We're all familiar with people who give their kids hippy, happy names like "Moon" and "River," and those at the other extreme who give their unsuspecting offspring first names that are actually weighty surnames like "Montgomery" and "Emerson." In each case, the named person has nothing to say about it, and has to carry the given name, along with its baggage of expectations, upon his psyche for the rest of his life.

So now, what do we make of the new trend in naming babies that comes out of the loose and appalling way we spell words in emails and SMS? According to Thaindian News:

Most parents these days are drawing on the cool SMS and email spellings, by eschewing traditional spellings for versions such as Alex-Zander, Cam’ron, Emma-Lee, Ozkah, Thaillah and Ameleiyah.

Social analyst Mark McCrindle looked at Australian births in 2007 and discovered that the name Jayden was registered spelt in 12 ways, Aidan in nine ways, and Amelia and Tahlia in eight ways.

"Most" parents are doing this? Really? On purpose or just because they can't spell anymore? And doesn't this trend undermine our ability to find people on the Internet?

One needs to take certain things for granted in this life. Call me old-fashioned, but Michael should be spelled "Michael" and Mary should be "Mary."

Via textually.org.