Tom and Monica

Since Monica wrote about how we came up with Katie Lynn‘s name, it’s my turn for Karyn.

Monica selected Katie Lynn’s name, so she said if Peanut was a girl that I would get to name her. All along, I said I wanted a more traditional name for Peanut. While unique names are fine for some people, I’m generally a traditional person. After thinking for months, and some “gentle” persuasions from Monica to make up my mind, I finally decided on what I wanted to name her.. and Monica liked it and approved.

But only for a couple months. Monica decided that she was no longer sure about the first name I had chosen.. five weeks before her due date. Back to the drawing board!

That brings us to the final name.. Karyn Ann.

Karyn – As I said earlier, I’m a traditional guy. I knew I wanted a traditional name, but also knew I didn’t want to use one of the trendy traditional names. I mentioned “Karen” to Monica and I think we both knew that was right. Instead of the traditional “Karen” spelling, I suggested spelling it with a ‘y’ instead of the ‘e’ to give it that modern touch. We have a friend who spells her name with the ‘y’, and that stuck with me. Additionally, Karyn means pure.. as does Katie. That connection was perfect.

Ann – Karyn’s middle name came from my Grandmother (my Dad’s Mom). Her name was Anne, and I wanted to honor her. I decided to drop the ‘e’ though.

Some of you may be wondering if we’re going to middle-name Karyn by calling her Karyn Ann as we do with Katie Lynn. The answer to that is.. no. We’ve already messed her up enough with the alternative spelling, we’re not going to hit her with a double-whammy.