There are several aspects that you need to consider when choosing the perfect name for your baby. Previous family names may influence your decision as well as the meaning of the actual name. Other influences may include your cultural heritage and religious background. According to the website Genealogy.com, many cultures like to honor their elders by using their names for younger generations. Take your time with the decision, and if you are married, consult your spouse to decide on a baby name that feels best.
Step 1
Decide if you want your baby to have one or two given names. Sometimes choosing two names serves to please both parents if you have differing views on what name to choose. In some cases the mother's surname is given as a second name in order to preserve it in the baby's identity.
Step 2
Take a notepad and pen and write down all the aspects you want to consider for choosing your baby's name. This may include the gender of your baby, your heritage and that of your spouse, your religion, and the way a name will sound when combined with your baby's surname. For example, if her surname is of Hispanic descent, you may consider a given name that also has Hispanic descent or you may choose to have it contrast the surname to show your baby's diverse background.
Step 3
Begin your research taking into consideration your chosen parameters. There are websites that list names for babies based on phonetics, geographical regions as well as trends. The Social Security Administration website has a page where you can research the most common names since the year 1879, which may be a useful resource if you want to relate your baby's name to a certain time period.
Step 4
Consider the nicknames that are commonly used with the name you are choosing, since it may turn out to be the name your baby is called by others. For example, "Robert" commonly turns into "Bob" and "Margaret" into "Maggie." If you don't like the common nickname of a name, it is best to choose a different one.
Step 5
Remember your child will have the name you choose for him for the rest of his life and it can be tedious to have a name that is hard to spell or pronounce. Try to avoid these kinds of names even if they relate to your cultural heritage or family history.
Things You'll Need
- Notepad
- Pencil
