This reflective narrative essay explores the significance of personal names as expressions of identity through the real-life story of twins born in 1985. When Emily and Rob Anderson discovered they were having twins instead of one baby, they faced an unexpected naming decision. Rob ultimately rejected the family tradition of naming his son Robert Walker Anderson III, insisting his son deserved his own name. The essay traces the consequences of that choice — the name Skeet Sterling Anderson — from childhood embarrassment to adult pride, illustrating how a distinctive name can become an asset that sets a person apart and ensures they are remembered.
During her last pregnancy, Emily's doctor assured her that all was well — that she was going to have one big, healthy baby. Despite her doctor's assurances, Emily felt something was different about this pregnancy, not necessarily ominous, just different. She had a two-year-old daughter named Kimberly, and she and her husband Rob were looking forward to a son so they could name him Robert Walker Anderson III.
The year was 1985, and prenatal screenings were not routine; they were used only when complications were suspected. Parents, friends, and relatives had to wait for the birth to discover the sex of a baby. A birth was therefore not only a joyous occasion celebrating the beginning of a new life — it was also a surprise. No one knew beforehand whether the baby would be a boy or a girl. Today, parents typically learn the sex of their baby mere weeks into the pregnancy. While this is certainly practical — it makes decorating a nursery and buying gifts much easier — there is something nostalgic and romantic about being surprised.
On the big day, Emily and Rob arrived at the hospital with suitcase in tow. Unbeknownst to Rob, Emily had packed for two babies. It was a last-minute whim. She later confessed that something uncontrollable had come over her, leading her to pack two of everything: two blankets, two pairs of booties, two infant gowns. She decided that if anyone questioned her, she would simply say she could not make up her mind. Emily and Rob had a girl's name picked out — Rachael Leigh — in case the baby was a girl, and of course, if it was a boy, he would be named Robert III. They just never imagined they would be using both names at the same time.
Indeed, Emily gave birth to twins — a boy and a girl. Rob was so excited that while she was still in recovery, he went to a jewelry store and had a gold charm engraved with the names "Rachael and Rob" and the date of birth underneath. He brought it back and presented it to Emily, who was thrilled, as were the grandparents and other relatives and friends who had gathered at the hospital to congratulate the new parents.
Then something happened. The babies were brought into Emily's room, one wrapped in pink and the other in blue. Rob picked up his son and held him for several minutes, walking and swaying around the room. Then he blurted out, "I can't do it to him. I can't name him the III." Emily reminded him that they had not picked out any other boy's names, but Rob said they would simply have to come up with something else. "I want my son to have his own name," he said.
Rob's instinct reflects a deeply human tension between personal naming traditions and the desire for individual identity. Naming a child after a parent or grandparent honors family legacy, but it can also overshadow a child's sense of self. Rob felt this intuitively the moment he held his son — this child deserved a name that belonged entirely to him.
The decision was not without consequences. Abandoning the name Robert Walker Anderson III was a great disappointment to many in the family, particularly on Rob's side. Yet Rob held firm. His son would not be defined by a lineage name before he had even drawn his first breath.
For two days, Rob and Emily searched through a baby-name book for a name they both liked. Finally, on the day Emily and the babies were to be discharged, they settled on one. He would be named Skeet Sterling Anderson — Sterling in honor of Emily's grandfather. The choice was a great disappointment to everyone except Emily's family.
"Two days searching yields Skeet Sterling"
"Skeet learns to embrace his unique name"
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