Surname
The first name has to sounds right with the surname. Some people like the sound of both first name and surname beginning the the same letter eg. Toby Thompson, some people don’t like that and purposely choose a first name starting with a different letter. Avoiding first names that rhyme with the surname is often a good call.
Initials
Whilst Peter Ian Grey is a decent enough name for a little man, he won’t appreciate his initials P.I.G. Always check what the initials will spell out before committing to a name.
Nickname / shortened version
Does the name you have chosen often get shortened to another name? Do you like that name? Some people choose to give baby a more formal name officially but actually call them by another name most of the time e.g Edward, but called Ted. Some stick with the one name for both purposes, there’s no right or wrong.
Popular names / Crazes
It can be helpful to look through the annually published lists of the top 100 baby names for the last year. Some people prefer a more well known name and this list could help with inspiration. There’s often spikes in certain names relating to whats going on at that time e.g. George became much more popular after the Royal baby. Elsa and Anna also rose in popularity after a certain well loved Disney film was released!!
Continuing the theme of other children’s names
If you already have children, it’s worth thinking about whether the new baby name fits with your existing children’s names. It might be that you have a theme running e.g. floral names, or prefer all the names to begin with the same letter.
Spelling
Certain names can be spelt a variety of ways, you will need to decide which way you will spell it and stick with it. Some names are notoriously difficult to spell and you may be opening them up to a life of birthday cards etc with a mispelt name!
Does the name suit baby?
A lot of people like to have a name prepared, or at least a handful of names to choose from. Some people have a name picked out and call baby that throughout the pregnancy (if they find out the gender). Bear in mind, you may wish to see baby first, to double check it suits the name it has been given!!
“I had a pen and paper every time I watched Tele. Every name I heard that I didn’t mind I wrote down and watched the end credits and looked for names. Then went through the list every other day and crossed off what I didn’t like.”
Mumbler KS
“Narrow it down to a short list then decide when she arrives!”
Mumbler JB
“Lots of people choose names for their lil ones, and when u finally get to meet them suddenly the name you have chosen doesnt suit “them”.
Mumbler LR
“Some people wait until their baby is born…to see what they look like. Sometimes people also choose names for their meaning…is there a name which has a special meaning, or qualities that you hope your baby will have?”
Mumbler KG
“I have a suggestion; do you have any family names handed down for generations? Or perhaps your family came from another part of the country or different country altogether eg Scotland, Ireland, Wales, Norway, Italy etc. Something meaningful to you and your family is so much better than some trendy name, which might not sound so great in 30 years time. Good luck.”
Mumbler MD
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