The Dutch seem to be oblivious to the fact that their kids might one day want to live abroad, where such names will make them the object of much scorn. How long until a kid gets the nickname "Semen" or "Sanex" (like the soap)? I always wondered what kind of parent names their daughter Joke as well... don't they have widespread access to English speaking television over here?

By instant dutch | January 8, 2008 12:47 PM

How quickly Ms. or Mr "Instant Dutch" is to throw stones at the Dutch and their oblivion to the origins of Dutch names, unlike the rest of the English speaking world who choses their children's names with a total social disregard for the consequences...let me think... DICK... no "object of scorn" there, as long as sufficient length is accorded the poor young english speaking lad at birth...
Maybe Instant Dutch should take take heed in the old adage; He(or she) who lives in a glass house....

By Michael | January 9, 2008 7:52 AM

IMHO parents in any country have the right to name their children as they see fit (within certain limits of decency) without taking into account what people living in other countries might think of these names. BTW, Dutch emigrants can always change their names if they want!
The comment by Instant Dutch shows that he/she doesn't know how to pronounce "Joke" in Dutch and doesn't have access to telly...

By seo2007 | January 9, 2008 8:13 AM

We all come to this world without choices, our names which we are stuck with for the rest of our lives is one of them. It's not like buying shoes, you can't take this one back if it does not fit. Parents should take more responsibilities for their actions, think about the consequences of the decision and the impact of giving names to their children with regards to their future social life and sensitivities. Names can ruin a child's confidence or self esteem in dealing with the outside world. Parent's ego should have no part when deciding for names.

By Carlos Borjal | January 9, 2008 4:29 PM

RE: Michael

Dick is not a given name and if it is, it's a VERY rare instance. Dick is an absurd nickname derived from Richard. Again, no normal American names their child Dick... glass house or not.

By Lonna Brown | January 9, 2008 10:13 PM