When I was old enough to understand the whole concept of names, it seemed that "Carrie" was the preferred spelling for my moniker, even though I knew nobody by that name. I knew another "Kari" and the gal down the street was "Kerry," but it wasn't until late grammar school or early junior high that I met a "Carrie." But, those personalized items in the drugstore thought 'Carrie" was correct.

I've known "Cary" and "Carey" and "Kerri." I haven't yet met a "Kary" although I thought about changing mine to that spelling until I decided that I liked the perkiness of an "i."

Originally my parents were going to call me "Tara Suzanne." Of course this makes no sense to me. The gals named "Tara" I've met through the years haven't really matched my impression of myself, so I guess my parents were right to reconsider.

As I look at my own boys, I think their names are perfect for them. Of course I would! I think about the names my husband and I considered, and none fit them "just so." And even spelling matters.

Meanwhile, my cat is called the same name as my son's former gymnastics coach. And yet, it doesn't seem as strange as you might think!