Choosing the right name for your baby
Initials and nicknames
Try to anticipate any future nicknames that will come along with your potential name choice. How would you feel if your name was, for example, Brian Raymond Adams – the initials being BRA? This could cause great embarrassment to your child in the future when that fact becomes known to a class full of second graders. It could also be terribly discomforting later on in life, perhaps when entering their initials in the computer screen at the company bowling trip.
Nicknames can also be the source of teasing in school, so see if you can foresee any potential ones that your child may encounter. Does your name choice rhyme with any swear words or slang terms?
Choosing a common or unique name
There are advantages and disadvantages to both – common names are easy for people to pronounce and spell, however there can be several Michaels in one school or workplace. An uncommon name is unique, however people may struggle with spelling and articulation. Your child may also turn out to be shy, and not enjoy the extra attention they would bring with an unusual name – tread carefully.
Heritage
There may be pressure put upon you by family members or relatives to name your child after a grandparent or someone else in your family. While some people may like this idea, do not feel obligated to appease their wishes if they go against your own. Perhaps use the hereditary name as the child’s second name, but the choice is indisputably up to you and your partner.
Origin and meaning
For some, the definition and source of a name is just as important as the name itself. If you’re interested in a name, then be sure to search for it in our database to see what it means and where it’s from.
It’s a good idea to consider the definition and source of a name. Make sure it will fit your child – a blonde, blue eyed boy named Abdul may appear out of place. The definition is also noteworthy –surely Alice feels proud that her name means ‘noble’ in several dialects, however Zona won’t be pleased to find out that her name means ‘prostitute’.