In 1892, on the eve of the presidential election, Mr. and Mrs. C. E. Jervis of Baltimore wrote the names of the major party candidates, Cleveland and Harrison, on two small pieces of paper. They mixed the bits of paper up and put one in the left hand and the other in the right hand of their 6-week-old daughter.
After holding on tightly for about five minutes, baby threw away the slip in her left hand, which on being opened was found to bear the name of Harrison. The baby’s choice was Cleveland.
(The nation’s choice was Cleveland as well.)
The baby was named Frances Cleveland, presumably after Grover Cleveland’s wife, Frances.
Source: “How a Baby Chose Its Name.” New York Times 12 Nov. 1892.
I have friends who did a variation of this, a kick test from the baby bump. Dad put his hands on the baby bump and said the name that Mom preferred. No reaction. Repeated with the name Dad preferred. Lots and lots of kicking. So Dad’s choice prevailed.
I love these stories… it’s just cute. :)