The worst part about choosing names for fictional characters is how many perfectly good choices happen to be the name of someone I know and have no wish whatsoever to associate with the character.
The second worst part is how lists of baby names are all about popular or trending names. Why would you pick one of the most popular names on purpose?? I don't understand people.
@relsqui I would do it to help anonymize my child.
My plan is, if I ever have a child, to give them a painfully common, but gender neutral name. (Like Alex or Morgan)
Then, when they're old enough, give them the opportunity to choose their own name. Go through with the legal part for them, too, if they like.
Too many children are getting hosted on pedestals for scrutiny under the state and everyone else of social media record they can even speak.
@Anarkat I mean you wrote your last paragraph in the passive voice but you could just ... choose not to post the name/photo of your child on social media.
@relsqui that was just a secondary idea.
I think that giving a child a common name could help obfuscate their personal history, making it easier for them if they want to drop off the radar for themselves.
I've got a bit of a common name, and I'm actually glad for that. Makes tracking me down harder for someone who would want to do that.
