LXVXII

So the name Jackson was #22 on the top 100 for 2005. And Jack? #7.
That really irritates me.

My whole life I have wanted a Jack -- and not a John -- but a Jackson. I pictured him in my head playing on the beach, running around in the backyard, being a kid. He had blonde hair. Blue eyes.

That all came true. But all of the sudden his name is trendy. And honestly, that sucks. He's going to have to go by Jackson R. or Jack R. his entire life. Likely, in high school, he's just going to be called his last name, but still!

About a week before he was born, I started worrying about our name choice. In the Friends finale, Monica named her son Jack. That's not good. The season before Rachel had named her daughter Emma and it instantly became #1!

As soon as the episode was over, my best friend called, knowing I would be freaking out about it. She and Husband tried to reassure me it was a fluke, no big deal and that I would be really disappointed if I didn't move forward with the name I choice when I was 8.

Then at his baptizm, out of the four kids becoming Catholics two were named Jackson. My son, Jackson Thomas and some other kid -- Jackson Brett. I was so mad!

So then I get my new job and come to find out two other people here have kids named Jack.
What the hell?!!

And then we put Jack and in daycare. Guess what? There was already a Jackson. So now my kid is Jack R. or some teachers have already adopted our last name.

My childhood fantasy is devastated.

I know someday he's going to ask me why I would pick such a popular, regular name. But I swear, when I made the decision in 1987, it wasn't even in the top 100.
#7 = John
#22 Charles

I've loved the name because it's strong. (Coincidently, Husband's family is supposedly decendents of Andrew Jackson.) We chose it because we pictured him before he was even born.

Who doesn't like Jack? He's a hard worker with a sassy attitude. He's sarcastic but thoughtful when it's important. Jack plays sports and maybe guitar. All the girls like Jack. Jack is everyone's friend -- whether you're an athelete or math whiz.
Now when kids refer to him it's going to be... "Who are you talking about Jack R. or Jack P.?"

Jackson is a southern name rich with tradition. He's an artist, a musician. He's a strong leader and makes things happen. He thinks things through and stands proud of his convictions. He's stubborn and right most of the time.

"Wait, I'm confused again. Who are you talking about? Jackson?? Jack? Jax? Jack R.? Jack P.?"

Ugh.