It is one of your first big parenting decisions, but it is also a special, meaningful process for you and your partner to experience.Whether you choose a name with personal significance or simply pick one you like the sound of, there are many wonderful choices.You can't go wrong in selecting the perfect baby name if you avoid a few pitfalls and common mistakes.
Step 1: There is a list of names that have meaning.
This list may include names passed down from influential figures in your life.There is no limit to what your baby's name can be.Don't be afraid to look at a lot of different names.Beloved book or movie characters, songs, childhood pets, or even the street you grew up on can be turned into a special and meaningful baby name.
Step 2: Consider names that are significant to you and your partner.
Perhaps, you two were introduced by your mutual friend, Dora, and you shared your first kiss under the Eiffel Tower in Paris.If you and your partner both have an equally long list of personal name ideas, a good way to compromise is to choose a name with mutual significance from your shared past.Cut down the options until you are happy with one.
Step 3: Ask your family about traditions and heritage.
You can find inspiration in family trees as you search for baby names.Common middle names have been used by some families for generations.It is always a good idea to ask about your family name so that you can keep your options open.It is possible to compromise on a meaningful name by asking your families about naming traditions.You may find out that you both have the same great-grandmother, Mary, who was from Ireland.
Step 4: Wait for meaningful name inspiration while pregnant.
During the special and tender time of pregnancy, let inspiration come to you.The good news is that you have a lot of time to make a decision.You or your partner might feel the baby's first flutters during a walk by the ocean, which might inspire an ocean-themed name.Leonardo was named after his mother, who was looking at a Leonardo da Vinci painting while she was pregnant.Many expectant mothers claim that the names they choose for their babies came to them in dreams they had while pregnant.
Step 5: Your baby should be named after a significant event.
It is possible that your baby will be born during the first snowfall of the year or when summer roses are in full bloom.
Step 6: Wait until you meet your baby.
Once you meet your baby and have a chance to get to know him, you and your partner might decide on a name.She could be like your Aunt Josephine, who was born with red hair.If you have a boy with calm features, it is possible that he will remind your partner of a poem by your favorite poet, inspiring you to choose a name like Walt or Ernest.
Step 7: There is an online name database.
There are a number of online naming lists and websites that you can find in the library.If you have a specific category you want your baby name to come from, be sure to enter that as online search terms.Try not to get overwhelmed by the number of choices when looking through lists of names.One jumps out at you when you read and search.Talk to your partner if you're happy with the name.It could be the one.
Step 8: You can choose from a list.
Babies can only be given nationally approved names in some countries.Pick an ethnic name from a pre-approved list to narrow down your search.
Step 9: Listen to the media.
Skimming baby or parenting magazines, watching entertainment news on TV, and listening to popular songs on the radio are all ways to get inspiration for the latest and greatest names.Beware of name fads that don't last long.For example, timeless names, like Charlotte and Poppy, are becoming wildly popular again, but so are very modern names likeMeadow and Story.
Step 10: If you want to conduct an online naming poll, take a vote.
Some parents want public opinion, so this strategy isn't for everyone.At the baby shower, guests can submit names of their choosing for your review or you can host a poll on social media, where your friends vote on your top five preferred names.You don't have to choose the name that gets the most votes, but make no promises ahead of time.It's important to let your voters know that the poll is just for fun, and that you don't want those who vote to participate with expectations and then have their feelings hurt if you make an alternative choice.
Step 11: You can choose a nickname.
Sometimes full-length baby names can be inspired by nicknames.If you want to call your baby by a fun or informal name that isn't necessarily appropriate as a full-length name, you can work backwards to find one.When the baby is older, "Sonora" or "Amelia Josephine" could serve as formal, full-length names that she can switch to when she's older.
Step 12: The meaning of the name should be checked twice.
Some names have less ideal meanings than others.It is still a good idea to check the formal definition of your baby's name.Sometimes a name has more than one meaning.Talk about the meaning of the name with your family.For example, "Portia" sounds like a beautiful and exotic name for a girl, but it's Latin for "pig", which is a meaning some people may find appalling and others may adore.
Step 13: It's time to sound it out.
You want the name to sound good.The name "Julian George" has a regal ring to it, while "Stella Isabella" sounds more like a cartoon character.
Step 14: Punctuations of name should not be used.
Puns are not a good idea when selecting a baby name.School-age children can be cruel, so don't play on popular words and phrases.Candy Kane and Gamble Moore are cute and funny in the moment, but remember that your child will have to live with laughter and jokes for the rest of their lives.It's important to avoid puns or irony for twins.Twin names like "Harry and Sally" are references to pop culture and won't be lost on the majority of people.
Step 15: Spelling and pronunciation should be chosen with care.
If you have to repeat your name or spelling multiple times to a new person, it can get quite frustrating.People assume the common pronunciation over the exotic one if you choose to spell it "Meegan" or "Megan.""Axel" is a modern boy's name and though it is cute, it isn't intuitive.
Step 16: Take a look at the name's longevity.
Some names are better suited for babies and small children than others.Make sure you choose a name that will grow with your baby.While King is an adorable name for a baby boy, his colleagues may not take him seriously when he's an adult giving a presentation in a corporate office.
Step 17: Take the test with the initials.
If you want to make the decision permanent, be sure to write out the initials of your favorite name.The names "Ashley Suzanne Seavey" and "Parker Mitchell Smith" are not ideal initial combinations.
Step 18: Until birth, keep your baby's name a secret.
No matter what name you choose, it will be impossible to please everyone, and negative feedback may leave you questioning a truly excellent choice.If you wait until after the birth to announce your baby's name, people are more likely to agree with you that you made the right choice.