What’s in a Name?
You’ve got a bun in the oven! It’s an exciting experience…that comes with the dreaded task of name selection. Is gender-neutral the way to go? Should you select an honor name? So many options, and there are only nine months! Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered.
Photo by Abbey Chapman on Pexels
1. Consider Whether It’s Unique
Some parents-to-be love tradition while others delve into uncharted territory—and they’re both avenues to consider when naming your baby. With abundant online resources, veer away from popular names and explore ones less chosen. You might find something off the beaten path that fits just right.
Photo by Anil Sharma on Pexels
2. Pay Attention to Initials
It might sound silly, but pay attention to initials. Write out your child’s name in full to see if any rude or strange initials occur, such as Amanda Sarah Smith or Patricia Iris Gray. You’d be surprised how often it happens!
Photo by Ana Tablas on Unsplash
3. Be Wary of Nicknames
While preparing for every nickname is impossible, certain names draw more attention than others. Do you love the name Christopher but despise the nickname “Chris”? Who knows, he may even get called “Crispy.”
Photo by Hollie Santos on Unsplash
4. Are You Honoring Family?
Sometimes, the best way to eliminate the headache is to pick an honor name. Whether you’re naming them after a grandparent or honoring a best friend, this route is simple and has all sorts of sentimental value.
Photo by bady abbas on Unsplash
5. Look to Heritage
From unique to traditional choices, many new parents look to their ancestry for inspiration. Everything from your religious affiliations to historical favorites can steer you one way or the other.
Photo by Chris Anderson on Unsplash
6. Avoid Name Trends
They seem cute, but names inspired by pop culture grow old quickly and lead to all sorts of potential issues for your child. What if they don’t like that particular show growing up? What if public opinion on that character changes? In the end, it’s just best to avoid it.
Photo by Jonathan Borba on Unsplash
7. Say it Aloud
Reading a name is far different from saying it—to really get a feel for your selection, practice saying it aloud. Place Starbucks orders under your potential name or practice it with your partner.
Photo by Aditya Romansa on Unsplash
8. Compromise With Your Partner
Speaking of partners, they have an equal say! Though it can lead to all kinds of head-butting, it’s also a good chance to compromise. For example, have one parent pick the first name and the other parent pick the middle name.
Photo by Laura Garcia on Pexels
9. Check Online Resources
There’s a plethora of online resources available, all waiting to help! Between traditional names to more popular choices by country, just about every option awaits you. If you have a general idea, you’ll likely find a good resource.
Photo by Kampus Production on Pexels
10. Will You Follow Tradition?
Don’t pull out your hair! You can always follow tradition to take care of at least one name. Some families pass down the same middle name whereas others prefer the same first initial across the board.
Photo by Tuva Mathilde Løland on Unsplash
11. Consider Recruiting Family
Rather than bicker with your partner, consider recruiting help from trusted loved ones. You don’t need to open the polls to every family member, but an outside perspective can truly help.
Photo by Kampus Production on Pexels
12. Keep the Name Private
On the other hand, not everyone wants to give their entire family a say. If it floats your boat to stay private, do that. No one said you have to ask mom’s opinion on what to name your child! 
Photo by Jimmy Conover on Unsplash
13. Look at Popular Names
Popular names are sought-after for a reason! Though some dismiss them as “boring,” they’re often the best places to start. Even if you don’t choose one, popular names can inspire you.
Photo by César Abner Martínez Aguilar on Unsplash
14. Read the Classics
We’re not saying you should name your baby Anastasia Steele, but you can always turn to classic novels for a little inspiration. Take your pick from popular options like Emma and Oliver—or take it up a notch with Atticus and Ophelia.
Photo by Kelly Sikkema on Unsplash
15. Consider Sibling Names
If you want every child’s name to flow, you need to consider siblings. Whether every child has the same first initial or they’re all named after saints, keep siblings in mind before making any final decisions.
Photo by Anna Shvets on Pexels
16. Think About Gender-Neutral Choices
Gender-neutral names are more common these days, opening another door for options. From classics like James or Ashley to more unique choices like Wren and Mika, the world’s your oyster. (That said, you can also consider a more recognizable name as their middle name.)
Photo by Carlo Navarro on Unsplash
17. Rank Your Picks
So, you’ve narrowed it down to five. That’s a start—though some would argue this is the hardest part! Either way, try ranking your favorites and compromise from there. If your partner rates a name first but you ranked it last, try to meet somewhere in the middle.
Photo by Jonathan Borba on Unsplash
18. Remember Spelling
Even if you’ve settled on a name, you’re not out of the woods yet. Plenty of names have different spellings, and they’re worth remembering. Try not to get too creative with spellings lest your child deal with mispronunciation their whole lives.
Photo by Seif Eddin Khayat on Unsplash
19. Try it Out
Who said you’re married to your choice? Lots of parents test drive names before making final decisions! Try out a name for a day and see if you still love it; that practice run gives a lot of perspective.
Photo by Mindy Olson P on Unsplash
20. Try Not to Overthink
At the end of the day, try not to overthink your baby’s name. We know it’s a big decision, but it shouldn’t age you 20 years either. You have all kinds of support and resources at your disposal—you got this!
