Finding The Perfect Baby Name

By Bonnie Owens on May 21st, 2009

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One of the first questions you get when you are pregnant is, “oh, do you have names picked out?”  Naming is a big part of pregnancy and it is one of the funnest parts.  But it is also very important.  Many people believe that their name plays a big  part in shaping who they are.  So how do you find the perfect name for your little bundle of joy?  Everyone has a different opinion on what the makes their perfect name.  Here are some things for you to consider to find yours.

1. Consider the grammatical aspect.  Taking syllables and spelling into account can help you come up with a good flow.  You may love a certain name, but when you combine it with your last name it sounds awkward.  If you have a long last name you may want a short and sweet one syllable name to avoid their name sounding like a mouthful.   And likewise if you have a short last name you may want a two or three syllable first name.  Another thing to think about is spelling.  You may want to avoid first names that end with the first letter of of your last name so that they don’t run together when you say the full name.  You may also want watch out for names with too many Ls or Rs to avoid awkward pronunciations.
2. Get creative.  If you don’t want your baby’s name to be too common, you might have to get creative and break away from the Johns and Marys, or these days the Jacobs and Isabellas.  Many parents have turned to destinations for inspiration.  Consider Paris, Savannah, Cheyenne, Denver or Phoenix.  Or if you have a locale that is special to you, you can try to work that in.  If your baby was conceived during a vacation in Hawaii, you may look into names with a Hawaiian origin.  Or if you grew up on Virginia Ave you may have a soft spot for that name.  Another creative approach is to look into everyday names.  Celebrities have turned to names like Coco, Apple, Sage and Basil.  You may consider names of colors, gems, plants or even natural elements.   Monikers like Jade, Ivy, Stone, Snow and Cinnamon are some unique options. 
3. Look into the past.  Many couples like to honor special people or name in some way.  Mother’s who have taken their husband’s name may consider giving their child their maiden name.  Surnames like MacAllister, Daley, Cooper, Jackson, Washington, Grant, Lincoln, Vance and Monroe work well as first names.  You may also want to dig into you family tree a bit.  You never know, your great great grandmother may have had a name you will fall in love.  Old fashioned names like Emma, Imogen and Ruby are becoming trendy again. 
4. Consider nicknames and initials.  You may have a specific connotation in mind when you pick out a name, but other people may not go along with it.  For example, you name your little boy your FAVORITE name, Dillion Jacob, only for him to be referred to as DJ by everyone he knows.  On the contrary, if you like a formal name but don’t think that it will suit them well in day to day life; consider that there may be initials or a nickname that you can derive from it to make it more casual.
5. Relax and take your time.  Most couples find out their baby’s sex around 20 weeks, leaving you another 20 weeks(or five months) to pick out a name. For both of our boys, when we came across their names they felt right.  Don’t try to force yourself to fall for a name, wait for the right one to come along.  Many parents will wait until their baby is born to look at them and pick a name.  Or some parents will change their mind about a name after they see their baby’s face.