by Donna L

Created on: February 02, 2007   Last Updated: April 25, 2007

It's so exciting when you find out you are pregnant but agonize so much over the name. You go through all kinds of scenarios of what the name means and whether other kids will make fun of it. Then your husband will want a name and of course, it was the name of your arch nemesis in high school or a weird great aunt who used to leave lipstick stains on your cheek. I would like to share my story of how we chose my daughters name.

But picking out my daughters name ended up being bittersweet. At almost the same moment I found out I was pregnant my mom was diagnosed with metastasized breast cancer. She was so very happy about my pregnancy but the cancer was too far along and she passed away only 14 weeks later.

Even before she got sick I had thought of naming my daughter (when and if I had one) after my mom. My mom was a very strong woman who adopted me when she was 50 and widowed 6 years later. So she raised me by herself. She was also very smart even though she only had an 8th grade education. She was very independent and resourceful and unlike myself was great at standing up for herself. I want my daughter to have these qualities if possible. I'm hoping the name can help.

The funny things about her name (Emma): I thought it was not that common in 2001 but I think everyone decided it was the next best thing to Emily, there are 3 Emmas with the same exact birth date at her Dr's office, her middle name is Jane after my MIL's middle name, and we found out she has a great great grandmother that was named Emma Jane. And she was named before Rachel on Friends had her baby Emma.

Basically naming your child is very important and I think should be something that has special meaning to you or to the hopes you have for your child.

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