I just saw your site and have a couple of bad baby names. First, I know this little boy whose first name is Trainer. I just think that’s wrong, but apparently its his mothers maiden name. Also, in college I knew a guy whose parents were big travellers. His name? Paris. And his sister’s? Cairo.

-B.

File under ‘Exceptions’: Mom’s maiden name is fair game for a kid’s first or especially middle name. However, two things – #1. It makes it much easier for someone to commit identity fraud, and #2. Mom’s maiden name might not work so well as a first name. I mean, if she’s a Cooper or Jackson or Simon, you’re good to go. If she’s a Watkins or Klein or Gutierrez-Ramierez – problem.