A North Carolina mother, Haley Hodge, has recently gone viral after sharing her unconventional approach to choosing a baby name by visiting a cemetery. For Hodge, this tradition is deeply rooted in her family history. Her parents named her younger sister, Cooper, after noticing the name on a gravestone at a funeral.

A Family Tradition

Reflecting on her childhood, Hodge recalls how her mother would take her and her siblings to cemeteries during family trips, blending history lessons with ghost stories to capture their interest. “I’ve always been fond of walking through cemeteries and looking at how they’re decorated or the stories behind some of the people,” she told USA Today. Now a mother of three, ages 1, 3, and 10, Hodge decided to continue this unique tradition while expecting her fourth child. “I just ended up seeing the beauty of the stories behind some of these gravestones and the people instead of just deaths associated with it,” she explained.

Viral TikTok Experience

Last weekend, Hodge and her family visited Old Smithville Burying Ground in Southport, a maritime town, during a family outing. While there, they searched for potential names for her baby girl and documented the experience on her TikTok account, @hodgehouse. The video quickly garnered nearly 3 million views, sparking widespread interest and varied opinions. “I was pretty shocked,” Hodge admitted. “I knew it was going to have some different opinions with it because it is weird and it’s a bit unique for sure.”

In the video, Hodge and her family walk through the cemetery, pointing out several names on gravestones, including Julia, Bunny, and Ella. Among her favorites are Galloway and Salem, names that resonated with many viewers. “Galloway is very unique,” one commenter noted, to which Hodge replied, “I thought so too! I know it was the person’s last name but could be pretty as a first or middle too.”

Still on the Hunt

Despite the positive feedback, Hodge and her husband have yet to make a final decision on the name. “We found so many cool unique names, we may end up going to more cemeteries or just exploring different ways,” Hodge said, acknowledging the unconventional nature of their search.

“I know there’s baby books, but I feel like I see a lot of repeated names over and over again. And it’s fun to have a story behind finding a name,” she continued. While the search continues, Hodge expressed a particular fondness for the name Salem, indicating it as a strong contender. Through her unique approach, Hodge has not only honored a family tradition but also highlighted the beauty and stories behind gravestones, offering a fresh perspective on the often-overlooked historical sites.