7 Things to Consider When Choosing a Baby Name
Whatâs in a name? A lot, actuallyâŚnaming your child may feel like one of the hardest parts of being pregnant (besides actual labour, of course). Think about whatâs important to you when naming your baby. Do you want something unique, traditional or somewhere in between? While we canât choose the babyâs name for you, we can give some helpful tips on things to consider when naming your child.Â
-
Does the Name Allow for Growth?
Itâs true that youâre naming a babyâŚbut itâs important that the name you choose can grow with him past toddlerhood. You may have a really cute baby nameâŚbut can you picture it on an adult?Â
Try this: Practice saying it out loud. What would that name look like on a job application? Choosing an official first name that will fit your child through adulthood might feel too mature for a tiny babe, but you can always use cute nicknames while he's young!
-
How Popular Is the Name?
Ever hear someone call out your name in a crowded room but theyâre not actually talking to you? This might happen to your little one if you choose a popular name. But donât worry there is a ton of info on the popularity of names!
Donât get too hung up on popularity, thoughâthe interesting thing about modern naming trends is that even the most popular girlâs name of 2018, Emma, was only given to 1% of baby girls!
Some final food for thought: Names are popular because theyâre well-loved!
-
Do You Want a Unique Name?
On the opposite end of the spectrum, some parents may find they want a completely unique name for their babyâavoiding popularity all together!
When it comes to this approach, you may want to try it out first. Go to a coffee shop and give the barista your name of choice. How does it sound when they call it out? Did they mispronounce it? Was it spelled correctly?
Getting a âfeelâ for the name is an easy way to discover if your child may have difficulties later in life with something âtooâ different. Thereâs no shame in being original, though! -
Do you Want to Honor a Family Member?
A great way to pay homage to an inspiring family member is pass on their name! Was your Grandma Elizabeth your favourite person growing up? Honor her legacy by giving your baby her name.
Another fun way to use a family name: Inspiration. You could name your baby Eliza or something that starts with the letter âEâ. -
Do You Like the Possible Nicknames?
Love the name Madeline but hate the nickname Maddie? You may want to consider a different option.
You can try to guide friends and family towards using her full name, but itâs pretty likely that the most obvious nickname will be used sometime in her life. So, if you hate the nicknameâskip the name! -
Do You and Your Partner Agree?
Itâs hard enough to find a name you like⌠let alone one that you and your partner both love! Itâs important to be on the same page when it comes to naming. If youâre having trouble coming to a decision, consider a compromise: Dad gets to name the first baby, then Mum names the second or Mum chooses the first name while Dad the middle.
-
Would You Want to Be Named the Name Youâre Choosing?
Put yourself in their shoes! Remember: Youâre giving a name to your little one for their entire life...would you like the name youâre choosing?
Â
What did you consider when choosing your babyâs name? Tell us in the comments!
View more posts tagged, baby names
Have questions about a Happiest Baby product? Our consultants would be happy to help! Submit your questions here.