NC mother goes viral on TikTok for searching through cemeteries to pick baby’s name

Haley Hodge, a mother from Cary, chose her future daughter’s name from a gravestone at Old Smithville Burying Ground in Southport, NC.Photo byCourtesy of Haley Hodge

A North Carolina mother has gained widespread attention on TikTok for her unique approach to naming her daughter: selecting a name from a cemetery.

Haley Hodge, who goes by @hodgehouse on TikTok, shared a video of her and her family searching for a name among gravestones at Old Smithville Burying Ground in Southport, North Carolina.

Why a Cemetery?

Hodge explained that cemeteries “hold the prettiest names.” This unconventional idea isn't new to her family; her younger sister's name was also chosen from a cemetery in Wilmington. Hodge and her family were familiar with the area, and on a whim, decided to look for names in the cemetery. This approach turned into a unique journey for them.

Mixed Reactions

While some viewers found the idea clever and creative, others were more critical, expressing superstitions and concerns about naming a new life after someone from a place associated with death. Comments ranged from admiration of the unique idea to discomfort with the perceived morbidity of the practice.

Hodge addressed these concerns by sharing her positive perspective on cemeteries. Growing up with a mother who loved history and ghost tours, Hodge learned to view cemeteries as "libraries of stories" rather than places of death. She believes that each gravestone represents a person with a unique life story, making cemeteries places of historical significance and remembrance.

The Chosen Name

From their cemetery visits, the family considered names such as James, Ella, Bellamy, Magdalene, and Meares. Ultimately, they chose the name Salem for their daughter, inspired by a man who served in the U.S. Coast Guard during World War II. Hodge found the name not only beautiful but meaningful, as it signifies "peace and complete safety."

Future Name Inspirations

As they continue to contemplate a middle name for Salem, Hodge mentioned she is open to the idea of returning to another cemetery for more inspiration.