There are plenty of baby naming tips that warn against naming your baby something too trendy, unpronounceable or difficult to spell.  Trusted rules include stick to the classics, check the initials and make sure the name fits with the surname.  And most importantly, avoid anything that will later embarrass

Although, I understand such reasoning, it can also seem a bit too safe and boring.  Why not be more creative?  Why not be a little different?  No offence to the classic baby names of this world, but here is a counter argument - 5 reasons to name your baby something more unusual than usual.

1. Your baby is unique and so is her name

If a baby name is popular, there are many children out there with the same name.  Choosing a name that doesn’t top the popularity stakes, carves a niche for your child.  People may need to listen harder, repeat or spell out the name, but by doing so, they are less likely to forget it.

2. Celebrities do it, so why can’t I?

Apple.  Suri.  Cruz.  Maddox.  Who would have thought you could name your baby after a piece of fruit?  Well you can!  Celebrities do.  And celebrities set trends.  Why not set your own trend by naming your baby after a feeling or planet or a dessert?  Crème caramel anyone?

3. Creative creation

Conceiving a baby is a truly creative act.  So why shouldn’t choosing a baby name be just as creative?  Visited a memorable place?  Admired a certain quality?  Always loved a certain song?  There are many ways to discover your baby’s name apart from scouring the baby name books.  Babies are incredibly creative. Honour that with a creative name. 

4. Self-esteem by any other name

A child’s self-esteem is not name-dependent.  Babies with popular or classic names do not avoid embarrassment, awkwardness or humiliation growing up.  Unfortunately, most of us experience these feelings some time in our life.  We boost our kids’ self-esteem by loving, encouraging and listening to them, not by giving them a bubble-proof name.

5. Change

Even classic names can be loathed by your darling little baby when he becomes a full blown teenager.  Whether his name is traditional or triumphantly different, if he really hates it, he can always change it!