How much stock do you put into baby name meanings?

For example...I love the name Mara and am seriously considering it for my unborn child, should he/she be a girl.



However...most any site you look up the name Mara...it has awful meanings! Bitter, bringer of death, demon...LOL...couldn't get much worse if you put lots of stock into name meanings!



It bothers me a little...but not a lot.



Was wondering if any of you love particular names, but hate the meaning associated with it and worry that it might get brought up over and over once you name your child that...?How much stock do you put into baby name meanings?
I'm not overly fussed by baby name meanings. And Mara is lovely, regardless of the downer associations in some baby name books.



In fact, I often hear parents say things like, "Her name is Caliana Jolie. It means beautiful princess." And I think that they're putting far too MUCH stock in what baby name books tell them about names' meanings.



I think it is far more important to consider how the name will be perceived out in the world, and unfortunately, very few baby name books will tell you that.



So I'll say that Mara is a fabulous choice that is feminine, but frills-free, simple but not common and distinctive without being strange.



I'd use it without hesitation!
I'd go for it if you really like it and it isnt bothering you too much.

Most people don't know the meanings of names..I mean, if anything your daughter would look it up and probably laugh it off, especially in her teenage years. =)



BUT if it is concerning you that, consider making it her middle name?How much stock do you put into baby name meanings?
in all honesty i don't care what a name means. The only thing that matters to me is what it means to me. Take for example my unborn sons name it will be Xxavier, it has a very religious meaning yet when i hear and when i write al i think about is warriors. So for me it means warrior.How much stock do you put into baby name meanings?
I did rule out potential names due to their meanings - but really it's just a mental aversion and the meanings carry no significance.



If it bugs you alot, you can always choose a longer version of the name, such as Marabelle, Maralyn or Marabeth if one of those has a more favorable meaning (I don't know if it does), and then just call her "Mara."



For what it's worth, I think Mara sounds like a lovely name.
I think the real question is how MUCH it bothers you personally. To be honest, most other people could care less about what the name means. But if you do name your child that, you should have a good explanation when she gets older and asks.
well i don't bother about the meaning to much but a name like cain means posessed the origanal biblical murderer which is kinda off putting.My daughter is called Mia which means mine and she is so thats fine with me x
I really cared what my daughters name ment when I was looking for a name...But that is just me, I like the name Mara....if it doesn't bauther you then don't worry about it....congrats!!
Personally, I don't care about the meaning associated with names - I mean most people don't know the meaning, anyway. I could care less about the supposed meaning.