"When I was pregnant with my first son, my husband and I pored over baby names for months, often texting a simple Liam? Anders? George? throughout the day. Predictably, we didn’t agree on many. I favored trendier names, while he wanted to go classic. When we finally landed on his name, Theo, I was thrilled. Not only was it a family name, but it was also a baby name you didn’t hear very often.
Fast forward six years, and his name is seemingly everywhere, even breaking into the top 10 boy names in 2022. Here’s how I coped after my son’s seemingly unique baby name became popular, how we dealt with the dreaded initial often tacked on to the end of our son’s name in classrooms, and some positives of having a more popular name.
His Name Has a History
Naming my first son after my grandfather was a nod to my dad’s dad, a man who always had a joke ready, wore suspenders sewn to every pair of pants, and affectionately called me “his wild child.” (One pierced belly button at age 16, and I’m forever labeled, am I right?)
So when I get bummed out that his name is making the rounds yet again, I make it a point to tell my Theo stories about the great-grandfather he never met. It’s keeping these memories alive that reminds me why family names are so important, regardless of popularity.
It’s Relatable
My husband is Italian, as is our last name. We could have easily chosen a traditional Italian moniker as a nod to his heritage. But I wanted something a bit more accessible, something that wouldn’t give people an idea who my son was before they even met him (Though, to be fair, Theo is of Greek origin.)
A bonus to having a popular baby name? Some research has shown that people with familiar or easy-to-pronounce names are considered more trustworthy and likable.
Pronunciation is a Snap
Another perk? He never has to correct teachers, coaches, or other adults when it comes to how to say his name. Its pronunciation is straightforward, and for a more reserved kid who can be shy around new adults, this is a definite plus.
Though our last name, Cautero, is another story.
More Positives After My Son’s Name Became Popular
While I don’t love the fact that his name has gained popularity in recent years, it’s not all bad. For one, it’s easy to spell and write, a coup for my newly-literate 6-year-old. One of his favorite hobbies is writing his name on everything, from his school folders to his Pokemon card binder to every piece of artwork he creates.
And when it comes to those kitschy keychains or personalized pens you find at souvenir stores? We can almost always find his name. His brother, on the other hand, is usually out of luck.
It also opens the door to unexpected friendships. Unlike me, my son gets a kick out of meeting other kids with his name. One of his newer friends is another little boy named Theo, who is a few years older. I don’t know that they would have become friends had they not shared a name. In fact, they love to giggle and call each other “Other Theo” any chance they get.
So while I may have mourned after my unique baby name became popular, my son Theo and “Other Theo” are both who they are meant to be.
Rachel Morgan Cautero, Contributing Writer
Rachel is a full-time freelance writer based in Ponte Vedra, Florida. When she’s not busy wrangling a toddler, preschooler, and one very stubborn French bulldog, she’s writing on all things personal finance and parenting. Her work has appeared in The Atlantic, Forbes, Parents, Nerdwallet, The Balance, Yahoo Finance, Truly Mama, SmartAsset, HerMoney, and DailyWorth.