Choosing A Baby Name
‘What are you going to name the baby?’ Without a doubt, it’s the question pregnant women (and men) are asked most. ‘Do you know if it’s a boy or a girl?’ ranks a close second, of course.
One of the great delights of pregnancy is the prospect of choosing a name. And since every baby is an original – the likes of whom the world has never seen before and will never see again – the naming process is a chance for parents to make a statement about themselves and their child.
Finding just the right name for your bundle of joy-to-be is no easy task, however, as anyone who’s more than a few weeks pregnant will tell you. But it can – and should – be a joyous one.
Start by checking out a baby name book. There are lots of them available nowadays, all written from a slightly different angle. Some simply list names alphabetically, with meanings, pronunciations and ethnic origins. Others sort names by ethnicity, from African to Welsh. In any event, you’re bound to find one that suits you.
As the books point out, there are many things to consider when choosing a name, including your ethnic heritage, family traditions, meaning, popularity and associations (’I knew someone with that name, and I couldn’t stand her!’).
Many parents today are looking for unique names. Just listen to the mothers at a play group introduce their children: Griffin, Miriam, Jared, Max, Zachary, Abigail, Amelia. More often than not, there isn’t a Michael or a Sarah in the bunch. But try not to let yourself get too caught up in issues such as how others might perceive the name or whether it’s too popular. Just choose a name that you and your partner like, for whatever reason.
That said, here are some things to think about when choosing a name:
- How does the name sound with your last name? Say it over and over and listen for anything that sounds silly. Likewise, don’t choose a name whose initials spell something embarrassing. Your child will never forgive you.
- Will there be five kids with the same name in her class? You might want to stay away from names that made last year’s top 10 list.
- How will the name sound when your child is 15? 25? 45?
- Consider how it will sound when you’re calling your child home for supper. If it makes you feel self-conscious, rule it out.
- If you’ve decided on a somewhat unusual name, you might want to keep it to yourself until the baby’s born. The last thing you want to deal with when you’re 39 weeks pregnant is Grandma’s crestfallen look or your best friend’s hoot of laughter.
Whether the name you choose is traditional or trendy, whether you draw it from your family tree or your favorite actor, whether it’s made up or has historical resonance – remember that this is one of the first decisions you’ll make in your child’s life, and one of the most delightful.
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