Your Final Decision: Choosing the Best Baby Names

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One of the fist things that come to mind when you hear that you are pregnant is baby names. Finding the right name for your little bundle is one of the most exciting decisions of expecting parents. There is so much to think about when choosing the perfect name for your baby.

Do you want the name to carry on family tradition or honor a loved one, do you want it to have a religious, cultural or ethnic background, or are you simply looking for an unusual and unique name? Whatever the reason might be, it is important to keep in mind that the name will identify your baby and that he or she will carry it for the rest of their lives.

Making the final decision can be a challenge, but these tips can help you choose just the right name from your list of favorites:

Say the name out loud. How does the first name sound with the last name? Do the names flow or are they difficult to pronounce? Are there too many syllables? If so, play around with the rhythm by choosing names with unequal numbers of syllables. If you have more than two syllables in your surname, as in the name Robinson, pick a short first name like Zoe. Short family names like Brown, in contrast, work well with a first name that has one syllable, such as Jack. Another way to make the name sound nice is by choosing a middle name with a different number of syllables from the first and the last name. Pay attention to first names that rhyme with the last name since that is usually not the best choice.

Check for possible nicknames. Take into account how the name may be shortened and whether there are any nicknames that might sound odd. Olivia is a nice name for a girl, but you should take into consideration that it may be shorted not only to Liv or Livvy, but to Ollie well.

Double-check the initials. Will the name spell unfortunate words? Try to avoid any undesirable initials, like P.I.G. or R.A.T. If you are having a girl, keep in mind that she might get a new last name someday, so try to anticipate any potentially embarrassing combinations. Rachel Abigail Miller sounds nice, but what happens if she marries David Taylor?

Spelling and pronunciation. Is the name difficult to spell? Will your child become frustrated if people always pronounce his or her name wrong? You may want to ask others to read the name back to you as it is spelled, without hearing the name from you first. This may give you an idea of how the name will be pronounced in school and beyond.

Be aware of popular baby names. Do you mind that your child may have the same name as several of his or her classmates? Also, keep in mind that baby name trends change. Names that are popular now, are not necessarily popular in 10 or 20 years.

Remember that the name needs to grow with your child. While the name sounds perfect for your little girl or boy, will you still like the name once your child has grown up? Make sure that you choose a name that is appropriate for children and adults alike.

Choose more than just one name. Does the name fit the baby? Sometimes certain names will simply fit your baby better. Maybe your baby will look more like a Mia or Ryan than a Sarah or Daniel. Try to keep your options open and wait to see the baby. There is a possibility that you will change your mind once the baby arrives.

Above all else, remember that no matter what you choose, your baby name can grow on you. If you consider the options carefully and choose a name that gives you and your partner a warm and loving feeling, you cannot go wrong.