XP: Name "dilemma"

sunflower8710

Our baby girl name choice is Esme Julia(don't know the sex yet, though). Esme I remember reading from J.D. Salinger's story, "For Esme- With Love and Squalor". It was just a name that I cataloged in my head in high school and was floored when DH said he loved it as well. Julia is from the Beatles song, which we just love.

Anyway, it has been a really long time since I read the story (For Esme) and I forgot/overlooked in H.S. that the character Esme's mother was dead in the story. I was reading it just now and now I am hesitant to name my daughter that. How silly is that? I absolutely love the name, and when DH gets home he will probably slap me straight (not literally)... but any thoughts?

Also- I know there is an Esme in Twilight- I am, indeed and unfortunately a Twilight fan but that isn't the inspiration. By the same token, I don't care if people make that connection..

ETA: I should also add that I have forever had a strong and irrational fear of dying in child birth so the connection somewhat bothers me. 

/ That was all from my home board. I also want to add that I talked to DH about it and he pointed out that we weren't really naming our LO after the character, its just a name we love. 

Would anyone else let this minute detail change their mind?

zaramarie81

I sometimes get anxious about this stuff too, but honestly I think your dh is correct... you chose the name because you love it, not because you are trying to connect your potential daughter's life story with that of the character's. It may also be healthy to move forward and use the name (sometimes I do this to myself when I realize I am being superstitious).

ames71

First - I'm so glad that someone else first thinks of Salinger instead of Twilight! Yay!

I really would not let that story detail change my mind. Esme Julia is a BEAUTIFUL name!

ubermoose

I think you are overthinking things! You love it, he loves it, and the concern you have with the name is far from an overwhelming association.

GermanGirl2007

mj.reilly:

I definitely would not let it change my mind!

Esme Julia is gorgeous, btw.

This exactly. I LOVE Esme, I think it is absolutely beautiful.

forensicmama

I can identify with the fear you have and I would probably have second thoughts, too... or switch the names: Julia Esme. Your hubby makes a great point, though. Try not to worry about it. (Said the pot to the kettle...) Your hubby is definitely the voice of rationality here, not me! and not you. He's a smart guy. Keep him around a while.

mabamm2007

I love that name it was one of my girl choices and if i remember correctly it means 'beloved one' which is beautiful. I say go for it!

anna7602

Something like a deceased mother would not deter me. I also loved that story in HS and honestly didn't remember that detail. If, however, you were naming your child Seymour after Salinger's character Seymour Glass, I would point out that he killed himself in the story "A Perfect Day for Bananafish" (sorry for the spoiler, folks). That's the kind of thing in literature that would turn me off to using a name, but not a deceased mother.

Sorry you're dealing with this fear, though. I know this is the baby name board, but since you brought up the fear of dying in child birth, may I recommend reading any of Ina May's awesome books about real-life birthing stories? Those were really inspiring for me when I was pg.

sunflower8710

Thanks everyone for the kind words and comfort! I was truly hesitant to post on here because "Esme" is such an unusual name and most people say something like, "its nice, but not something I would wanna name my kid" or just straight up crinkle their nose!

To the PP who said it may be a good step in getting over my fear- thanks! Thats a great point that I never thought of.

And the PP who gave me the book suggestion- I am totally going to look it up now and read it on my 14 hr road trip next month!

Thanks again everyone! Keep a look out on my siggy for an Esme Julia or Jude Micheal (yes the "e" and "a" are switched but with good reason, see a previous post of mine)

trebmal

If you really love it, let this be a chance to write a new story where Esme has a happy and healthy mom....

The End.  :O)