A North Carolina mom went viral on TikTok for her take on searching for a unique baby name.
The mother, Haley Hodge, a content creator and a physical therapist from North Carolina, has peeked the interest of viewers from around the world after conducting her distinctive approach to naming her unborn child.
This week, Hodge's TikTok video went viral, garnering nearly 3 million views, as she shared her experience of searching for baby names in a cemetery. For Hodge, this practice isn't just a spur-of-the-moment idea; it's a cherished family tradition.
"I've always been fascinated by cemeteries," Hodge explained. "Growing up, my mom would take us to graveyards during family trips to teach us about history. While historical tours didn't hold our interest for long, spooky and ghost stories always captivated us."
Searching Names in Cemetery as a Family Tradition
The tradition of finding names in cemeteries began with Hodge's parents. Her younger sister, Cooper, was named after a gravestone spotted at a funeral.
They were at the burial site and noticed her name, Hodge recalled. This family practice continued into Hodge's adulthood, as she found beauty in the stories behind the gravestones rather than focusing solely on the deaths they marked.
Last weekend, while on a family outing in Southport, a maritime town in North Carolina, Hodge and her family visited the Old Smithville Burying Ground.
Here, they decided to search for potential names for her soon-to-be-born baby girl. This experience, which Hodge documented on her TikTok account, @hodgehouse, resonated deeply with viewers, sparking widespread interest and discussion.
Choosing a Name with a Story
In the viral TikTok video, Hodge and her family can be seen exploring the cemetery, pointing out various names on the gravestones, including Julia, Bunny, and Ella.
However, her favorites, she revealed, were Galloway and Salem. "Galloway is very unique," one commenter noted, to which Hodge replied, "I thought so too! Although it was the person's last name, it could be really pretty as a first or middle name as well."
Despite the online buzz and numerous suggestions from viewers, Hodge and her husband have yet to finalize their decision.
The North Carolina mom admitted that during their odd adventure to the cemetery, they found numerous cool and unique names. She added that they might end up visiting more cemeteries or exploring different avenues.
She acknowledged that, while her method may be unconventional, it provides a meaningful story behind each name.
"I know there are baby name books, but they often contain a lot of repeated names," Hodge said. "It's fun to have a unique story behind finding a name. So, our search may continue a bit longer. But for now, I really like the name Salem."
A New Trend in Baby Naming?
Hodge's viral video has sparked a conversation about baby naming traditions and the lengths parents will go to find the perfect name for their child.
While her method of visiting cemeteries may seem unusual to some, it highlights the deep personal connection and stories behind each name, offering a fresh perspective on the naming process.
As Hodge and her family continue their unique journey, they are inspiring others to think outside the box and consider the rich histories and stories that can influence their choices.
Whether they settle on Galloway, Salem, or another name discovered in a cemetery, the Hodge family's tradition has undoubtedly left a mark on many, demonstrating that inspiration can indeed be found in the most unexpected places.
