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- Our daughters are named Kyle and Cameran. People are often confused, but we don’t care. (businessinsider.com)
Local Mom Defies Tradition with Unique Baby Names
Nicole Johnson, a local mother of four, didn’t shy away from raising a few eyebrows when it came to naming her children. With a mix of unisex and traditionally gendered names, her kids stand out from the crowd – sometimes to her chagrin, but ultimately, she wouldn’t have it any other way.
Her eldest, Zachary, boasts a classic name. But with her daughters, Cameran and Kyle, and second son, Brooks, Johnson ventured into less conventional territory.
While her Sicilian grandmother initially questioned the Irish name Kyle (meaning “handsome”) for a girl, Johnson held firm. She explained its alternative meaning (“narrow” or “straight”) and emphasized its unisex nature.
Grandma, however, remained unconvinced, predicting confusion and trouble.
And trouble there was, though not of the earth-shattering variety. Doctors’ offices frequently assumed Kyle was a boy based on her name alone.
Other parents at school events sometimes mistook both Cameran and Kyle for boys. And then there were the well-meaning correctors, constantly changing “Kyle” to “Kylie,” assuming a typo rather than a deliberate choice.
Even Brooks, her second son, wasn’t immune to the name game. Grandma, again, voiced her concerns, thinking it sounded too feminine.
Inspired by NHL player Brooks Laich, not only for his athletic prowess but also for a memorable act of kindness, Johnson and her husband felt it was a perfect fit. Yet, people constantly misheard it as “Brook,” further fueling the gender confusion.
Reflecting on her choices, Johnson admits the occasional frustration with the constant corrections and assumptions. But she stands by her decisions.
She’s stopped justifying her family’s unique names and embraces their individuality. Her children, now ranging from 12 to 20 years old, wear their names with pride, proving that sometimes, breaking tradition is the best way to honor who you are.
Read More About This Story:
- Our daughters are named Kyle and Cameran. People are often confused, but we don’t care. (businessinsider.com)