What's in a name?

The other night, my dear husband and I had a lengthy conversation about names.

Here's the deal with Lane and I: We decided, before we were married, that I would name the girls and he would name the boys. We each had preselected names for the different genders and it will seemingly work for us.

My names are after my favorite heroines, of course, Jane bumped to the front because she is named after my grandma (it just worked in nicely with my love for Jane Eyre). Here's the mire of the girl names: Lane doesn't like Lucy ... and she's my most favorite heroine of all time.

So, with this brilliant plan of ours, the first four girls are named and the first two boys (I'm convinced it will be all girls until the name Lucy prevails).

We then digressed to the humorous situation we have found ourselves in since the birth of Jane. At least three different people have come up to us and, upon meeting Jane, expressed how they had always wanted to name a daughter with said name ... at least two phrased it in a way of asking permission to use the name.

I have to laugh every time this happens. What do I care? Name your child whatever you'd like. If my own sibling wants to use the name, I bless them in their decision. I think it's a beautiful name -- more people should have it. I don't have a copyright on the names ... although how awesome would that be?