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Congratulations! Choosing a name for the new baby is one of the most important decisions made by parents most often during pregnancy. Disagree or stuck on how to name baby? No problem. Baby name tips here include 10 major factors relevant in choosing the perfect name for baby: Gender, Ancestry, Help, Meaning, Association, Experience, Continuity, Pronunciation, Popularity, & Commonality. Below we give advice and guidance on these factors to help you enjoy this special, happy time!
- Gender. An initial consideration is the baby's gender. Knowing this will considerably narrow the field. Make sure your selections are gender-appropriate. Don't choose a girl's name for a boy or vice versa. See names for:
- Ancestry. Including the name of an ancestor or loved relative is a noble consideration. What were the names of your great grandparents? Perhaps these would make suitable middle names. It shows family pride, tradition, and heritage.
- Help.
Using Who's Your Baby? ® is a smart first step. We have a massive collection of names which saves you money otherwise spent on less comprehensive or useful baby names books, etc.
Initially, gather several options in your favorites list.
Then, use guidelines below to thin down the list.
Give yourself every chance of success.
Certainly, ending up with zero names won't work and may leave you feeling defeated or disappointed.
In-fact, you might keep 2 or 3 options on the list until the baby is born saving the final selection for that special moment!
- Meaning. Take care in selecting names with positive / flattering meanings. Meaning considerations should include not only the literal translation, but historical as well.
- Avoid Overly Cute Names. In Chinese culture, babies are sometimes given a "milk name" such as "Cutie" at birth, or two characters that sound cute when said together. However, these are not appropriate legal names. Remember, one day the child will be an adult. In China, permanent names are chosen within a month of birth which is or has been the period allowed before registration.
- Refrain from using Negative Meanings. Such as the following examples ...
Instead, collect options that mean
graceful,
intelligent,
noble,
strong,
sweet, etc.
- Consider International Translation. Society is becoming more global. What does your baby's name mean when spoken in different languages?
Muet may sound like a pretty name for a girl, but it means "dumb man" in French.
- Anticipate Nicknames. They may be hard to predict, but children sometimes construct profane rhymes or nicknames such as "Farty
Arty", etc.
- Map Out the Initials. Beware of unflattering initials as well. For example,
Daniel Otto Griffin (DOG), or
Angela Paige Eade (APE) may not be the best selections.
- Association. Choose a name associated with something positive.
- Religion. Are religious affiliations important to your family? Names of
angels,
saints, and
prophets might be nice.
Peruse angel names with caution.
Some (Lucifer) went to the Dark Side.
Another would be Azrael (Angel of Death).
- Leaders. Past Presidents, leaders, prominent historical figures might be nice. But, be careful there too as some have earned bad reputations.
Adolph or
Attila fall into this category.
Attila and "scourge of God" have at one time been considered synonyms.
- Celebrities. real names of celebrities can be attractive.
But, avoid using celebrity stage names that sound funny. Actually some of the real names are risky too.
For example, Senegalese-American hip-hop singer Akon's real name is "Aliaune Damala Bouga Time Puru Nacka Lu Lu Lu Badara Akon Thiam".
Anyway, research the names to assure no derogatory connotation. Unfortunately, otherwise acceptable names such as
- Experience. Life is constantly changing, but there's no reason to choose a name that conjures up painful memories of places, experiences, or previous relationships.
- Continuity. How does baby's name fit in with the rest of the family? Fathers sometimes wish to name their first son after themselves. How does the name sound when spoken or written on a Christmas card together with baby's brothers and sisters?
- Pronunciation. The full name must flow well through first, middle, and last. Think about whether it's easy to say and spell. Say the full name out loud several times to feel and hear it yourself. Ask if it's easily confused with another name.
Kirsten is a pretty name but often misspoken and misspelled as
Kristen. Do you want your daughter correcting people her entire life?
- Popularity. What matters most is whether the husband and wife like their child's name. Compromise is recommended during these negotiations. Let selecting your baby's name be a positive experience maximizing the satisfaction of both parents even if both don't get everything they want. Next come opinions of grandparents and extended family. Then friends. Remember, popularity changes over time. Avoid selecting names based on the latest fad or trend.
- Commonality. Whether baby's name is common or unusual is a personal decision but a factor worth consideration. Names that are too unusual may evoke teasing from other children. On the other hand, a less common name enforces the special distinction of their unique nature.
Again, congratulations and we hope the advice given has helped ease this important decision.
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