OK, we have trouble right here in River City folks. Lily is the name we have planned on, told family and friends about. This is the name that was used to think about, pray for and make wishes for her. It is a lovely name. It is a gorgeous flower with a big fabulous scent.
So what's the problem? We have discovered it is also a very popular name, ESPECIALLY in the Chinese adoption community. Does our love for the name outweigh the fact that she may have to be Lily #7 at Chinese culture camp when she is eleven?
We do not want her to feel like a caricature of a little Chinese girl. But, what do you name a daughter born in China? Nadia, Antonia, Samira? We Americans come from all different cultures, do we ignore the cultural connotations of a name like Elke? if we love it? Do we choose from the parents' cultural backgrounds? Do we give her an exotic sounding Chinese name that we may not be able to say correctly? Think JiangJiang. Would she feel proud of her name or feel like she sticks out even more than she already does with older, caucasian parents?
We have a list of other names we like, but especially Doug, and some extended family do not want to give up on the idea of the girl we called Lily.
Tell us what you think. Leave any really good name ideas you want. Nothing off the top ten list please :)
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4 comments:
Doug, Deirdre,
This site is beautifully done! But what is the top ten list of names?
Hi Deirdre & Doug,
What is the Chinese word for goosebumps? She looks so sweet and beautiful that she gives me goosebumps. --Diane Rapp
I think you should stick with Lily. I grew up having a really popular girl's name and it never bothered me. In highschool there were 5 Marias out of the 50 girls in the class and it wasnt a big deal - I even got a cool and weird nickname out of the whole thing. I vote for Lily!
Hello,
I just found your comment again on our blog from when we were in China this summer!
Your little girl is very, very cute!
Any news on travel dates?
As far as the name goes... you'll know in your heart, I'm sure. We "had" to change our older daughter's name shortly before she was born, and although that was strange for a while, we were happy with our decision. And now we have a "Nina" after all!
All the best to you!
Barb
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