After reviewing the most popular baby names of last year, I’ve come to a conclusion: I abhor names that contain a “-den” suffix. Especially those with a “ayden” construction. No, more than that. I tend to think people who give their child names like “Jayden” and “Ayden” and “Brayden” and “Hayden” (all top-100 names in 2010) as child abusers who ought to have their children taken away. Or at least forced to take a class about putting milk in the refrigerator (or, barring that, placed in a cool wet sack).
I’m not sure what it is about that suffix, but it grates on me more than other terrible name parts. I’m not a big fan of many name types–especially ones that are “former” nicknames, and those that re-purpose places–but the “-den” signifier bring out the worst in me. Rage. Or at least punchiness. Drown-the-little-bastards impulses.
Maybe I should go see a psychiatrist who pronounces the “p” in his profession.