Names to reconsider...Merritt

[diana_m]

I met a delightful little girl (6 years old) about a month ago whose name was Merritt (a name that I would not normally consider; my style tends to be more classic w/ a vintage/retro twist- James, Fletcher, John, Helen, Audrey, Annie, Frances…). She was spunky, talkative, sweet, and polite; the type of personality I’d want my daughter to have if I’m ever blessed with a girl.

Ever since meeting her, I cannot get the name Merritt out of my mind. I think I’m going to add it to my favorites list. Maybe it’s just a “name crush” that will pass…if I ever get to name a girl, I imagine I’d fall back on my classic favorites, but I’m wondering if anybody else has experienced something like this?

Have you ever met a child who made you reconsider a name in a positive way (a name you once didn’t like/didn’t consider is made more likable)? If so, what was the name?

[alzora]

Mildred! I worked for a summer in a day care, and three-year-old Millie with long curly pigtails stole my heart. I would never use it myself, though.

Merritt is a cute name, but I prefer Barrett or Marin, because of the demerit association.

[nat108]

Love Merritt but can't use it. We used to vacation on Merritt Island/Cocoa Beach

While in college (about 6yrs ago) I worked at a daycare in a wealthy area. At the time I really disliked some of the names but the kids were so sweet. Now I see that these parents were ahead of the curve
Ivy
Adele
Eloise
Aurora
Story
Hadley
Hayden
Thor
Grayton
Gracen
Barrett

[senoritashan]

I babysit the absolutely most gorgeous, intelligent, and amazing little 19-month-old named Eve Marie -swoon- haha. Seriously though, she is such a joy to be around, I would babysit free of charge or, if desperate for some baby-time, pay her parents to go out, haha (though I suppose I wouldn't actually tell them that ).

Anyway, my grandma's middle names are Evelyn and Evangeline, both of which I love. My sister kind of has dibs on Evelyn as a first name for a girl if she ever has kids and with Evangeline I vacillate between thinking it's gorgeous and thinking it is overwrought. So when I met (perfect) little Eve, I realized I could use Eve to honor both grandmas and to sort of remember my favorite little one of all the kids I babysit. So, it has gone into my second favorite combo Matilda Eve

With Merritt... it kind of sounds like the name of a racehorse, but I can understand why you have new-found love for it!

[ashthedreamer]

That happens to me quite often, actually, lol.

I met a Sylvia today who totally changed my mind on her name, and last summer, it was Anneliese and Anna-Rose. I'm sure there are others, but I just can't think of them now...

[epfrance]

I have never considered Quinn as a possible first name, I have only ever heard it as a last name, but a family I know just had a baby girl and named her Quinn and I think it is very nice, cute for a little girl and fine for a sophisticated adult as well.

[amylin15]

I used to work in an inner city preschool in Boston, where most of the kids were named things I would never consider (had one called Dyzijah. seriously. It's pronounced like Desire with a Boston accent). But one little boy, the sweetest kid, was named Nikolai, a name I never would have otherwise considered. He was super shy, but once he got to know me he had the best sense of humor I've ever seen on a kid that age. He went by his full name most of the time, but occasionally Nik or Nikky. It's been on my list now for over 2 years, but I'm not sure I'll ever really use it as I'm not sure it goes with the rest of my names. i just love it tho.

[whit32]

I really like Merritt actually, though I would use it for a boy. I haven't had that experience lately, but there are some people in my past that have made me love certain names, that I might not think of otherwise. For instance, the hottest guy I've ever known was named Kelly, and he was very nice to boot. So, I love Kelly for a boy ;-) I love Daniel because I've never met a Dan, Danny, or Daniel that I didn't like. It's amazing how much personal experience can shape your perception of a name.

[katiejo]

My college roommate and close friend is named Merritt-she is a very spunky, strong, and confident woman, and totally made me love that name! I'm all for a little Merritt!

In terms of names I reconsidered, one is Otis. This still gives me mainly uncool, old man associations, but my sweet young nephew is named Otis and made me change my mind a little bit about the old man image. Also, I know a 21-year old male Addison, and he is a really great guy who makes me feel that girl Addison's are name-robbing a little bit, since it was a boy's name first. (Overall, I think it fits well for a girl, but for a boy, too).