Tips for Choosing a Name for Your Baby
Without a doubt, the arrival of a new child brings with it all sorts of changes for the family. It requires making modifications in the home, rearranging your schedules, priorities, etc. It also requires being more conscious of one’s own health, in every aspect.
And, of course, it means having to make many important decisions, including the name of this little person who will soon be joining your world.
How to choose a name for your child
There are many factors that have significant influence when choosing a name for your new son or daughter. These factors may have to do with religion, nationality, family tradition, etc. No matter what you base your decision on, your main priority should be your child’s well-being .
1. Both parents should agree on the name
The name you choose – whatever it ends up being – should be something that both parents agree on. In fact, this may be the first of many agreements you have to make as parents. This isn’t a good moment to be impulsive or selfish.
If one of you doesn’t like a name, then you should let it go. There are infinite options, and you’re sure to find one you can both be happy with. Remember that adding a middle name is a good way to satisfy both parents.
2. Take your time
Take all the time you need to come to a decision. As the baby’s due date approaches, parents may feel pressured to decide. But it’s best not to allow others to hurry you. Rather, take as long as you need to choose a name for your boy or daughter.
3. Do your research
It’s important to do your research, since some names may have important cultural references. A name you both like may be linked to a famous literary character, a famous politician or an important historical figure.
When looking for a name, make sure it lines up with the values of both parents. There are various ways to go about your search. There are also books that can help you learn the origin and meaning of different names.
Of course, there are also online sources that can help point you in the right direction. However, you may find contradictory information when comparing different sites.
4. Be flexible
Taking on a stubborn, inflexible position is not a good idea when it comes to choosing a name for your baby. “I want to name him after my grandmother, period” is not a very solid argument, nor is it a good one.
If both parents can’t come to an agreement on a name, then you need to look for a solution together, constructively. You’re sure to come to an agreement sooner or later if you work together. Any name should be seen as an option, not an obligation.
5. Be careful with initials!
Sometimes, by pure coincidence, choosing names can lead to unexpected problems in the future. When picking out names, take a look at the initials as well, as some letter combinations can be embarrassing.
Therefore, it’s important for parents to be careful with the names they choose. Avoid names whose combination forms words that could lead your child to be made fun of later on.
Remember that your child may suffer bullying at school if his or her initials form a funny or strange word.
6. Timeless names
Some parents choose names based on what’s popular at the time of their child’s birth. Over time, however, these names may lose their charm and seem meaningless and unoriginal.
This can have a harmful effect on a person’s development. Your child may end up disliking the name and even rejecting it altogether.
There are a number of names that are classic and timeless. They never lose their charm nor do they have negative effects on a person’s development over time. Some classic names include: Benjamin, Daniel, Matthew, Sarah, Emily, and Hannah.
Other names may end up being very circumstantial, such as Madonna Shakira, and other ostentatious combinations. In the future, both you and your child may regret this sort of choice.
Many parents also use cartoon characters as inspiration. However, you should really think about it before naming your child after a cartoon character.
Simple names
Emotions can often get in the way when the time comes to choose a name for your baby. Statistics show that 6% of parents later regret the names they choose. In some cases, it’s because they chose names that were too common.
However, there are also cases of regret that have to do with names that are difficult to pronounce or spell. It’s best to choose names that will be easy for your child, and others, to learn. Otherwise, you and your son or daughter will probably get very tired of others having a hard time.
Tributes
Sometimes affection can lead you to choose a name for your baby that serves as a tribute to a loved one. This depends greatly on each family’s particular story. If the circumstances around the name are favorable, then this may be a valid argument as long as both parents are in agreement.
Choosing a name for your baby is a great responsibility. It’s important that you and your partner take your time and agree on a name that you both like.
