Choosing a name for your baby is a very important and fun decision. For some parents, this is an easy decision; for others, it involves a lot of consideration and discussion. It can be challenging to come up with a name both of you agree on. Read below for some topics of consideration.
Uniqueness: Many parents desire their child to have a unique name. What seems unique as you are choosing your child’s name, may not seem unique as your child begins to meet friends in school. Also consider how unique the name is among your family and friends. Keep in mind that what is unique to you may pose challenges for your child, such as a repeated need for correcting or undesired attention.
Corrections: Even very common name variations, such as Sara and Sarah, can be problematic for a person to need to constantly correct. While it may be fun to come up with a unique spelling, also consider how the name is pronounced, which may also result in constant corrections.
Sounds and Compatibility: You’ll want to consider how the name sounds when you say it and how it sounds with your last name. Keep in mind how many syllables and common letters and sounds. There may be a name you have loved since you were young, that just doesn’t work with your last name. Also keep in mind how that name sounds with you and your partner’s first name, as well as any siblings, or even future siblings.
Popularity: Many parents consult the top 100 baby name list to help choose a name. You may prefer a popular name, or prefer to avoid a name if it is on this list, but either way, it is worth consulting.
Family and Friends: You may consider choosing to name your child after a close family member or friend. This can be a great way to honor a loved one. Of course, naming your child is your choice, and try to be gracious when receiving suggestions from relatives and friends.
Ancestry and Heritage: Another idea to consider is to choose a name that reflects your heritage. Among others, the search engine at Baby Names allows you to select the nationality you are interested in. This is another great way to honor your family.
Common Nicknames: Consider common and even uncommon nicknames that might be used with your favorite name. You can choose the name on the birth certificate and what you call your child, but there will come to a point when your child or school friends might prefer another version.
Initials: Before finalizing the name, consider the initials the names make. It would be a good idea to stay away from initials that suggest a negative or derogatory spelling.
Meaning: Also keep in mind the meaning behind the name you choose. Although it will not affect your child’s personality, it may still be worth thinking about.
Additional Online Name Tools
Complete Celebrity Baby Name List
No matter which name you choose, once you start calling your baby by that name, it will be hard to imagine him or her with any other name.
What names are you considering and why? Or what name did you choose and why?