Name Game

Obviously, Barry and I have been talking for weeks about names. That's the Type A in us coming out way we roll. In case you're wondering, we have made very little progress. We cannot agree on anything. With Branner, we had one boy's name nailed down, and zero girl's names. This time, we aren't on the same page for either gender. The only thing we can agree on is that we will use family names. This limits us greatly, but it is our personal preference that our children be named after people who are or were important parts of our life. This leads me to the great Leighton debate.

Leighton is Barry's brother, Jason's, middle name. Jason just so happens to be the family member with whom Barry is closest and has always, always looked up to. He is Barry's role model. So, naturally, Barry is pushing big time for Leighton as a name. My problem with it is how popular this name has become for girls in the past few years. Now that it is used primarily as a female name, I would feel bad if my boy Leighton (may have to change the spelling if I could bring myself to agree to using it) was in the same class as a girl Leighton. So, while I like the name, I am very torn about it. UGH.

Current Names on My List

Girl:  Cranford (maternal grandmother's maiden name), Catherine (Barry's grandmother's name, my great aunt's name), Alice (Barry's mother's middle name, middle name of my paternal great-grandmother), Louise (my mom's middle name—would use this as a middle name), Leighton (see above, would use as a middle name), Elizabeth (my middle name, my aunt's middle name, would use as a middle name).

Boy: Cranford (see above, obviously this is my favorite name in the running), Leighton (see above, middle name), James (maternal grandfather's name, middle name), Thomas (my mom's maiden name), Robert (Barry's grandfather's name, his oldest brother's middle name).

There is a good chance (if I get my way) that this child will be named or called by Cranford regardless of gender. Fingers crossed!

Thoughts? Opinions???