Name Choice Explained By New Dad Ingo Rademacher

CBB readers had a strong reaction to the decision by Ingo Rademacher and his fiancée, Ehiku, to name their 10-day-old son Peanut Kai, and now Ingo has offered some insight into the couple’s thought process.

The name Peanut "puts a smile on everyone’s face" and "kind of represented joy and happiness to us," the 37-year-old General Hospital actor says. "We were calling him that when he was in mommy." Meanwhile, Kai — which means ‘water’ in Hawaiian — pays homage to Ehiku’s Hawaiian roots, and is also a possible nod to Ingo’s longtime love of surfing. Ingo reveals to People.com that he assisted in delivering Peanut at home in Malibu with the assistance of a midwife. He says,

We were set on home birth right away. A hospital was not a place we wanted to be.

Peanut is the first child for the couple, who plan to marry in Hawaii next year.

Source: People.com; Photo by John Sciulli/WireImage.com.

Comments

CBB usually brings a smile to my face, this time I had to laugh right out loud You made a (to me anyway) very cute mistake — “the couple is the first for the child”

I have no idea whether this is the appropriate place to bring attention to your mishap, it’s in no way ment to be disrespectful or insulting, it really made me laugh!!!!

- jj on July 21st, 2008

That’s cute. I figured there was solid reasoning behind their name choice! And yay for Ingo being able to help deliver his own baby! I love when dads do that kind of stuff. I hope my own husband (when that day comes haha) is the kind of guy who’s into that stuff!

- Cait on July 21st, 2008

We called our son Boo Bear, it would still be odd to actually name him that. I think it is cuter to use more basic names then trying to out do the previous celebrity with the most way out there name possible.

- Lisa on July 21st, 2008

“Solid reasoning”? If you say so.

Kai is cute though!

- Jacky on July 21st, 2008

I am deathly allergic to peanuts. But quite aside from that, name the kid something sensible and call him Peanut. We have to think about what the kid will want when he is older. Can you imagine filling out job applications and putting PEANUT on the form? Jeez.

- Susan on July 21st, 2008

I agree with Lisa. I mean there are words like Pizza and Ice Cream that could also put smiles on peoples faces but most of us wouldn’t go ahead and name our children those kind of names. I mean it’s one thing to name him that as a nickname but to stick him with that as his first given name is just wrong! Had he said that the name was special because it was the name of a friend or relative etc then I could possibly see the connection but just to name him that because the word made you smile, well okay then *rolls eyes* hey jmo of course!

- J.M. on July 21st, 2008

Yeah, I don’t see it as “solid reasoning” either. The kid is basically named Peanut Water ? It makes me think of the boiled peanut stands we have here in Florida.

- MissAllisonJenny on July 21st, 2008

Um, we called ours ‘Jellybean’ while in utero…doesn’t mean we’d name it that!!
I really like the name Kai! To bad they didn’t stick to that. I have plenty of nicknames for my girls, but none I even considered for the birth certificate! Best of luck to Peanut!

- momof2girlies on July 21st, 2008

Yeah, solid reasoning. I didn’t say whether it was good or bad, but there was a specific reason why they gave their son that name. That makes it a solid reason. It’s not like they said “Crap, he’s here, we have no name, let’s call him Peanut!” They planned it out and have a reason behind it. That, right there, is solid reasoning.

- Cait on July 21st, 2008

That kid is going to hate his name when he grows up.

- denise on July 21st, 2008

There is no excuse for naming you kid Peanut. JMO

- loveliason65 on July 21st, 2008

Kudos to ingo for helping with the birth! I think thats amazing! As for the name…well, its not my style but it IS THEIR CHILD. not mine. end of story!

- tink1217 on July 21st, 2008

You know what puts a smile on my face? Doughnuts. But I will not name my child doughnut, nor Krispy Kreme, not even Dunkin–although that would still be better than Peanut.

I’ve always thought that Ingo seemed like a nice, laidback guy and it’s great that he’s so content with new fatherhood, but I don’t think there’s a less solid reason for naming your child Peanut than the fact that it puts a smile on someone’s face. Maybe they just had gas.

- Erica on July 21st, 2008

“it IS THEIR CHILD.”

It is also HIS NAME that HE will have to carry and live with, not his parents. That name is going to elicit smiles, alright-not to mention the laughter and ridicule that will inevitably follow. I feel so sorry for this poor boy; there is no excuse or explanation imo.

- Lauren on July 21st, 2008

People did ask why did they pick that name and when they explained it, people are still upset…about a name. It’s just a name or a noise according to Chris Martin. if they feel like the name is special to them that should be respected. Also, this is their baby, they have the right to pick out whatever name they want to.

- Renee on July 21st, 2008

Funny, we too called our first Peanut while she was in the womb, but we named her Claire when she was born. I still call her Peanut (it’s my cute nickname for her) but at 6 years of age, I am sure she is thankful for Claire!

- camom77 on July 21st, 2008

My Mom called me The Beast when I kicked her. I’m glad she went with a real name when it came to actually naming me!

- meghan on July 21st, 2008

It isn’t a choice I would make as far as baby-naming, but he isn’t MY son. I along with everyone else can think it is wacky as much as we want, but that doesn’t change the fact that people have the right to name their children what they want, no matter how off the wall. I wouldn’t want anyone telling me what to name my child, so I have to practice that when it comes to other people. I’d feel hypocritical otherwise.

Simply put, it is their buisness, and rather than thinking about the ridicule the child might endure, I plan to educate my own son and let him be the kind of boy and man who doesn’t laugh at another person because they have an unconventional or strange name.

- erica alayne on July 21st, 2008

Um…but what about when Peanut is 30?? What if Peanut wants to be a lawyer? This totally boggles my mind.

I love Kai though, but Peanut? I just…don’t get it.

I know it’s their child and they can name him whatever they want…I’m merely expressing my opinion.

- jasmine on July 21st, 2008

I am all for interesting or different names that aren’t popular. Lyric, Audio Science, Pilot, Jett, heck even Apple…but PEANUT???
Really??? Peanut?

I have three words to say. THAT.POOR.KID! A lifetime of torture is sure to come for this boy and his parents should have thought of that.

I agree, give the kid a sensible name and use Peanut as a nickname…

You can’t even shorten it – either Nut or Pea..hmmm yeah, nope sorry!

- TracyG on July 21st, 2008

for the comments about when he is older…he can always go by Kai of course. And, how about teaching our children NOT to tease based on someone’s name instead of “that poor child has a lifetime of torture ahead”? I understand what everyone is saying, but I don’t think he will be tormented. I had a few friends with odd names growing up and none of them were made fun of. Not a single one…actually most people, even kids, would ask how they got their name or why they were named that.

- tink1217 on July 21st, 2008

Meh…it really depends how you look at it. To me personally a name is just a noise. I just don’t care what society thinks of an unusual name. Some people care more than others.
I hope to raise a child who understands its ok to be different right down to their name and be proud of it, which is just as well as i’m probably going to call my kids “unique” names hehe.

- Bb on July 21st, 2008

The name Peanut “puts a smile on everyone’s face”? We’re laughing at you, Ingo, not with you!

- zaraB on July 21st, 2008

erica and tink, that was perfectly put. i would hope that parents would teach their children not to judge someone based on their name. and that IS something that parents can teach their kids. his parents love the name and for now that’s all that matters.

- Sarah on July 21st, 2008

Dweezil Zappa never changed his name.:>

- Ivey on July 21st, 2008

I read on another blog site that Kai in some nation can mean chicken. That means that this kid’s name could mean “peanut chicken”.

- Shan on July 21st, 2008

Just because you CAN name your kid whatever you want doesn’t mean you SHOULD! It is not just about you. You should be thinking about this little person who you love more than anything in the world. Saddling them with a name they will hate is not fair just because you don’t want to have a normal name. When Peanut is older, he should not have to deal with changing his name because his parents were irresponsible and named him Peanut. At least Peanut will have the money to pay for the attorney fees to change his name. I repeat, just because you CAN name your kid whatever you want doesn’t mean you SHOULD!

- Beverley on July 21st, 2008

I agree Bb. I don’t see the big deal myself. It’s just a name….a name. Some of these comments are not really respectful to the parents.

- Renee on July 21st, 2008

It may put a smile on everyone’s face, but not for the reason Ingo thinks. It’s what happens when people try to stifle the laugh that will come every time this poor child has to tell someone his name. There is laughing with you and laughing at you and people will be laughing AT poor Peanut.

- Beverley on July 21st, 2008

I like Red Kidney Beans, they make me happy. Maybe Ill name my first that?

RedKidney-Bean Roberts.

LOL.

- iluvallbabies on July 21st, 2008

Peanut doesn’t make me happy just hungry! LOL

- Sheila on July 21st, 2008

that “smile on every-one’s face” is from laughing at the name. Please, why would you do that to a child. Can you imagine going to Kindergarten and the kids learning each others name. “Hi, I’m Peanut!” Poor guy!
On the other hand, Kai is a great name!

- Kiastar on July 21st, 2008

LOL w/ Iluvallbabies!!

That names makes me want a salad with red kidney beans and some chick peas…lol!

- Jen on July 21st, 2008

Beverley, why are you so concerned with what complete strangers name their child? It’s none of your business what people name their kids.

- Renee on July 21st, 2008

Congratulations on thier homebirth!

- Ilaria on July 21st, 2008

I grew up with a lovely first name and a last name that people to this day cannot pronounce. Growing up kids, parents and teachers thought I was an odd one because of a name that was foriegn to them. Peanut isn’t a great name, I agree. I would not choose to name my child that either. On the other hand, being someone who reads this site regularly I’m sure that some of you are parents and should realize that as weird as the name is, it would be better for us to teach our own kids that a name is just a name. Some sound weird. Some sound funny. But really, it is just a name and as adults we shouldn’t be so judgemental either.
-end rant-

- R. L. on July 21st, 2008

A name is a name. Where i live we had an adult man change his name to in god we trust. I think its the courts that allow this that is redicules.

- butterflykisses on July 21st, 2008

I can’t help but feel sorry for the little guy. It’s going to be hard on him with a name like that because, let’s face it, kids can be cruel. I think parents have to really THINK about name choices and even acronyms formed from their initials. The name Ashley Sarah Smith, in and of itself, is a beautiful name; but, the initials are A$$. And you know kids notice those things. Yes, it’s their child and they can name him what they want, but they really should think about how the child might feel about it later in life. As an adult, he may never be taken seriously with the name Peanut. Is it fair? No. Is it probable? Yes.

- SouthernBelle on July 21st, 2008

Renee, you are not the thought police of CBB, so I am just as entitled to my opinion as anyone else on here.

If CBB doesn’t want people to give honest opinions about these matters they wouldn’t have an open forum to discuss these things.

It would appear that you think that everyone on here loves his name and that I am the only one who doesn’t. You are clearly wrong. Read the previous post about this poor child’s name and this one and you will find that 95% of people think he has an awful name, yet you choose to tell me that it is none of my business. Well, my opinion is none of yours!!!

- Beverley on July 21st, 2008

Of course most parents try to teach their children how to treat others with respect but lets face it do kids always listen?? NO! and kids will go off and do as they please especially when mommy and daddy are not there to correct them. So yes most likely Peanut will be ridiculed by atleast one other child he encounters! Then again kids will find anything to make fun of you for. I grew up with the name Joy. I didn’t appreciate it until later when I realized it was nice not having the same name as others. People ASSume I’m named this because my bday lands before xmas. Well my mom decided she didn’t want anyone to give me a nickname and also said as her only daughter I was the Joy in her life. So I got the name calling of “happy happy joy joy” or “joy 2 the world” but I didn’t let it bother me to much it just became repetitive and annoying to deal with all the time!! I am all about different unique meaningful names but come on lets face it sometimes your just really putting your child out there for torture and really it’s not that fair.

Bottom line I could careless who names there child what. It’s not my kid and he won’t be the one picked on (he’ll just probably be the one doing the picking on despite what I teach him) but I think some people just need to ask themselves this one question when naming a child.

“Would I want to be called this?” and if the answer is no most likely your child won’t either

- JM on July 21st, 2008

Beverly, I have seen the other posts and I know other people aren’t fond of the name. But you seem to be pretty passionate about arguing against this particular name. I don’t claim to be the thought police around here. You said that, not me. You have a right to voice your opinions and I have a right to disagree. I’m not going to get in an argument with you about it. We can just agree to disagree and move on

- Renee on July 21st, 2008

Well said Beverly!

- Jen on July 21st, 2008

They couldnt just CALL him peanut? I call my son Monkey but I didn’t put it on his birth certificate.

- Amber S on July 21st, 2008

Everyone has a right to name their baby whatever they want. However, everyone also has a right to form their own opinions and to voice them, when appropriate.

Would it be rude to tell Ingo to his face that you think his son’s name is silly? Yes. But, this site is a forum for expressing opinions and comments, so I think as long as it is done respectfully you can respectfully share your opinion.

In my opinion, people who select off-the-wall names for their kids are thinking a bit more of themselves and less of the little life they are creating. I think it is a bit selfish to impose such a strong, unique and strange name on a child before they have had the chance to exert their own personalities. In my opinion, picking a trendy or crazy name doesn’t allow the child to form their own personalities and pick their own path. Nicknames ( like Peanut) are a great way of having it both ways. Therefore, your baby can easily become a future rock star or Supreme Court justice without you predetermining their path.

Parents, especially famous ones, who pick such batty names that might be trendy or weird are behaving in a selfish way and want to feel very special and different from the rest of society. In my experience, people who usually make the most waves about being above public opinion or being rebels are the people who typically care THE MOST about what other people think!

Want to get creative with a name? Fine, go ahead and do it. No one is saying you can’t. But don’t pretend that its “just a noise” and nobody will notice your child being so very different, because honestly, that’s exactly the kind of effect you intended.

God bless Peanut and his family, and best wishes to them. When he is old enough he can change his name if he likes, or can go by his middle name if he chooses. Maybe he will love it after all.

- Nicka on July 21st, 2008

I read this post to a friend. She said “Peanut Rademacher? Sounds like the name of an old town drunk.” I think that is the funniest comment yet. Good ol’ Peanut. Good luck, kid. He’s always got Kai to fall back on…

- crimpe on July 21st, 2008

anyone see the ep of desperate housewives where teri hatcher’s character was upset her partner wanted to call their newborn son Maynard? when she realised how much it meant to him,she agreed but eva,marcia & felicity’s characters r like WHAT?!! to each their own, i guess.

- ang on July 22nd, 2008

Speaking as a person who got a rather off the wall name, it’s not always fun.
To make your child LEGAL name something so ridiculous is just thoughtless.

Yes peanut is cute when you’re a baby and a toddler, it’s what I called my son when he was little..However, as a grown man he will have to introduce himself as PEANUT.
Why on earth, would you give your child a name they will have to live down the rest of their life? Or worse will have to LEGALLY change so people don’t think he’s a cocker spaniel.

- Delilah on July 22nd, 2008

I think it’s just ridiculous putting a child through his life with the name Peanut, poor thing. If his parents do have an ounce of decency and respect for their son, they would change his name to just Kai or whatever and refer to him as Peanut as a nickname.
I would never EVER do that to my son, you can give your child an unusual name but know where to draw the line before it gets out of hand….

- babyboopie on July 22nd, 2008

I’m not a huge fan of the name Peanut, either, but to each their own. I hope he starts going by Kai early on!

Anyway, if he wants to change his name completely it is typically pretty easy. I did it a few years ago. It cost me $50 max in court fees and that was it. You don’t need an attorney in the majority of states.

- Sami on July 22nd, 2008

Personally, I like the name. It’s unique just like Ingo is. I think we tend to forget people just like you and me give their kids unique names every day. This just happens to be in the public eye. P. Kai Rademacher has a nice ring to it!

- Carla on July 22nd, 2008

When I was pregnant with my second son, my oldest wanted “desperatley” to name the new little one “Yellow” (since, at the time that was his fav. color)and he repeadetly would tell ppl. that that was going to be his new brother’s name. Of course, my husband and I thought that this was quite endearing and cute coming from a little guy of two.

Sometimes common sense has to rule the day and I’m sorry to have a bona fid name of PEANUT on one’s birth certificate is not “cute”, “sensible”, “original”, “joyful”,”happiness”, etc… It is C-R-U-E-L! As parents’ we have the RIGHT to name our children Anything we want, but seriously, some of these “celebs” absolutely cross the line into bizzaro lala land.

And for those of you who are saying it is “alright” to name a child something as wacky as “Peanut”, I would LOVE to hear what some of your own children are named, my bet is that they are very nice, strong, normal, non-bizzaro names. Just my 2-cents on this subject…

- Teela on July 24th, 2008

Source: TheStar.com
THE ASSOCIATED PRESS
WELLINGTON, New Zealand – A family court judge in New Zealand has had enough with parents giving their children bizarre names and did something about it. Just ask Talula Does The Hula From Hawaii. He had her renamed.

In a ruling made public Thursday, judge Rob Murfitt made the 9-year-old girl a ward of the court so that her name could be changed.
He said the girl was involved in a custody battle. The new name was not made public to protect the girl’s privacy.

“The court is profoundly concerned about the very poor judgment which this child’s parents have shown in choosing this name,” he wrote. “It makes a fool of the child and sets her up with a social disability and handicap, unnecessarily.”

The girl had been so embarrassed at the name that she had never told her closest friends what it was. She told people to call her “K” instead, the girl’s lawyer, Colleen MacLeod, told the court.

In his ruling, Murfitt cited a list of other unfortunate names.

Registration officials blocked some names, including Fish and Chips, Yeah Detroit, Keenan Got Lucy and Sex Fruit, he said. But others were allowed, including Number 16 Bus Shelter “and tragically, Violence,” he said.

New Zealand law does not allow names that would cause offense to a reasonable person, among other conditions, said Brian Clarke, the registrar general of Births, Deaths and Marriages.

Clarke said officials usually talked to parents who proposed unusual names to convince them about the potential for embarrassment.

So, if a judge actually sees the potential for a lifetime of embarrassment and harassment in naming a child an outlandish name, I don’t think it makes my opinion of NOT naming a child Peanut out of the ordinary.

- SouthernBelle on July 24th, 2008

It’s cute that they called him that in utero, but it’s best left as a nickname imho. I’m in high school and I was playing a random game where we say the first thing we think of, and mine was this child’s name, and everybody laughed and started calling him the word for male genitalia. I feel for this child, after seeing how cruel these people were in there teasing of a kid they had never even met. True, these people have the right to CALL the child whatever they want to, but it doesn’t hurt to think about the fact that they actually have to use it.

- Helen on January 18th, 2010

Naming their kid that is just going to be torture for him growing up. I thought the name Parlour Trick was mildly cool, but there is no way on Earth I would make that my daughter’s legal name. It’s called a nickname for crying out loud!!!!! Then again, I am the weirdo who named their kid Harleen and calls her Harley.

- Lisa on January 18th, 2010