Things to Consider Before Naming Your Baby

Things to Consider Before Naming Your Baby

Naming your baby is one of the most important things you’ll ever do as a parent. A name is something your child lives with for his or her entire life! It’s definitely not a decision that should be taken lightly. You’ll want to put a lot of thought into your child’s name before the big due date comes around. Think about your own name and how it’s played a role, if any, in your life. Would you have preferred a different name? Do you love your name? These are important questions to ask before the due date, so you can prepare yourself to name your own child. Here are things to consider before naming your baby.

Does this name have significance in popular culture?

A lot of people are tempted to name their children after figures in pop culture at the time. This can be great, if done carefully! For example, a lot of babies are named after popular actresses, and that’s why we’ve seen such a rise in these names here. It’s great to want to name your child after a pop culture icon or actor, but this can be an issue sometimes.

First of all, popular culture names always date the person. They aren’t timeless, and they usually become names that really tell the age of the individual. Similarly, these names tend to gain a lot of popularity quickly, so it’s likely your son or daughter won’t be the only Reese or  Robert in their age group.

Consider your child’s initials

Everyone knew someone growing up who had the most unfortunate initials. Whether you’re name is Patty Maven Smith (P.M.S.) or Oswald Clark Dennis (O.C.D.), it can be frustrating to get stuck with a bad combination of initials. Play with different initial combinations to find something that won’t open your child up to later teasing or a lifetime of uncomfortable initials. A little planning can go a long way!

Think about possible nicknames

Sometimes, especially with longer names, nicknames become more popular. Samantha is usually shortened to Sam. Isabella is often shortened to Bella or Izzy. Benjamin is often shortened to Ben, and so on. Consider the possible nicknames that come with your chosen name or names, and whether those are names you can live with.

Is the name associated with anything?

Some names can’t shake their association. Being named after a popular brand like Mercedes or Harley can mean a lifetime of association with that brand, which might not be the best thing. Other names are associated with popular TV, book, or movie characters which might leave a lasting impact on the child. Someone named Buffy, for instance, will probably always be teased about vampires.

Be careful with popular names

Names, like any other trend, go in and out of style. While you shouldn’t be deterred by the popularity of a name, it can be frustrating to grow up with five other Brittany’s in your class. It’s usually best to strike a balance with a name that is easy to use, but not overly popular. Review the most popular baby names in recent years to see if you can spot the trends.

Finally, make sure it’s easy to spell

There’s nothing worse than spending a lifetime correcting people on the spelling or pronunciation of your name. While there is certainly room for creativity when naming your child, be considerate of its spelling. If there is a common spelling of the name, it might not make sense to choose a different variation that will be difficult to remember. Less is usually more when it comes to spelling and pronunciation.

Choosing the right name for your baby is important

It’s important to take the time to research different baby names, so you can find the right one for your child. It might feel overwhelming with the endless lists and ideas available, but as long as you are confident in your selection, you’ve made the right choice. Names are only one part of a person’s identity, and your child will fit whatever name you’ve selected for him or her!