Baby name suggestions and tips

Naming a baby should be one of the fun and exciting tasks that you and your spouse or significant other get to do when you are preparing for the birth of your child. There are things to consider that will make your choice easier. Remember, a name is an identity that your child has to live with for their whole life. So, it is important to take your time and choose their name wisely.

First, let’s discuss cultural concerns. Some cultures do not approve of children being named after any relative that is still alive. Other family or cultural traditions mandate that the first male child in the family line will be named after the father and paternal grandfather. If this is the case, it is good for you and your partner to sit down and discuss what you want to call your child. A lot of people who name a child III call their child Trey. Do you want to call your child Junior or by a middle name if he is second in the line?

Something else to consider is that names are always prone to being shortened or made into nicknames especially in childhood so think over what types of nicknames that would go along with the names that you have chosen for your infant. If you do not like the nicknames at all, it might be advisable to choose another name that would have a more palatable nickname.

Choosing very unique or trendy names can be good things and then again they can be frustrating for a child as well. If you name your child Rainbow Moonbeams be prepared for your child to be taunted and teased at school. If you use a family name that is traditional for your family but unusual for others, that can be explained easily enough. It is much easier for your child to say I was named after great aunt Penelope instead of my parents were former flower children. Your child might even end up changing their name when they become an adult.

If you decide to name your child after someone in your family, it is considered courteous to ask that person’s permission before doing so, or ask the surviving family member if the person is deceased. Most family members are thrilled and honored that you would do so and readily agree. It is a nice gesture to give them an idea of your plans and make sure there are no problems with doing so.

Please note that certain names are very popular in certain cultures. If you are not a person who is of that culture it might be wise to not use a name that is strongly associated with their culture. This could be very confusing and frustrating to your child in the future when associating with other people.

As stated above, naming your baby should be a very joyous occasion. If you take the time to think of the common pitfalls that some parents find themselves in, you will be successful in finding a name that you will be happy with and your child will be able to identify with and enjoy for the entirety of their life.

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November 4, 2008 | Filed Under Baby development