The Name Game

Choosing a name for your baby is hard, especially if you are: 1. A teacher, 2. Not tied to a particular family name, Or, 3. If you have ever had a nickname or a name that is hard to spell.

My husband and I fit into all three categories.

As teachers, we have so many kids between the two of us; any suggestion would make one of us roll our eyes in disgust.

“No way, we can’t use that name, that kid picks his nose.” Or, “We can’t use that name, mean kids would call her _____________.”

It was quite a challenge.

We didn’t have any family names that we had to use—a boy would have been a bit more challenging because I would have tried to push for my dad’s name.  

Anyway...

My real name is Kathryn. I have always gone by Katie. I was such a shy kid in school, I hated the first day when I had to correct my teacher and say, “Call me Katie, please.”

And, my hubby’s name is Jonathon. Yes, spelled with an O. It is rare for someone to spell his name right.

So, yes, we are kind of picky—but I think it is for good reason.

The name we decided to go with for our little girl is: Kedzie Emmalyn.

Yes, I know, no one will know how to spell Kedzie. As a matter of fact, when people ask, “Do you have a name picked out?” I automatically start to spell it for them. My grandma was calling her Casey for the longest time.

But, I really like Kedzie. (And that is all that matters.)

Kedzie was actually the name of the street I would take to go home when I was a student at Michigan State University. I think there is a Kedzie Avenue in Chicago. So, yes, our daughter will technically be named after a street. And, yes, she will have to learn how to write a Z—which seems challenging.

I have never had a student named, Kedzie. I have had a few Kenzie’s/MacKenzie’s, but they have all been super sweet.

Oh, and Emmalyn. Well, that is a combination of family names. My husband’s grandmother (and as I later found out, my great-great grandmother was named Emma) and the lyn part comes from my grandma, who was named Marilyn and my mom, whose first name is Lynn.

So, I guess the middle name has special family meaning—but it was a compromise between the two families. That seems fairer, right?

Well, Kedzie Emmalyn. I hope you won’t mind having to spell your name for people. If you do, maybe we can call you KC?

Or, maybe you will just be a headstrong young lady who won’t mind telling people what’s up. That would make me pretty proud.