Selecting a baby name can be tough, with all there is to consider - name meaning, origin, name spelling, pronunciation and more. Try these tips when picking a baby name.
Picking the perfect baby name can be a daunting task and many expecting parents find themselves dreading or stressing over a task that’s traditionally considered “fun” and “enjoyable.”
FInding the Perfect Name
These tips from Parents.com and a handful of other parenting websites offer pregnant parents some wonderful hints on how to pick that perfect baby name with ease.
- Start the baby naming process early. Many parents postpone the baby name discussion until late in the pregnancy, but parents who delay the baby name selection process may find it more difficult since they’re “under the gun,” so to speak. In addition, creating a list of favorite baby names early on enables the parents to “try out” their favorite names before the stork arrives with that special delivery.
- Don’t discount names because you think you’ve found the right one. Some parents forgo the baby name search if they already have a specific name in mind, only to encounter an even better baby name days, weeks, months or even years after their child’s birth. So keep an open mind and check out those baby name books and baby name websites even if you have a name in mind. And don’t forget – there’s still a middle name that needs to be found!
- When searching baby name books and baby name websites, pay attention to the name derivations and nicknames. Not all name variations are listed independently - some are only listed under a more popular name as a “nickname.” Overlook those nicknames and derivations and you may very well pass over the best-ever baby name.
- Consider the name’s meaning and origin. Many parents prefer biblical names, while others may be more keen on names from a certain culture, country or region of the world. Origin and meaning aren’t typically going to make or break a baby name when it comes to making the final cut, but considering meaning and origin can be helpful when debating or trying to decide between two or more baby names. Also consider the name's popularity, spelling, and potential nicknames.
- Parents should keep a baby name notebook with them at all times. This will allow parents to add names, nix names or make other notations whenever the urge arises. After all, it’s very easy to forget that unusual baby name, pronunciation or spelling!
- Brainstorm when it comes to name associations. Parents should discuss various associations that they carry with certain names. Think of popular culture associations, family members and friends, pets, and random associations with particular names and share them with the other parent. The name “Madison” may seem like a great name until you realize it’s the name of the neighbor’s annoying dog. Or maybe “Emerson” is the top pick until you realize that “Emerson” was the name of a villain in a movie or the name of a bully in elementary school. Better to realize any negative associations sooner rather than later.
- Don’t feel obligated to pick a name before the birth. Some names simply don’t “fit” a particular baby’s personality or appearance, and some new parents are inevitably blindsided when they realize their top pick just doesn’t work. So instead of deciding on one name, leave the possibilities open and instead of trying to pick just one name, work to create a list of five to ten strong baby name finalists and pick the name once the baby is born. Remember, parents aren’t required to name their baby right away!
When naming a new baby, remember that the perfect baby name is out there – it just takes some time to find it.
Related Reading
Readers who found this article helpful may also enjoy reading Most Popular Girls' Baby Names and Most Popular Boys' Baby Names.
The copyright of the article Tips for Choosing a Baby Name in Infants & Toddlers is owned by Mia Carter. Permission to republish Tips for Choosing a Baby Name in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.
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