Can we name our baby "Kermit"?
October 18, 2016 4:59 PM Subscribe
Teradude and I are expecting Terababy in about three weeks. We do not know the sex and are trying to settle on names.
If baby is a boy, can we name him Kermit, or would that doom our child to a life of ridicule and disgrace? The last name will be a common American last name, think Smith or Jones though neither of those. The middle name would be a more common, less Muppety man's name.
I can't think of much that would be more embarrassing to a kid. Why not give him/her a real name and reserve "Kermit" for a nickname if you subsequently decide it's appropriate.
posted by tillsbury at 5:01 PM on October 18, 2016 [75 favorites]
posted by tillsbury at 5:01 PM on October 18, 2016 [75 favorites]
I don't know... we actually were considering it this morning if our impending child is a boy. I think it's a pretty good name and am still lobbying for it but my partner rejected it for the Muppet reason. (I would argue Kermit Roosevelt would be a better argument.) Anyhow, I think you could go for it if both parents like it. Then again, I'm still thinking about naming our kid after a dead guinea pig.
posted by kendrak at 5:03 PM on October 18, 2016 [17 favorites]
posted by kendrak at 5:03 PM on October 18, 2016 [17 favorites]
I say no. Kermit's a fine name in a vacuum, but I would pick a name without the cultural resonance.
posted by delight at 5:04 PM on October 18, 2016 [9 favorites]
posted by delight at 5:04 PM on October 18, 2016 [9 favorites]
It's not only little Kermit you need to consider, but what about financial adviser Kermit, or brain surgeon Kermit. My vote is a no on this one.
posted by Youremyworld at 5:04 PM on October 18, 2016 [41 favorites]
posted by Youremyworld at 5:04 PM on October 18, 2016 [41 favorites]
I think with Sesame Street being sold to HBO and taking it's suckitude from 0 to 100 in one season, the problem may be less of an issue in coming years. It's possible your son's cohort won't be all that kermit-the-frog-centric. BUT you don't know that yet. Name your child born 5 years from now Kermit, when you can be sure Sesame Street isn't a thing anymore.
posted by If only I had a penguin... at 5:09 PM on October 18, 2016
posted by If only I had a penguin... at 5:09 PM on October 18, 2016
Kermit would be a fine middle name. Give him James (for Jim Henson) for the first name, maybe, or something else normal. If he doesn't like Kermit, he can just use the middle initial.
posted by kindall at 5:13 PM on October 18, 2016 [25 favorites]
posted by kindall at 5:13 PM on October 18, 2016 [25 favorites]
No one can see into the future for you. But it seems the reason you asked this question is because you sense it WILL subject your kid to ridicule. You always have the option of using it as a middle name and/or nickname.
posted by a strong female character at 5:14 PM on October 18, 2016 [11 favorites]
posted by a strong female character at 5:14 PM on October 18, 2016 [11 favorites]
Might be weird for baby in the future if they want to live outside the US. There may be other Kermits in the USA but I have never, ever heard of anyone besides the frog with that name. And I work in HR and so have seen my fair share of lists of names.
posted by kitten magic at 5:14 PM on October 18, 2016 [4 favorites]
posted by kitten magic at 5:14 PM on October 18, 2016 [4 favorites]
Maybe ask Kermit Lynch or Kermit Ruffins.
To me, Kermit reads as a real name in a way that a lot of trendy names do not. Plus Kermit the frog is a sweet model.
posted by vunder at 5:23 PM on October 18, 2016 [14 favorites]
To me, Kermit reads as a real name in a way that a lot of trendy names do not. Plus Kermit the frog is a sweet model.
posted by vunder at 5:23 PM on October 18, 2016 [14 favorites]
Kermit hasn't been on Sesame Street in years (no Muppets on Sesame Street, that brand isn't part of the Children's Television Workshop anymore), and I still think it's a poor choice.
posted by ThePinkSuperhero at 5:28 PM on October 18, 2016 [7 favorites]
posted by ThePinkSuperhero at 5:28 PM on October 18, 2016 [7 favorites]
brain surgeon Kermit
You know it will end up being "Kermit thee brain surgeon.
I think even if it's not mean teasing, the "Aww, Kermit!" comments will get old. I vote middle name.
posted by Room 641-A at 5:30 PM on October 18, 2016 [14 favorites]
You know it will end up being "Kermit thee brain surgeon.
I think even if it's not mean teasing, the "Aww, Kermit!" comments will get old. I vote middle name.
posted by Room 641-A at 5:30 PM on October 18, 2016 [14 favorites]
I love the idea of using Kermit for a name... but i can't imagine every doing it to a human I cared about. Too much baggage. My next dog though - this just might be a strong contender, if only for the irony... (dog obviously != frog).
posted by cgg at 5:30 PM on October 18, 2016 [7 favorites]
posted by cgg at 5:30 PM on October 18, 2016 [7 favorites]
My niece's name is Fiona and everyone she meets makes a Shrek joke. She hates it.
Don't name your kid Kermit. It will doom him.
posted by bondcliff at 5:31 PM on October 18, 2016 [16 favorites]
Don't name your kid Kermit. It will doom him.
posted by bondcliff at 5:31 PM on October 18, 2016 [16 favorites]
Pick a name you don't have to ask a MeFi question about. Let your kid be someone who makes their own first impression instead of being immediately associated with a puppet (albeit an awesome puppet).
posted by quince at 5:34 PM on October 18, 2016 [60 favorites]
posted by quince at 5:34 PM on October 18, 2016 [60 favorites]
Another vote against it. Every time you yell "Kermit!" across the playground or wherever, you're going to get reactions, and those reactions are going to get really old really fast for the kid.
posted by banjo_and_the_pork at 5:34 PM on October 18, 2016 [11 favorites]
posted by banjo_and_the_pork at 5:34 PM on October 18, 2016 [11 favorites]
I'm pro-Kermit. I know 2 people who have 16 year old kids named Felix which I now think of as a person not a cartoon cat. (In 2000 I would have thought cat first.)
posted by vespabelle at 5:34 PM on October 18, 2016 [4 favorites]
posted by vespabelle at 5:34 PM on October 18, 2016 [4 favorites]
No to Kermit; Felix also seems unwise. Ditto what quince says - If you have to ask MeFi that's a good clue that the name is a bad choice.
posted by mulcahy at 5:36 PM on October 18, 2016 [7 favorites]
posted by mulcahy at 5:36 PM on October 18, 2016 [7 favorites]
Another vote for Kermit being too laden with green and goofy - though, if it's really the name you want, can you give it as a middle and then he can use his first name outside the family if he wants to?
posted by Ink-stained wretch at 5:39 PM on October 18, 2016 [1 favorite]
posted by Ink-stained wretch at 5:39 PM on October 18, 2016 [1 favorite]
Absolutely not for a child in the US. The difference with Felix is that Felix the Cat doesn't have a new movie out every year.
posted by cecic at 5:42 PM on October 18, 2016 [7 favorites]
posted by cecic at 5:42 PM on October 18, 2016 [7 favorites]
Can you modernize it? Like Maxton instead of Maxwell? What do you like about the name? Is it the ker sound? The ending mit sound? Make up something new that incorporates your favorite aspect.
I'm thinking no one would marry him for fear of being called Miss Piggy.
posted by wwartorff at 5:42 PM on October 18, 2016 [4 favorites]
I'm thinking no one would marry him for fear of being called Miss Piggy.
posted by wwartorff at 5:42 PM on October 18, 2016 [4 favorites]
No.
My child's name sorta rhymes or sounds like a popular brand food on a different coast of the country and people reference it all the time! He's in kindergarten now, and thank goodness his peers can't reference this food. What a tough row to hoe for a kid trying to assimilate in school, seeming to be named after Kermit the Frog. Please, no.
posted by jbenben at 5:45 PM on October 18, 2016 [5 favorites]
My child's name sorta rhymes or sounds like a popular brand food on a different coast of the country and people reference it all the time! He's in kindergarten now, and thank goodness his peers can't reference this food. What a tough row to hoe for a kid trying to assimilate in school, seeming to be named after Kermit the Frog. Please, no.
posted by jbenben at 5:45 PM on October 18, 2016 [5 favorites]
I have a name that is also a common use noun. It's fine now that I'm an adult, but as a child is was 100% pure hell and when I was about three or four, the thing I wanted most in the world was to change my name. Your kid is not going to thank you if you name them Kermit. It would be fine if it's a nickname they get from friends, but it's not going to be fun coming from you.
posted by bile and syntax at 5:45 PM on October 18, 2016 [5 favorites]
posted by bile and syntax at 5:45 PM on October 18, 2016 [5 favorites]
I knew a Kermit in high school! He was wonderfully nice and kind, like, that was his *thing* he was so nice. In retrospect I wonder if his kindness was a byproduct of the name and the various lessons he had to learn as a younger kid... kudos to whoever raised him, but also, maybe he was a big pushover and nobody noticed, either. I imagine that if you go with Kermit you'll have some parenting challenges ahead of you.
Honestly as muppets go, Kermit is one of the more badass ones. For one thing he's the leader! He's always the protagonist and he gets the other muppets to do his bidding. He's had lots of different interesting jobs and doesn't let people tell him what he can and cannot do. He doesn't let his size or differences get in his way but he's never mean about it, either. At least you don't want to name him Gonzo.
But unless Kermit is a family name and you need to name him that to get some crazy inheritance or save face or something nutty, do him a solid and make it his middle name.
posted by Mizu at 5:51 PM on October 18, 2016
Honestly as muppets go, Kermit is one of the more badass ones. For one thing he's the leader! He's always the protagonist and he gets the other muppets to do his bidding. He's had lots of different interesting jobs and doesn't let people tell him what he can and cannot do. He doesn't let his size or differences get in his way but he's never mean about it, either. At least you don't want to name him Gonzo.
But unless Kermit is a family name and you need to name him that to get some crazy inheritance or save face or something nutty, do him a solid and make it his middle name.
posted by Mizu at 5:51 PM on October 18, 2016
Good lord, don't name your kid Kermit. Even as a middle name, there are plenty of chances for it to be discovered and then used for teasing and bullying. And trust me, kids will latch onto it. Some kids teased me about my last name, which is a relatively common one, but is also a common English word with not very many negative connotations. And if they can do that, Kermit is going to be blood in the water for them.
This goes double if you want your kid to grow up with a favorable impression of the Muppets. It will not happen if you name him Kermit.
Save this name for a pet or something.
posted by Aleyn at 5:51 PM on October 18, 2016 [10 favorites]
This goes double if you want your kid to grow up with a favorable impression of the Muppets. It will not happen if you name him Kermit.
Save this name for a pet or something.
posted by Aleyn at 5:51 PM on October 18, 2016 [10 favorites]
Kermit, Elmo, Grover, and maybe Oscar are pretty much off the table for at least another generation.
posted by briank at 5:54 PM on October 18, 2016 [12 favorites]
posted by briank at 5:54 PM on October 18, 2016 [12 favorites]
I'm with kitten magic: as a non-US person I didn't even know this could be a real name. I thought it was made up for the frog puppet. So I'd be inclined against.
posted by yesbut at 5:57 PM on October 18, 2016 [26 favorites]
posted by yesbut at 5:57 PM on October 18, 2016 [26 favorites]
On the upside, introductions in a loud room will be a piece of cake.
"Hi, I'm Kermit."
"Like the frog."
As someone whose name is a liquid followed by a closed vowel and is by no means common, what I wouldn't give for an easily shoutable, memorable name.
posted by batter_my_heart at 5:58 PM on October 18, 2016 [1 favorite]
"Hi, I'm Kermit."
"Like the frog."
As someone whose name is a liquid followed by a closed vowel and is by no means common, what I wouldn't give for an easily shoutable, memorable name.
posted by batter_my_heart at 5:58 PM on October 18, 2016 [1 favorite]
My 13 year old daughter is named Hermione. It's not quite Kermit-level in terms of recognition, but it definitely carries a connotation. It is kind of a pain for a variety of reasons, but she's never been teased about it. If your kid gets targeted for teasing, they'll make fun of any name. Teasing is a dumb reason to select or exclude names.
If I were going to do it over again, I would have made Hermione her middle name. We're both pretty tired of talking about Harry Potter every time someone meets her. I bet you'll have a similar experience with Kermit as a first name.
posted by jeoc at 6:02 PM on October 18, 2016 [4 favorites]
If I were going to do it over again, I would have made Hermione her middle name. We're both pretty tired of talking about Harry Potter every time someone meets her. I bet you'll have a similar experience with Kermit as a first name.
posted by jeoc at 6:02 PM on October 18, 2016 [4 favorites]
Why not give him/her a real name and reserve "Kermit" for a nickname
I mean . . . Kermit IS a real name. There are lots of famous people named Kermit, and I assume some not so famous people. I assume this is a family name, in which case, go for it, and maybe even if it isn't.
NB, I know someone with a brother named Grover. After my initial reaction, which was to laugh a lot, I don't even recognize it as a strange name now. Weigh that, then: is the initial reaction so bad that you don't want to saddle your kid with it? Grover does not seem to have been scarred from his name.
posted by chainsofreedom at 6:05 PM on October 18, 2016 [6 favorites]
I mean . . . Kermit IS a real name. There are lots of famous people named Kermit, and I assume some not so famous people. I assume this is a family name, in which case, go for it, and maybe even if it isn't.
NB, I know someone with a brother named Grover. After my initial reaction, which was to laugh a lot, I don't even recognize it as a strange name now. Weigh that, then: is the initial reaction so bad that you don't want to saddle your kid with it? Grover does not seem to have been scarred from his name.
posted by chainsofreedom at 6:05 PM on October 18, 2016 [6 favorites]
No, absolutely not.
posted by blackzinfandel at 6:09 PM on October 18, 2016 [5 favorites]
posted by blackzinfandel at 6:09 PM on October 18, 2016 [5 favorites]
The world is a different place than it was when we were children. My kid knows many, many kids with names that are "different" -- in all sorts of ways. It may even be weirder to give your kid a name like "John" or "Mary" nowadays. Give your kid the name you want to give him/her.
posted by BlahLaLa at 6:21 PM on October 18, 2016 [1 favorite]
posted by BlahLaLa at 6:21 PM on October 18, 2016 [1 favorite]
No. My name is "Eve" and EVERY SINGLE TIME I have to use it for anyone who feels they can joke with me, I get "OH WHERE IS ADAM" jokes. Spare your child. Kermit is a fine, humiliating middle name he will share with only his trusted friends, like an Elfquest soul name.
posted by The otter lady at 6:23 PM on October 18, 2016 [13 favorites]
posted by The otter lady at 6:23 PM on October 18, 2016 [13 favorites]
Please don't call your child Kermit.
posted by Sebmojo at 6:30 PM on October 18, 2016 [3 favorites]
posted by Sebmojo at 6:30 PM on October 18, 2016 [3 favorites]
No, please don't.
posted by fingersandtoes at 6:32 PM on October 18, 2016 [3 favorites]
posted by fingersandtoes at 6:32 PM on October 18, 2016 [3 favorites]
People have a ton of positive associations with Kermit, so it's not like you'd be naming him Adolph, but yeah do you want him to have to spend his entire life being "Kermit the Toddler", "Kermit the Dork", "Kermit the Accountant", "Kermit the _______"? Because that is 100% what will happen. I have a friend whose last name is Wickett (like the Ewok) and I constantly have to resist calling her "Wickett the Grad Student" because I know she would loathe it, but the impulse is still there. Most people don't have my impulse control. I also resisted singing They Might Be Giants to a woman I worked with named Annie Ng for years. I guarantee you other people did not. As for how I know? Look at my username.
posted by MsMolly at 6:33 PM on October 18, 2016 [7 favorites]
posted by MsMolly at 6:33 PM on October 18, 2016 [7 favorites]
"Ursula" was a strong contender for our baby's first name, and I considered an AskMe about it except that I decided I'd probably just ignore the answers I didn't like anyway. We ended up using it as a middle name (it didn't quite suit as the first) and the only people who get hung up about sea witches are adults who don't have much to do with children. Everyone else either associates it with Le Guin (or very occasionally Vernon; both are legit) or just glosses over it as a nice/unique name. Not a single child has cared, though the cub is still too young to expect her age-peers to opine.
posted by teremala at 6:37 PM on October 18, 2016 [1 favorite]
posted by teremala at 6:37 PM on October 18, 2016 [1 favorite]
Metafilter is showing it's age with the answers. Tons of people name their kids Zoe and that's a more contemporary Sesame Street character than Kermit. I say go for it if you like the name. I knew a Kermit once.
posted by stowaway at 6:41 PM on October 18, 2016 [9 favorites]
posted by stowaway at 6:41 PM on October 18, 2016 [9 favorites]
If you have some cultural or family connections to the name Kermit, I would say go for it. If not, then I think there are better alternatives.
posted by deanc at 6:44 PM on October 18, 2016
posted by deanc at 6:44 PM on October 18, 2016
I know the biggest, baddest, sweetest guy named Kermit.
It's completely endearing and wonderful.
There are so many Harrys and Elisas and Annas that everyone will get over it.
Great name. GREAT.
posted by littlewater at 6:48 PM on October 18, 2016 [13 favorites]
It's completely endearing and wonderful.
There are so many Harrys and Elisas and Annas that everyone will get over it.
Great name. GREAT.
posted by littlewater at 6:48 PM on October 18, 2016 [13 favorites]
I'm almost always "pro" whatever name—even the ones I don't particularly like (e.g., Maude, Bertram) and the ones folks say kids will make fun of (e.g., initials BRA)—because naming a child comes from a place of love and no name is tease-proof.
Nonetheless, in this case, I'm in the "oh my goodness, no" camp.
posted by she's not there at 6:49 PM on October 18, 2016 [4 favorites]
Nonetheless, in this case, I'm in the "oh my goodness, no" camp.
posted by she's not there at 6:49 PM on October 18, 2016 [4 favorites]
Metafilter is showing it's age with the answers. Tons of people name their kids Zoe and that's a more contemporary Sesame Street character than Kermit.
False parallel. Closer would be naming a kid Elmo, which is another "oh HECK no." Also, Disney has enough commitment to the Muppet brand that they've built a new theme park feature around them, so I don't think Kermit is going to fade from people's consciousness anytime soon. (Much like the song associated with my name, which came out sixty-ish years ago and people still sing to me.)
posted by MsMolly at 6:57 PM on October 18, 2016 [12 favorites]
False parallel. Closer would be naming a kid Elmo, which is another "oh HECK no." Also, Disney has enough commitment to the Muppet brand that they've built a new theme park feature around them, so I don't think Kermit is going to fade from people's consciousness anytime soon. (Much like the song associated with my name, which came out sixty-ish years ago and people still sing to me.)
posted by MsMolly at 6:57 PM on October 18, 2016 [12 favorites]
No. even if he hasn't been on Sesame Street in years, even though the Muppet show that was just on the air this calendar year was cancelled , Kermit stars in a ragingly popular meme featuring him drinking tea. Kermit the Frog is eternal.
posted by kimberussell at 7:03 PM on October 18, 2016 [6 favorites]
posted by kimberussell at 7:03 PM on October 18, 2016 [6 favorites]
So aside from all the other reasons listed here, you will be so sick of Kermit the Frog because that is all people - in their attempt to be clever - will get your child for gifts - Kermit stuffed toys, Muppet blankets, Muppet Show and Muppet Babies movies, Kermit slippers, and more.
posted by NoraCharles at 7:05 PM on October 18, 2016 [20 favorites]
posted by NoraCharles at 7:05 PM on October 18, 2016 [20 favorites]
I mean, by the time he's an adult the Muppets might be just a footnote in history. On the other hand, given all the reboots these days...
And I admit this is a weird thing to consider, but I wonder if their future partners will hesitate to call out his name in the heat of passion
OR
go for it with gusto in the voice of Ms. Piggy.
I guess it could be good for a laugh?
posted by neeta at 7:13 PM on October 18, 2016 [3 favorites]
And I admit this is a weird thing to consider, but I wonder if their future partners will hesitate to call out his name in the heat of passion
OR
go for it with gusto in the voice of Ms. Piggy.
I guess it could be good for a laugh?
posted by neeta at 7:13 PM on October 18, 2016 [3 favorites]
If your kid gets targeted for teasing, they'll make fun of any name. Teasing is a dumb reason to select or exclude names.
I would disagree with this - I got picked on a lot as a kid and I was veeeeery thankful that at least my name was dull and ordinary enough that the little bastards couldn't do much with it. Yes, kids grow up and get away from the bullies they have to deal with at school, but I think it would be a lot harder to leave behind that unhappiness if it has been linked to your name.
posted by 5_13_23_42_69_666 at 7:17 PM on October 18, 2016 [13 favorites]
I would disagree with this - I got picked on a lot as a kid and I was veeeeery thankful that at least my name was dull and ordinary enough that the little bastards couldn't do much with it. Yes, kids grow up and get away from the bullies they have to deal with at school, but I think it would be a lot harder to leave behind that unhappiness if it has been linked to your name.
posted by 5_13_23_42_69_666 at 7:17 PM on October 18, 2016 [13 favorites]
No. Please don't. I have had classmates and students named Merlin, Elmo, and Mickey (Mickey was in the same class as a Daisy and a Donnie, too), and it's brutal to be that kid.
posted by Hermione Granger at 7:19 PM on October 18, 2016 [9 favorites]
posted by Hermione Granger at 7:19 PM on October 18, 2016 [9 favorites]
I think it depends on why you are naming him Kermit. Do you have ancestors from the Isle of Man? Is a (non-fictional) person named Kermit somebody you admire? If either of these reasons are the case, then go for it. Are you actually naming him after Kermit the Frog? I wouldn't. The suggestion above of "James" to honor Jim Henson seems like a much better choice in that case.
posted by phoenixy at 7:28 PM on October 18, 2016 [3 favorites]
posted by phoenixy at 7:28 PM on October 18, 2016 [3 favorites]
Have to jump on the no band wagon.
2nd for lalex's suggestion of Kerwin as a similar feeling alternative.
posted by MandaSayGrr at 7:28 PM on October 18, 2016 [1 favorite]
2nd for lalex's suggestion of Kerwin as a similar feeling alternative.
posted by MandaSayGrr at 7:28 PM on October 18, 2016 [1 favorite]
I think it's cute and the Muppet connection will probably get more and more distant as time goes on.
posted by pintapicasso at 7:34 PM on October 18, 2016
posted by pintapicasso at 7:34 PM on October 18, 2016
Also, my husband has a silly first name (also of Sesame Street fame!) and when I first met him I was all "lololol how can I think of NAME romantically or seriously.." but soon it was just him, he could have been called Ben or Sam or whatever. When I introduce him to people they get a kick out of it and then it's done.
posted by pintapicasso at 7:43 PM on October 18, 2016 [1 favorite]
posted by pintapicasso at 7:43 PM on October 18, 2016 [1 favorite]
I think immediately of Kermit Ruffins the excellent New Orleans trumpet player, and not Kermit the frog, but I'm an outlier.
posted by cnidaria at 7:55 PM on October 18, 2016 [6 favorites]
posted by cnidaria at 7:55 PM on October 18, 2016 [6 favorites]
I cringed a little at the thought, honestly. I'm open to unique names and not-boring ones but... make it his middle name. No one will ever be able to guess it and it will be a fun game his whole life. Ha.
posted by AppleTurnover at 8:26 PM on October 18, 2016 [4 favorites]
posted by AppleTurnover at 8:26 PM on October 18, 2016 [4 favorites]
Here's the thing about kids: they grow up to be adults. An adorable kid with an adorable name makes everyone go AWWWWWW THAT'S ADORABLE, but when Kermit is 35, hasn't shaved for a few days because he's been really busy at work, and his own kids are limiting his sleep to 3-4 hours a night, the adorableness will be long gone.
Nthing the advice of others: if you're sold on Kermit, make it a middle name.
posted by pdb at 8:27 PM on October 18, 2016 [2 favorites]
Nthing the advice of others: if you're sold on Kermit, make it a middle name.
posted by pdb at 8:27 PM on October 18, 2016 [2 favorites]
Definitely definitely do not listen to the people saying no. Kids will always figure out some way to torment you. People made fun of my last name, and it in no way lent itself to mockery. Kids are just creative.
Second, Kermit is a real name, and it doesn't seems weird when applied to adults. The arguments in this thread are totally mind boggling. Name your kid Kermit, and don't sweat the weird naysayers in this thread.
posted by to sir with millipedes at 8:38 PM on October 18, 2016 [6 favorites]
Second, Kermit is a real name, and it doesn't seems weird when applied to adults. The arguments in this thread are totally mind boggling. Name your kid Kermit, and don't sweat the weird naysayers in this thread.
posted by to sir with millipedes at 8:38 PM on October 18, 2016 [6 favorites]
The one case where I would be 100% for this is if you're planning to raise him for a life of crime, because I would pay counterfeit money to see his autobiography titled "Kermit the Forger: Its Not Easy Making Green."
posted by MsMolly at 8:39 PM on October 18, 2016 [35 favorites]
posted by MsMolly at 8:39 PM on October 18, 2016 [35 favorites]
Yes to the name. If they are so inclined, kids will be shits regardless of how innocuous a name you give your child. I went to school with a girl named Mary. For a while I and a friend would chant 'Hairy Mary! Hairy Mary!' whenever we saw her. She wasn't hairy, we were just assholes. You like the name, go for it.
Shits, like life, always find a way.
posted by Alvy Ampersand at 8:49 PM on October 18, 2016
Shits, like life, always find a way.
posted by Alvy Ampersand at 8:49 PM on October 18, 2016
In my son's elementary school class cohort of 120, there is a boy named Kermit AND a boy named Grover. (Grover doesn't actually use his given first name as his first name, but all the kids know that's his name.)
My kid is asleep right now so I can't ask him, but if he's ever made the connection he's never mentioned it, and he sees Kermit every single day. Mostly I hear about him as "Kerm".
You know who does get teased a bit about his name, though? The kid named Steve. Because Steve is one of the two default player names in Minecraft.
So, yeah. From here I'd say that Kermit is fine, but avoid Steve at all costs.
posted by anastasiav at 8:51 PM on October 18, 2016 [12 favorites]
My kid is asleep right now so I can't ask him, but if he's ever made the connection he's never mentioned it, and he sees Kermit every single day. Mostly I hear about him as "Kerm".
You know who does get teased a bit about his name, though? The kid named Steve. Because Steve is one of the two default player names in Minecraft.
So, yeah. From here I'd say that Kermit is fine, but avoid Steve at all costs.
posted by anastasiav at 8:51 PM on October 18, 2016 [12 favorites]
This thread makes me really sad, because it brings up memories of my dear friend Kermit who committed suicide because his father just could not handle that he was gay. I really loved that guy -- so creative, funny, charming, passionate, caring. So unbelievably caring.
The first time I met him and heard his name, I thought of the frog. And then I never, ever thought of that again. He was just Kermit. And I never tagged on "the _______" to his name. It never occurred to me.
I tell you all this about my friend so you know how truly it was that his name made me think of him, and not of the muppet. Maybe I'm an exception, but I really just knew Kermit as my friend. And now I'm going to go cry for a while, because he really was a special and amazing person, and thinking of him has that effect on me, over 25 years later.
posted by Capri at 8:57 PM on October 18, 2016 [15 favorites]
The first time I met him and heard his name, I thought of the frog. And then I never, ever thought of that again. He was just Kermit. And I never tagged on "the _______" to his name. It never occurred to me.
I tell you all this about my friend so you know how truly it was that his name made me think of him, and not of the muppet. Maybe I'm an exception, but I really just knew Kermit as my friend. And now I'm going to go cry for a while, because he really was a special and amazing person, and thinking of him has that effect on me, over 25 years later.
posted by Capri at 8:57 PM on October 18, 2016 [15 favorites]
Love it. I think it depends on where you live, though. Around here it wouldn't really raise eyebrows...among all the little Sequoias, Evaristes and Freyas it would at least be instantly recognized and nobody would wonder how to spell it. It sounds charming and old fashioned in a good way. Very open, too, once you get past the frog thing. Actually I think the 'like the frog' line is a huge plus. I have a name that is hard to understand and spell and I love that, in contrast, everybody knows how to spell my daughter's name when I add 'as in The Explorer'.
posted by The Toad at 9:01 PM on October 18, 2016 [2 favorites]
posted by The Toad at 9:01 PM on October 18, 2016 [2 favorites]
I would not want to be that kid under any circumstance.
Also, realize that for better or worse a relatively sparsely used name combined with last name is easy to find and track on the internet.
posted by Kevin S at 9:02 PM on October 18, 2016 [2 favorites]
Also, realize that for better or worse a relatively sparsely used name combined with last name is easy to find and track on the internet.
posted by Kevin S at 9:02 PM on October 18, 2016 [2 favorites]
Kermit is a great name, haters to the left.
But, don't ask metafilter to approve your name. Name your child boldly or not at all.
So pick something different, but for uncertainty reasons, not Kermit reasons.
posted by Kwine at 9:09 PM on October 18, 2016 [1 favorite]
But, don't ask metafilter to approve your name. Name your child boldly or not at all.
So pick something different, but for uncertainty reasons, not Kermit reasons.
posted by Kwine at 9:09 PM on October 18, 2016 [1 favorite]
Kevin S . brings up an excellent point. There is no one else in the world (as far as Google is concerned) who shares my first name+last name, so I'm very easily found and tracked. I have to say I don't love that.
posted by hurdy gurdy girl at 9:11 PM on October 18, 2016 [16 favorites]
posted by hurdy gurdy girl at 9:11 PM on October 18, 2016 [16 favorites]
I know a kid named Eliot and every time I see him or think of him all I hear is E.T. saying "Elliiiioooottttt..." Then I have to say it. Then my husband says it. It's a problem.
Dear God, no to Kermit.
posted by Toddles at 9:38 PM on October 18, 2016
Dear God, no to Kermit.
posted by Toddles at 9:38 PM on October 18, 2016
Last time I posted on a naming question I voted against, when it was much more evenly split with a lot of "none of anyone else's damn business, name him what you want."
But this time I think it's fine. There exist non-muppet Kermits. I don't think it needs to be retired from real world names. It has a nice cadence. The "normal" last name adds something--"Kermit Smith" stands out in a way "Eric Smith" doesn't.
Also, while this doesn't factor into my endorsement and will admittedly be of no use if he is teased (kindergartners lacking insight and judgment about the qualities of fictional character) Kermit the Frog is actually a great friggin' role model. Decent, mature mensch type. Nothing you can actually make fun of him for.
posted by mark k at 9:50 PM on October 18, 2016 [1 favorite]
But this time I think it's fine. There exist non-muppet Kermits. I don't think it needs to be retired from real world names. It has a nice cadence. The "normal" last name adds something--"Kermit Smith" stands out in a way "Eric Smith" doesn't.
Also, while this doesn't factor into my endorsement and will admittedly be of no use if he is teased (kindergartners lacking insight and judgment about the qualities of fictional character) Kermit the Frog is actually a great friggin' role model. Decent, mature mensch type. Nothing you can actually make fun of him for.
posted by mark k at 9:50 PM on October 18, 2016 [1 favorite]
"Kermode" (like Frank Kermode, the literary critic) is an alternate form of the same name without frog associations. "Kerwin," as suggested above, is really nice and has basically the same sound as "Kermit," again without the frog associations.
If he's a generally socially adept and cheerful child, this will be seen as charming. If he has any significant awkward phase, it'll be an albatross.
Also, consider that he will never be able to order a pizza without having to convince the pizza guy he's not fucking with him.
posted by ostro at 10:09 PM on October 18, 2016 [2 favorites]
If he's a generally socially adept and cheerful child, this will be seen as charming. If he has any significant awkward phase, it'll be an albatross.
Also, consider that he will never be able to order a pizza without having to convince the pizza guy he's not fucking with him.
posted by ostro at 10:09 PM on October 18, 2016 [2 favorites]
My 80s childhood eye doctor was named Kermit Lee Lastname. I only knew this from his diploma on the wall. He went by Lee. Isn't it odd that I remember this?
posted by k8t at 10:22 PM on October 18, 2016 [2 favorites]
posted by k8t at 10:22 PM on October 18, 2016 [2 favorites]
My adult cousin's name is Clifford, which is probably a pretty close parallel. Guess what people say EVERY SINGLE GODDAMN TIME they meet him? "Oh, like the dog???"
Please do not subject your child to a lifetime of "oh, like the frog???"
posted by showbiz_liz at 10:41 PM on October 18, 2016 [7 favorites]
Please do not subject your child to a lifetime of "oh, like the frog???"
posted by showbiz_liz at 10:41 PM on October 18, 2016 [7 favorites]
Personally, when I think of Kermit, I think of Kermit Ruffins, who is rad. I say go for it.
I would give him a nice traditional middle name just in case he *does* become a judge or something and wants to go by K. Thomas Teragram or the like.
I went to high school with a guy named Viral, and like 30 seconds after meeting him everybody forgot his name was a homonym for being popular on the internet.
posted by Sara C. at 11:13 PM on October 18, 2016 [1 favorite]
I would give him a nice traditional middle name just in case he *does* become a judge or something and wants to go by K. Thomas Teragram or the like.
I went to high school with a guy named Viral, and like 30 seconds after meeting him everybody forgot his name was a homonym for being popular on the internet.
posted by Sara C. at 11:13 PM on October 18, 2016 [1 favorite]
Kermit is a fucking awesome character in a universe filled with amazeball peeps, but so are figures like He-Man, Megatron, Hobbes and Marty McFLy – and i wouldn't name my kid any of those.
I don't think a name determines whether or not a kid will be bullied in school or anywhere, but i do think that names carry a lot of power and significance, and as such, shouldn't be taken lightly.
If you really want to keep the name, I'd say making it a nickname is the way to go. Just let your kiddo know that its him in the end who gets to decide what he wants to be called, and that you'll honor that decision. It is his life, after all.
posted by speakeasy at 11:50 PM on October 18, 2016
I don't think a name determines whether or not a kid will be bullied in school or anywhere, but i do think that names carry a lot of power and significance, and as such, shouldn't be taken lightly.
If you really want to keep the name, I'd say making it a nickname is the way to go. Just let your kiddo know that its him in the end who gets to decide what he wants to be called, and that you'll honor that decision. It is his life, after all.
posted by speakeasy at 11:50 PM on October 18, 2016
No. It isn't easy being green.
posted by Violet Hour at 12:09 AM on October 19, 2016 [12 favorites]
posted by Violet Hour at 12:09 AM on October 19, 2016 [12 favorites]
I've noticed an apparent split in the answers: few of those in favour seem to be from people who refer to having children, whereas many of those against are.
If you're genuinely seeking advice (rather than looking for validation for an idea you're already set on) then that might incline you to follow the 'this is not a good idea' group.
posted by Major Clanger at 12:15 AM on October 19, 2016 [1 favorite]
If you're genuinely seeking advice (rather than looking for validation for an idea you're already set on) then that might incline you to follow the 'this is not a good idea' group.
posted by Major Clanger at 12:15 AM on October 19, 2016 [1 favorite]
I am imagining me like I was a kid, and while I otherwise wasn't into teasing others at all, I would absolutely have used a Kermit voice in all my communications with a kid called Kermit. Nothing and nobody would have stopped me. So, no.
posted by Namlit at 12:16 AM on October 19, 2016 [3 favorites]
posted by Namlit at 12:16 AM on October 19, 2016 [3 favorites]
If you're tallying votes, mine is No.
Having an unusual name - it may only be 30 seconds for people you meet to "get used to it" and it to become normal. But as the person with the strange name - you have to do that 30 second dance every.time.you.meet.someone. And I only have an unusual name which I personally love. I can't imagine being named something like Kermit. There's a voice attached to that character, not to mention a million internet memes. For many memes, whether or not it's airing on TV has no effect on the spread of it. (I'm lookin' at you Bob Ross and Mr. Rogers' Neighborhood.)
Beyond Kermit the Frog I also think of YouTube star Jenna Marble's dog Kermit.
The thing is, you can't predict what will or won't be popular. Hence someone saying no to "Steve" which I mean, there's also Steven Universe too. And Jake and Fin in Adventure Time. Or imagine all the people who go by "Donald" during this election cycle. Those are perfectly common names.
But you know right now that this is a name associated with a puppet. There's no changing that. Some people may have no issue with it. Some people might. He might get bullied for it. He might not. But again, my vote is for a path with the best chance of happiness while still staying true to your love for him as a human.
posted by Crystalinne at 2:45 AM on October 19, 2016 [3 favorites]
Having an unusual name - it may only be 30 seconds for people you meet to "get used to it" and it to become normal. But as the person with the strange name - you have to do that 30 second dance every.time.you.meet.someone. And I only have an unusual name which I personally love. I can't imagine being named something like Kermit. There's a voice attached to that character, not to mention a million internet memes. For many memes, whether or not it's airing on TV has no effect on the spread of it. (I'm lookin' at you Bob Ross and Mr. Rogers' Neighborhood.)
Beyond Kermit the Frog I also think of YouTube star Jenna Marble's dog Kermit.
The thing is, you can't predict what will or won't be popular. Hence someone saying no to "Steve" which I mean, there's also Steven Universe too. And Jake and Fin in Adventure Time. Or imagine all the people who go by "Donald" during this election cycle. Those are perfectly common names.
But you know right now that this is a name associated with a puppet. There's no changing that. Some people may have no issue with it. Some people might. He might get bullied for it. He might not. But again, my vote is for a path with the best chance of happiness while still staying true to your love for him as a human.
posted by Crystalinne at 2:45 AM on October 19, 2016 [3 favorites]
Kermit would be a great name for a pet! A child, not so much.
posted by intensitymultiply at 3:03 AM on October 19, 2016 [1 favorite]
posted by intensitymultiply at 3:03 AM on October 19, 2016 [1 favorite]
Wow, I really don't understand all this Kermit hate. I think it's a nice name. All the objections seem to be based around the famous frog who, I mean, really, that's a problem? It's a real name, it's not like you want to name your kid Big Bird.
posted by Polychrome at 3:49 AM on October 19, 2016 [3 favorites]
posted by Polychrome at 3:49 AM on October 19, 2016 [3 favorites]
If it's any consolation, I think most of the criticism would come from adults our age and older, and I would hope if they do snicker, they would do it privately and not in front of a child and his parents.
My 8 year old doesn't know who Kermit the Frog is, even though we've watched a few of the movies. Neither do most of his friends. It's not something kids in this geographical area anyway are into. "Me me me me me me me!" in a high pitched voice has to be explained, and "Manamana" they only know from me and my husband singing (or only remember it as we having sung it even though, again, they've seen the videos).
Kermit the Frog will always be a cultural icon of sorts, but while The Muppets are still awesome for current adults, he seems less and less relevant to current kids, which means most likely he will be less relevant to those kids when they are adults.
I happen to think Kermit is a great name! My own reaction would be to think, that is so cool! I've never met a Kermit before. I'd make the association to the character, of course, but only in that they share a name. And I wouldn't bring it up and it wouldn't ever matter after the second time we meet. (And if it helps at all, I share a name with a famous actress. I'm constantly asked about this. For most of my life, she was a bit lesser known and in recent years her stardom has blown up. I'm always asked about that. I actually don't mind because it makes google searches on me IMPOSSIBLE unless you know enough details about me, and even then, it's still nearly impossible. It's really awesome!)
posted by zizzle at 4:01 AM on October 19, 2016 [1 favorite]
My 8 year old doesn't know who Kermit the Frog is, even though we've watched a few of the movies. Neither do most of his friends. It's not something kids in this geographical area anyway are into. "Me me me me me me me!" in a high pitched voice has to be explained, and "Manamana" they only know from me and my husband singing (or only remember it as we having sung it even though, again, they've seen the videos).
Kermit the Frog will always be a cultural icon of sorts, but while The Muppets are still awesome for current adults, he seems less and less relevant to current kids, which means most likely he will be less relevant to those kids when they are adults.
I happen to think Kermit is a great name! My own reaction would be to think, that is so cool! I've never met a Kermit before. I'd make the association to the character, of course, but only in that they share a name. And I wouldn't bring it up and it wouldn't ever matter after the second time we meet. (And if it helps at all, I share a name with a famous actress. I'm constantly asked about this. For most of my life, she was a bit lesser known and in recent years her stardom has blown up. I'm always asked about that. I actually don't mind because it makes google searches on me IMPOSSIBLE unless you know enough details about me, and even then, it's still nearly impossible. It's really awesome!)
posted by zizzle at 4:01 AM on October 19, 2016 [1 favorite]
For what it's worth, I went to school with someone named Kermit, although he generally went by "Kim." The first time I discovered his real name, I had about thirty seconds of amusement. Then I got used to it. And now when I hear "Kermit," my first thought isn't the frog. It's the smart, kind guy I grew up with. I haven't seen him for years, but I do know that he went on to become a professor at Harvard law and a respected novelist. Being named Kermit doesn't seem to have doomed him to a life of disgrace.
As another data point, my sister has an unusual name, and I have a perfectly ordinary name, and we both probably got teased equal amounts over the course of our childhood. Kids who want to tease are going to tease, and if they can't make fun of their victim's name, they'll find another target.
That said, based on my observations of people with unusual names -- many of them do go through a phase where they try going by something else to fit in. You can make that phase easier for your kid by making Kermit their middle name. You're still allowed to call them Kermit! There's no rule that says you can't call your kid by their middle name! But middle names are less likely to show up in school directories, and if Kermit Teragram does go through a stage where he wants to be known as "John," it'll be easier for him if he's listed as "John K. Teragram" on official documents.
posted by yankeefog at 4:08 AM on October 19, 2016 [2 favorites]
As another data point, my sister has an unusual name, and I have a perfectly ordinary name, and we both probably got teased equal amounts over the course of our childhood. Kids who want to tease are going to tease, and if they can't make fun of their victim's name, they'll find another target.
That said, based on my observations of people with unusual names -- many of them do go through a phase where they try going by something else to fit in. You can make that phase easier for your kid by making Kermit their middle name. You're still allowed to call them Kermit! There's no rule that says you can't call your kid by their middle name! But middle names are less likely to show up in school directories, and if Kermit Teragram does go through a stage where he wants to be known as "John," it'll be easier for him if he's listed as "John K. Teragram" on official documents.
posted by yankeefog at 4:08 AM on October 19, 2016 [2 favorites]
I initially thought "heck no!", but then I realized that my name is Sara and people still find a way to turn it into a conversation starter. You can hardly get more generic than Sara, and yet twice a day I have a conversation about if it ends with an 'h' or not, how many other Sarahs I know, etc. It'll always be something.
When I was a kid, they just found other things to tease me for. If I had a ready-made nickname, maybe they wouldn't have invented a racist one for me.
posted by tofu_crouton at 5:51 AM on October 19, 2016 [2 favorites]
When I was a kid, they just found other things to tease me for. If I had a ready-made nickname, maybe they wouldn't have invented a racist one for me.
posted by tofu_crouton at 5:51 AM on October 19, 2016 [2 favorites]
I'm late to the game on this one and have read about half the comments, but if you really like the name just do it.
I'm going to counter the arguments about using as a second or middle name. Two of my older brothers have, for whatever reason gone through life using their middle names as the common ones, to the extent it's what I've always known them as and they have always used privately and publicly. Their first names are absolutely run-of-the-mill stuff, as are their middle names. I don't know if it was their preference or our parents, but there you go.
One worked internationally for his career and the other at a high level administratively in a state government in the US. All the publicity and press respected their choice of name usage. There was never an issue with Kermit the brain surgeon or Kermit the senior government advisor. And I suspect that would remain the case even with as culturally charged a name.
tl:dr. There's no obligation that Kermit be the common usage name and if you're following the traditional US pattern of first-middle-last and Kermit works best in position one, go for it.
posted by michswiss at 5:55 AM on October 19, 2016 [1 favorite]
I'm going to counter the arguments about using as a second or middle name. Two of my older brothers have, for whatever reason gone through life using their middle names as the common ones, to the extent it's what I've always known them as and they have always used privately and publicly. Their first names are absolutely run-of-the-mill stuff, as are their middle names. I don't know if it was their preference or our parents, but there you go.
One worked internationally for his career and the other at a high level administratively in a state government in the US. All the publicity and press respected their choice of name usage. There was never an issue with Kermit the brain surgeon or Kermit the senior government advisor. And I suspect that would remain the case even with as culturally charged a name.
tl:dr. There's no obligation that Kermit be the common usage name and if you're following the traditional US pattern of first-middle-last and Kermit works best in position one, go for it.
posted by michswiss at 5:55 AM on October 19, 2016 [1 favorite]
In the camp of "I've known a Kermit and he was great." On the other hand, I know about fifty Masons under the age of ten, so maybe not Kermit Mason Jones....
posted by theweasel at 6:16 AM on October 19, 2016
posted by theweasel at 6:16 AM on October 19, 2016
I mean, Kermit is a real name. I knew a guy named Kermit; he was old enough to have been given that name pre-frog. It made me smile. But it's a name that has always been unusual in the US, and as such, the frog is going to be a really strong connotation for any adult that meets him. When I thought about kid's names, one thing I thought about was picking a name that has multiple cultural references already, so that one person or character doesn't define people's preconceptions for the rest of his life. Kermit doesn't have that, so I wouldn't give that name to my child, although I don't think it's a cruel terrible thing to do either!
posted by tchemgrrl at 6:17 AM on October 19, 2016 [2 favorites]
posted by tchemgrrl at 6:17 AM on October 19, 2016 [2 favorites]
For those people saying they've known people named Kermit and they were cool so it's fine - ever ask them if they wish they'd been named something, anything, else? Because the fact that they were cool dudes who you liked does not mean they were not also burdened by their names. No one is saying this will make the kid less of a good person! But in my opinion you might as well give him a little neck tattoo of a frog, because he will hear the word 'frog' from random strangers just as much if you name him Kermit.
posted by showbiz_liz at 6:23 AM on October 19, 2016 [2 favorites]
posted by showbiz_liz at 6:23 AM on October 19, 2016 [2 favorites]
You haven't said why you want to use this name. If it is special to you for a reason, at least when the kid inevitably gets poked about it he will think, "Yes, the name has baggage, but it has real meaning for my parents." That's different from, "My parents saddled me with this name for some weird reason or because they thought it was funny and I'm the one who's paying."
The other thing, for me, is that you don't know who this kid will be or how he will feel about the name, and that's something you have no control over. I have an unusual last name that has associations. People bring it up a lot and most of the time I'm fine with it, but I would never tell another person to be fine with that sort of thing. I worked with a guy whose name was taken over after his birth by a comical media figure and it drove him nuts.
posted by BibiRose at 6:43 AM on October 19, 2016 [4 favorites]
The other thing, for me, is that you don't know who this kid will be or how he will feel about the name, and that's something you have no control over. I have an unusual last name that has associations. People bring it up a lot and most of the time I'm fine with it, but I would never tell another person to be fine with that sort of thing. I worked with a guy whose name was taken over after his birth by a comical media figure and it drove him nuts.
posted by BibiRose at 6:43 AM on October 19, 2016 [4 favorites]
Please, don't. Naming your kid is not your opportunity for self-expression, it's a cross they'll have to bear for the rest of their life. Make it a light cross. Name them something easy to spell that won't get them picked on or stupid jokes about their name made constantly.
Or...pay for them to legally change it once they're sick of the bullshit that goes with having a weird name. It's up to you.
~ from a person who grew up with a weird name that attracted all sorts of unwelcome attention who eventually change it.
posted by eternalstranger at 6:43 AM on October 19, 2016 [10 favorites]
Or...pay for them to legally change it once they're sick of the bullshit that goes with having a weird name. It's up to you.
~ from a person who grew up with a weird name that attracted all sorts of unwelcome attention who eventually change it.
posted by eternalstranger at 6:43 AM on October 19, 2016 [10 favorites]
I love the name Kermit. It's a charming name. And I think a lot of people are naming their children unusual things these days - it seems to be the trend. No one will be especially surprised about Kermit, in among the Nemos and Ezras and Anguses and Baracks.
I say this as a kid who was ruthlessly teased. As a note: yes, being a chubby girl with a name that rhymes with ham, spam, and clam was unpleasant. But I love my name. Don't let bullies keep you & your son from the lovely name Kermit.
posted by pammeke at 7:32 AM on October 19, 2016
I say this as a kid who was ruthlessly teased. As a note: yes, being a chubby girl with a name that rhymes with ham, spam, and clam was unpleasant. But I love my name. Don't let bullies keep you & your son from the lovely name Kermit.
posted by pammeke at 7:32 AM on October 19, 2016
Would Henson make a good first name?
I know this is hard, we went the surprise route with both of our kids and picked out names that would work either way beforehand. It wasn't easy.
... but I wouldn't do Kermit. And I love the muppets. Love them.
posted by RolandOfEld at 7:33 AM on October 19, 2016 [1 favorite]
I know this is hard, we went the surprise route with both of our kids and picked out names that would work either way beforehand. It wasn't easy.
... but I wouldn't do Kermit. And I love the muppets. Love them.
posted by RolandOfEld at 7:33 AM on October 19, 2016 [1 favorite]
In case this helps, there are plenty of people who are also named Kermit who are not frogs.
posted by pammeke at 7:36 AM on October 19, 2016
posted by pammeke at 7:36 AM on October 19, 2016
I went to school with a guy named Kermit. He also had an unusual last name and the combination was pretty unfortunate. Unique, to be sure, but not really in a good way. He was a cool guy and he wore the name as well as possible, but people referenced the damn frog all. The. Time.
I wouldn't. There are many beautiful, distinctive names that don't reference so strongly a felt frog. If you feel strongly about using the name, I'd suggest using it as a middle name. If your maybe son decides he really likes it, he can always adopt it later.
posted by Aquifer at 7:43 AM on October 19, 2016 [3 favorites]
I wouldn't. There are many beautiful, distinctive names that don't reference so strongly a felt frog. If you feel strongly about using the name, I'd suggest using it as a middle name. If your maybe son decides he really likes it, he can always adopt it later.
posted by Aquifer at 7:43 AM on October 19, 2016 [3 favorites]
I for one had absolutely no idea that Kermit was a 'real' name. I thought it was a made-up frog name, and I'd wager the majority of people think the same thing.
posted by showbiz_liz at 8:01 AM on October 19, 2016 [4 favorites]
posted by showbiz_liz at 8:01 AM on October 19, 2016 [4 favorites]
Because I was wondering where it came from, might as well share the info..
From a Manx surname, a variant of the Irish surname MacDermott meaning "son of DIARMAID".
posted by mirthe at 8:02 AM on October 19, 2016 [1 favorite]
From a Manx surname, a variant of the Irish surname MacDermott meaning "son of DIARMAID".
posted by mirthe at 8:02 AM on October 19, 2016 [1 favorite]
My first name was also that of a pop-culture figure (to be fair to my mom, not one that was famous when I was born) and I got realllly tired of the jokes. So much so that I started going by my middle name in college so that people would take me seriously when I went for job interviews and also; no more stupid jokes.
It was a not really a bad or silly name, just unusual enough that people only had one pop culture reference for it. Exactly like Kermit.
That pop culture figure has not been in the limelight for nearly 30 years but anytime I reveal what my first name is, people still laugh. People too young to ever have known much about that person or why they were famous.
So I vote no.
posted by emjaybee at 8:15 AM on October 19, 2016 [7 favorites]
It was a not really a bad or silly name, just unusual enough that people only had one pop culture reference for it. Exactly like Kermit.
That pop culture figure has not been in the limelight for nearly 30 years but anytime I reveal what my first name is, people still laugh. People too young to ever have known much about that person or why they were famous.
So I vote no.
posted by emjaybee at 8:15 AM on October 19, 2016 [7 favorites]
My fourth-grader thinks a kid named Kermit would be teased at school (by kids who weren't his friends), but my first-grader doesn't. (The younger one has an unusual name, as do many of her friends, so that might make them more accepting.)
posted by belladonna at 8:35 AM on October 19, 2016
posted by belladonna at 8:35 AM on October 19, 2016
I was expecting the thread to lean anti-Kermit naming, but not so strongly. Personally, I would say go for it if you still like the name when the kid is born. As noted, Kermit the Frog as a cultural touchstone is on the decline. At the same time, the diversity of programs to watch is on the rise. From the 1970s through the 1990s I'm sure 99% of kids could quote Sesame Street routines in their sleep. Plus you had five or six seasons of the Muppet Show, the Muppet Movie, Muppet Babies, etc. The Muppet universe will exist for some time, but it ceased revolving around Kermit when Elmo took over. Kermit the Frog will always exist, but there is a lot more for kids to watch than Muppets, and Kermit is really just another Muppet these days. You're more likely to be annoyed by constant frog references from other parents than they are from other kids.
(As an aside, I would have fun with that. "Oh like the frog" "[puzzled look] the what?")
I have one of the most common names of recent times and I was teased a lot in a variety of ways. If 80% of my teasing had been funneled into one channel ("frog") I probably would have found coping much easier!
And I like the sound of Kerwin but I imagine a lot of "Hi, I'm Kerwin." "Kermit?" moments.
And never tell real life people your name choices (Kermit or otherwise) ahead of time because someone will inevitably say "OH That is a horrible name for REASONS" and then when you go ahead and use that name it can be awkward.
posted by mikepop at 8:37 AM on October 19, 2016 [1 favorite]
(As an aside, I would have fun with that. "Oh like the frog" "[puzzled look] the what?")
I have one of the most common names of recent times and I was teased a lot in a variety of ways. If 80% of my teasing had been funneled into one channel ("frog") I probably would have found coping much easier!
And I like the sound of Kerwin but I imagine a lot of "Hi, I'm Kerwin." "Kermit?" moments.
And never tell real life people your name choices (Kermit or otherwise) ahead of time because someone will inevitably say "OH That is a horrible name for REASONS" and then when you go ahead and use that name it can be awkward.
posted by mikepop at 8:37 AM on October 19, 2016 [1 favorite]
As someone with an unusual name, I want to say go for it, because it is an old-fashioned and unique name, and because bullies gonna bully even if your kid is named Bill.
But thinking about the name Kermit specifically, it seems to combine the worst aspects of an unusual name (people always ask about it, mock it, do a double take) with the worst aspects of a very popular name (everyone already has a built-in association with it, and your kid will never be as well-known as the famousperson frog it's most closely associated with.)
I vote for Kermit as middle name, or choosing a first name that's another variant of it, depending on your reasons for liking it.
posted by DestinationUnknown at 8:48 AM on October 19, 2016 [1 favorite]
But thinking about the name Kermit specifically, it seems to combine the worst aspects of an unusual name (people always ask about it, mock it, do a double take) with the worst aspects of a very popular name (everyone already has a built-in association with it, and your kid will never be as well-known as the famous
I vote for Kermit as middle name, or choosing a first name that's another variant of it, depending on your reasons for liking it.
posted by DestinationUnknown at 8:48 AM on October 19, 2016 [1 favorite]
So I have a non-common name--it's not too unusual but it is pronounced differently in English than in my native language, even though its spelled the same. And there are only a few of me in the world generally because of the combo of unique surname plus quasi-unique name. However, one of the people with my name is actually a racy model-- which although is fine, it's not something I particularly want to be associated with if Googled. Yet she's semi-famous so her presence online trumps mine. So it's not always a good thing to share a name with others. I sometimes wonder if things like that cost me jobs, and I kind of wish that I was the first hit on Google for my name, instead. If I had a completely unique name, that wouldn't be a problem. Your online presence is controllable if you want it to be and you take precautions. Other people with the same name? Not so much. So being easily Googled is not a necessarily a bad thing.
I didn't really love correcting people regarding my name, and people still call me the English equivalent of my name in English speaking countries a lot because they either can't pronounce it or think its "Sophie" despite me telling them its "Sophia" over and over. (It's not that but you get the idea). That said, I love my name, I love that its uncommon and I'd really not enjoy a 'conventional' name. That's me. Some people would love to slot into the normal and feel safer doing so. But the thing that bothered me growing up wasn't that my name was unusually pronounced, but it was that people were ignorant about it when I'd correct them, and would constantly correct to the English 'norm' of it, and giving me an 'easy' name doesn't fix that problem, because the name isn't the problem, not really.
But I'm not sure where to draw the line; you give kids only vanilla names, and vanilla lives, and it makes things infinitely harder for everyone-- it makes things harder for kids with unusual cultural names or names that are native to their heritage or race. It made my childhood best friend call herself Stephanie instead of her birth name when her family emigrated to Australia. Their whole family changed their names. My family was also encouraged to change their names from their 'ethnic' ones to more common 'English' names. And it was the late 90s, not the 50s. (For what its worth, my family didn't change, hers did, but I don't blame her, but it made me sad -- IIRC her birth name was really pretty with a beautiful meaning).
So I'll never be pro vanilla names: I think lack of diversity in society is dangerous thing which compounds a very real problem. I'll always advocate the unusual.
Also, you never know what name is 'safe' and what kids will pick on. I also know a young lady called Isabella, who had a perfectly ordinary name (everyone called her Bella) until Twilight came out, and while it was ok at first, once Twilight became unpopular, she then she got teased mercilessly for looking similar, having the same name, and being a similar age in the age of tween angst. Meanwhile my nephew has an old mythological name (think something like Theseus, but not quite that) and he's 9 now, everyone calls him 'Thay' and he has absolutely no issues with his name, even if he gets people asking about it. I think he really likes his name.
So obviously I'm for it. See, I feel like my name gave me character; it shaped me somewhat, reflects my culture, and I honestly feel it made me better, more empathetic and kinder. I think, as many others have said who actually know people named Kermit, the name wasn't a hindrance and the association faded pretty quickly.
Also, these are real, historical names that have meaning and used to be popular. It makes me kinda sad that cool old names like Kermit and Theodore and Betty and such are replaced with 'trendy' names that are sometimes, made up, surnames, or verbs. I mean, nothing wrong with that, but the first person to call their kid Archer probably had some issues with it, too, and now its pretty commonplace. And eventually these current trendy names will become unpopular 'old' names anyway.
Especially if this name is somehow meaningful to you, I say go for it.
posted by Dimes at 8:50 AM on October 19, 2016 [4 favorites]
I didn't really love correcting people regarding my name, and people still call me the English equivalent of my name in English speaking countries a lot because they either can't pronounce it or think its "Sophie" despite me telling them its "Sophia" over and over. (It's not that but you get the idea). That said, I love my name, I love that its uncommon and I'd really not enjoy a 'conventional' name. That's me. Some people would love to slot into the normal and feel safer doing so. But the thing that bothered me growing up wasn't that my name was unusually pronounced, but it was that people were ignorant about it when I'd correct them, and would constantly correct to the English 'norm' of it, and giving me an 'easy' name doesn't fix that problem, because the name isn't the problem, not really.
But I'm not sure where to draw the line; you give kids only vanilla names, and vanilla lives, and it makes things infinitely harder for everyone-- it makes things harder for kids with unusual cultural names or names that are native to their heritage or race. It made my childhood best friend call herself Stephanie instead of her birth name when her family emigrated to Australia. Their whole family changed their names. My family was also encouraged to change their names from their 'ethnic' ones to more common 'English' names. And it was the late 90s, not the 50s. (For what its worth, my family didn't change, hers did, but I don't blame her, but it made me sad -- IIRC her birth name was really pretty with a beautiful meaning).
So I'll never be pro vanilla names: I think lack of diversity in society is dangerous thing which compounds a very real problem. I'll always advocate the unusual.
Also, you never know what name is 'safe' and what kids will pick on. I also know a young lady called Isabella, who had a perfectly ordinary name (everyone called her Bella) until Twilight came out, and while it was ok at first, once Twilight became unpopular, she then she got teased mercilessly for looking similar, having the same name, and being a similar age in the age of tween angst. Meanwhile my nephew has an old mythological name (think something like Theseus, but not quite that) and he's 9 now, everyone calls him 'Thay' and he has absolutely no issues with his name, even if he gets people asking about it. I think he really likes his name.
So obviously I'm for it. See, I feel like my name gave me character; it shaped me somewhat, reflects my culture, and I honestly feel it made me better, more empathetic and kinder. I think, as many others have said who actually know people named Kermit, the name wasn't a hindrance and the association faded pretty quickly.
Also, these are real, historical names that have meaning and used to be popular. It makes me kinda sad that cool old names like Kermit and Theodore and Betty and such are replaced with 'trendy' names that are sometimes, made up, surnames, or verbs. I mean, nothing wrong with that, but the first person to call their kid Archer probably had some issues with it, too, and now its pretty commonplace. And eventually these current trendy names will become unpopular 'old' names anyway.
Especially if this name is somehow meaningful to you, I say go for it.
posted by Dimes at 8:50 AM on October 19, 2016 [4 favorites]
Having known the adversity of a poorly chosen name, I carefully chose names for my children that are beautiful and dignified, but common enough to not be remarked upon; and calculated to be pleasing and non-problematic in both my families' cultures.
The topic of names came up the other day at home. The idea of someone not liking their own name had never occurred to either of my kids; and both of them - without my asking - piped up to tell me they loved their names. It was an intensely sweet and proud moment for me.
I suspect you will not have an experience like this if you name your child Kermit.
posted by fingersandtoes at 8:59 AM on October 19, 2016 [3 favorites]
The topic of names came up the other day at home. The idea of someone not liking their own name had never occurred to either of my kids; and both of them - without my asking - piped up to tell me they loved their names. It was an intensely sweet and proud moment for me.
I suspect you will not have an experience like this if you name your child Kermit.
posted by fingersandtoes at 8:59 AM on October 19, 2016 [3 favorites]
My vote is no -- but I think it is a cool middle name! My main test is trying to imagine my future kid as a Supreme Court justice. Does Kermit the Supreme Court justice roll off the tongue? If not, I would probably avoid in the attempt to keep all options open for my future kid.
posted by rainbowbrite at 9:04 AM on October 19, 2016
posted by rainbowbrite at 9:04 AM on October 19, 2016
I went to college with a Kermit, who must have been born in the late 70's or early 80's so at a much much greater peak of Muppet popularity. He was just Kermit, he was a scientist, and love birds. He relocated a flock of peacocks to our campus as a project. He was a cool guy.
One day I asked him if he had ever been teased because his name was a Muppet name. He said "not yet" and looked at me worryingly. I declined to be the first.
The rule of thumb I think of when trying to worry if my kids names will be teased comes from my old 7th grade teacher who late in life conferred to me this crass gem of wisdom from 35 years teaching middle school "*insert slur* rhymes with everything" which jives pretty well with my own experience growing up.
posted by French Fry at 9:21 AM on October 19, 2016 [1 favorite]
One day I asked him if he had ever been teased because his name was a Muppet name. He said "not yet" and looked at me worryingly. I declined to be the first.
The rule of thumb I think of when trying to worry if my kids names will be teased comes from my old 7th grade teacher who late in life conferred to me this crass gem of wisdom from 35 years teaching middle school "*insert slur* rhymes with everything" which jives pretty well with my own experience growing up.
posted by French Fry at 9:21 AM on October 19, 2016 [1 favorite]
I'd vote no, and instead of Kerwin, suggest Emmet. I don't know, it has sort of the same feeling of Kermit to me, without a single whiff of muppet (not that there's anything wrong with being a muppet).
posted by freezer cake at 9:24 AM on October 19, 2016 [1 favorite]
posted by freezer cake at 9:24 AM on October 19, 2016 [1 favorite]
Kermit is a perfectly fine name if you like it. I mean the US has already reached peak cayden, jayden, brayden, aiden, capacity so someone needs to be the change in the world!
posted by WeekendJen at 9:37 AM on October 19, 2016 [3 favorites]
posted by WeekendJen at 9:37 AM on October 19, 2016 [3 favorites]
Yes to Kermit, and the accompanying error-correcting communication skills.
(Emmet would have everyone singing “Everything Is AWESOME!!!”; also, it can be used as a nickname for a small, insignificant person.)
posted by scruss at 9:43 AM on October 19, 2016
(Emmet would have everyone singing “Everything Is AWESOME!!!”; also, it can be used as a nickname for a small, insignificant person.)
posted by scruss at 9:43 AM on October 19, 2016
Emmett was a Muppet. He had a jug band. He made Christmas magical.
He's also the legoman and a twilight guy. Which are probably more topical RE: "these days."
posted by French Fry at 9:45 AM on October 19, 2016 [4 favorites]
I had a professor named Kermit. He was lovely, and everyone called him by his first name. The first time you heard it, you had a moment of "ha muppetname". But everyone got over it quickly, and he seemed to have no problems.
Granted, he had been named Kermit before the frog was, but still. It seemed to work for him.
posted by a fiendish thingy at 9:53 AM on October 19, 2016 [1 favorite]
Granted, he had been named Kermit before the frog was, but still. It seemed to work for him.
posted by a fiendish thingy at 9:53 AM on October 19, 2016 [1 favorite]
I see a lot of people saying "kids are going to be jerks regardless of the name," which is probably true... but think about when your kid is an adult. I'm not anti-Kermit because of potential childhood bullying, I'm anti-Kermit because later on in life, this kid is going to meet people he wants to impress, and the first thing they will think about him is "Oh yeah! Like the muppet!" rather than anything about him as a person.
posted by showbiz_liz at 10:10 AM on October 19, 2016
posted by showbiz_liz at 10:10 AM on October 19, 2016
I know about fifty Masons under the age of ten
I think this is another compelling reason why it's probably perfectly OK to name your kid Kermit if you want.
35 years ago, when my parents were naming me, Mason was not considered a real first name, and most likely if a pregnant couple suggested it as an idea, they would get a lot of pushback such as, "But like FREEMASONS, amirite? He's going to be teased so badly in school! People are going to ask him if he's in the Illuminati like every time he introduces himself" etc. Meanwhile now honestly it doesn't even come off as particularly unusual, and if you're a kid named Mason in 2016 you're probably Mason C. or something.
Not to mention, of course, that little Kermit born in 2016 is going to be in kindergarten with three Masons, two Ursulas, and a Ximena. I just don't think there's the backlash about unusual names now that there was when the Metafilter demographic was growing up.
posted by Sara C. at 10:12 AM on October 19, 2016 [1 favorite]
I think this is another compelling reason why it's probably perfectly OK to name your kid Kermit if you want.
35 years ago, when my parents were naming me, Mason was not considered a real first name, and most likely if a pregnant couple suggested it as an idea, they would get a lot of pushback such as, "But like FREEMASONS, amirite? He's going to be teased so badly in school! People are going to ask him if he's in the Illuminati like every time he introduces himself" etc. Meanwhile now honestly it doesn't even come off as particularly unusual, and if you're a kid named Mason in 2016 you're probably Mason C. or something.
Not to mention, of course, that little Kermit born in 2016 is going to be in kindergarten with three Masons, two Ursulas, and a Ximena. I just don't think there's the backlash about unusual names now that there was when the Metafilter demographic was growing up.
posted by Sara C. at 10:12 AM on October 19, 2016 [1 favorite]
John Kermit Smith
Kerwin John Smith
Emmett John Smith
All great options. Kermit John Smith? Nah. You, of course, will think of your child as more than their name, but a great many uncaring callous people who do not know your child will ONLY think of your child as their name, and won't think past it.
posted by stockpuppet at 10:14 AM on October 19, 2016
Kerwin John Smith
Emmett John Smith
All great options. Kermit John Smith? Nah. You, of course, will think of your child as more than their name, but a great many uncaring callous people who do not know your child will ONLY think of your child as their name, and won't think past it.
posted by stockpuppet at 10:14 AM on October 19, 2016
My main test is trying to imagine my future kid as a Supreme Court justice.
Holy cow, I'm honestly flabbergasted that someone else used my EXACT criteria. Tho I had a few extra requirements: worked for the starting pitcher of the Red Sox, looked good on a resume, looked good on a tombstone (sorry to go there but rly, it's gonna happen). My son has an obviously "ethnic" first name, so I gave him a completely normal middle name so he can be "P. Henry" professionally if that's easier for him in the future. If Kermit works for you in these cases, that's all you need to know.
I honestly say go for it. There's a kid at my playground named Calvin (as in " & Hobbes"), an Oscar, Otis, Lyle, and even a Thor. The one with the immediate pop culture association right now: Alexander. (It may or may not have been me who busted out singing, but I was assured I wasn't the first. Or the last.)
Honestly, kids can tease anything and I know plenty of people with more normal names who loathed being one of 7 in their class.
posted by sonika at 10:52 AM on October 19, 2016 [2 favorites]
Holy cow, I'm honestly flabbergasted that someone else used my EXACT criteria. Tho I had a few extra requirements: worked for the starting pitcher of the Red Sox, looked good on a resume, looked good on a tombstone (sorry to go there but rly, it's gonna happen). My son has an obviously "ethnic" first name, so I gave him a completely normal middle name so he can be "P. Henry" professionally if that's easier for him in the future. If Kermit works for you in these cases, that's all you need to know.
I honestly say go for it. There's a kid at my playground named Calvin (as in " & Hobbes"), an Oscar, Otis, Lyle, and even a Thor. The one with the immediate pop culture association right now: Alexander. (It may or may not have been me who busted out singing, but I was assured I wasn't the first. Or the last.)
Honestly, kids can tease anything and I know plenty of people with more normal names who loathed being one of 7 in their class.
posted by sonika at 10:52 AM on October 19, 2016 [2 favorites]
Also, my daughter is literally named after a book turned movie and no one has EVER made the association. It's certainly not as beloved as Kermit the Frog, but a data point for "sometimes people miss the obvious."
posted by sonika at 10:56 AM on October 19, 2016 [1 favorite]
posted by sonika at 10:56 AM on October 19, 2016 [1 favorite]
My main test is trying to imagine my future kid as a Supreme Court justice.
That’s why I’ll only name my 3rd kid a normal American name like:
Elena, Ruth, Clarence, Antonin, Thurgood, Byron, Potter, Earl, Sherman, Wiley, Felix, Hugo, Harlan, Mahlon, Horace, Howell, Melville, Lucius Quintus, Salmon or of course Bushrod
posted by French Fry at 11:51 AM on October 19, 2016 [18 favorites]
That’s why I’ll only name my 3rd kid a normal American name like:
Elena, Ruth, Clarence, Antonin, Thurgood, Byron, Potter, Earl, Sherman, Wiley, Felix, Hugo, Harlan, Mahlon, Horace, Howell, Melville, Lucius Quintus, Salmon or of course Bushrod
posted by French Fry at 11:51 AM on October 19, 2016 [18 favorites]
My name was slightly unusual until very recently, when it started to be popular for new baby girls. So when I was growing up, adults recognized my name but thought it was different and other kids had rarely heard it before. I haaated it as a young child, but grew to love it. I firmly think the reason I grew to like it is because I'm named after two relatives and I liked having that connection to the past. I also liked having an easy explanation to tell people who remarked on my name. So my rationale is: use Kermit if it's a tribute to a family member or loved one or it has a special meaning that will help your kid understand why it's his name. But if he has to explain his name to adults as, "my parents just thought it was cute," then I don't think that's a good enough reason.
Re: your update. Ursula is an awesome name. I understand your reasoning, but Ursula the sea witch was never as popular as Kermit the Frog. And that movie's 20+ years old. Kermit is still in current movies. I don't think it's a parallel situation.
posted by areaperson at 11:56 AM on October 19, 2016 [1 favorite]
Re: your update. Ursula is an awesome name. I understand your reasoning, but Ursula the sea witch was never as popular as Kermit the Frog. And that movie's 20+ years old. Kermit is still in current movies. I don't think it's a parallel situation.
posted by areaperson at 11:56 AM on October 19, 2016 [1 favorite]
The name my wife and I gave our currently-10-month-old son is currently shared by a precocious cartoon boy with a laboratory, an HBO serial killer, and an outfielder for the Cubs. It is not a family name. About 1/2 of all people over 5 years old ask about at least one of those other celebrities. We tell them all that, no, we gave him that name because we just loved the name.
It hasn't gotten old yet. However, the boy is still young.
Name him Kermit.
posted by bluejayway at 12:57 PM on October 19, 2016 [4 favorites]
It hasn't gotten old yet. However, the boy is still young.
Name him Kermit.
posted by bluejayway at 12:57 PM on October 19, 2016 [4 favorites]
tl;dr but I think that if you didn't grow up bearing a funny name, your vote doesn't count here.
I did, and I'm okay with it as a middle name, but you'll doom the poor chap to years of needless ridicule if his first name is Kermit.
posted by Rash at 5:23 PM on October 19, 2016 [3 favorites]
I did, and I'm okay with it as a middle name, but you'll doom the poor chap to years of needless ridicule if his first name is Kermit.
posted by Rash at 5:23 PM on October 19, 2016 [3 favorites]
As someone who was bullied from an early age right up to when I went to uni, please do not call him Kermit. If you do, you're guaranteeing your son 10 years of easy constant painful ridicule - which will no doubt affect his self esteem, interactions with others and relationships with females.
I was bullied because I wore glasses, at least that wasn't something caused by poor decision making by my parents.
posted by mr_silver at 6:00 AM on October 20, 2016
I was bullied because I wore glasses, at least that wasn't something caused by poor decision making by my parents.
posted by mr_silver at 6:00 AM on October 20, 2016
My parents gave me a cutesy name and I wish they hadn't. It works because I'm not in a conservative field, but I really wish I had the option of it being just a nickname.
posted by airmail at 6:46 AM on October 20, 2016
posted by airmail at 6:46 AM on October 20, 2016
You know what, I think all these bullying responses are kind of red herrings. Bullies can be named Kermit and bullies can be named John. Kids who are picked on can be named Kermit and they can be named John. Being bullied and picked on usually (barring some extreme examples, a name like Kermit is not one of them, though) has more to do with the kids involved themselves rather than whatever external trait they've decided to latch onto. Some kids get picked on for wearing glasses, some don't. Some kids who wear glasses pick on other kids, some don't. The only children who are never teased for anything, if they even exist, are the bullies themselves. But being teased doesn't necessarily equal bullying and there is no amount of careful naming that will determine whether or not your child is bullied.
Kids names are super varied these days and it would have to be a pretty weird name that would make other children bully your child because of it. Kermit is not that name. Teasing, possibly, just like they will with any other name if they want to tease your child.
*I have an unusual name and as a child I was occasionally teased as most kids, did not care at all, and was not bullied. I am so glad I don't have a boring name.
posted by Polychrome at 8:40 AM on October 20, 2016 [4 favorites]
Kids names are super varied these days and it would have to be a pretty weird name that would make other children bully your child because of it. Kermit is not that name. Teasing, possibly, just like they will with any other name if they want to tease your child.
*I have an unusual name and as a child I was occasionally teased as most kids, did not care at all, and was not bullied. I am so glad I don't have a boring name.
posted by Polychrome at 8:40 AM on October 20, 2016 [4 favorites]
I considered Grover for my baby. Grove for short, lovely meaning, verdant, has all the bones and sounds of classic as well as trendy boys' names, which helps. I went with something equally kooky, in the end, so I approve of kooky, but I'm just sayin': Grover's prettier.
posted by Ambrosia Voyeur at 2:30 PM on October 20, 2016 [2 favorites]
posted by Ambrosia Voyeur at 2:30 PM on October 20, 2016 [2 favorites]
I'd vote for yes, why not -- just don't spell it Kehrmytt.
posted by liquado at 9:44 PM on October 20, 2016 [2 favorites]
posted by liquado at 9:44 PM on October 20, 2016 [2 favorites]
Bullying by other kids is not the issue, really. Yes, kids will bully, no matter what. It happens, we grow up, we get over it. I was actually teased LESS as a kid, by other kids, for being named "Eve" than I am now, as an adult. It's ADULTS (especially older men) who think "oh, funny name, I will make a joke, haha I am clever". Over and over and over again. THAT is what gets annoying. That's what makes me hate my own name. And the "oh the Muppets are dying out, no one will know"-- no, sorry, he'll be getting shit for being named Kermit at LEAST until my generation are all dead, minimum, 50 years.
Especially if your boy grows up to work in a field where he must wear a name-tag. God help him.
posted by The otter lady at 10:34 PM on October 20, 2016 [2 favorites]
Especially if your boy grows up to work in a field where he must wear a name-tag. God help him.
posted by The otter lady at 10:34 PM on October 20, 2016 [2 favorites]
It will definitely be a strong association every time he meets someone new-- depending on his personality, how big of a deal that is may vary. If you go ahead with Kermit, I'd suggest making sure you're okay with him deciding to go by his middle name instead, and making that very clear to him too (maybe even going so far as to call him "Kermit John" or whatever on a fairly regular basis, so when you say "Sweetie, if you just want people to call you John that's totally fine too, it's up to you" it feels like a more natural switch.)
Kermit, Elmo, Grover, and maybe Oscar are pretty much off the table for at least another generation.
I've never met any of the first three, but I have a baby and we've met I think 3 little Oscars already, it's totally a trendy baby name in our area.
posted by EmilyClimbs at 11:04 AM on October 21, 2016 [1 favorite]
Kermit, Elmo, Grover, and maybe Oscar are pretty much off the table for at least another generation.
I've never met any of the first three, but I have a baby and we've met I think 3 little Oscars already, it's totally a trendy baby name in our area.
posted by EmilyClimbs at 11:04 AM on October 21, 2016 [1 favorite]
Bill or George or any-damn-thing but Kermit!
posted by Herr Zebrurka at 7:29 PM on October 21, 2016
posted by Herr Zebrurka at 7:29 PM on October 21, 2016
I am a linguist and I wholeheartedly endorse Kermit.
Our relationship to names and naming is changing in a lot of wonderful and fascinating ways. Kermit would be very much a part of that. It's very forward-thinking of you both to embrace a wild idea now, one that in 2, 5, 10, and 30 years is … not going to be outrageous one little bit. I think that a lot of the dissent here — while warranted — is based in recent past conceptions of both what names mean to people and the names themselves (including all the experiences the people associated with them had, and again, totally validated and I feel your pain, I really do).
If you want evidence right now of how our ideas about names, naming, and ideas of self-representation are in flux, look at all the names of people responding to this thread. Every single one of them was self-chosen (for MetaFilter, and likely other places too), which is also a thing we do nowadays! Our social worlds have never been more diverse and creative with respect to identity and expression, it is awesome.
Also, as many have said upthread, look at all the new babies' names around us. Baby names tend to be cyclical on a fairly regular and somewhat predictable timescale, and we are very much in a Gerald, Evelyn, Cecil, Edith, Theodore place right now. Sprinkled among the old-fashioned names are a lot of new takes on these, or new names entirely. Here is a sampling of all the names of babies I know and have met in the last two years that I can remember off the top of my head*: Prentice, Caliope, Hugo, Jeffie (for a girl), Frank, Bernard, Stanley, Leo, Owen, Kloe, Henry, Olivia. I'm not even leaving out any "normal-sounding" names, I promise you. Kermit would be well-placed among this set.
Kermit sounds great and is extremely easy to spell (note that this is not the case for many names upthread).
Please go for it, and don't look back. Or if you do, look far back, past this generation and the one before it too.
*this in the UK, where I encounter waaaay more naming diversity than I ever have in the States; my hunch is that's also changing for the better in the US.
posted by iamkimiam at 1:36 AM on October 22, 2016 [4 favorites]
Our relationship to names and naming is changing in a lot of wonderful and fascinating ways. Kermit would be very much a part of that. It's very forward-thinking of you both to embrace a wild idea now, one that in 2, 5, 10, and 30 years is … not going to be outrageous one little bit. I think that a lot of the dissent here — while warranted — is based in recent past conceptions of both what names mean to people and the names themselves (including all the experiences the people associated with them had, and again, totally validated and I feel your pain, I really do).
If you want evidence right now of how our ideas about names, naming, and ideas of self-representation are in flux, look at all the names of people responding to this thread. Every single one of them was self-chosen (for MetaFilter, and likely other places too), which is also a thing we do nowadays! Our social worlds have never been more diverse and creative with respect to identity and expression, it is awesome.
Also, as many have said upthread, look at all the new babies' names around us. Baby names tend to be cyclical on a fairly regular and somewhat predictable timescale, and we are very much in a Gerald, Evelyn, Cecil, Edith, Theodore place right now. Sprinkled among the old-fashioned names are a lot of new takes on these, or new names entirely. Here is a sampling of all the names of babies I know and have met in the last two years that I can remember off the top of my head*: Prentice, Caliope, Hugo, Jeffie (for a girl), Frank, Bernard, Stanley, Leo, Owen, Kloe, Henry, Olivia. I'm not even leaving out any "normal-sounding" names, I promise you. Kermit would be well-placed among this set.
Kermit sounds great and is extremely easy to spell (note that this is not the case for many names upthread).
Please go for it, and don't look back. Or if you do, look far back, past this generation and the one before it too.
*this in the UK, where I encounter waaaay more naming diversity than I ever have in the States; my hunch is that's also changing for the better in the US.
posted by iamkimiam at 1:36 AM on October 22, 2016 [4 favorites]
Good lord, don't name your kid Kermit. Even as a middle name, there are plenty of chances for it to be discovered and then used for teasing and bullying.
I've seen this opinion a lot. But it seems to me that they are arguing, instead, for you to name your kid something highly ordinary and non-distinctive, like John Smith. Do you really want to avoid naming your kid something because of what idiots will think?
Really, names don't matter that much. I'm not going to say that some people won't hear the name and think "Frog," but the good people will immediately discard that and move onto the important business of appreciating/befriending/hiring/loving your son. And that's what I have to say about that.
posted by JHarris at 2:38 AM on October 22, 2016 [1 favorite]
I've seen this opinion a lot. But it seems to me that they are arguing, instead, for you to name your kid something highly ordinary and non-distinctive, like John Smith. Do you really want to avoid naming your kid something because of what idiots will think?
Really, names don't matter that much. I'm not going to say that some people won't hear the name and think "Frog," but the good people will immediately discard that and move onto the important business of appreciating/befriending/hiring/loving your son. And that's what I have to say about that.
posted by JHarris at 2:38 AM on October 22, 2016 [1 favorite]
(And some of them might actually like the Frog connotation. There are worse things to think of when meeting a new, kind person.)
posted by JHarris at 2:43 AM on October 22, 2016 [1 favorite]
posted by JHarris at 2:43 AM on October 22, 2016 [1 favorite]
Just pray he doesn't have a Muppety voice.
posted by Yoko Ono's Advice Column at 3:15 AM on October 22, 2016 [1 favorite]
posted by Yoko Ono's Advice Column at 3:15 AM on October 22, 2016 [1 favorite]
You know what, I think all these bullying responses are kind of red herrings. Bullies can be named Kermit and bullies can be named John. Kids who are picked on can be named Kermit and they can be named John
You, like a couple of others are missing the point. Yes, kids will bully other kids for a whole manner of reasons. However calling your son Kermit is basically giving the bullies a nice starter for 10. No effort required. That kid will be marked the first time he says his name and it won't leave him for the next 10-15 years.
Hell, it's a akin to walking over to the largest kids in the playground on your sons first day and saying "see that kid over there, he's named after a cartoon frog - go for it...". If he's going to have a target painted on his back, don't let it come from you.
posted by mr_silver at 1:33 AM on October 23, 2016 [3 favorites]
You, like a couple of others are missing the point. Yes, kids will bully other kids for a whole manner of reasons. However calling your son Kermit is basically giving the bullies a nice starter for 10. No effort required. That kid will be marked the first time he says his name and it won't leave him for the next 10-15 years.
Hell, it's a akin to walking over to the largest kids in the playground on your sons first day and saying "see that kid over there, he's named after a cartoon frog - go for it...". If he's going to have a target painted on his back, don't let it come from you.
posted by mr_silver at 1:33 AM on October 23, 2016 [3 favorites]
I came back to see if anyone had mentioned something, and a couple of posters (eg MsMolly) have alluded to it but I want to spell out this one potentially bothersome aspect: it's not just a name; it's part of a phrase. "Kermit-the-frog" is what people say and they tend to repeat it. With my own unusual, resonant name, people will say, "Oh, like the xyz." They don't make my name part of a jingle and I'm not stuck with an epithet. No matter what your name is, you want to be able to own it and this one has a special kind of linguistic burden attached to it.
posted by BibiRose at 8:57 AM on October 23, 2016
posted by BibiRose at 8:57 AM on October 23, 2016
To me, this isn't about bullying, although there's certainly a big risk with a name like Kermit. But I shared a name with a Disney character (a name probably more common than Kermit, but still relatively uncommon). I got so sick of people asking me whether I was named after the character (I wasn't; in fact, I was born right before the movie came out. My mother certainly wouldn't have named me this if the movie had been out already.) I got so tired of the jokes, even though they were good natured. Your kid should be prepared for a life of, "Say hi to Elmo for me!" and "Not easy being green, huh?" Also, yes, be prepared for so many kermit the frog presents.
I was never bullied for my name (although Disney princess is less of an opening than muppet character). But any personal meaning my name had was pretty overshadowed by all this other stuff. And my mother had very good reasons to name me this name; a family friend, cultural ties, etc.
As an adult, more than two decades after that movie came out, it rarely comes up, except occasionally when an adult tells their little kid, "That woman's name is ____! Just like the movie!" which is fine. I'm mostly at peace with it, especially because I know my mother had no way of predicting what Disney would do. But I would have very much resented it if she had given me this name after the movie came out. And again, in the scheme of things Disney princess is less of a burden than muppet.
It's one thing if it's a name that's not super uncommon. But I grew up in the US, and I have to admit that I thought Kermit was a made up name until I read this question. Now, if I interacted with your kid, I would never reference the frog, because I know the burden of growing up with that kind of name, but I would also never ever knowingly name my kid something like Kermit or Elmo or whatever. Even if they're never picked on for their name, it gets so tiresome going through life having people think they're the first person making these jokes. Your kid will always hear about how he's "Kermit the whatever."
Kids generally don't want to grow up in the shadow of this kind of thing. Sure you can never predict what the next Disney movie will pick as their name, but I would strongly urge you not to knowingly name your kid something like Kermit. And as I said, I'm not saying this in the abstract.
posted by litera scripta manet at 5:27 PM on October 23, 2016 [1 favorite]
I was never bullied for my name (although Disney princess is less of an opening than muppet character). But any personal meaning my name had was pretty overshadowed by all this other stuff. And my mother had very good reasons to name me this name; a family friend, cultural ties, etc.
As an adult, more than two decades after that movie came out, it rarely comes up, except occasionally when an adult tells their little kid, "That woman's name is ____! Just like the movie!" which is fine. I'm mostly at peace with it, especially because I know my mother had no way of predicting what Disney would do. But I would have very much resented it if she had given me this name after the movie came out. And again, in the scheme of things Disney princess is less of a burden than muppet.
It's one thing if it's a name that's not super uncommon. But I grew up in the US, and I have to admit that I thought Kermit was a made up name until I read this question. Now, if I interacted with your kid, I would never reference the frog, because I know the burden of growing up with that kind of name, but I would also never ever knowingly name my kid something like Kermit or Elmo or whatever. Even if they're never picked on for their name, it gets so tiresome going through life having people think they're the first person making these jokes. Your kid will always hear about how he's "Kermit the whatever."
Kids generally don't want to grow up in the shadow of this kind of thing. Sure you can never predict what the next Disney movie will pick as their name, but I would strongly urge you not to knowingly name your kid something like Kermit. And as I said, I'm not saying this in the abstract.
posted by litera scripta manet at 5:27 PM on October 23, 2016 [1 favorite]
Curious if the world has gained a new Kermit.
posted by mikepop at 12:39 PM on January 9, 2017 [4 favorites]
posted by mikepop at 12:39 PM on January 9, 2017 [4 favorites]
This thread is closed to new comments.
posted by so fucking future at 5:01 PM on October 18, 2016