How To Pick A Baby Name – Read This Before Choosing
Want to know how to pick a baby name? Don’t pick a baby name before you have considered these points first.
Let’s chat about how to pick a baby name…
Once upon a time naming your baby was relatively easy.
I personally was named after my dad’s mother, my middle sister was named after my mom’s mom and then when the third girl came my parents had to actually put in their thinking cap (and ended up naming my youngest sister a relatively common name – because hey, that’s how things were done back then!)
Nowadays naming a baby is way more exciting than it was for previous generations (yep we have a plethora of more names to choose from!)
Weirdly enough until about 1800, half of all English men had the same four first names, according to the BBC. Back then it was their NORMAL! While you are probably happy to have a few more options than that, you may be wondering how your baby’s name could affect his or her future.
So here’s the good news: a growing body of research that suggests there are rarely any serious consequences whether you get named Mary or Moonbeam (it all comes down to the love experienced in the home that’s most important, my friends!).
You will also be relieved to know that names now seem to have little effect on a child’s grades or future prospects.
Maybe that’s because unusual names have become so common they’re no longer very unusual but I say that’s a good thing – you get to pick a name you truly love without requiring the permission or acceptance from others first.
Now I know – naming your baby is a big decision, but you can have fun with the process. Take a look at these ideas for dreaming up some names you and your child will love.
HOW TO PICK A BABY NAME
General Tips for How To Pick A Baby Name
1 – Do your research.
Check out various baby naming books and websites for ideas and to learn the meanings behind names you like. We also have lots of popular posts to check out too.
>> 100 COOL AND UNIQUE UNISEX GENDER NEUTRAL NAMES
>> 100 COOL & UNIQUE BABY BOYS NAMES (THAT WON’T RAISE EYEBROWS)
>> 100 BEAUTIFUL & UNIQUE BABY GIRLS NAMES (THAT WON’T RAISE EYEBROWS)
>> 100 COOL & UNIQUE MIDDLE NAMES FOR BOYS
>> 100 GORGEOUS & UNIQUE MIDDLE NAMES FOR GIRLS
HOW TO PICK A BABY NAME
2 – Take a poll.
If you are brave enough you can ask your family and friends what they think of your ideas.
Be warned in advance – this will require lots of thick skin!
Don’t ask if you are easily offended or not willing to hear exactly what people think (people often have the weirdest negative connotations about certain names – trust me, I discovered this through experience!)
HOW TO PICK A BABY NAME
3 – Say it out loud.
First impressions are often based on hearing a name rather than reading it.
I definitely recommend practicing saying the name out loud.
Does the name sound pleasing to your ear?
Remember you will be saying often and for many years to come.
Try it out in combination with the middle and last names it will be tied to.
HOW TO PICK A BABY NAME
4 – Consider variations.
Nicknames and initials are two other factors to consider.
Watch out for any alterations or letters that could accidentally cause embarrassment.
I know of a few people whose initials spell three letter words they weren’t particular keen with!
HOW TO PICK A BABY NAME
5 – Keep it simple.
Unique spellings can seem clever but think about how much time your child will spend over a lifetime trying to explain their name on the phone or correcting it on employment forms.
Just an idea but in the end if you prefer to keep it unique – go for it! It’s your choice after all but just something to consider.
HOW TO PICK A BABY NAME
6 – Create a short list.
It’s okay to wait until your baby arrives before reaching a final decision.
Many people find they personally need to see their baby first before making a choice.
Different faces suit different names in many people’s opinion!
You may also lay eyes on your gorgeous bub and think “oh my gosh, they are so NOT a Madison but an Audrey instead.”
One name could suit them over another or you may end up with a totally new idea.
HOW TO PICK A BABY NAME
7 – Tell a story.
The important thing is to let your child know they’re loved.
Be ready to tell your child someday about how you figured out their gorgeous name.
What’s the story behind their name choice?
Different Approaches for How To Pick A Baby Name
HOW TO PICK A BABY NAME
1 – Honor your family.
Some parents choose a name that pays tribute to a loved one and acknowledges their family bonds (this is something my own parents did but I eventually broke that long-standing tradition).
Give your baby a relative’s first name or surname, or maybe just their initials.
HOW TO PICK A BABY NAME
2 – Check what’s popular.
There’s no need to pass on a name just because a lot of other parents like it too.
You can choose it too.
I know that with my son’s name I loved it so much that he was going to have it whether it sat 1 or 100 on the most popular boys name list.
HOW TO PICK A BABY NAME
3 – Look at the classics.
Other parents like to ignore what is the flavor of the month and just go with the classic, old-fashioned names which often have a distinctive, timeless feel to it.
HOW TO PICK A BABY NAME
4 – Evaluate trends.
Research from Columbia Business School found that current baby naming trends include social media, celestial themes, and royal birth announcements.
Keep in mind that the hotter the trend, the faster it tends to fade, so you may want to opt for more staying power.
The bottom line when it comes to naming your baby is picking a name you love that suits your you and family.
YOU DO YOU I say! Feel free to choose a name that you LOVE because when you make a choice based on love, it is usually the right one, my friend.
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I’m Frances Vidakovic – a mindset & action coach for quietly ambitious women who want to stop overthinking and finally take aligned action on their goals. Wake up, do what matters, and savour it all, without sacrificing their sanity or soul.