I think the weird-ass names are an attempt not for the parents to be different, but a generally severely misguided desire for their kids to appear different in a “Wowee, that’s special” kinda way. Everyone else has a ‘normal’ name. But not my kid; my child is so different and special and s/he’s going places, s/he’s gonna get out of here & do important things or be a famous athlete.

As we know, oftentimes that’s simply not the case…and it’s just a nightmare for the rest of us (and that child) to spell, say, etc. I find it incredibly frustrating, even though I know this wasn’t their choice, but their parents’. If their last name is weird shit, I politely ask for the first name. If the first name is also weird shit, I politely make a best guess phonetic whatever & move on.

Fun fact, it’s not exactly ghetto made-up name territory, but Oprah Winfrey…isn’t Oprah. Her given name is Orpah, named after a biblical figure in the book of Ruth. Very obscure, ancient name! Nobody knew how to spell or pronounce it properly, and they started calling her Oprah instead. 🙂 Now…we’ve got Oprah.