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HelpWhat do you think of this name?
We named our daughter Zylah because we wanted something different but not made up. I wasn't too sure of it when I was pregnant but since my husband liked it soo much I went with it. Now that shes here I still can't bring myself to call her by her first name so I call her by her middle name which is very common and popular. Her full name is Zylah Sophia I love Sophia and I personally didn't know anyone else name Sophia. So at home she's Sophia but I tell strangers she's Zylah and never get a good or bad response. What do you think when you hear the name Zylah( Z-eye-la)?
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Zylah is pretty good. I'd prefer Zyla though, because the H at the end makes it look too trendy. It also just reminds me of the word 'xylophone'. :P
Sophia is pretty too. It's a lot more traditional but also more popular, and it gives me too much of a cushy princess vibe. Neither of them are bad though, so I'd just wait and see which one she prefers when she gets older.
Sophia is pretty too. It's a lot more traditional but also more popular, and it gives me too much of a cushy princess vibe. Neither of them are bad though, so I'd just wait and see which one she prefers when she gets older.
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Personally? I would rather be Zylah than Sophia. Sophia is fine, but Zylah is pretty in its own right, even if it is made up. It has a certain ring to it that quiet, staid Sophia lacks. JMO.
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I think of xylophone at first but that's not a bad thing to me, it's kind of funky! I think it's a really spunky, different and pretty name -- and it's also not easily forgotten. Zylah Sophia is a nice combo, too, and I like the spelling.
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I think it's quite pretty!
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Thanks everyone! I don't mind hearing everyone's honest opinions. My issue was never wether my daughter would grow up to be a doctor, lawyer or what have you because success is different for everyone. I do like the name Zylah it just doesn't fit her beautiful chubby face that I love so much right now. I know I'll get use to it with time. Thanks again!
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I don't think its terrible, because it runs in the same line is Lilah, Kyla, Myla, and Nyla.
However, I don't really like it. It sounds pretty until you start to think about it a bit. I agree with the xylophone and xylem associations.
There is one positive, though. You didn't spell it Xyla!
However, I don't really like it. It sounds pretty until you start to think about it a bit. I agree with the xylophone and xylem associations.
There is one positive, though. You didn't spell it Xyla!
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It seems pretty made up to me, but that's not necessarily a bad thing. I really like the eye-la sound, like in Lyla and Isla. I'm not a fan of the h on the end. To me Zyla looks better. Like another poster said, I think of xylophones, but I also think of this girl I know called Zali (ZAH-lee). I like the middle name Sophia.
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I'm sorry, I really don't like it when people give their kids "unique," "different," "cool," and "totally NOT made up" names. It just seems like you either hate the child, or have decided you never want her to become a doctor, lawyer, supreme court justice, or a person with any respectable profession. Really, who would you think is the better lawyer?
Zylah Thompson, attorney at law
or
Sophia Thompson, attorney at law?
It just makes me think your husband was thinking of how SWEET she would be, with her special name and all. He probably wasn't considering how weird the name will look on her resume, or how people may not take her seriously because of her cutesy name. I'd recommend changing it; your daughter will most likely be sick of her name by age ten, if not earlier.
Zylah Thompson, attorney at law
or
Sophia Thompson, attorney at law?
It just makes me think your husband was thinking of how SWEET she would be, with her special name and all. He probably wasn't considering how weird the name will look on her resume, or how people may not take her seriously because of her cutesy name. I'd recommend changing it; your daughter will most likely be sick of her name by age ten, if not earlier.
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I wouldn't have any problems going to Zylah Thompson, Attorney at Law. Really, is it the worst possible name you can think of? Really ? It works just fine in real life. Yeesh.
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Who are you and who do you think you are with this condescending attitude? Your farts smell like lilac or something? You think everyone in positions of power is as insecure and class-focused as you? That's not how it works - a supposed concern about "professionalism" in names is almost always just a flaily attempt to rationalize some kind of weird prejudice.
Frankly I'd probably rather hire a Zylah Thompson because I get bored by looking at the name Sophia over and over and I like to stock my life with people who have interesting names. What's your excuse for preferring Sophia? Really.
Frankly I'd probably rather hire a Zylah Thompson because I get bored by looking at the name Sophia over and over and I like to stock my life with people who have interesting names. What's your excuse for preferring Sophia? Really.
This message was edited 7/19/2013, 9:07 PM
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I can't seem to find a link to the exact study, but there is actually a study that shows that individuals with more unique or rare names are not chosen as often when compared to "normal" names. The resumes that were given "normal" names, despite having exactly the same qualifications, were called 50% more often. So, there is some truth to it. Its a terrible stereotype, however and your name has nothing to do with what you can and cannot accomplish.
This article illustrates the study, though isn't the actual study. They use the term "black" names which I think is off, as I know plenty of white, hispanic, asian, native, etc people with similiar names. So, take the article with a grain of salt.
http://www.cbsnews.com/2100-201_162-575685.html
P.S.: I always find it mildy funny and irritatingly grating that you think its okay to rudely bash other people's names but when it comes to a name that you like or have the potential to like, no one else can bash it. I'm not saying what she said was appropriate, but neither are many of your comments. Its ironic.
This article illustrates the study, though isn't the actual study. They use the term "black" names which I think is off, as I know plenty of white, hispanic, asian, native, etc people with similiar names. So, take the article with a grain of salt.
http://www.cbsnews.com/2100-201_162-575685.html
P.S.: I always find it mildy funny and irritatingly grating that you think its okay to rudely bash other people's names but when it comes to a name that you like or have the potential to like, no one else can bash it. I'm not saying what she said was appropriate, but neither are many of your comments. Its ironic.
This message was edited 7/20/2013, 7:08 AM
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To your PS: Emma isn't "rudely bashing other people's names." She states her opinions on names like everyone else does - which is the point of this board. And she's never said anything that implies that no one is allowed to bash names that she likes. I don't know where you came up with that.
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PS, I enjoy names and talking about them. Duh? It's not my fault people who like boring-ass Atticus Eleanor I-hope-my-potential-employer-can-tell-that-I'm-white names never want to stick up for them when I flamboyantly illustrate why I don't like them. Where anywhere did I imply that an equal and opposite reaction to my posts would be anything other than perfectly fair?
I don't think there's a comparison between me not liking your Atticus Finchbutt names and this person's bizarrely vitriolic classist comments. I think it's clear to anyone with any kind of... uh, sense... at all... that my comments are made in a spirit of lighthearted dialogue, and meant to provoke a reaction. This person's comments are, like, quite different. Mean-spirited, completely judgmental, no room for subjectivity at all. It's not surprising to me that you would compare them, though - goes along with a lot of the other bizarrely clueless things you've posted in the past few days since you've been back. Seriously, what's going on? Are you sick or something? I don't remember you being this dull-witted.
I find the construction "irritatingly grating" rather grating. Who taught you to write that way?
Also I hope you know that your little passive aggressive dig towards me here, the kind which I find intolerable when directed towards anyone, has absolved me from any potential future mixed feelings I might have had about intentionally "irritatingly grating" on you every chance I get. Cheers, boring lady.
I don't think there's a comparison between me not liking your Atticus Finchbutt names and this person's bizarrely vitriolic classist comments. I think it's clear to anyone with any kind of... uh, sense... at all... that my comments are made in a spirit of lighthearted dialogue, and meant to provoke a reaction. This person's comments are, like, quite different. Mean-spirited, completely judgmental, no room for subjectivity at all. It's not surprising to me that you would compare them, though - goes along with a lot of the other bizarrely clueless things you've posted in the past few days since you've been back. Seriously, what's going on? Are you sick or something? I don't remember you being this dull-witted.
I find the construction "irritatingly grating" rather grating. Who taught you to write that way?
Also I hope you know that your little passive aggressive dig towards me here, the kind which I find intolerable when directed towards anyone, has absolved me from any potential future mixed feelings I might have had about intentionally "irritatingly grating" on you every chance I get. Cheers, boring lady.
This message was edited 7/20/2013, 12:17 PM
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I'm not bothered whether you like my comments or liked names. I just thought I would point out how ironic it was that you are rude but like to point out when others are rude back to you. You do it to everyone, not just me, so I wasn't actually saying it in regard to anything you said to me. You're just generally rude. Apparently the internet gives you a mask that lets you just say whatever you want. I honestly don't care that much because its your opinion. What I care about is your lack of respect for anyone else's opinion.
The person was stating how they feel toward the names. Obviously if the poster thinks that way, other people will too, whether you or I agree with it. Thats why its an OPINION. Everyone can have an opinion, but obviously no one can have one that is different than yours. You have an "This is black, this is white. I'm right, you're wrong" mentality. Its just funny. Really. I giggle when I read your replies because they are so outrageously rude.
The person was stating how they feel toward the names. Obviously if the poster thinks that way, other people will too, whether you or I agree with it. Thats why its an OPINION. Everyone can have an opinion, but obviously no one can have one that is different than yours. You have an "This is black, this is white. I'm right, you're wrong" mentality. Its just funny. Really. I giggle when I read your replies because they are so outrageously rude.
This message was edited 7/20/2013, 11:15 PM
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Everyone can have an opinion, but obviously no one can have one that is different than yours.
Where on earth are you getting this idea? It's so obvious to you, but to me it's obviously not true. I was rude to this person because they were talking not about names but about something much deeper. In ordinary circumstances, I think what I think about names, and I have fun saying it and presenting it - what do I care what other people think? Like, what are you talking about? Other people aren't allowed, like I'm some kind of queen? Like even if I were BTN queen I'd prevent people with other opinions from saying anything? Like I want to be bellowing into an echo chamber? It's a community and a lot of people have different tastes and I like that. My opinions change all the time and I like that. I like expressing them while they're there. A lot of the time they're sort of loud and extreme. I present them that way, without defense. I think this is ok. What else am I supposed to do on a name forum...? Where do I disrespect the opinions of others, aside from this post? I just don't get it.
I also think it's truly weird that you feel entitled to come on here and make weird, passive aggressive generalizations about my character, and not keep them to yourself. Very rude. Like, maybe I'm annoying, but it's not really your business, is it? Does anyone else think this is really weird, what she's doing here? Or is she justified and I'm just a troll who doesn't add anything to community and should glumly slink away tail between legs? I'm feeling weirdly bullied by you, I want someone to stick up for me. I don't usually get my character attacked on here. I don't think I ever have. It's no fun. Why are you doing it?
Where on earth are you getting this idea? It's so obvious to you, but to me it's obviously not true. I was rude to this person because they were talking not about names but about something much deeper. In ordinary circumstances, I think what I think about names, and I have fun saying it and presenting it - what do I care what other people think? Like, what are you talking about? Other people aren't allowed, like I'm some kind of queen? Like even if I were BTN queen I'd prevent people with other opinions from saying anything? Like I want to be bellowing into an echo chamber? It's a community and a lot of people have different tastes and I like that. My opinions change all the time and I like that. I like expressing them while they're there. A lot of the time they're sort of loud and extreme. I present them that way, without defense. I think this is ok. What else am I supposed to do on a name forum...? Where do I disrespect the opinions of others, aside from this post? I just don't get it.
I also think it's truly weird that you feel entitled to come on here and make weird, passive aggressive generalizations about my character, and not keep them to yourself. Very rude. Like, maybe I'm annoying, but it's not really your business, is it? Does anyone else think this is really weird, what she's doing here? Or is she justified and I'm just a troll who doesn't add anything to community and should glumly slink away tail between legs? I'm feeling weirdly bullied by you, I want someone to stick up for me. I don't usually get my character attacked on here. I don't think I ever have. It's no fun. Why are you doing it?
This message was edited 7/21/2013, 7:50 AM
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Yep, it's a little weird. But I checked - she isn't the same person as Ella. lol. You had to wonder because she reacted kinda as if you'd spoken that way to her - it was the tone, not the topic, that set her off. People generally don't put down each other's character on the internet, unless they have no good point and are just emotionally reacting in a way they don't want to understand. So you don't have to defend yourself. You called her "boring lady" and said she sounded "dull witted," so you did escalate.
I think maybe she was just sort of bothered by how sharp you were? like, maybe she's supersensitive and has a defensive reaction to any trenchant verbal criticism, even though it wasn't criticism of her maybe she identifies a little with the person being razzed and vaguely felt like she should stand up. I'm going to hope that that's it, and that she learns not to bother reacting to stuff.
I thought your response to Ella was funny. Haven't seen the ol' "would you trust a [insert profession here] with that name" argument around here in a while.
I think maybe she was just sort of bothered by how sharp you were? like, maybe she's supersensitive and has a defensive reaction to any trenchant verbal criticism, even though it wasn't criticism of her maybe she identifies a little with the person being razzed and vaguely felt like she should stand up. I'm going to hope that that's it, and that she learns not to bother reacting to stuff.
I thought your response to Ella was funny. Haven't seen the ol' "would you trust a [insert profession here] with that name" argument around here in a while.
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I second Billina. You were totally justified in your response to Ella and you're not rude. LMS is making lots of generalizations about your character that are inaccurate and say a lot more about her than they do about you.
This message was edited 7/21/2013, 3:22 PM
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I'll stick up for you. I think Ella deserved to have someone call her out on her nasty attitude. Really, implying the OP might hate her child for giving her that name? If she doesn't like it, fine, but there are less asshole-y ways to express that opinion, no? Disagree all you want, but be an adult about it. I saw nothing in your reply to Ella that was unnecessarily rude or uncalled for. LMS is only using this as a springboard to defend her taste for...some reason. What IS the reason, LMS? Is it because blaaaarg is one of the most outspoken people on the board? Chill.
This message was edited 7/21/2013, 1:20 PM
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Yeah it could work with gender too. Did you see this one?
http://whatwouldkingleonidasdo.tumblr.com/post/54989171152/how-i-discovered-gender-discrimination
So maybe if we want our daughters to have no barriers of prejudice, we should name them Mason or Ryan or Carter. It's ever so important to seem as "normal" as possible to people who are "normal" ... since we certainly ought not expect the mainstream to change their righteous prejudices. Eh?
http://whatwouldkingleonidasdo.tumblr.com/post/54989171152/how-i-discovered-gender-discrimination
So maybe if we want our daughters to have no barriers of prejudice, we should name them Mason or Ryan or Carter. It's ever so important to seem as "normal" as possible to people who are "normal" ... since we certainly ought not expect the mainstream to change their righteous prejudices. Eh?
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I don't think that at all. I'm just showing the research that some people do.
I have no problems with working or hiring someone named Flower or Rajayjay or John or whatever. In fact, I already do (not those exact names, but you catch the drift). And I think most people do, and most sane people would also realize that someone named Parfalofopus would have no less of a work ethic than someone named John and that someone named John would have no more of a work ethic than someone named Parfalofopus.
Just as some HR reps wouldn't hire someone based on their names, some absolutely do. There are some workplaces that seek out diversity, and judge names with the intention of hiring various different "types" of employees. Some workplaces that have more of an influx of one gender or another also use name discrimination, much like your article highlighted. I know where I work, which is mostly females, the managers absolutely jump on any males that apply because a little male testosterone on our unit can change the whole workplace dynamic. Some women with the same qualifications have not been hired, but the male has, because there is some sort of "quota" some workplaces have for various genders, ethnicities, etc. College is a perfect example of this when they fill a "minority" quota.
So really, I think your name doesn't really matter in the grand scheme for hiring. For every biased workplace that won't hire you for your name there is an equally biased workplace that will.
I think its obvious that the mainstream has already changed their perceptions on names based on what people name their kids today. Kiley and Cash are normal today and someone 100 years ago wouldn't have dreamed of naming their kids that. Today, I think its more strange to hear of a newborn Agnes or Charles.
I have no problems with working or hiring someone named Flower or Rajayjay or John or whatever. In fact, I already do (not those exact names, but you catch the drift). And I think most people do, and most sane people would also realize that someone named Parfalofopus would have no less of a work ethic than someone named John and that someone named John would have no more of a work ethic than someone named Parfalofopus.
Just as some HR reps wouldn't hire someone based on their names, some absolutely do. There are some workplaces that seek out diversity, and judge names with the intention of hiring various different "types" of employees. Some workplaces that have more of an influx of one gender or another also use name discrimination, much like your article highlighted. I know where I work, which is mostly females, the managers absolutely jump on any males that apply because a little male testosterone on our unit can change the whole workplace dynamic. Some women with the same qualifications have not been hired, but the male has, because there is some sort of "quota" some workplaces have for various genders, ethnicities, etc. College is a perfect example of this when they fill a "minority" quota.
So really, I think your name doesn't really matter in the grand scheme for hiring. For every biased workplace that won't hire you for your name there is an equally biased workplace that will.
I think its obvious that the mainstream has already changed their perceptions on names based on what people name their kids today. Kiley and Cash are normal today and someone 100 years ago wouldn't have dreamed of naming their kids that. Today, I think its more strange to hear of a newborn Agnes or Charles.
This message was edited 7/21/2013, 3:43 AM
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Taken with several grains.
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Interesting. That uncomfortable, eh? I guess I can see where you're coming from. I think it's a pretty cool name. Are you guys considering changing it?
Zylah seems like a modern made-up name to me, but that's okay. It's the 2000s equivalent of something like Zelma. It's workable soundwise, easy to remember. I sort of like the spelling Xyla more - looks a little more like it came out of a biology textbook, which I rather like and find grounding. Maybe Shyla would be better? or even Isla?
Zylah seems like a modern made-up name to me, but that's okay. It's the 2000s equivalent of something like Zelma. It's workable soundwise, easy to remember. I sort of like the spelling Xyla more - looks a little more like it came out of a biology textbook, which I rather like and find grounding. Maybe Shyla would be better? or even Isla?
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agree
It's fine.
And anyway, by the time she has grown up, people will not be as supercilious about traditional names indicating achievement and respectability. There are a lot of Sophias and that name will surely be respectable enough, but there's no reason to think Zylah will be any less so. It's a little bit like Julia vs. Leesa... either one could be an accomplished professional today (I just met a Leesa aged about 45 who was well-to-do and professional, and while I think her name probably seemed a little tacky and too-creative in 1970 - it no longer does, at least not in the states I've lived in).
I think you (OP) should do the same thing as with your 12 year old son's name - leave it up to her to decide when she's old enough. You could always try out Sophia on strangers, and see if you prefer their reactions and the assumptions they seem to make. And please post under only one name =)
Btw I don't agree that Shyla would be better, because Shyla has shy in it. Zylah just looks like an invented name with a fashionable sound.
It's fine.
And anyway, by the time she has grown up, people will not be as supercilious about traditional names indicating achievement and respectability. There are a lot of Sophias and that name will surely be respectable enough, but there's no reason to think Zylah will be any less so. It's a little bit like Julia vs. Leesa... either one could be an accomplished professional today (I just met a Leesa aged about 45 who was well-to-do and professional, and while I think her name probably seemed a little tacky and too-creative in 1970 - it no longer does, at least not in the states I've lived in).
I think you (OP) should do the same thing as with your 12 year old son's name - leave it up to her to decide when she's old enough. You could always try out Sophia on strangers, and see if you prefer their reactions and the assumptions they seem to make. And please post under only one name =)
Btw I don't agree that Shyla would be better, because Shyla has shy in it. Zylah just looks like an invented name with a fashionable sound.
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Thanks everyone just wanted to hear others honest opinions. And by the way I'm not worry that my daughter won't be successful because of her name. Seriously? A name doesn't make a person. I actually do like "cute" names like someone mentioned this one just doesn't fit her.
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It makes me think of Sylar (pronounced the name, at least in my accent, only with an 's' instead of a 'z'), the villain from Heroes who likes cutting people's heads open and looking at their brains. Either that, or, like a previous poster said, xylem. So I have to say, I'm sorry, but I don't really like it at all.
Sophia is a lovely name though. I know quite a few Sophia's, though most of them go by Sophie.
Sophia is a lovely name though. I know quite a few Sophia's, though most of them go by Sophie.
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It reminds me of xylem, which is a botany term for the tissue in trees that makes wood. I'm not a fan of it.
OT- my sister and I played a variation of the alphabet game on long car rides when we are kids, and are teaching it to her kids. Instead of finding the letters on signs, we look for things that start with the letters. X is a letter that we only have one item for- xylem. Anything wooden counts for x. It isn't the only tough letter. Any horse becomes a 'quarter horse', a group of animals might be our 'zoo'.
OT- my sister and I played a variation of the alphabet game on long car rides when we are kids, and are teaching it to her kids. Instead of finding the letters on signs, we look for things that start with the letters. X is a letter that we only have one item for- xylem. Anything wooden counts for x. It isn't the only tough letter. Any horse becomes a 'quarter horse', a group of animals might be our 'zoo'.
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Yay! (ot)
We play the grown-up version of that! Nouns, adjectives, and adverbs are all "eligible" words, but someone gives a word and the other has to find a match. It really stretches your thinking when you have to find something exhibiting xenophobia!
We play the grown-up version of that! Nouns, adjectives, and adverbs are all "eligible" words, but someone gives a word and the other has to find a match. It really stretches your thinking when you have to find something exhibiting xenophobia!
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To be honest I think of xylophone but if I knew a little Zylah I'd grow accustomed to thinking of her, I'm sure!
I suppose you can consider Zylah a form of Zilla or Zillah - I used to like these until Godzilla ruined the name for me!
Sophia is lovely.
I also quite like Zola.
I suppose you can consider Zylah a form of Zilla or Zillah - I used to like these until Godzilla ruined the name for me!
Sophia is lovely.
I also quite like Zola.
This message was edited 7/19/2013, 8:49 PM
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Godzilla kind of made me like Zillah more!! lol
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