What’s in a Name?
You’ve got a bun in the oven! It’s an exciting experience, one that comes with the dreaded task of name selection. Is gender-neutral the way to go? Should you select an honor name? You have so many options and only nine months to make a decision. We know the task is a little daunting, but thankfully, we have a few tricks to help you land on the best name for your incoming bundle of joy.
1. Consider Whether It’s Unique
Some parents-to-be love tradition, while others delve into uncharted territory—and they’re both avenues to consider. With abundant online resources, veer away from popular names and explore ones less chosen. You might find something off the beaten path that fits just right, and you won't fall victim to fading trends.
2. Pay Attention to Initials
It might sound silly, but pay attention to your child's initials. Write out your name options in full to see if any rude or strange initials occur, such as Amanda Sarah Smith or Patricia Iris Gray. You’d be surprised how often it happens!
3. Be Wary of Nicknames
While preparing for every nickname is impossible, certain names draw more attention than others. Do you love the name Christopher but despise the nickname “Chris”? Keep that in mind when thinking of your options. Who knows, he may even get called “Crispy.”
4. Are You Honoring Family?
Sometimes, the best way to eliminate the headache is to pick an honor name. Whether you’re naming them after a grandparent or honoring a best friend, this route is simple and has all sorts of sentimental value. It can also be a great way to find unique choices.
5. Look to Heritage
Many new parents look to their ancestry for inspiration, and we don't blame them! Everything from your religious affiliations to historical favorites can steer you one way or the other. Remember: the past is filled with classic names that might be a perfect fit for your child.
6. Avoid Name Trends
They seem cute, but names inspired by pop culture grow old quickly and lead to all sorts of potential issues for your child. What if they don’t like that particular show growing up? What if public opinion on that character changes? In the end, it’s just best to avoid it.
7. Say it Aloud
Do you remember your teachers telling you to proofread that essay? Turns out, there was some truth to that! Reading a name is far different from saying it—to really get a feel for your selection, practice saying it aloud. Place Starbucks orders under your potential name or practice it with your partner.
8. Compromise With Your Partner
Speaking of partners, they have an equal say! Though it can lead to all kinds of head-butting, it’s also a good chance to compromise. For example, have one parent pick the first name and the other parent pick the middle name.
9. Check Online Resources
There’s a plethora of online resources available, all waiting to help! Between traditional names to more popular choices by country, just about every option awaits you. If you have a general idea, you’ll likely find a good resource.
10. Will You Follow Tradition?
Don’t pull out your hair! You can always follow tradition to take care of at least one name. Some families pass down the same middle name whereas others prefer the same first initial across the board.
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11. Consider Recruiting Family
Rather than bicker with your partner, consider recruiting help from trusted loved ones. You don’t need to open the polls to every family member, but an outside perspective can provide the exact advice you're looking for. It's also a way to honor the most cherished members of your family.
12. Keep the Name Private
On the other hand, not everyone wants to give their entire family a say. If it floats your boat to stay private, do that. No one said you have to ask mom’s opinion on what to name your child.
13. Look at Popular Names
Popular names are sought-after for a reason! Though some dismiss them as “boring,” they’re often the best places to start. Popular names don't always mean trendy names, either, so keep an eye on which path you follow. It's one thing to name your child Mary, but it's another to name them Renesmee.
14. Read the Classics
You can always turn to classic novels for a little inspiration. Take your pick from popular options like Emma and Oliver—or take it up a notch with Atticus and Ophelia. Trust us, sometimes the best baby names are found in books for adults!
15. Consider Sibling Names
If you want every child’s name to flow, consider their siblings. Whether every child has the same first initial or they’re all named after saints, keep the rest of the family in mind before making any final decisions.
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16. Think About Gender-Neutral Choices
Gender-neutral names are more common these days, opening another door for options. You can pick between classics, like James or Ashley, or choose unique monikers like Wren and Mika. Either way, the world’s your oyster.
17. Rank Your Picks
So, you’ve narrowed it down to five. That’s a start—though some would argue this is the hardest part! Try ranking your favorites and compromise from there. If your partner rates a name first but you ranked it last, try to meet somewhere in the middle.
18. Remember Spelling
Even if you’ve settled on a name, you’re not out of the woods yet. Plenty of names have different spellings, and you need to land on a final decision about yours. That said, try not to get too creative lest your child deal with mispronunciations their whole lives.
19. Try it Out
Who said you’re married to your choice? Lots of parents test drive names before making final decisions, and there's no reason you can't follow suit. Try out a name for a day and see if you still love it; that practice run gives a lot of perspective.
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20. Try Not to Overthink
At the end of the day, don't overthink your baby’s name. We know it’s a big decision, but it shouldn’t age you 20 years either. You have all kinds of support and resources at your disposal—you got this!
