I agree with those who say that if the parents think the name is special, the kid probably will, too. Having taught for a few years, I've gotten in the habit of asking kids how they got their names. Those who know are generally proud to share--except those who whisper that they were named after rock stars' children or soap characters.

My parents always emphasized that the names they chose for us had special meanings, so for me, meaning is a big deal. Sadly, there are many lovely-sounding names with bland or terrible meanings (i.e. anything for a girl starting in Mar--Marie, Marissa, Mara, etc.--seems to mean "bitter", from most sources I've seen).

I'm also an advocate of choosing a name that is flexible for childhood/adulthood. I've always felt bad for the Franks and Marlenes in my classes of youngsters, though their classmates seem not to notice. Likewise, I'm not convinced that a MyKaylee or Precious is going to be taken too seriously when they're trying for a professional job in 20 years. Boys' names seem to be safer in transferring to the adult world.

make sure yhoo & yhoor partner both like that name yhoo want!

ask yhoo kid(s) if yhoo have any if they like that name yhoo like

Vowels are not randomly interchangeable. IE: Christine = Chrystine
y and eigh are also not randomly interchangeable IE: Daisy = Daiseigh or Casey = Caseigh
Adding I's and Y's randomly are not necessary when it's already obvious how the name is pronounced IE: Jane = Jayne
Random Mc's and the like are not cute... Mc/Mac/Mak- ella/emma/eloise/andrea will be very grateful to just stay Ella, Emma, Eloise and Andrea, trust me, this hasn't been "unique" for about 5 years anymore now. maybe longer, I don't know.
Boy names on girls are...masculine, why not name your son Jennifer or Grace? Because...those are girls names..see my point?
Mostly everything ending in a -son is actually a boys name, personally I don't think putting them on girls in a mass amount makes it feminine in any way, the meaning is still "son of" There are of course exceptions such as Allison but a simple name check on more than one site will clear that right up.
Unique spellings are not cute or unique, it still has the same pronunciation as all of the other Michaela/Makayla/Mykayla/Mychaela's out there, I'm sure she get used to saying "No, I'm a Meychaighlah with an E, Y, C, H, A ,I ,G, H ,L, A and H but seriously now..
Just trying to say that unique names don't have to come from throwing scrabble pieces in the air and picking seven with your eyes closed.

Peace and Love!

I always think of a name, and say it aloud and then think of the possible ways another child in school can tease your child about his name. It always made me feel better when naming my children.

Well I think that when deciding a name for a baby pick a few choices and when you first hold the baby and see his/her you'll know what name works for him/her...

well im due in 16 dayz and i have no idea what i will be naming my son. I really haven't fallen in love with a name yet. My child's father wants to name him Malcolm i have nothing against this name i just don't know does any1 having any suggestions??