Baby naming tips

Say the name out loud
Don’t find a name hard to pronounce. You’ll say the name a lot in the next few years, often even shouting so you try it out now. Think about how the name sounds as an adult, not just as a child. Fifi may sound very cute for a baby but is definitely not appropriate when you grow up.

Check the initials
Think about the initials. What will they spell out? Try to avoid calling you daughter Patricia Iris Griffin (P.I.G).

Choose names for both genders
There is always a possibility your scans may be wrong, so be prepared.

Watch for nicknames
Kids will inevitably shorten the name, so expect Catherine to be shortened to Kate and Alexander to Alex. How does the nickname sound with your surname?

Be flexible
You may change your mind after the baby is born, so don’t get too hung up on a name.

Boy or girl?
Don’t chose names that will cause your child to be picked on at school. For example avoid girl name for boys, or very old-fashioned names.

Check the meaning
Every name has a meaning. There are many baby names books that can help you understand the meaning of names.

Fit with the surname
Consider how the name will fit with the surname. Often it sounds best to have a short name if the surname is very long, and longer names if the surname is short.

Tradition and heritage
Many parents wish to follow traditions and heritage choosing names that appear in their family tree. If you don’t know them maybe you can ask a elderly member of your family. You may find a name you just love! If the name is old-fashioned you can always have it as the baby’s middle name.

Avoid stereotypes
Avoid names associated with stereotypes. For example it is difficult that Adolf will become a popular name in the near future.

Don’t rush
Have a few names in mind, but decide when you hold your child in your arms.

Spell the name
Don’t be too creative and find very unique spellings of well-known names. Your child will not be very pleased to have to constantly correct the spelling of his name. Don’t pick names that are too unusual and other kids will make fun of.

Fashion
Some names are very fashionable. Keira, Paris and Britney have recently jumped up the ranking of popular names, but are these names still going to be fashionable in a few years’ time?

Middle names
Avoid giving your baby too many middle names. It will just make things difficult when growing up.

Fit with other children
Consider names that go well with the other children. If your other children are called Elizabeth and Harry, then River may not be an appropriate name.

Pressure from family and friends
Don’t feel pressured by family and friends. Maybe keep the name secret until the baby is born – people won’t be able to comment and you may actually change your mind.

Finally, even if you ignored all of the tips above but you like the name then use it.

Remember – the most important person you need to consider in all this is the baby!

>>Search baby name meanings