WOULD YOU NAME YOUR BABY COLUMBINE?

WOULD YOU NAME YOUR BABY COLUMBINE?

BERKELEY, Calif. (Wireless Flash) -- Would you consider naming your baby "Columbine"? Although it's unlikely after the high school massacre in Littleton, Colorado, two name experts think "Columbine" is a great "nature name" for a newborn boy or girl. Name researchers Pamela Redmond-Satran and Linda Rosenkrantz admit Columbine might sound strange at first, but giving a child an unusual name helps them stand out in the world. Just in case you think "Columbine" sounds kooky, they suggest other names including... -- "Candida," which also happens to be the name of a yeast. -- Names inspired by sci-fi and fantasy TV shows are unique. They recommend "Neelix," "Dax" or "Xena." -- And if those are too tame, you can give your child a made-up moniker like "Bleyd," "Gadge," "Jealousa" or "Kugar." The women are the co-authors of the new book, "Beyond Jennifer & Jason, Madison & Montana: What to Name Your Baby Now" (St. Martin's).

CONTACT: Pamela Redmond-Satran, *** (co-author); Arrange with Katie Taylor; NYC; (212) 674-5151, ext. 700