Baby name: A baby named Paris? Now that’s hot
February 9, 2012
Kristin Rushowy
TORONTO STAR
They were two University of Toronto students who had a couple of classes together – but they first met and fell in love in France while on a study exchange.
So when Kirby Szeto and Jane Tsui married and started a family, they wanted their children’s names to have a French connection.
“We were based in Nice, on the southern edge of France; we wanted names to reflect those days,” says Kirby.
“But Nice is not a nice name, so we chose Paris.” The couple had spent time together in the City of Light.
“One thing we both have is an interest in Greek mythology and history, so we really liked that Paris was the Prince of Troy – and the fact that it’s not a common name for boys anymore.”
It does cause some confusion; “when we say ‘Paris’ people automatically assume it’s a girl,” says Kirby. (And yes, he sometimes jokes that he named his son after socialite Paris Hilton.)
“The name is something different that we hope he’ll grow up and appreciate.”
Paris Claude Szeto was born July 5, 2008, at North York General Hospital, weighing 8 lbs. 1 oz. Claude was inspired by French impressionist painter Claude Monet.
When baby number two came along, Kirby and Jane found it a lot more difficult to keep their theme.
“We wanted another French name” and even scoured atlases of French cities and towns, eventually coming across St. Etienne. “It took awhile to find a name that matched with our theme,” says Kirby.
Etienne Auguste, who was also born in North York, turns 2 on April 8.
Auguste is inspired by French artist Renoir and sculptor Rodin.
“We are both into art history, and especially the impressionist era,” Kirby adds.
Just in case either set of grandparents had any objections, the couple kept everyone happy by giving them free rein over the boys’ Chinese names.
When they’re out, people expect the family to speak French; Kirby and Jane aren’t fluent, but can get by.
“There have been a couple of occasions where we’ve been travelling, where a French person will hear the names and expect us to speak French; it’s a bit of a surprise there.”
Did you give your child an interesting or unusual name? Email krushowy@thestar.ca