VMDiva

Something’s in the water in my social circle; It seems everyone I know is having a baby these days (except your Diva). Two questions always follow. Are you having a boy or a girl? And then, do you have a name picked? The last one has been getting me in trouble.

Just like there are associations you make with people’s names that would prevent you from ever naming your child said name, you can run into a naming quandary if you spend all your time with animals. Do you hear the name Molly and think of a sullen-faced Basset Hound? How about a cat named Sophie? Bella, Max, Sadie? There are names I will forever associate with pets and are, therefore, struck from my acceptable lists of baby names for everyone. Hey, we all know I’ve got an opinion on everything.

Several weeks ago I was examining an old, crispy Siamese who was resentful of any and all restraint. She wiggled her way around the table, refusing to allow a proper ophthalmic exam. Her owner was helping me but was starting to distress over the exam. To assure her I was being a gentle as I could without allowing the cat to squirm from me one more time, I firmly held on to her  and sang, “C’mon, Priscilla.” Her startled owner replied,”Oh, am I not holding her enough?” Doh, I called the cat the owner’s name!  Read the chart carefully my friends, species neutral names are everywhere!

The changing roles of pets to child status has muddied the waters and a staunch name purist like me will be forced to adjust. But I’m going down swinging!

And just in case you missed it, here are the top Pet and Baby Names of 2010!