What does your child's name mean? If you want to bestow certain qualities
onto your child, make sure his or her name reflects these qualities.
Consider the baby's last name
When searching for baby names, always
consider the baby's last name. Saying the two names together should produce a
sound with a nice ring. Feel free to say the name out loud over and over, to get
a good feel for the baby name.
If the baby's last name is long
Long baby names will often strike a
balance with a short last name. Keanu Reeves rolls off the tongue much better
than does Joe Reeves. Last names with two syllables typically sound good with
any length first name.
If the baby's last name is short.
Many look for short baby names to
compliment a long last name. Jane Gulbranson sounds better than Juanita
Gulbranson.
Baby names with a dash of uniqueness
Baby names which are unique
can often be a great thing. Baby names that are TOO unique may not be a good
thing. Jermaine Jackson named his son Jermajesty, which we believe to be a
punishable offense!
A name for the baby's entire life
Remember that a name lasts the
baby's entire life. A baby name like 'Precious' may be fun to say for the baby's
first couple years. But later in life, the name 'Precious' on a resume may cost
your child the chance for a once in a lifetime job.
Is an odd baby name a good thing?
Think twice before choosing an
odd baby name. Research suggests kids with odd names are teased more by peers
and are overall less socialized. But if your family is full of bravado and
energy, odd baby names may be a great thing.
Baby names that end in consonants
If a baby is going to have a last
name that begins with a hard consonant, you may want to choose a baby name that
ends in a vowel. News anchor Paula Zahn's name is much more pleasant than if she
was named Liz Zahn.
The pitfalls of common names
Common baby names can be a blessing or
a curse. On one hand, you cannot go wrong with the common baby name. On the
other hand, your son or daughter will likely be known as Mary P. or John O. at
school and throughout life.
Don't forget the baby's middle name
Many baby names are chosen to
honor a favorite relative, religious figure, hero, or sports star. If the baby
name does not make a good first name, perhaps the name could be used as the
baby's middle name.
Analyze baby names through the eyes of a 12 year old
We've all gone
through it - our schoolmates try to make a 'not so glamorous' nickname for us.
Your child will thank you for avoiding the baby names which are obvious fodder
for teasing. Naming your daughter 'April' or 'May' may cause teasing during
those spring months.
Baby names are cyclical
Baby names which were once considered old
fashioned will often come back into style. 'Isaac' was a seldom used baby name
for a long time, but has recently come back into fashion.
When to avoid celebrity baby names
Some celebrities can become so
much larger than life, their name becomes one you may not want to use for your
baby name. We may never see many people naming their children Elvis or Cher.
Baby names meant for a nickname
Some baby names can be derived from
naming your baby a longer name. If you want to call your baby girl Jen, you may
want to name her Jennifer. If you want to call your baby boy Zeke, you may want
to name him Ezekiel.
My baby, Jr.
There are pitfalls in retaining a parent's name as a
baby name. Baby names which are the same as parent's names will often cause
problems with credit applications and similar legal problems later in life.
Can't decide between two baby names - combine them!
There will be
occasions when one cannot decide between two baby names. See if the two names
can be combined. We know a girl whose parents could not decide between Janelle
and Della, so she was named Janella. We think that's a great baby name.
Carrying on a family name for the baby
Carrying on the name of a
beloved family member's first name is all right, as long as it is a good name
for the baby. If the name is simply not a good one, consider the family member's
middle name.
Consider the baby name's meaning
You may want to consider the
importance of the baby name's meaning. Even if this is not important to you, it
may be important to your child.
Baby names using the mother's maiden name
If retaining the mother's
maiden name is important, and you do not like hyphenating last names, try using
the maiden name as the first name or middle name. Many maiden names may not be
best suited for a first name, but will often make a great middle name.
Baby names and the initials they create
When choosing baby names,
make sure to consider whether the baby name creates initials which are
undesirable. Francis Arthur Thompson sounds like a great name, but the initials
spell out F.A.T.
Announce baby names to trusted friends and family
Once you have
zoned in on a baby name, get feedback from a couple, well-trusted friends or
family. Their advice and input can be invaluable, and they can often point out
anything you may have missed.
