Websites suggest parents name kids after track star

The excitement surrounding the name Usain Bolt is evident on some of the world's famous baby names websites, THE WEEKEND STAR has discovered.

Bolt's name has been added to the world's top 12 list of famous track and field baby names inspired by Olympic medallists on one website.

American website www.babynames.allparenting.com listed Bolt among other great Olympians such as Ben Johnson, Bruce Jenner, Carl Lewis and Michael Johnson to make up the top 12 list.

The 25-year-old track superstar created history yesterday when he became the first man to defend the sprint double at the Olympics.

Another website, www.sheknows.com has added Bolt's name to a longer list of celebrities born in the month of August and is portraying the name as a great baby name idea.

"If you are expecting a baby in August or have a birthday this month, you may share a birthday with some of the biggest pop stars that were also born in August, including Madonna and Michael Jackson. President Barack Obama will be celebrating his birthday this month, as will Martha Stewart. Check out our complete list of famous August birthdays," the website stated.

Bolt's, August 21, birthday is shared by music celebrity Kenny Rogers and Sex and the City's sultry actress Kim Cattrall.

Another website, www.babynology.com has also added the name Usain as a great baby name idea.

When asked yesterday why is it that most persons give their children celebrity names, psychologist Dr Leahcim Semaj said that it is just a way of parents and loved ones shaping the direction of their kids' lives.

"It's actually a good thing and a way of solidifying the social and cultural direction you would want your children to go in. I have given my children African names as a way to consolidate their heritage," he said.

As it relates to the name 'Usain Bolt', the well known psychologist said," It's a good thing that our people are having our own heroes to look up to."

Tamica James, a typical Jamaican track and field supporter, told THE WEEKEND STAR yesterday that she is not sure she would name her child off Bolt. "Maybe I would do it because having a son with that name would mean that he is destined for success," James said.

When asked the same question, Patrene Lyn, also a track and field fan, reasoned that she is not sure.

"I am not so sure if I would name my child off Usain or Bolt but that is something to think about if the child is a boy," Lyn said.