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HelpHelpful opinions on my choices please!
Hey everyone. I am pregnant and my husband and I want to wait til birth to find out the gender of our little one. We have picked out names we absolutely love, the only problem is that people react to them so badly. For example, I always get responces like "you're joking right?!" And "you really need to choose something more popular." Their opinions shouldn't matter it's just that they're kinda hurtful. Anyways the boy name: Xakery Jayden (Xakery is a different spelling of the name Zachary, which is a beautiful name that means remembered by God.) The girl name: Xoelle Aliyah (Xoelle is a different spelling of the name Zoelle which means one who analyzes life to find deeper truths.) Like I said, I really love these names. Are they really that bad?
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You're joking. Right? Trolling us?
Let's assume you're not.
I'm usually pretty relaxed about variant spellings. People are teachable. But you have made not one, not two, but three phonetic changes to Zachary. When I try to read it, I feel like you deliberately tried to mess with my attention by spelling it Xakery... you forced me to focus on the letters in this kid's name, and sort them out to make them say Zachary. That doesn't make me admire his uniqueness or the creativity ... it distracts me from him as a person, and comes off as a shallow gimmick. I apologixe if that hurts your feelings, but you should be aware that the majority of people will react this way, and it should become an embarrassment for the young man. At least give him a Z. Zakery would be intelligible - although it still gives a rather childish impression it would not be so self-consciously too-clever.
Xoelle is not that bad. I have to say it does sound like the name of someone who leads a mediocre life. Not that there is anything wrong with that. But I prefer Zoe. It has far more mystique.
I suggest you try calling yourself Xoelle for a week. Introduce yourself with it, give it to the baristas and restaurant hostesses, etc. Spell it for everyone. See how it feels.
Let's assume you're not.
I'm usually pretty relaxed about variant spellings. People are teachable. But you have made not one, not two, but three phonetic changes to Zachary. When I try to read it, I feel like you deliberately tried to mess with my attention by spelling it Xakery... you forced me to focus on the letters in this kid's name, and sort them out to make them say Zachary. That doesn't make me admire his uniqueness or the creativity ... it distracts me from him as a person, and comes off as a shallow gimmick. I apologixe if that hurts your feelings, but you should be aware that the majority of people will react this way, and it should become an embarrassment for the young man. At least give him a Z. Zakery would be intelligible - although it still gives a rather childish impression it would not be so self-consciously too-clever.
Xoelle is not that bad. I have to say it does sound like the name of someone who leads a mediocre life. Not that there is anything wrong with that. But I prefer Zoe. It has far more mystique.
I suggest you try calling yourself Xoelle for a week. Introduce yourself with it, give it to the baristas and restaurant hostesses, etc. Spell it for everyone. See how it feels.
This message was edited 12/12/2014, 9:22 AM
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Look, I am all for letting people name their children what they love.
However, I would be remiss if I didn't say that your choices (for first names) make me cringe. Zachary is a fine name, but the x substitution makes the name seem uneducated and less classy. You are right that Zachariah means "yahweh remembers"... but the meaning refers to the Jewish covenant, in that God remembers the promises he made with them... not that God remembers or is watching someone. I just thought I would throw in that clarification.
I also wouldn't claim to say that Xachary is Zachariah... since the x deteriorates the name and meaning.
As for Xoelle... I happen to like Zoelle, Joelle and Noelle... so I am a fan of the sound. But, again... the x cheapens the integrity of the name. There is little liklihood that Zoelle means "one who analyzes life to find deeper truths". If you take the parts of the name Zoelle... you have Zoe, which is "life" in Greek and Elle... which is either from the French pronoun meaning "she" or some other cognate Ae, El, or E le in different languages... none of which mean analyze or something like that.
So, you could say that is means a live girl, a girl who is full of life, or simple life and girl.
I don't want to sound too harsh, because you are right that it is totally up to you what you name your child. But, X-names are on the rise and totally trendy so you will likely be among other parents who are changing spellings to add an x.
I just urge you to think about the names and whether or not you want them to have some class or style, or just look cool.
Zachary Jayden and Zoelle Aliyah are fine, and unique enough that the kre8tive spelling in unecessary.
And, I dont think your friends and family are trying to be hurtful (we are not either)... they just want to point out that you are naming someone for life so you might want to really think about your chioces.
However, I would be remiss if I didn't say that your choices (for first names) make me cringe. Zachary is a fine name, but the x substitution makes the name seem uneducated and less classy. You are right that Zachariah means "yahweh remembers"... but the meaning refers to the Jewish covenant, in that God remembers the promises he made with them... not that God remembers or is watching someone. I just thought I would throw in that clarification.
I also wouldn't claim to say that Xachary is Zachariah... since the x deteriorates the name and meaning.
As for Xoelle... I happen to like Zoelle, Joelle and Noelle... so I am a fan of the sound. But, again... the x cheapens the integrity of the name. There is little liklihood that Zoelle means "one who analyzes life to find deeper truths". If you take the parts of the name Zoelle... you have Zoe, which is "life" in Greek and Elle... which is either from the French pronoun meaning "she" or some other cognate Ae, El, or E le in different languages... none of which mean analyze or something like that.
So, you could say that is means a live girl, a girl who is full of life, or simple life and girl.
I don't want to sound too harsh, because you are right that it is totally up to you what you name your child. But, X-names are on the rise and totally trendy so you will likely be among other parents who are changing spellings to add an x.
I just urge you to think about the names and whether or not you want them to have some class or style, or just look cool.
Zachary Jayden and Zoelle Aliyah are fine, and unique enough that the kre8tive spelling in unecessary.
And, I dont think your friends and family are trying to be hurtful (we are not either)... they just want to point out that you are naming someone for life so you might want to really think about your chioces.
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It's not the names themselves that are bad, it's the silly spellings you've concocted. If Zachary is such a beautiful name to you and has such a nice meaning, why tart it up with an x instead of a z and a spelling that mirrors the spelling of fakery and thus leaves it open to misponunciation?
As for Xoelle, well, I have my doubts about the meaning of Zoelle. It isn't listed in this very extensive database, and to be honest it looks more like a tarted-up version of Zoe, which simply means "life."
You will get far fewer negative responses if you 1. Do not share your name choices till it's a done deal. and 2. Lose the goofy spellings. Nobody will bat an eye at a Zachary, and though Zoelle is unfamiliar, it will likely be taken for what it probably is, an elaboration of Zoe.
As for Xoelle, well, I have my doubts about the meaning of Zoelle. It isn't listed in this very extensive database, and to be honest it looks more like a tarted-up version of Zoe, which simply means "life."
You will get far fewer negative responses if you 1. Do not share your name choices till it's a done deal. and 2. Lose the goofy spellings. Nobody will bat an eye at a Zachary, and though Zoelle is unfamiliar, it will likely be taken for what it probably is, an elaboration of Zoe.
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Zoel is a male name where I live, my kids went to school with a few of them.
Never saw Zoelle, though. But, seems like it might be the feminine of Zoel.
Never saw Zoelle, though. But, seems like it might be the feminine of Zoel.
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BtN has the following digital trail for Zoel:
Zoel -> Zoël, a form of -> Zoellus, a martyr and an alternative spelling to -> Zoilus, which is from the Greek Zoilos, which means "alive" and is linked to similar names like Zoe and Zoticus (which is Zotikos or "full of life").
So, in the end Zoel is just another variation of Zoe, which is the basis of this created Zoelle.
Unless, of course, the author meant Zoelle to be linked to Joelle... which is the feminine elaboration of Joel, which means "yahweh is God".
Interestingly, Joellus was linked in the submissions with Zoellus.
Zoelle is not a traditional name. Any way you look at it, it is an elaboration, diminutive, variation or kre8tion. I prefer to think of it as a Frenchified Zoe. Makes the best sense and the least amount of brain strain.
Zoel -> Zoël, a form of -> Zoellus, a martyr and an alternative spelling to -> Zoilus, which is from the Greek Zoilos, which means "alive" and is linked to similar names like Zoe and Zoticus (which is Zotikos or "full of life").
So, in the end Zoel is just another variation of Zoe, which is the basis of this created Zoelle.
Unless, of course, the author meant Zoelle to be linked to Joelle... which is the feminine elaboration of Joel, which means "yahweh is God".
Interestingly, Joellus was linked in the submissions with Zoellus.
Zoelle is not a traditional name. Any way you look at it, it is an elaboration, diminutive, variation or kre8tion. I prefer to think of it as a Frenchified Zoe. Makes the best sense and the least amount of brain strain.
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Um.. yeah.
Zachary is a decent name. But what's the point of Xakery? So he has to constantly spell his name out? Not only does it detract from the name itself - it makes it look like a childish misspelling - but it will be a huge pain in the ass for him.
Zoelle is ok. It's an elaboration of Zoe (which comes from the word 'life' in Greek, it doesn't mean 'one who analyses life to find deeper truths'). Personally, I think Zoe is a nicer name. But Xoelle? The same problem as Xakery.
If you really need an 'X' name:
Xanthe, Xantha
Xenia
Xavier / Xaver
Alexander 'Xander'
Zachary is a decent name. But what's the point of Xakery? So he has to constantly spell his name out? Not only does it detract from the name itself - it makes it look like a childish misspelling - but it will be a huge pain in the ass for him.
Zoelle is ok. It's an elaboration of Zoe (which comes from the word 'life' in Greek, it doesn't mean 'one who analyses life to find deeper truths'). Personally, I think Zoe is a nicer name. But Xoelle? The same problem as Xakery.
If you really need an 'X' name:
Xanthe, Xantha
Xenia
Xavier / Xaver
Alexander 'Xander'
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I can't believe that anyone says, "You really need to choose something more popular." It boggles my mind that anyone thinks that great popularity is a plus. To me, if you choose a popular name, you choose it despite its popularity.
Ignore them.
That said, I don't really like creative spellings, so I'd go with Zachary and Zoelle.
Ignore them.
That said, I don't really like creative spellings, so I'd go with Zachary and Zoelle.
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The names aren't bad. The spellings are.
Joelle or Zoelle is a beautiful name, but you're ruining it with Xoelle (and it's not even pronounced the same way as Zoelle)
Xakery..well, I've seen it before. But I still think its a bad idea to use this spelling. Go with Zachary instead, or maybe Zachariah?
The things is...You probably want a unique and unusual name for your baby, right? Changing the spelling of a name doesn't make the name more unusual or unique, it makes the name look stupid and it's still pronounced just like the original name.
If I were you I'd go with Zoelle Aliyah or Zachary Jayden instead.
Joelle or Zoelle is a beautiful name, but you're ruining it with Xoelle (and it's not even pronounced the same way as Zoelle)
Xakery..well, I've seen it before. But I still think its a bad idea to use this spelling. Go with Zachary instead, or maybe Zachariah?
The things is...You probably want a unique and unusual name for your baby, right? Changing the spelling of a name doesn't make the name more unusual or unique, it makes the name look stupid and it's still pronounced just like the original name.
If I were you I'd go with Zoelle Aliyah or Zachary Jayden instead.
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Zachary and Zoelle are much, much better.
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Firstly, its your child so you name him/her whatever you like.
You asked for opinions though so...
Is Zachary a bad name? No. It's a lovely, solid name. Is Xakery? Yes it just looks, to be honest, like a 13 year old having a baby and naming the child. To me it is just hideous. I'm sorry. However, the nXame spoken is nice, the shock horror only comes when seeing it written down. However, think 20 years down the line and CV's, studies show that names can effect people getting a job. Is an employer more likely to employ a Zachary than a Xakery? Yes
Xoelle is not quite as bad, it looks more passible, though Zoelle is still much better and a really nice name. I don't like Aliyah.
If you really love the spellings, go for them, but I think honestly, you need to expect that yourself, and you child, will get some negative reactions.
You asked for opinions though so...
Is Zachary a bad name? No. It's a lovely, solid name. Is Xakery? Yes it just looks, to be honest, like a 13 year old having a baby and naming the child. To me it is just hideous. I'm sorry. However, the nXame spoken is nice, the shock horror only comes when seeing it written down. However, think 20 years down the line and CV's, studies show that names can effect people getting a job. Is an employer more likely to employ a Zachary than a Xakery? Yes
Xoelle is not quite as bad, it looks more passible, though Zoelle is still much better and a really nice name. I don't like Aliyah.
If you really love the spellings, go for them, but I think honestly, you need to expect that yourself, and you child, will get some negative reactions.
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This!
I hardly ever see anyone mention the CV/Resume part of the equation. However, having been in on hirings, while it is not the most important thing there are connotations from names...
And I mean the difference in Violet and Violyt, not Mable and Emma (unusualness & popularity). Is it fair? No. However, it is an unfortunate truth.
Plus, everyone I've met with a creative spelling always is bemoaning having documents that were done incorrectly, always correcting people.
I hardly ever see anyone mention the CV/Resume part of the equation. However, having been in on hirings, while it is not the most important thing there are connotations from names...
And I mean the difference in Violet and Violyt, not Mable and Emma (unusualness & popularity). Is it fair? No. However, it is an unfortunate truth.
Plus, everyone I've met with a creative spelling always is bemoaning having documents that were done incorrectly, always correcting people.
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Silly spellings do not improve names. Especially since some people choose to pronounce Xavier like Ex-Avier. Would you want to have to correct them every time they guessed Ex-Akery? Or Ex-Ache-ery? As for Xoelle, words fail me. A fake spelling plus a fake meaning, and you're surprised that it attracts criticism - really? I'm disappointed that you find the criticism hurtful - they wouldn't be your names, remember. You'd be setting your children up for a lifetime of incredulity from just about everyone they'll ever meet.
Of course, there's nothing to stop you, or anyone, from naming your child Xwrchggjq and claiming that it's pronounced Stephen. Or, indeed, Sarah. But that doesn't make it a good idea.
If you like Jayden and Aliyah, and can't bear to give up your other ideas, you might try reversing the order. Jayden Zachary and Aliyah Zoe, or Noelle, or Joelle, or even Zoelle would be quite respectable.
Of course, there's nothing to stop you, or anyone, from naming your child Xwrchggjq and claiming that it's pronounced Stephen. Or, indeed, Sarah. But that doesn't make it a good idea.
If you like Jayden and Aliyah, and can't bear to give up your other ideas, you might try reversing the order. Jayden Zachary and Aliyah Zoe, or Noelle, or Joelle, or even Zoelle would be quite respectable.
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I second this.
Said much nicer than I could have. Remember it's your child who has to live with the name, Xachery is a particularly egregious misspelling, and he's the one who will constantly be correcting people.
If you really like the letter X there are plenty of names that already begin with an X.
Xander
Xavier
Xenon
Xerxes
Xandra
Xanthe
Xanthia
Xena
Xenia
Xelia
Xiomara
Xoana
Said much nicer than I could have. Remember it's your child who has to live with the name, Xachery is a particularly egregious misspelling, and he's the one who will constantly be correcting people.
If you really like the letter X there are plenty of names that already begin with an X.
Xander
Xavier
Xenon
Xerxes
Xandra
Xanthe
Xanthia
Xena
Xenia
Xelia
Xiomara
Xoana
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What's wrong with Zachary? It's a beautiful, classic name. Why would you even think about spelling it Xakery? That's just awful. It totally ruins the name.
Never heard of Zoelle before, and it's not my style. But again, why would you spell it Xoelle?
Never heard of Zoelle before, and it's not my style. But again, why would you spell it Xoelle?
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To be completely honest with you, the spellings are terrible!! Think about your future child and the fact that they will have to spell out their name for everyone and correct everyone on how to pronounce it, for the rest of their life!! If you like the names Zachary and Zoelle, then use those names! Spelling them incorrectly doesn't make the actual name any different, it just makes you look as though you can't spell to be honest. I really hope you consider your future child and choose a name they will be happy to have and not one that will make them frustrated and embarrassed. All the best.
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Zachary is beautiful. Xakery is awful. Pure awful. Even Zakery might be okay, but Xakery looks like a typo and X=/=Z. Like, maybe in your accent, but it's not intuitive in mine. I want to say Exackery, which sounds like someone with a speech impediment saying Exactly.
Xoelle is the same way. Zoelle is nms but perfectly fine, and Xoelle to me sounds like Ex-o-el. It's not pretty and it looks weird.
Aliyah is pretty, and Jayden is too dated trendy for me, but at least it's not a crazy, completely terrible spelling.
Tinkering with name spelling is okay, but don't take it too far and use so many X's your kid's name looks like a prescription drug name.
Xoelle is the same way. Zoelle is nms but perfectly fine, and Xoelle to me sounds like Ex-o-el. It's not pretty and it looks weird.
Aliyah is pretty, and Jayden is too dated trendy for me, but at least it's not a crazy, completely terrible spelling.
Tinkering with name spelling is okay, but don't take it too far and use so many X's your kid's name looks like a prescription drug name.
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I mean, I personally think they look ugly as hell but, whatever. My first instinct is a resounding "NO" but honestly they aren't THAT bad. X's up front in a non-established name definitely appear to be confusing, but I think people can figure it out- they can at least reference Xander. Be warned though, that not only will people more than likely spell the names wrong upon hearing them, they may be likely to add an "iks" sound up front- like how some pronounce Xavier. As long as you're ok constantly correcting people AND not getting annoyed by it (because ultimately it's your choice) then I think you're fine. A lot of kids are going to have oddly spelled names and simply replacing Z's with X's isn't that damning in the grand scheme of things. My name is misspelled a lot and I honestly just don't care. The problem arises in that since I don't care, I never bother to spell it out, and then cases where spelling matters become confusing.
This message was edited 12/11/2014, 8:03 PM
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Heh.
I'm never gonna say, "You really need to choose something more popular" because the whole point of a name is to pinpoint a specific person.
But seeing the way you planned to spell these names I was totally like, "You're joking right?!"
The names themselves are beautiful. Zachary is a wonderful name and so is Zoelle. They're both perfectly lovely.
But OMG the spellings! xD
Apparently the fashion is to go nuts with spelling but I hate it, I really do. Xakery doesn't even look like Zachary. It looks like "bakery" but someone put an X there by mistake.
And as for Xoelle, it just looks dumb. Zoelle is a beautiful name. What's the point of messing with it by putting an X where the Z should be? It just looks like you're trying SO hard to be cool and really not succeeding.
I'm never gonna say, "You really need to choose something more popular" because the whole point of a name is to pinpoint a specific person.
But seeing the way you planned to spell these names I was totally like, "You're joking right?!"
The names themselves are beautiful. Zachary is a wonderful name and so is Zoelle. They're both perfectly lovely.
But OMG the spellings! xD
Apparently the fashion is to go nuts with spelling but I hate it, I really do. Xakery doesn't even look like Zachary. It looks like "bakery" but someone put an X there by mistake.
And as for Xoelle, it just looks dumb. Zoelle is a beautiful name. What's the point of messing with it by putting an X where the Z should be? It just looks like you're trying SO hard to be cool and really not succeeding.
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I think that they're bad and the children will have a slightly better life with common spellings. Think about them having to constantly spell their names and how it makes the name-givers come across as uneducated/ignorant. The names are fine just not the creative spellings. I had the same "you're joking right?!" reaction.
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