McKenzie Schreiner, a social media influencer, has recently taken to TikTok to recount the heartfelt story behind her daughter’s unique name: Love. The 26-year-old mother found herself inundated with inquiries about her daughter’s unconventional name and decided to clarify its significance in a video that has drawn substantial attention.
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Schreiner’s journey towards choosing the name Love began long before the birth of her daughter. With a desire to uphold family traditions, she was determined to honour her lineage by passing down the middle name Lea—pronounced Lee—which she shares with both her mother and grandmother. Her enthusiasm for names bearing a distinct edge played a part in her decision-making process alongside her husband, who suggested Love as a contender one day. The moment was serendipitous; the couple soon realised that combining both names would result in the charming moniker, “Lovely.”
In reflecting on the importance of the choice, Schreiner explained that she and her husband were keen on selecting a name embodying the values they wish to instil in their children. Central to their motivation is their Christian faith, which greatly influenced their decision. Schreiner articulated this sentiment, stating, “Our faith is so important to us, and we teach our girls to be kindhearted, loving people. In our eyes, God truly defines ‘Love’.” She added that the word is prevalent throughout biblical teachings, guiding believers on how to treat one another.
The inspiration for the name extended beyond personal values, as Schreiner’s bonus daughter, Scarlett, played an unexpected role. During the pregnancy, Scarlett demonstrated an amusing fixation with hearts, spotting heart shapes in food items, clouds, and even random pieces of litter. This fondness only reinforced the couple’s choice, with Schreiner believing that naming the baby Love would foster a special bond between Scarlett and her new sister.
Having shared her story online, Schreiner has received a spectrum of responses, from heartwarming support to harsh critiques. While the negativity can be disheartening, she remains resolute, asserting that the opinions of strangers will not dictate her daughter’s future. “It’s sad to see people judging her future simply because of her name,” Schreiner remarked, adding, “I often tell them she is going to do amazing things in this world.”
The significance of the name Love was further solidified following a particularly arduous delivery. After enduring 36 hours of labour culminating in an emergency C-section, Schreiner described the moment she first held her daughter as “the most relieving breath of fresh air.” The little girl, who now radiates joy, embodies the love and intention behind her name. Schreiner affectionately described her daughter as the “happiest girl in the world,” who brings smiles to those around her.
As Love grows, Schreiner hopes she comes to appreciate the deliberate choice of her name, understanding that it was chosen with profound intention and affection. “We hope she lives life feeling proud of her name, enjoying the love and thought that was put into it and spreading love and good energy to everyone she meets,” Schreiner expressed thoughtfully.
The online discourse surrounding Love’s name highlights not only the challenges faced by parents choosing unconventional names but also the deeper values and stories that are often entwined with those decisions. Schreiner’s story serves as a reminder of the significance that names hold, reflecting personal history, aspirations, and a commitment to nurturing love and kindness in future generations.
As parents navigate the complexities of naming their children in a world of varied perspectives, Schreiner’s experience illustrates the joy and challenges inherent in such a deeply personal decision.