A Figtree parenting expert believes mums and dads don’t take naming their children seriously enough.
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It comes in the wake of UK research revealing nearly 18 per cent of parents wish they had called their child something different if they could, while two per cent actually did.
"I think my biggest concern would be whether the child feels like it is his or her identity and whether or not the child’s being bullied."
Mumsnet surveyed 1300 to discover the most common reasons for remorse was because a name was too commonly used, they were pressured into using it, it was not distinctive enough and “it just doesn’t feel right”.
One in 10 parents said spelling and pronunciation issues also led them to become frustrated with their child’s name.
Doctor of psychology and author Justin Coulson said parents too often don’t think it through and follow fads, ultimately making life hard for their child.
“If a child’s got a name that is unusual, it makes them stand out and children, particularly in grade three and grade four, they don’t have the maturity to actually respond kindly so they look for the weakest link,” he said.
Naming your son Angus because you like burgers, or calling your twins Harry and Niall because you’re a fan of One Direction could cause remorse later in life, according to Dr Coulson.
He said the same goes for being pushed into naming a child Megan because it was family tradition, as the parent loses a “sense of control” over the situation.
“A year or two later you feel like the child never really grows into the name,” he said.
While there’s no psychological evidence laying down what harm naming regret could cause, Dr Coulson said a constant feeling of disappointment in the back of one’s mind may affect the way they interact with their child or ultimately how the child feels.
“I think my biggest concern would be whether the child feels like it is his or her identity and whether or not the child’s being bullied,” he said.
In 2015 Oliver and Charlotte were the most poplar baby names in the Illawarra.
According to Mumsnet Charlotte was one of the names people most regretted.