Picking your baby’s name is one of the biggest decisions you’ll make as a new parent.
The name or names you choose will stick with your child their entire life and become a huge part of their identity.
No pressure, right?!
Don’t worry. We’ve created this comprehensive guide to walk you through everything you need to consider when selecting the perfect name for your little one.
And this entire website is here to support you, giving you tonnes of names with their origins and meanings, as well as a whole lot of inspirational lists that may introduce you to some options you haven’t heard of before.
We are so pleased to have you in our community. And we can’t wait to hear the name you choose once you’ve become a fully-fledged #BabyNamer! You can let us know at lucindakate@namebabyname.com. We read and reply to every message!
Remember, as long as you choose a name you love and can take pride in, you’ve made the right choice.
Have fun!
Meaning and Origin: Research the background and origin of potential names. Names often have traditional meanings that may hold significance for you. We have complete A-Z lists of {girls names}, {boys names} and {gender neutral} names all with their origins and meanings included!
Nicknames: Think ahead to inevitable nicknames that might arise from the name and check there are no embarrassing or unfortunate options. We have lots of nicknames lists that we hope make this easier for you!
Initials: Avoid unfortunate initial combinations that could spell something silly or undesirable. And don’t forget to check the combination of first name initial and your last name for potential work email addresses in the future. Stephen Lavery, Patrick Ecker and Samantha Hart won’t have it easy!
Sibling Names: Make sure the name sounds good and suitably different from any existing siblings’ names, or any names you might want to choose in the future. OR perhaps you’re looking for a theme or alliteration? Comparisons will be made by others and the kids themselves! Using the same initial for multiple children and even one that matches one parent used to be thought of as a potential problem when it came to post going to the same address, but email has done away with that issue!
Original vs Popular: Decide if you want a more common, popular name or something more unusual and unique. Check our {most popular girls names} and {most popular boys names} lists to see if the name you’re thinking of is on the most recent chart. You can also look at our lists through the ages to see the trend for your choice over time.
Cultural Considerations: If background is important to you, you could pick a name that honors your cultural heritage.
Length: Consider whether you prefer short and sweet or longer options when it comes to name length. You and your child will both be writing out their name a lot in coming years!
Spelling and Pronunciation: Opt for intuitive spelling and pronunciation to avoid constantly correcting people. It will be annoying for you and for baby as they grow up! We also include pronunciation in all of our name explainers which we hope will help you!
School life: How will the name you’re thinking of work for your child at nursery and school? Will they be pleased with your choice when the register is called?
Adult Life: Imagine your little one as a full-grown adult. Think of the name at graduation, on a resume, at their wedding and on a business card. Does it still work?
Top Tips for Choosing a Great Name
Make a Shortlist: Have a few options rather than just one name so you can make the best choice and have a backup.
Say it out loud: Try saying the name to make sure it flows well. And let’s be real, you might as well shout it too. You will be doing that at some point down the road!
Write it out: Take pen to paper and write out your child’s chosen name to see how you feel about it in black and white. You might as well start practising now, as this is going to become a habit!
Pair it perfectly: When you look at the length and number of syllables of your favourite choices, combine them with your last name. You might want balance e.g. a short first name with a longer last name, or a longer first name with a short surname. Think how middle names or middle initials could add melody or cadence.
Double-barrel: Consider combining two names if you can’t choose your favourite. Also useful if you want to honor multiple relatives.
Google is your friend!: Type the name into google and see what – or rather who – comes up!
Website domain: Type in the full name.com at {GoDaddy.com} and see what comes up. If you’re set on your name and no-one has the site, you might want to nab it!
Email address: Again, once you’ve made your final choice you might want to go early with your child’s name as their gmail address. Some parents write their child an email each year on their birthday which we think is a gorgeous idea!
Keep it Secret: Consider not revealing your final name choice until the baby is born and you are telling people the name you’ve picked rather than asking what they think.
Or
Get Opinions: Ask for honest feedback on your shortlisted names from family and friends. Just be mindful you might not like all the answers! Brutal honesty is just that. Brutal!
Will you keep your name a secret? Or did you share your name ideas and get feedback?
We’d love to know. Email lucindakate@namebabyname.com. We read and reply to every message!
