How To Name Your Baby

Naming your baby is one of the most exciting things that you get to do when your baby is born. Remember that you only get to do it once, and you can take your time. You probably spent months thinking about it while you were pregnant, but when the baby is born you may change your mind. That's fine, but having decided that the name you had before doesn't suit him or her, don't rush into a new choice. Baby naming is a task that you should take very seriously.

Remember that a name can define a person in many ways. Most first names in our culture are gender-specific: we think of Paul as a boy's name and Paula as a girl's. We take this for granted. But a person's first name can also be a sign of religion, heritage and class in many cultures. Some people will make assumptions about your child because of his or her name. Your child may have problems if their name does not fit their identity - like in the Johnny Cash song, 'A Boy Named Sue'.

Of course you will want to pick names that you like, but also choose something that your child will be able to live with happily, at least most of the time. A lot of kids go through a phase of hating their names for a while and giving them a middle name can help them accept your choice or give them something to switch to. Experimental names and unusual spellings are often chosen to make a child's name unique but it can be annoying for the child if they constantly have to correct people on the spelling of their name.

Try to avoid names or combinations of initials that will cause the child to be teased. Sometimes it is hard to imagine this yourself, but if you ask your friends they may see what other kids might laugh at. Don't give your child a name that rhymes or a name that sounds funny with your last name - even if you think it sounds cute. Be careful that your child's initials are not going to spell something embarrassing. If you live in a country where your mother tongue is not the main language, check with native speakers if the name you are thinking of sounds good in the other language too.

It is also best to avoid fad names that will associate your child with a particular trend. These names are usually fashionable for 2 to 5 years and then drop sharply. Naming your child after a pop star is usually a very bad idea. In 8 years' time when your child is in grade school who knows what that pop star will be doing.

Many people like to use a name that is in their family and has been passed down. This is great for helping the child to identify with your family history. Make sure that both you and your spouse like the name. If you don't like the name so much, you can make it a middle name.

I am sure you want to give your child a name that he or she can carry proudly and happily all though life. Try to find a solid, strong name that will suit an adult as well as a child and that they can shorten if they want to, a name that will grow with them. When naming your baby, choose wisely.

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