How to Choose a Name for Your Baby

They say that a rose by any other name smells just as sweet but a name can really make a difference to the success of a person. We can’t help but be drawn to certain names and at the same time, look down or smirk at others. No wonder parents labor over naming their offspring. Here are some practical tips for making that all important decision.

1. A name can be changed but it’s not easy. So give a name that will not drive your child wild when he/she is older. Consider it as your first gift to your baby.
2. s it a boy or a girl? Nowadays, a boy’s name does fine as a girl’s name and vice versa but sometimes, it can confuse. It will also result in some teasing at school. Naming your daughter Simon is not likely to endear her to you.
3. In some cultures, depending on the time of birth, a few ‘lucky’ letters are assigned for the name of the baby, by astrologers. Parents can then mix these letters and select a suitable name. If you are a romantic at heart, you’ll like to try this.
4. A name is worth more if it has a good meaning. It will evoke curiosity and make you stand out from the others.
5. Some parents name their kids after their parents or grandparents or anyone else they love/respect. This is a special way of carrying old memories and honoring loved ones.
6. Remember to have a notepad, a sheet of paper and a pen/pencil at hand always. The best names will come to you when you least expect it-when in the bus or taking a leisurely walk. It’s a shame to forget any one of them. Keep adding to the list and crossing out ones you surely don’t want.
7. Is the name you have in mind practical? You don’t want to burden the child with fanciful, ostentatious names. They can draw negative attention. Choose a name that is not too hard to pronounce or remember, to avoid disadvantaging your child. When you comer up with a name you like, repeat it out loud to yourself, to see whether it sounds practical. A name should not be a tongue twister.
8. Some names come with preconceived notions. Some are treated like slang. You’d want to avoid these, to be safe. Also, a name should age gracefully. KiKi may be cute on a child but won’t do for a senior citizen.
9. Always make the first name sound good with the other names, i.e. surname. For instance, Tony Tolley sounds like a character from a Mark Twain novel. It reads all right in a book but is not so great otherwise. If the surname is very long, you can try making the given name short and vice versa. Two long names will be a mouthful.