Are you and your spouse overwhelmed with all the choices for baby names?
One of the fun things about expecting a baby is picking his or her name. While family and friends will weigh in with their suggestions, it is ultimately up to you and your partner to choose it.
Picking a name can put a lot of pressure on parents because they should pick something they like and their child will live with it for the rest of their lives.
However, you can try using these five tips for choosing your baby’s name to help make the task easier.
Create a List
An easy way to keep track of the names you and your spouse like for your baby is to create a list. It gives you time to consider the names, and you can add to or subtract them from the list throughout the pregnancy or adoption process.
Keep the names on your smartphone or tablet, so you don’t lose the list. It is also an easy way to share them via text with family or friends if you want their opinion.
Know the Pronunciation
If you’re going to give your child an unusual name or one that reflects your heritage, you should know how to pronounce it. The name is Siobhan is beautiful, but many people may not know how to say it.
Knowing the correct pronunciation of the name may help prevent the hospital from misspelling it. Also, double check the spelling of your baby’s name before it’s added to the birth certificate.
For instance, if you want your son’s name to be Marc instead of Mark, make sure it is spelled correctly. Otherwise, your son may have to live with Mark for the rest of his life.
Consider the Nickname
When you choose a name, consider the nickname your child could end up with as well. Even though you may call them by the formal name, they may prefer the shortened version of it.
If the name you pick doesn’t have a nickname, think about what your child could be called as they get older. Remember, your child will live with their name the rest of their life, so try to choose one they won’t regret.
In addition to their nickname, consider the initials of their full name. Would you really want a child to go through life as Daniel Uriah Hudson (DUH) or Sara Olivia Barton (SOB)?
Carefully Consider Famous Names
There is nothing wrong with choosing someone famous to name your child after, as long as both you and your spouse agree on it. However, try to avoid names of politicians if you have opposing political views to avoid disagreements.
Some men like naming their sons after famous athletes, while some women choose an actress’ name for their child. Here are some famous actresses’ names you may want to consider for a baby girl.
Skip Trendy Names
Unless you really like a name that is popular now, you should skip giving your child a trendy name. Trends change quickly, so what is trendy today will be passé tomorrow.
While one baby naming trend is helping to bring back older names, other trends are creating names your child may not like as he or she gets older.
Even though you will want to carefully consider these tips when choosing your child’s name, in the end, you should choose a name that makes you happy.
Image: Pixabay
