What I Wanted to Name My Future Kids in Seventh Grade

First off, a disclaimer. If you are named one of the following names, I apologize. Both for the fact that I just stated that your name is... interesting, to say the least, and also for the fact that you are named said name. Just kidding, but really.

There was a certain period in my life, around the age of 12, where I was heavily influenced by dystopian novels. Katniss? Tris? Tally? Amazing names, in my eyes. They were robotic, yet lifelike. They danced with interest, they told their own story. You heard their names, and you were scared. You could almost feel them behind you, drawing their bow, grabbing their knife out of their back pocket, whatever they did, I don't know, it's been a while since I read those books, alright.

They danced with interest, they told their story. You heard their names, and you were scared.

There was also a time in my life that when I found out my Dad once wanted to name me Pandora, I regretted that my parents hadn't. Sophie? How boring is that? But PANDORA? That screamed with its intelligence and distinctiveness. It was uncommon, it was bizarre. It either reminded you of jewelry or greek mythology, or something else, I don't know. But it was impactful.

Back then, I also had a beautiful little book of Baby Names that I stole from my parent's collection of books. I would passionately look through it, dreaming of what I wanted to name my kids. Names like "Wolf" and "Arrow". Fiery; raw; distinctive. They were names of hunters, of rebels, of children who grew up making elementary teachers quit their jobs.

Fiery; raw; distinctive. They were names of hunters, of rebels, of children who grew up making elementary teachers quit their jobs.

Now, I have finally rediscovered the terrifying list of yesteryear, written March 2nd, 2015.

It truly speaks for itself.

The list begins with the names "Zelda" and "Midna". Obviously inspired by my favourite video game series, the names are those of the Princess in the series, and... the strange green annoying imp that bothers you in one of the instalments, Twilight Princess.

The list continues with the names "Tuesday" and "Shadow". I have nothing to say for "Shadow", other than for a period of my life I wanted to have twin girls--who I imagined to turn out to be quite gothic--named "Shade" and "Shadow". To this day, I question what was going through my head.

Finally, the list for girls concludes with "Eclipse", "Symphony", and "London".

The list for boys picks up, and, undoubtedly, begins with the name "Wolf". I still don't know why this name appealed to me so much. I can't even imagine what a boy named "Wolf" grows up to be like. And I mean "Wolf" as in "Wolf", not short for "Wolfgang" or "Wolfram", which, despite being outdated and flashy, would still be more normal than simply being named "Wolf". Wolf. Wolf.

Then the list goes on to state "Van", "Axton", "Brekk", "Jet", and "Roscoe". FUN FACT: all 5 of these names originated in the dystopian novel I penned --and attempted to publish--at the time, titled Programmed. See what I mean about being heavily influenced by dystopian-sounding names?

Overall, I can't say I'm disappointed with this list. It really shows my mindset at the time--obsessed with finding the name that would stand out the most, so my child could go through the most bullying possible in middle school.

Nowadays, I try not to think about it so much. Maybe I still like the name Roscoe, who knows? Only time will tell if I choose to name my daughter Symphony and my son Wolf.

Maybe I still haven't outgrown the strange appeal of these fascinating, brazen, and snazzy names.