Expectant parents are often asked two questions. The first is "Do you know the sex of your baby?" and the second is "What have you named her/him?" We are fascinated with baby names. In fact one of the most frequently-requested topics on parenting web sites is one of finding baby names.
What to remember about selecting baby names
1. First of all, check for possible nicknames that might sound odd. Children are notorious for finding nicknames for one another so even if you plan to use the full given name at home, realize that it may be shortened once they start school. Madison is a cute name, but hopefully it would get shorted to Mattie, which is much better than Mad.
2. Double check the initials to make sure the name, middle name and last name do not spell something undesirable. Fred Allen Thompson might not enjoy his initials that spell F-A-T.
3. How does the first name sound with your last name? Are there too many syllables? If your last name is multi-syllabic, use a shorter first name. A three or four syllable first and last name might be quite a mouthful. Be careful about first names that rhyme with the last since that can also cause some teasing among their peers.
4. You may also want to avoid first and last names with too much alliteration (names that begin with the same sound.) For example, I loved the name "Lauren" when I was pregnant, however "Lauren Lane" sounded either like a storybook character or a street name!
5. Is the baby name very trendy? Be aware that trends in baby names change.
6. Does the name sound perfect for a little boy or little girl? What will the name sound like on a 40 or 60 year old adult? Or a grandmother/father? The name needs to grow with your child (see below.)
7. Selecting the most popular baby names has a big disadvantage when the child enters school. For example, when my daughter was 5, Ashley and Kaitlyn were in the top ten for girls' names. She had several Ashleys and Kaitlyns in her class.
8. When both mother and father are trying to find baby names you agree on, each of you make separate lists of your 10 favorite names and then read each other's lists to see which ones you like from the opposite list. Then pick your favorites from the combined lists so that becomes your working list of baby names.
9. Some parents have several possible names in pregnancy but wait to see the baby before they select a final baby name. Sometimes certain names will simply "fit" your baby better. You have up to two weeks to select a final name to be recorded on the birth certificate.
When Adults change their given names
Over the years, I have met 4 women who have changed their first names. All of them had given names that sounded very delicate or youthful such as Tiffany or Tina. All the more reason to choose a name for your baby that is a name of strength and would be suitable for an adult, not just a child. Otherwise be willing to give your blessing if your grown son or daughter should decide to change their given baby name later in life!
Have you selected your baby name(s) yet? What are they? Do you like your given name? Tell us about it on the forum!
Read more about the best baby name web sites and the top baby names.
See more information about baby names here!
