Tips for Picking Baby Names
Guess what? There are thousands of baby names out there, and picking the right
name for your child is no small feat. Just think, your little wonder is going to
carry the name for the rest of his or her life, so it’s worth putting the time
in to make certain the proposed name is a good match for your last name.
Talk to Your Partner and Brainstorm/Edit a List
Picking baby names should start with discussion. Be sure to speak with your
partner often and maintain an ongoing list of possible names. You’ll need to
consider family members and pinpoint sensitivities to certain names. Naming
children after family members is a common tradition and may give you a great
starting point. You also may want to consider baby name meanings.
The Sound Check
When it comes down to it, you want to pick a baby name that sounds right with
your family’s surname. Say the name aloud and repeat – your very own sound
check. Does it have a nice ring to it? If your last name is short, try a longer
first name. The same is true with a longer surname – give a short first name a
try. Recite and repeat. Don’t worry you’ll get it right when it sounds right.
Be Mindful of Acronyms
It’s amazing how creative – and sadly, sometimes cruel – other children can be.
Try to brainstorm possible nicknames and play around with acronyms using your
intended baby names’ initials. You’d be surprised what you – and eventually
other children – can come up with. Factoring acronyms and nicknames into the
equation is a best practice.
Keep the Name a Surprise
Remember, this is your baby, so edit the
list as you and your spouse/partner see fit.
We hope our baby names finder will generate some options and give you some
inspiration and a head start. When you find the right name, we recommend you
keep it a surprise until after the birth. This way friends and relatives are
less likely to raise objections or offer other suggestions (and believe us
you’ll get them before the big day) when presented with a final name selection.
It’s your baby, so as long as you and your partner are okay with it, it will be
the right name for your child.