Last month, socialite Nicole Richie and musician Joel Madden welcomed their second child, Sparrow James Midnight Madden, who arrived a little after midnight. (Sparrow’s older sister, 20-month-old Harlow Winter Kate Madden, was born in January.)
Nicole and Joel had this to say about Sparrow’s name in the most recent issue of People:
How did you pick Sparrow’s name?
N: We have different tastes in names. Sparrow was one we both liked. I liked the way it sounded with Harlow, and there’s the Captain Jack Sparrow connection.
J: It reminded me of the Johnny Cash song “A Boy Named Sue.” My worry raising a son in Hollywood is what will he have to struggle for? I wanted to give him a name that he’s going to have to stand up for. I love it; I think it’s a beautiful name.
I do appreciate Joel’s reasoning. I like that he was thinking beyond style in considering the potential value this name might have for his son. He wants Sparrow to be able to defend himself, and his identity, when he’s older.
That said…I don’t know if an unusual name is the best way to teach a child how to “struggle for” something. Because an unusual name could potentially mess with a child’s self esteem.
What are your thoughts on the name Sparrow? (Does gender matter?)
Update, May 2011: Sparrow debuted as a boy name in the SSA data in 2010, likely thanks to celebrity baby Sparrow.
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