Why? Why? Why?

I have an unusual name....or at least I thought it was unusual, and it was certainly not common during the 1970's when I grew up.  All my gal pals were named Amy, Jennifer, Laura, Cindy, Melissa etc.  Nice normal, easily pronounceable names.  My name wasn't exactly in the top baby names of the era.  BUT....all of my siblings had unusual names, named after far flung Irish relatives, grandparents, aging aunts....so I had plenty of shoulders to cry on if need be. 

Personal note.....NOW...I love my name.  I was named after my mother...and happy for it!  It matches my sparkling and fabulous personality!  

But what is in a name?  I have a very dear friend who works in the maternity area of a local hospital.  She regales me with hysterical stories of what some new moms are naming their babies.....and these are honest to god true....

Lemon Jello

Orange Jello

Precious Princess

Fenway

Female (pronounced Femahle)

Male (pronounced Mahle)

Ebony

Ivory

Cam'ron

Bitchy Itchy

Gladiator

Placenta

Lil Trash which turned into Letisha after threats of DSS getting involved.

And so many, many more.  Some of them are well, culturally influenced, so the spelling and pronunciation can be different...but still!!!  How the hell is Lemon Jello going feel when he is called upon at the dentists office or over the loud speaker in school? 

"Will Lemon Jello please report to the office."  "Lemon Jello, your plane is now boarding. "Repeat-  Passenger Lemon Jello, Flight 216 is now boarding. " "Lemon Jello, the doctor will see you now."  C'mon!  Are people this silly or just downright cruel?

I am convinced now more than ever that my unusual name isn't so unusual after all!  Thanks Mum!