When I was growing up, I would love to imagine names for my future children. Turns out, that when the baby is actually coming, picking a name is a lot harder than you think.
Greg and I had an extremely difficult time with this baby's name. We started making name lists when I was about seven months along. We have quite different styles, so nothing we had was matching up. I have a tendency to lean toward Scandinavian and Germanic names and Greg is still (after four kids) pushing to name the baby after a character in a fantasy novel. We were having a difficult time.
Before I was even pregnant, I mentioned the name, Guard, to Greg (I had heard it during a TV interview quite a few years back and had always liked it). Greg paused and said, "That's not a name, it's a noun....and a verb!" Just think about it, I told him.
While we were making out lists, Greg mentioned Guard and we put it on with other names. Our lists changed weekly. We added names we heard from friends, names we found on-line, ancestor names. We also crossed off many names.
When we left for the hospital we still had a list of about ten names. We told ourselves that we would wait and see what he looked like when he was born, but really, we were just putting off choosing a name.
Minutes after he was born, I thought of him as Guard. It just fit him. Greg said he had the same thoughts.
We didn't officially name him until he was a day and a half old. It was just torture for the kids. They all had their favorite names and were a bit disappointed that we didn't pick their 'name'. Gavin wanted to name him Daniel, Enoch wanted to name him Rex and Kate wanted to name him Duncan. All good choices, but he was Guard.
When we told our nurse what we had finally chosen, she said, "That's a great name. I knew a Guard in high school." So, we know there are a few out there, but not too many.
We decided not to get crazy with the spelling to avoid confusion. So much for that! When we tell people what his name is they always ask us to repeat it and then ask us how to spell it. Oh well.
I like the feeling behind the name Guard. To me I think of strong, steady, determined, honest - all things I hope for him. His middle name is Randall after my maiden name.
We love our Guard Randall Fowler! Even when he is upset.
Saturday, May 12, 2012
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3 comments:
I feel the same way you do about his name! I thought of many of those same adjectives. I think he will be a protector--he will make sure no evil enters your home and your family. He is a valiant one! I can tell! I am so happy for you!
I love his unique name, it's hard for me to think of because it's so unique but it fits him!
great name.
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