How To Choose A Name For Your Baby – A Checklist

Tips for picking a meaningful name for your baby: Couples often start thinking about the perfect name for their child long before conceiving. Some women book up to a year in advance. But all these efforts can be in vain if you’re really hopeful. Choosing a baby name may not be as easy as it sounds.

There are so many factors to consider. Maybe you have a family name that must be passed down. Or a family member that your spouse is particularly attached to and wants to name the baby after who unfortunately has a rather peculiar name.

In any case, it’s normal to experience some setbacks while trying to choose the ideal name for your child. For most couples, choosing a baby name might be a bit of a challenge. What typically works is creating a system—like a checklist—to help you choose a name quickly.

After all, your child’s name is the foundation of their identity as a person and something that will stay with them forever (unless they decide to change and we want to make sure there’s no chance of that happening).

So in this article, we will prep you with a list of dos and don’ts while picking out your beautiful baby’s name!

The Do’s – When You Choose Name For Your Baby

#1. Check Out The Meaning Of Your Baby’s Name

Irrespective of if you are religious, believe in astrology, or just want a fun name for your little one, it is imperative that you check the meaning behind the name that you choose for your little one.

This is what will be associated with your kid’s identity originality, and even their life purpose. If you are religious or into astrology you can also ask a priest or astrologer to suggest ideas for your child’s name.

How To Choose A Name For Your Baby
Image: Pexels

#2. The Family Name Doesn’t Have To Be The Last Name

If you have a prominent family name that has been in your family for generations but wants your baby to take the surname of your partner, there is absolutely no need to panic.

There are many options for you to consider in this scenario. You could go the obvious route and hyphenate your baby’s name. But a more interesting choice would be to opt to give your family name new life by making it the first or middle name of your child.

After all, the surname was certainly someone’s first name long ago. Why not bring it back? For example, a classic traditional last name like Marcus will make a stunning first or middle name!

#3. Going For A Classic Name Doesn’t Limit You From Modern Options

Many parents nowadays want to opt for trendy names as they think classic names are too outdated and boring but this is far from the truth. Classic names have stood the test of time because of their rich history and appeal across various time periods.

Besides, these names can often be shortened rather easily in order to offer a more modern alternative. Take Elizabeth for example, you can shorten it to Lizzy, Liz, or Beth. Or Dominic can be Dom or Nick. The options are endless so don’t count these names out so soon.

The Don’ts – When You Choose Name For Your Baby

#1. Avoid Discussing The Name With Everyone

You don’t need everyone’s approval. As long as you and your partner agree on the name, that’s all that really matters. People will have their own opinions, but that doesn’t mean they get to dictate what the name of your baby should be. If they don’t like it, that’s okay; you do, and that’s all that counts!

How To Choose A Name For Your Baby
Image: Pexels

#2. Don’t Try To Name Them After The Latest Celebrity

Don’t name your child after the latest celebrity. It sounds cheesy and rarely works in your favor. The odds are that the name may fade after a while or the celebrity may become unpopular and your child may share their fate all because of a name.

This also goes for characters that people may be momentarily obsessed with. Just ask all the parents who named their daughters Khaleesi.

#3. Avoid Choosing An Unusual Spelling

This will be nothing but confusing. For you and for other people. Why overcomplicate a simple name by giving it a spelling that’s hard to recall? Ashley doesn’t have to be Ashlee or Ashlie. Sometimes simple works best!

Final Words

Even though choosing a name for your baby is difficult, it need not be chaotic. With a checklist and a detailed list of dos and don’ts, you will at least have a general idea of where you want to go. Not to mention that when you decide on a few unique names for your unique child, it will be much simpler to narrow down the choices.


You May Like:

Leave a Comment