Updated: To clarify, and so that Andiclaus doesn't end up hating ALL of my blog readers, I kind of like the name Klaus. I just don't know that it's a good idea with a Spanish surname. And my blog title, and all.
I've mentioned here before that Alliclaus' name is Spanish. We had three girl names picked out when we had her, though her given name was always the favorite.
Anyway, we had a very difficult time picking out boy names. Like, we never picked one. Luckily, it didn't matter. I'm of the opinion that it probably won't ever matter. I think we'll just have more girls. Andrés, however, is not convinced. He really wants a boy.
His favorite boy name? Klaus. I asked him if he wanted to name a baby Nicolas and just call him Klaus, but no. He wants to name the baby Klaus.
Here are things about which I would enjoy your input.
- Alliclaus' name and all other girl names we like are Spanish. And not like, kind of Spanish, like Maria or Eva. We're talking white people watch out Spanish. Can you really name your son a German name after that? Incidentally, we have friends who named their son Dietrich, so a German name is not weird to us. They are also considering combining it with what I would consider Spanish names for future girl children.
- Spanish surname. Check on the couple mentioned previously. But for us? We went out of our way to give Alliclaus a first name that sounded, I don't know, normal with her surname. Should we do the same for a son?
- There's not much of a "k" in Spanish. We try (and frequently fail) to speak Spanish and English equally at home. Is this "k" thing even an issue?
- Most importantly, Klausiclaus? Really?
As I've said, we won't be getting pregnant any time in the near future. But Andrés and I spent a good deal of time talking about this yesterday, and I had to bring it to the Internet. After all, if you can't trust anonymous people you wouldn't know on the street, who can you trust?
i'm pretty sure klaus qualifies as cruel and unusual punishment in at least 23 states. i could be wrong though. it might be more than 23. :-P
Posted by: Lara at May 18, 2007 12:17 PM
Wow, Klaus really?!? I don't know anything about Spanish so I can't help you out there. You did a great job with the 1st, and I am sure if there is a 2nd things would fall into place and the child wouldn't have to suffer with Klausiclaus! Hope for another girl!
Posted by: Jenny at May 18, 2007 12:26 PM
Names are hard, big time. I think when the time comes things will work themselves out.
"After all, if you can't trust anonymous people you wouldn't know on the street, who can you trust?" That has to be the funniest sentence I have ever read on the internet! You rock girl.
Posted by: Jacquie at May 18, 2007 04:05 PM
Obviously I see nothing wrong with choosing a first name of a different cultural heritage than a last name. It took me a while to warm up to Dietrich (like when we were discussing names even before we were married), but I love it now. It really fits my son. I like the name Klaus, but you both have to really like it. I love the name Gabriella for a daughter, but since my husband hates it, we will never have a daughter named Gabriella (sigh). But naming is really tough. Good luck!
Posted by: RikkiSuzanne at May 19, 2007 01:29 AM
German and Hispanic names are not a rare comobonation. The Hapsburg Empire was essetially a kingdom that consisted of Spain and Germany during the 15th and 16th centuries. Why do you think all the Nazis escaped to Latin America? Anyways, did it ever occur to you that you can choose names based on the ethnicity of the mother? You are a bicultural home so I think it is nice to have a name that fits both cultures. Besides it is fun to think about Blue Eyed, Blond Haired Dietrich having everyone wonder why his last name is a hispanic one.
Posted by: Stew at May 19, 2007 01:32 AM
I know you guys kind of have a theme going with girl names. Maybe there is a different theme you could choose for boys names, not sure where Klaus fits in that but it could help I guess.
I think the "back door test is s great idea, I also think you can name your kids names that are not specifically Spanish and still have a flow with the last name, that is the beauty of a bicultural household.
Posted by: sarah at May 20, 2007 04:21 PM
Klausiclaus makes me smile! Ü
Posted by: Sharon at May 22, 2007 06:50 PM
Hmm, I'm going to have to side with you on this one. If you have an ethnic surname I think you should pick either a SIMILARLY ethnic first name, or a completely generic/simple first name, so it sounds "normal" (as you put it) together.
The mister and I have been (hypothetically) discussing this. He keeps wondering why all the first names I come up with seem to be Irish. I'm not doing it on purpose, it's just that his surname is Irish and I'm picking first names that "go" with it. And they happen to be Irish, so make of that what you will.
Also, you have to do what I like to call the "back door" test: can you really see yourself calling "Klaus!" when you want him to stop playing and come inside?
Posted by: Fraulein N at May 18, 2007 11:24 AM