Finding the right baby name is never an easy task - while it can be incredibly exciting to whip out the trusty notepad and pencil and start dreaming up potential monikers, the decision-making process can turn stressful all-too-easily. There are so many factors to consider, like whether to stick to the traditional bible-based names or to have your child stand out from the crowd. If the choices of celebrity parents like Beyoncé and Reese are any indicator of what is currently trending, distinctly nontraditional baby names are all the rage. This got me thinking - with people often turning to what is near and dear to their hearts to serve as a muse, what could be some unique, Texas-inspired baby names? Love them or hate them, here's some fun (and quirky) ideas below!
Caddo - Texas has only one natural lake in the entire state, and that is the breathtaking Caddo Lake. This body of water's moniker was given to honor the Caddoan Native Americans who once resided by its blue waters. Boasting the largest Cypress forest in the world, this protected area is burgeoning with diverse wildlife both in the trees and beneath the mirror-like surface of the lake (alligator sightings are not uncommon). Every Texan must, at least once in their lifetime, canoe among the whimsical cypress woodland that rise from the watery surface. Caddo is the perfect female name, exhibiting beauty, virtue and enchanting enigma.
Nelson - An emerging trend is to have last names become first names, so your child will be carrying a very modern name when you pay homage to the Texan songwriter Willie Nelson. A famous singer and guitarist, he helped shape the face of country music ever since he first entered the spotlight in 1950. An innovator, this Texan blended country, folk, jazz and rock to create such hits as “On the Road Again” and “Blue Eyes Crying in the Rain”. Despite his superstardom, Willie Nelson never lost touch with his roots and has played an energetic role in various causes like helping to protect family-owned farms. This American icon's legacy has endured for decades, and has made Texans proud.
Zilker - The state capital, Austin, holds a distinct (and proudly weird) charm, and no place exhibits the unique flair quite like Zilker Park. Bursting with lush greenery in the middle of a metropolitan, one-of-a-kind art is abounding with the UmLauf Sculpture Garden, as well as with the routine rotation of live music festivals. Within the park's limits is the Barton Springs pool, a natural spring that is warm year round and attracts both locals and travelers from afar. Zilker is a prime choice for parents who love the park's blend of rustic lure and contemporary quirkiness that is set against the picturesque natural loveliness.
Crockett - Though Davy Crockett was a Tennessee native, he gave his life in the Texan Revolution at the famous Battle of the Alamo. Characterized by his humor and honesty, he was a soldier, a politician, an orator, a rugged frontiersman, a fiddle-player, a writer and, during his life and years after, a legend. He courageously embraced odds that weren't in his favor, whether he was confronting a wild bear, standing up for the average citizen in congress or raising the morale of the ill-fated defenders of the Alamo. Crockett would be a fantastic first or middle name for a newborn boy whose parents want to raise a gutsy leader and innovative thinker.
Taysha or Tejas - While there is much speculation about where the inspiration for Texas's name comes from, a common theory is that its origins can be traced back to the word Taysha, which means “friends or allies” among the local Native American tribes of the Hasinais and the Canddoan. When this word fell on Spanish ears, it was converted to Tejas, which is the phrase on which the great state's name is based upon today. This root expression carries a powerful message of what was intended for Texans, one that continues to resonate today with the state motto being simply “friendship”. This name conveys a parent's wish for friendliness and honor, as well as Texan-pride and unity.
Tell me parents, where did you find inspiration for your child's name, and would you ever consider a handle that is inspired by your home state or town?
Though Lynn Matteis has leapfrogged all across the Midwest and Southwest Untied States, this Dallas native will always be a Texan at heart. Raising a family of three (four if you include the new puppy, Marbles) has provided her with plenty of inspiration for both DIY projects and writing. In her free time, she likes to go hiking and steal the occasional hour with a Jane Austin novel.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------Thanks, Lynn, for your take on Texas-Inspired Baby Names. I never thought of using my state as inspiration for a baby name, to be honest, but I do like the ring of Crockett for a little boy... Vera's name is actually musically inspired!
Tweet
