Picking the Best Baby Name

By: Michael Russell
Submitted: 2007-01-17 16:20:38
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Parents are often busy picking the best car seat, attending childbirth classes, or preparing the nursery but when it comes to naming their child, it is usually done in a few minutes or at most a couple of weeks.

How do you begin when choosing a baby name? Start off by purchasing a few baby name books or going to your local library. There are also dozens of websites that list baby names. Most of these resources will not only list names but their meaning, origins and sometimes most common nicknames for that particular name as well. Most of the websites also have search engines so you can look up certain names and see their meanings and origins without doing lot of research.

Write down all the names you like along with their meanings, origins and possible nicknames. Begin mixing the names back and forth forming first and middle names. When you come up with some combinations you like, put these with your baby's last name to see how they sound together. Write these names down to see how they appear on paper. Discuss with your spouse about the names you have chosen. If you have some combinations both of you like, this is the time to ask others what their opinions are of the names. Keep an open mind and expect comments to be both good and bad.

When choosing a name it is important to consider how the name will affect your child when he or she is an adult. Some names may be cute or sweet for a newborn baby but might be humiliating for a teenager or adult. Think about how the name will look on a business card or other business stationery. Does it look professional or like a joke? Your child has to live with this name forever so be sure to think of their future, since they will be an adult longer than they will be a child.

Make sure to consider all possible nicknames. If you really like a certain name but can't stand a certain nickname associated with it, you may need to reconsider. You don't want to spend all your time correcting everyone who refers to your child by the nickname you can't stand. This would be a daily occurrence and it's not worth it.

With ultrasound tests being performed on most women, chances are you know if you are having a girl or a boy. Sometimes these tests are not always accurate so be prepared with baby names for both sexes. This way, at the time of birth you already have a name and do not have to rush this process to come up with something.

Usually everyone has a different opinion about the name you have chosen especially family members. They will often have their suggestions and know exactly what you should name your baby. However, keep in mind that although it can be fun and interesting to hear their opinions, it is your baby and the name is your decision. You will not make everyone happy, it's just not possible.

Michael Russell Your Independent Baby and Toddler guide.

Article source: Expert Articles