilettos, and you look slimmer, stand taller, and appear more confident.  This blog is where I'm attempting to find and share things that make me and life happier, prettier, easier and more memorable. 

So, that's what's in that name.  What are your thoughts? Does the name work? What is your first reaction to it?