One of the joys of having a child is to select a name that you think is appropriate for your little one. If you start planning as soon as you conceive, then you can list out a few names for boys as well as girls to prepare yourself for their arrival. Take the time to think carefully and plan a nice name for your baby.
Here are a few tips to help you on your way.
1. Keeping up the family name
Family names are very important to some parents while others prefer to drop them and select original names. Naming your baby is strictly your decision and your spouse’s. You can ask for suggestions from friends and family but you should have the last say. If you wish to give your daughter two names you can perhaps call your daughter Mary Ann. This is in case your mother’s name is Mary and yours is Ann or you can call her Andrea Maryann Anderson. Anderson is your husband’s family name.
2. Avoid lengthy names
Your child will grow up and go to school and if you give her lengthy names, she will have a frustrating time trying to fill our applications and forms. Try to keep it short and with fewer syllables. It is easier to call out her full name instead of a nickname.
3. Simple spellings are preferred
Try not to spell normal names differently as this can also cause angst when a child has to explain each time why their parents did not think of called them “John” instead of “Yanek” or “Jhanek!”
4. You should be prepared for the nicknames
We all know that Elizabeth may be called “Beth” or “Betsy” and Katherine may be “Katie” or “Kitty” for short. Even if you prefer to call them by their full name, your children may shorten their names at a later stage. Some parents may use any nickname to call their children. For instance Susan may be called “Mini” for no other reason than her mother preferred to use this name. Some children have a tough time living with names like “Bunny” and “Chin-chin”!
5. Be wary when looking at initials
Many children are addressed as JB (Jamie Brooke) or CJ (Charlie Johnson) when they join school. These names seem to stick and many of them continue to allow their friends and colleagues to use initials. It is therefore important when selecting a name to be wary of the initials. Do not give your child names such as Andrea Susan Smith or Barry Ulster Matthews.
6. Throw a party and ask your guests to suggest names
In case you are in a dilemma and need outside help to select the right name, call your friends over and host a dinner party. Let them know the names you have shortlisted and take a vote. You can make it more interesting by asking them to write down the names on a white board using visual aids.
7. You may want to wait till the child is born
In case you are still undecided, wait till the baby is born. You may have shortlisted some names. Look into your baby’s eyes and you will find an answer. Call out the names gently and you will find one that suits your infant. Go with it!
8. Do certain names evoke particular characteristics?
Some researchers on the subject suggest that some names can influence a child’s temperament though many do not believe this theory. Look up some list of names, ponder over them, say them out loud and then decide if it has a certain ring that appeals to you. Analyze the names if you are able to find a book that tells you the meaning of certain names. This will inspire you to find the right name for your child. Brian stands for strength and power while Cecilia may grow up to be a musician or ballet dancer!
9. Some names work for boys as well as for girls
The latest trend is towards selection of unisex names. Names such as Marlowe and Jaime do stand out and is generally adopted by rich celebrities. Many use surnames as names. Sky is the limit when deciding names for children. I know parents who use the first two or three initials of their names and combine it to form one name. For instances Clarissa and Lancy call their daughter Clancy!
10. Names starting with your initials
Parents also like naming their children using the first letter of their own name. For instance, Mary has three daughters and a son. Her daughters are named Melissa, Melanie and Marie while they named their son Donovan. Mary’s husband’s name is Douglas. You will have no squabbles when you make this decision right at the very beginning.
Many parents like to name their children after analyzing the meaning of the name.
I’ve named a dog before, but naming a baby is a lot different! My husband and I still haven’t decided on the name for the baby we are expecting. But I appreciate your tips on being prepared for nicknames. Personally, I like giving them the nickname as the name so no one gets confused as to what the child will be called!