Surrey or Suri? What's with These Baby Names?

“Chicks and ducks and geese better scurry, when I take you out in the surrey. When I take you out in the surrey with the fringe on top.”

~Curly, “Oklahoma”

It’s not the most popular song from the musical “Oklahoma,” but it is catchy. So I’m thinking Tom and Katie – you know, the famous Cruise/Holmes duo – may have been humming the tune these past couple months as they awaited the birth of baby Tomkat. Of course, on April 19 we all know they named their newborn baby girl Suri, which has a totally different meaning from surrey. Surrey is simply a horse-drawn buggy with a fancy roof to shade passengers. On the other end of the continuum is Suri, which is primarily Armenian and means “wealthy.”

What is it with celebrities and the wacky names they choose for their offspring? Moon Unit? Apple? Banjo? Diezel? Pilot Inspektor? Yeah, these are all actual names chosen by celebrities for the kids they’ve brought into the world. Must be their creative side seeping out of them. As if a celeb’s own popularity isn’t enough to get them column inches in “People” magazine when their child is born. Or, perhaps mom had an epidural that leaked up the spine and into the head instead of numbing the lower extremities. Whatever the case, at least we “normal” non-celebs have something to smile about when a superstar’s baby enters the world. I hear Kelly Clarkson intends to name her first baby “Hinge,” if it’s a boy and “Saltine” if it’s a girl.

The reason we choose the names we do for our kids are as varied as the colors of paint available at Home Depot. Names often have a specific purpose: to pay homage to grandma or grandpa, or provide a child with a name of power or leadership. In the late 90s hundreds of little boys were named William or Jefferson after our 42nd president. Monica, on the other hand, not so popular. Then there are names that are selected because they flow well with another sibling. I had a junior high teacher who had five kids, three boys and two girls, all with names beginning with “k.” Kyle, Kevin, Kara, Kelly, and Kelsey. Catchy to the point of puking.

I personally propose more moms and dads to be should look to their favorite soap operas for the perfect name. Don’t laugh – it’s happened more than once.

So…as you consider a naming convention in preparation of your newest little arrival, consider the traditional, the unique, the ceremonial, and the meaningful. Try a few combinations of the names you like the most. You’re certain to come up with something very special. Tomkat succeeded with Suri. My guess is you can do better than that!

“Don't you hurry little Surrey, with the fringe on the top.”

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