Pregnant Friend Considers Controversial Baby Name Despite Haunting Past

Acting as the Dear Annie advice columnist, I recently received a letter from a reader who is faced with a dilemma involving a friend's choice of baby name.
Haunted by a Name
writes in to express her concern over her friend, who is in her late 30s and pregnant with her second child, considering a name that holds a dark history in her own family. The reader shares that two babies in her family with this specific name were stillborn, causing her to feel unsettled and superstitious about the choice. Despite being friends for over 20 years, she is unsure whether to share her concerns with the expectant mother. In response,
Dear Haunted
advises that unless directly asked for an opinion, it may be best to keep the family history with the name private. Sharing such information could potentially add stress and anxiety to the parents-to-be, overshadowing their joy and excitement. The column reminds readers that past experiences do not dictate future outcomes, and perhaps the arrival of their baby could bring a fresh perspective and positive association with the name for everyone involved.