Choosing your baby’s name is an important decision. You want to pick something that will sound beautiful to the ear and make your baby feel special.
Whether you choose an old-fashioned name or a more modern invented one, there are many options to consider. Here are some tips to help you find the perfect name for your little one.
Consider Your Family
When it comes to baby names, the opinion of family members can be a powerful influence. But if there’s a name you love and can’t seem to let go, listen to your gut and don’t give in to pressure from others.
It’s okay to honor long-gone relatives with their names, but don’t feel obligated to name your child after everyone in the family tree! If Grandpa wants to nickname your little Theodore Teddy, gently remind him that you prefer the full name.
You should also consider how your child’s initials will look when monogrammed on towels and backpacks. If they’re Alyssa Sydney Scott or Fiona Mary Lawrence, then it might be time to reconsider. This might sound petty, but it’s important to think about how your baby will be addressed throughout their lifetime.
Think About the Uniqueness
If you want your baby to have a unique name that stands out from other kids on the playground, there are plenty of options. For instance, you could choose a name that has a special meaning such as Atticus (meaning from Attica), or Bodhi (awakening or enlightenment). Some parents even opt for names inspired by literary characters or types of writing.
Other parents take inspiration from popular culture when choosing a baby name. For example, when the song “Joanna” by Kool and the Gang hit the charts in 1984, many parents named their daughters Joanna.
Other parents opt to hyphenate their child’s last name, for example, Rae Armantrout (meaning ‘ewe’). Some people also give their children names with religious or cultural significance. This way, their children have a strong connection to the name they will be given.
Check for Multiple Spellings
When you’re choosing a name, it is important to think about how it will be spelled. The last thing you want is your child having to spend the rest of their life correcting people that mispronounce or misspell it. You can look at the Social Security Administration’s baby names lists to find out what is currently in fashion for spellings of certain names.
This might help you weed out a trend that may not hold up. For example, Drew and Dylan are both incredibly popular baby names right now. You may want to opt for a variation, such as Alastair or Ali, that will give your child a similar but more unique name. You should also consider initials and whether your child’s name will sound good with the rest of her surname.
Consider Your Religious Obligations
If you have a religious faith, your beliefs will probably play a role in the name that you choose for your baby. Whether you’re Jewish and want to honor a family member or you follow Islam and are concerned about the superstition that dishonoring an ancestor brings bad luck, there are plenty of ways to incorporate your religion into the name.
For example, many families choose to give their girls a Hebrew name at a home ceremony called a brit milah and boys a naming ceremony called a bar mitzvah. You can also find Saints or other holy people to inspire you with a non-literal name inspired by their meaning. Be sure to ask their permission before naming your child after them. Getting their blessing is important to avoid any misunderstandings down the road.
Keep Yourself Confident
Choosing your baby’s name is an important decision. It will be part of their identity for the rest of their life and can have a big impact on how they grow and develop.
Be sure to keep yourself confident and don’t let the opinions of other people get to you. It’s normal for friends and family members to have their own opinions on what they like or dislike, but you shouldn’t let those opinions make or break your final decision.
If you’re having trouble finding inspiration, try doing a Google search for unique names. You may be surprised at some of the suggestions you find! Also, don’t forget to check out your family tree to see what names have been passed down in your lineage.
