Our son has a unique name - some say it’s cruel but it perfectly fits our vibe

“Good luck to everybody naming babies - I know it's hard out here, but you're going to find something that's your perfect vibe," Claire says in the video.

Alexandra Feiam

3 min read

October 25, 2023 - 12:48PM

There were some wildcards thrown into the mix. Source: theclairenecessities/TikTok

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It took a long time for influencer Claire Edwards and her husband, Gray, to find the perfect name for their child.

However, only a month after she gave birth to her son, she is already defending the name she chose for him, with things escalating further when she shared the other options she was considering.

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Mum defends her unusual baby name choices

Mum struggled to find a name that fit her “vibe”

The American mum welcomed her son, Oak, to the world in early October, and while many of her fans have shared their love for the unique name, some aren’t as impressed.

Talking to her 250,000 followers on TikTok, Claire sat on the couch with her newborn son and shared the names she and her husband were toying with before they knew their baby’s gender.

“If Oak had been born a girl, his name would probably be Sunday,” she said. “I know some other influencers have used it recently, but that's not a good enough reason not to use a name.”

Another name she loved was “Arbour” and “Pepper”, mostly for the potential nicknames that came along with them.

“Think about the nickname Peppercini when they're a baby,” she gushed. “And I love the name Kit, solely for the nickname Kit Kat,” she added, which was inspired by her “favourite movie” About Time.

“You can learn so much about the way someone perceives their own vibe based on their baby name list,” read the caption.

Clare chose many names based on their monikers. Source: theclairenecessities/TikTok

“We wanted a name that felt unique and meaningful”

When she and her husband discovered they were having a boy, they were tossing up between three names: Oak, Penn and Fox.

“I just think it's cool - Penn Edwards? So cool,” she said, recalling how close the couple came to choosing the other name options.

As for their final decision, the couple knew they had to choose a name that was “unique and meaningful” and represented them perfectly.

“The deep meaning here is - we like oak trees,” she said. “I think it’s strong and sweet, and I think our boy will be too.”

The mum-of-two explained that if they had another girl, they would consider Fern, Ruby, Beck or Margot.

“I wish everyone wasn't naming their baby Margot because I love it so much,” she said. “I honestly might still use it!”

She also offered advice to parents who were struggling to pick the perfect name for their child.

“Good luck to everybody naming babies - I know it's hard out here, but you're going to find something that's your perfect vibe,” she said. “And give it a few days. We had to introduce him a few times before we were like, ‘Ok, yeah, that's the one.’”

People were quick to judge the couple's name choices. Source: theclaire_necessities/Instagram

“Some of these names sound cute only as babies, not grown-ups”

The video has racked up over 500,000 views, and while some praised Claire’s unique baby name choices, others weren’t as impressed.

“I met a grown woman named Domino the other day, and I thought that was wild,” read a comment. “Is this satire?” someone asked.

“I’m … lost for words,” a stunned person said. “Everyone is so creative,” said another.

“When you just look around the room and pick a name from what you see… ‘Look at that oak outside.’”

It left many to wonder why parents only choose names for a baby and not an adult.

“Why don’t parents ever consider what it will be like for that child as an adult?” a person wondered. “Imagine meeting a fully grown man named Oak,” someone laughed.

“Do people not think they grow up? Some of these names sound cute only as babies, not grown-ups.”

“Oakey dokey,” one joked. “Do you come from a family of trees?”

“In Australia, Oak is chocolate milk."

For others, the suggestions were better suited for pets, not people. “Oak is my rat’s name,” one jeered. “My dog is named Pepper and we call him Pepperoncini,” laughed another.

But amidst the laughter and confusion were those who truly loved the name choices and were ready to defend Claire for her list.

“I love your choices,” wrote a fan. “I love all these names! Beautiful,” another added.

“Those names are actually so cute. The only people who are bothered like basic names.”