Parents, grandparents, friends,
siblings, and family are going to be sharing their advice and ideas in helping
you to find a name for your baby. Chances are you will spend hours thinking to
pin down that perfect baby name and you'll change your mind more than one time
along the way. But eventually, you are going to find a few names that
you like best.
why parents should think about baby wearing
you like best.
why parents should think about baby wearing
Once you find a few
difference of names, you can ask friends and family which name they like more.
So you can compare your list to the top 100 baby names by decade or the most
popular names of a special year - might you want a popular baby name or maybe
you would a unique name. Eventually, you are going to find the perfect baby
name, and it will instill you with a sense of pride and achievement, both for
you and eventually for your baby.
Selecting a popular name
for your baby
Today's favorite names may
or may not be around tomorrow. While some names have proven the test of time,
others have come and gone like leg warmers. There is an easy way to determine
if a name has staying power, simply review the top 100 names by year using this
site. We list the top 100 baby names for the past 125 years, by year. While
choosing a very popular name today can be fun, it may mean your son or daughter
will be one of many in their classes growing up. This isn't necessarily bad,
but something to consider when selecting that perfect baby name.
Selecting a baby name with
the perfect meaning
A great method in finding a
perfect baby name is to understand the name meaning. You can find the perfect
baby name meaning using one of two methods: 1) you can look up the meanings of
your favorite names, and/or 2) you can take the BabyNamesUSA test. The tests
helps you find the perfect baby name by choosing words that you believe are
important or are words you want your future baby to possess - like loving, or
gentle, or intelligent.
The test will allow you to
choose meanings that are significant and/or important to you - whether it's a
characteristic you find admirable, or one in which you want your future baby to
possess to become successful in life.
Searching for a baby name
using the origin/ethnicity/religion of the name
One of the most common
methods for selecting a baby name is using the origin and/or ethnicity of the
baby name. This will give the baby an immediate source of identity and an
understanding of the culture and origin of the baby's family heritage. In some
religions, like Judaism, it is common to name a baby after a deceased family
member, to honor loved ones who've passed. In many cases these names were from
a different generation (see top 100 baby names by year, above) and may be 'out
of style'. If this is the case, middle names are the perfect solution.
Choose a baby name for each
sex - so whatever the baby is, you are ready.
Once you get the wonderful
news that a new baby is coming, it will be a while until you can determine the
baby's sex - IF you are considering finding out at all (food for thought -
there is no better surprise, and nothing more worth waiting for). Having a
boy's name and girl's name is a great start.
Naming the baby after the
parent - either a single name, or the entire name
In order for your baby boy
to become a Jr. (junior), or the 'II' (the second), the entire name should be
the same as the father's. The father is the Sr. (senior), the son becomes the
Jr. For example, John William Smith names his son John William Smith, the
father is the Sr. /I, the son is the Jr. /II. If the son is the third
generation to receive the name, the baby boy typically becomes the III (third).
Be sure you want to name your baby boy, or baby girl, the same as a parent - it
can lead to confusion growing up. If you know you want to name the baby after a
parent, selecting a unique middle name may be the perfect solution.
Your child will have to
live with this name for a lifetime.
The name you choose for
your baby (and future child/adult) should be worn happily. Will family, friends
and one day, employers 'take notice' for the wrong reasons? Remember, kids can
be cruel - don't make life more challenging than it needs to be.
Choose a baby name that you
are proud of, and makes you smile.
Naming your baby after
family and friends that have a special place in your heart is a great place to
start. Are their special attributes you want your baby to carry - choosing a
name that means something special is also a great idea.
Make sure the full name
(first, middle and last) sounds good together.
Say the baby's name aloud -
is it easy or difficult to say the name? Choose a name that flows well
together. Stay away from Jim Shoe (gym shoe) or names that when pieced together
can have an alternate meaning.
Write the full baby name
down - as well as the initials of all names.
If your baby name's
initials make up another word - be sure you are comfortable with what results.
For example James Earl Thompson (JET) may be acceptable, but think twice about
names like Daniel Irving Petty (DIP).
Spell it!! When writing the
name down, was it difficult to spell and/or say? If you had problems, you may
want to reconsider the name.
Nicknames are inevitable.
When your child goes to
school, joins a sports team or club, chances are a nickname may be close
behind. Some nicknames can be endearing, but others may not be what you had in
mind when naming your baby. Many times, Alan Jackson results in AJ - be sure
this is acceptable, as many times, it is ultimately out of the parents control.
Naming your baby after a
sports figure, movie star, or political hero
Be sure you want to go this
route, prior to naming your baby. While the name may be beautiful - it could
become overly popular. Or, if the person falls out of favor, it may result in
giving the name a negative stigma.
Naming multiple babies
If your family is going to
increase by more than one baby, there a few things to consider. First, naming
babies with the same first initial may be confusing - for you, the babies and
future teachers. You may want to consider choosing different initials - giving
each child a unique name. Second, choosing different initials may make things
easier when accepting gifts containing your babies' initials. If each baby's
name contains the same letters - it will be difficult in determining which
gifts belong to which baby. This will only get more challenging.
Religious & Traditional
considerations
Some families have a
tradition in passing down names from generation to generation. Make sure you
check with both parents' families first. Also, some religions don't allow
babies to be named after living family members. Be sure to check your religious
beliefs as well.
Select multiple names for
your baby.
Chances are, you and your
partner, your family, and others will all have a different name in mind. While
the decision ultimately comes down to the parent(s), keep your mind open to
suggestions. Not only will this help in selecting the best name for your baby,
but it will make your life easier along the way.
What if there is a pet with
the same name we wanted to name our baby.
Unless the name is Fido or
Spot - we wouldn't worry much about it. We had a dog name Jordan (after Michael
Jordan), and I've met many other people named Jordan. It is inevitable that
someone somewhere named a dog, cat, fish or rabbit the same name you are
considering for your baby. If you love the name - don't look back.
I have a friend/family
member who is considering the name I wanted for my baby.
There are a few things you
can do. If the person is going to move forward with the name, you may need to
choose a new one (or try talking with them). Or you can find the meaning of the
name, and see if a different name with the same meaning is appealing to you.
For you parents that have
yet to choose a name for your baby - you should learn from this lesson. You may
want to keep you favorite names secret - or only share with people that 1)
aren't going to have kids anytime soon or 2) you can definitely trust.
Well-liked and/or unique names can become very popular, very quickly.
I love the name - but
others do not.
Two points on this.
1. If the opinions of these
people mean something to you, it is up to you and your partner whether or not
you let other people's opinions change your mind. If their points are valid -
it may be worth listening to the person. See 'Selecting a Name'
2. You will always be able
to find someone that isn't crazy about the name you've chosen for your baby. If
you are happy with your choice - then tune the person out. If that doesn't
work, tell them thanks for sharing their opinion with you, and name your baby
what you wanted to anyway.
I like one baby name - my
partner likes a different name.
There are several things
you can do to compromise.
1. One of you pick the
first name, the other can select the middle name - or a nick-name for the baby.
2. Each of you can select a
few names you each like, and see if one of those baby names makes you both
happy.
3. If you are planning on
having multiple children, you can take turns selecting the baby's name. You can
pick the name for the first child, and your partner can pick the name of the
next baby. Be aware - if you decide to do it this way, one of you may not be
happy when it comes to the next baby's name.
4. Dart board - Put the
different baby names on a dart board (or something similar), and throw away! If
that doesn't work, try the 'flip-a-coin' method.
My partner wants to name
the baby after a family member - but I really don't care for the name (or the
family member).
Honesty is typically the
best policy in most cases. If you are not thrilled with the name your partner
has chosen for the baby, see article 'I like one baby name - my partner likes a
different name'. There are ideas here that will help.
One suggestion: It would
probably be best if you didn't tell your partner that "You don't like the
name they have chosen". It will be easier if you just say, let's consider
that name, and come up with some alternatives as well. Or, if your partner is
insistent on that particular name, you may want to use it as the baby's middle
name.
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