Members of the Lease family of Zelienople are, from left, 3-year-old Democracy; 5-year-old Renaissance; mother Gretchen; father Charles; and 15-month-old Crusade. The Leases named their children for things that changed or impacted the world.

One of the most difficult decisions for parents is also one of the first: What should they name their child?

With so many common names out there, some Butler County residents looked to genealogy, hobbies and history to pick the perfect name for their bundles of joy.

Gretchen and Charles Lease of Zelienople knew they wanted something different. Charles wanted to be sure there was a theme they could carry on.

“He wanted the names to mean something, not just be random,” Gretchen said.

The couple discussed car names, Greek gods and goddesses and even colors.

“It wasn't until we decided on the name Renaissance ... that we came up with our final theme — something that has changed or impacted the world,” Gretchen said.

The couple has three children; a 5-year-old daughter named Renaissance Corwin, a 3-year-old daughter named Democracy Mariska and a 15-month-old son named Crusade Charles. Each of their children's middle names is a family moniker. Corwin, after Gretchen's father; Mariska after Charles' mother, and Charles after his father.

As their children age, Gretchen said they can make their own nicknames or go by derivatives of their middle names, Corey, Mary and Charles.

Renaissance came up with “Sancey,” while Democracy is sometimes called “Mockie.”

“We have another one on the way and we are in the process of coming up with a name, though we don't know the baby's sex yet,” Gretchen said.

Some of the possible contenders are Patriot and Pharaoh.

“It's obviously kind of hard for us,” Gretchen said. “We usually don't come up with anything until the last month.”

Here are some other children with unusual names and the reasons behind them.