Even before you know that you’re expecting a new baby, you might begin dreaming of what you’ll name your little one. You might find that it’s easy to generate a list of possibilities, and you might have a few that you know you definitely won’t use, but how do you decide what to ultimately settle on? Here are a few tips to consider.
Choose a Name You Love
That may sound simple, but many people get caught up in other factors and forget that this should be their number one priority. Other people’s values don’t trump yours. There’s no right name, so make sure you settle on one that you think you’ll love saying and hearing for years to come.
It’s OK to be trendy — if your Emma is one of three in her class, the teachers and students will figure out how to differentiate them. Having a common name doesn’t make you common. Your baby will still be unique.
On the flip side, it’s OK to choose an unusual name. Maybe you’re an adult with an uncommon name, and you remember the disappointment of going on vacation and never finding a license plate magnet with your name on it. These days, that’s not an issue. With items such as custom leather name bracelets, everyone can enjoy personalized products.
Consider Family Names
If you’re still stuck narrowing down your list of names, look to your family history. In some families, it’s traditional to name boys after their fathers or grandfathers, for example. If your family has a naming tradition that you like, you’re all set. Even if you don’t want your child to be a junior, though, you can look to family names for inspiration. Would your grandmother’s maiden name make a good first or middle name? Can you repurpose a man’s name into a modern girl’s name? Maybe your great-great-grandfather Franklin will inspire you to name your daughter Frankie.
Pay Attention to Initials
Many people worry when they name their kids that other kids will be cruel and tease them for their names. This can happen, of course, but it might not be as common as people fear. Still, you do want to avoid obviously problematic names. When kids realize that your son, Aiden Smith, has the middle name Simon, it won’t take long for that to go wrong. Plenty of initial combinations spell totally innocuous words, but do be aware of those that might be misused by others.
Brainstorming names for your children is a fun pastime. By paying attention to a few key ideas, you can settle on a name you love and feel confident giving it to your baby.