After months of deliberation, baby name consultant Kemmer Tonne from the San Francisco suburbs chose the name Wrigley for her newborn son. Tonne, 31, began this search for the ideal name during her pregnancy, but nothing seemed to resonate. It wasn’t until her third trimester that Wrigley, a surname with a strong baseball connection, emerged in her mind.
Tonne shared her excitement with her fiancé Stephen Crooks, a devoted baseball enthusiast. His enthusiastic approval of the name and its nickname, Riggs, solidified her choice. Tonne expressed to TODAY.com that finally naming her son felt like the right decision.
Internet Response to the Unique Name
Following the birth of Wrigley in May, Tonne created a four-minute TikTok video detailing her naming journey. She anticipated the video would reach mainly her followers, who often seek her naming expertise. However, the video went viral, attracting a much larger audience.
Comments flooded in, with many questioning the long-term suitability of the name. Some likened it to baseball stadiums or products, sparking a wave of criticism. One commenter wrote, “I can’t really picture a manager sitting in a board room saying, ‘Good morning everyone, my name is Wrigley.’” Others suggested it seemed more appropriate for pets than children.
The Trend of Surnames as First Names
Tonne was taken aback by the backlash. She believed that Wrigley aligned with a growing trend of using surnames as first names. Names like Cooper, Parker, and Carter have gained traction in recent years, and Tonne felt Wrigley followed suit. Despite the negativity online, she maintained that the opinions that matter most are those of her family.
Final Thoughts on Wrigley
Before settling on Wrigley, Tonne and Crooks explored other conventional names such as Weston, Maxwell, Baker, and Huntley. They even took Wrigley home from the hospital without a final decision. However, Wrigley consistently topped their list.
Ultimately, Tonne and Crooks are delighted with their choice. “We are obsessed with it, and that’s what matters most,” Tonne affirmed.
