10 Creative Ways to Discover the Perfect Baby Name
What are you going to name the baby? Hearing a new baby is on the way seems to instantly trigger a whirlwind of interest in the baby’s name. Expectant parents quickly discover that everyone has an opinion, preference, or story regarding a particular name. Family members, neighbors, co-workers, and even store clerks freely offer their choices and suggestions for a potential name.
Naming a person is a challenging task. Taking on the responsibility of deciding how a person will be referred to for a lifetime can cause expectant parents to feel frustrated, confused, and overwhelmed.
Many couples have spent countless hours arguing over which family member to name -- or not name -- a baby after. They make lists, read books, and play games in the hopes of discovering a name that is perfect for their child. Some veto names that conjure up memories of childhood loves, former teachers, and bullies from the fourth grade, while others are fond of the name of their first best friend or a character from a favorite childhood book.
Having a traditional or strong and masculine name for a boy, or a sensitive and demure name for a girl, may be the aim of one parent whose partner prefers a trendsetting, original name. Although consulting a book of names and discussing ideas with family members are proven methods to determine the name that’s best suited to your preferences, there are a few unique and fun alternatives that can help you discover the perfect name for your little one.
- Grammatical aspects of a name. Many parents find that names that are short, sweet, and to the point are worth consideration. If this is your goal when selecting a name, mono-syllabic names such as Finn, Belle, Grant, Faye, Keith, and May are just a sampling of the endless possibilities for your baby. Another option that presents a fun challenge is giving all of your children names with the same number of syllables or the same first initial. How you spell a name can add the unique touch you’re looking for. Contemplate all phonetic possibilities for a name you’re considering. Keeping in mind that many letters make similar sounds offers creative freedom as you’re selecting a name. Rhyming is also a popular trend of parents with multiple children. Naming brothers Zack and Jack; sisters Bailey, Haley, and Kayleigh; or siblings Kim and Tim offers the rhythmic flow you might be hoping for.
- Matching pairs. Parents expecting twins, or those looking to find a name that complements an older child’s name, can ponder choices such as Matthew and Madison that both can be shortened to share a similar nickname. Charles and Charlotte might appeal to parents looking for similar names for their twins, while James and Jamie offer homonym lovers a fun option for siblings.
- Meaningful moments. Drawing on meaningful memories from their own lives has pointed many parents to a name for their child. Some find extracting names from songs an inspiring method to finding a baby’s name. Selecting a name that represents the place a child was conceived, food eaten on a first date, or a beloved fictional character prompt some to tap into the recesses of their most fond memories to uncover their baby’s name.
- Location, location, location. Names that double as a reminder of an exotic retreat or a couple’s favorite location have gained momentum over the past few decades. Parents calling out to Cheyenne, Paris, and Savannah are frequently heard at daycares and local parks. If you honeymooned in Camden, Maine, or grew up on Alexandra Boulevard, you might consider a name that reminds you of that special geographical spot.
- Religious, ethnic and spiritual connotations. Research the origins, meanings, and translations of some of your favorite words or names for creative or personalized name alternatives. In Chinese, the female name Jinyu is translated into precious Jade, and the Hebrew meaning of Zachary, and its many forms, is “he whom God remembers.” Opting for Biblical and religious names such as Noah, Mary, and Job interjects a spiritual message. Fans of Hawaii’s native tongue might consider Kai. Tracing your family’s ancestry, you might discover your great grandmother had a beautiful middle name that you could give your baby to reflect your family’s heritage.
- Names and gender. Names that are unique or one-of-a-kind provide parents the chance to infuse their own personality and style into their baby’s name. Anitra can be a combination of Anita and Travis, and Benita incorporates Benjamin and Rita. Combining the first or middle names of the baby’s parents, grandparents, or your favorite names can inspire you to create a unique name that represents both your baby and your unique style. Bailey, Kelly, Haley, Taylor, Dana, and Tyler are a few of the names that were once considered to be gender specific. Parents looking to break down gender name barriers can consider giving their child a unisex name. Another twist on names and gender is giving a child a version of the name of his or her namesake. A daughter can be named Kendall after her father, Ken. Remembering a grandmother named Lillian can be accomplished by naming a grandson Leo.
- Surnames as first names. Carrying on a family surname or honoring the names of prior generations is often very important to expectant parents. Many parents with family surnames such as Daley, Christian, Vance, and Monroe have opted to select their surname as the first name for a new baby.
- Repurposing everyday names. Who knew that common household items such as Sage, Apple, Coco, and Basil would become trendsetting names for future generations? Names that pay homage to colors, gems, and even plants are becoming popular with parents searching for unique monikers. Children named Ruby, Ivy, Topaz, and Cinnamon can give mother nature some of the credit for their naturalistic names.
- To nickname or not to nickname. Revisiting the silly songs of your youth will provide a preview to the possible nicknames your child will encounter. Playing the name game‚ you might realize you adore the name Isabella but are not fond of Belle, Belly, Bella, or Izzy. Take time to consider traditional and non-traditional nicknames for popular names such as Joshua and Hannah before signing your child’s birth certificate. Keep in mind that some child on the playground will discover annoying or embarrassing nicknames such as Joshy, J-Man, Posh Josh, Hannah Banana, Bannah, and Fannah.
- Initials, middles names and more. Many find the struggle to choose a first name so overwhelming that they elect to omit a middle name. Others opt for the simplistic flair that a single initial offers the space between a child’s first and last names. Some admit they’ve resorted to picking a name out of a hat, while others found a name on the badge of a hospital employee or bank teller. Watch an old movie, read a magazine, or blend a few names together to form your child’s one-of-a-kind name. Whatever method or efforts you employ, ultimately, expectant and new parents should try to maintain their perspective when naming their child. Keeping a spotlight on the joyous experience of having a baby will help you follow your instincts and decide on a name that feels comfortable and suits everyone’s personality.