Naming Baby Geeks

I’m THAT parent. You know the one. The one who named her kid after fictional characters from her favorite fandoms? Yeahhh. Guilty as charged.

My daughter’s name is Alice Khaleesi. Trust me, I got some funny looks from people when they heard that middle name; I’ve always loved the story of Alice in Wonderland, and I’m a huge Game of Thrones fan, so why not? I was drawn to Alice’s imaginative whimsy, and I loved the idea of a strong Khaleesi leading her khalasar.

And while some may question my choices, I’m here to let you know that it’s okay to name your kid in homage to your favorite fandoms.

If you’re still unsure, here are some guidelines to help you narrow down your list:

1. The resumé test: How does this name look on a resumé? Will a potential employer be swayed one way or another by the name? If the answer is ‘yes,’ don’t despair! You can always use a more traditional first name, and sneak the geek reference into the middle name.

2. The pronunciation test: Would somebody unfamiliar with this fandom find the name absolutely impossible to pronounce or spell? If yes, consider modifying it slightly or picking your next favorite. Alternatively, you can opt to give zero f*cks about what other people can or cannot pronounce, and go on your merry way.

3. Significance: Is there a reason you’re drawn to these names? Maybe you just like the way they sound. Maybe the stories associated with them hold some deep significance in your life.

Not everyone is going to like your chosen name, but that could be said for non-geeky names, too! So, stick to your guns and proudly bring forth the next generation of geeks.

To get you started, here are some names that I personally love: