Experts warn that weapon-inspired names for boys reflect cultural anxieties about masculinity
Los Angeles: A baby naming expert has noticed a trend. More parents are giving their sons names inspired by weapons. This might be due to feelings of being threatened by changes in gender identity.
Experts say aggressive names are becoming popular. Many of these names come from guns and knives. Jennifer Moss, founder of BabyNames.com, shared her thoughts with HuffPost.
She believes parents might choose these names to counter fears about masculinity. They hope to instill strength and aggression in their sons through these names.
Sophie Kihm, from Nameberry, agrees. She says weapons-inspired names are modern and convey masculinity. These names are appealing to parents with conservative views on gender.
Kihm also noted a noticeable trend. Many parents are using names like Wesson, Caliber, Shooter, and Trigger. These names have been rising in popularity since the 2000s.
Some parents have chosen names like Blade and Cannon. Others prefer brand names like Remington and Colt. Even names like Arson and Dagger are being used.
Kihm expects this trend to continue. Some names peaked recently, like Wesson in 2021. It was used 306 times that year.
Abby Sandel, from Appellation Mountain, thinks the trend will change. She believes the initial wave of gun manufacturer names has peaked.
Experts suggest other reasons for this trend. Kihm thinks some parents see these names as having a “renegade spirit.”
Many weapon-related names also sound like surnames. Surnames as first names are currently in style.
Analysis shows that parents in red states are more likely to choose these names. UK parenting expert Kirsty Ketley warns against this trend.
She advises parents to think carefully. Choosing names related to violence isn’t wise, especially with high gun crime rates in America.
