Finding a name for a child is definitely not an easy task for most. If you are like me, you will be going through books and inventing names until the moment you go into labor. Some people pick out a few names, only to have a nameless baby for a few weeks and then decided. Whichever the case here are 10 things you really NEED to consider when naming your baby:
1) The baby’s initials shouldn’t spell something awful or easy to be made fun of. For example, our last name begins with the letter “O”, so this limits us from names that start with B or H for example. (B.O = Body Odor or H.O = slang for slut). On the flipside, Don’t get stuck on a name just because it fits a certain acronym. Like me for example, I thought it would be cool to have the initials X.O.X.O…. good luck right? And for a boy…yeah the daddy really liked that idea. lol…back to the drawing board. I also thought about T.K.O – you know, Total Knock Out? Cool right? Ok…nevermind.
2) Don’t suggest names of ex-boyfriend’s or ex-girlfriends. Even if you love the name, or you never ever told your partner the name before – Don’t do it, just in case you end up talking about them one day.
3) Don’t choose cute, childish,pet names such as Candy, Baby or Bunny. Although these might be great for when the baby is still an infant – leave it for the nicknames because most likely they will hate it when they get older and get made fun of by other kids.
4) Both parents should agree on a name and be at least ok with it. Don’t go with a name in spite of a partner even if you are a single parent. Most likely this baby will need to have relations with both parents some time in their life.
5) Don’t be too creative. Don’t go with a name just because it fits some sort of neat naming scheme you had. For example, using all the letters of you and your partners name and coming up with a name like Davingelina.
6) Avoid names attached to popular celebrities or their children such as Apple or Beyonce.
7) Avoid race majority-specific names such as Shanequa or Hardeep, unless your child represents that race in some way.
Avoid gender specific names such as Emily for a boy or Tyson for a girl. I know these things happen and can be cool, but give your kids a chance before they are born.
9) Don’t pick a name that is too hard to pronouce or spell. Your child will forever have their name mispelt and misread leading to possible future frustration.
10) The name should flow with the last name and probably shouldn’t do things like rhyme or should too similar. For example Travis Mctavis or Harry Barry.
11) Think about the variation and nicknames the name can make. Include the last name in this as well.
12) Don’t choose a name you don’t like just because family and friends love the name. This is your baby so choose a name you like even if it is something like Bunny.
13) When you find a name, give yourself some time to mull it over. You might like it one day and not so much the next. Your baby has to stick with it for life so taking some time is good. If you still love the name in a few days and have decided to go with it, don’t tell your friends and family as they will influence your decision. Keep it a surprise until after the baby is officially named. They can wait!
With my daughter our choices were Clementine, Jianna, Adrianna and Chloe. We ended up naming her Arianna because we both agreed on it and we both love it so much (probably because we love her so much and grew to associate the name with her). We found it in a book the night before I went into labour and even though it doesn’t have great significance prior to our baby girl, we sort of like it this way because she can define that name herself. Good luck in naming your baby!
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