Can I just say I have quote on quote ghetto name. My mother named me JaQuia (Ja-koy-ah, And yes, the capital Q is necessary). And I’m not gonna lie, at just 20 years old, my name has (and still does) give me some grief. Most people tell me I have a pretty name when I tell them how to properly say it. I love my name though and I wouldn’t change it. But some of these names are just taking it too far. (I bet someone is saying that about me too though.)

Shi’thead.  (sh-theed)  terrible name to bestow on a kid.  everyone knows what it really is.

Dumb n i g g e r s

I don’t like all the “Jer”-names.  Variations of “Jermaine”, or “Jeremiah”, I guess.  Like, “Jermichael”, “Jervon”, or what-not.  Hey, I just noticed that “Jermaine” is a combination of “Jer” and “Maine”, the state.  So there’s a whole slew of new baby names out there:  “Jerdaho”, “Jerhio”, “Jerigan”, “Jerahoma”, “Jeregon”, “Jertexas”, “Jerzona”, “Jerinois”, “Jeresota”, “Jeriana”, and so on.

Or, following the trend of adding “Jer” to an English name, there are also the following unique names:  “Jerdavid”, “Jernathan”, “Jerken”, “Jeric” (“Jer” plus “Eric”, but “mashed together”), “Jerwilliam”, “Jerjim”, “Jerry” (again, “Jer” plus “Jerry”, but “mashed together”), “Jerdamon”, “Jerbob”, “Jerlebron”, “Jerchauncey”, “Jerblake”, “Jerbrian”, “Jernique” (from “Dominique”), etc..

Of course, creating unique-sounding names results in the name having no MEANING.  “What’s my name mean, Ma?”  “Uh, it means your father and I were so self-absorbed and proud that we made your name up on the spot.”

I don’t recall where, but some time ago I read about a baby whom his parent(s) named LaPimp.
Then there’s the basketball player whose real name is God Shammgod.

It doesn’t matter what name you give your child (even Crayola).  If you teach them ambition, perseverance, and professionalism, they can do anything and will be hired for anything.  I for one, have a peculiar “homemade” name and I had no problem EVER defending my name, because my work ethic and recommendations spoke for me in every job I applied for.  I now hold a position that only three other people in the nation hold.  I work alongside other women of color with “homemade” names that, too, climbed right up here with me.  Yes, I have to sound out my name, and even have to spell it on occasion when I introduce myself, but do believe, I’ve never been confused for someone else or gotten lost in the mixes of Rachels and Jennifers.  This downgrading ourselves and retelling racist jokes about the way we name ourselves is disgusting.  ANY name said with pure professionalism, pride, and confidence will only get the honest reaction of “Wow, that ‘s creative,” “How’d you get that name?”, or “Whoa, how do you spell that?!” and once a response is given, one’s personality and intelligence kicks in.  I’m sorry to bust anyone’s bubble, but A NAME HAS NEVER HELD A GREAT PERSON FROM BEING GREAT.

The real problem with naming your kid Monefah Aquanae woods. Isn’t that people know she is black.  The real problem is little Monefah will have live with the consequences of that name, not her mother. Its not about naming your child a black name or a white name. Its about giving your child a name that will not hinder him or her in their future. My sister’s name is Sha’ Toya. Yes with the accent. Her middle name is Danielle. She uses Danielle. My mother thought that she was being creative by naming my sister Sha’Toya with the accent. She is famous for saying that my sister’s name is french. This is a shinning example of ignorance. Just because you put an accent doesn’t make a name french, Mom!  

a couple of names i’ve personally encountered: Blonzella, and keeping suit with the product names: Hairspraysha.  no kidding.

Parenthises …. I’m serious it is a real name.