Are you going to have a baby? Then your friends and family members must give you suggestions for choosing a baby name. Having so many options, choosing one, and being happy with it can be challenging. After all this decision means giving your baby an identity for their lifetime, a permanent mark on your family tree for eternity.
To simplify it for you, we have made a baby name guide. It will assist you in seeing the name of your choice from every angle and aspect before you make your final decision.
12 Facts to Consider While Choosing a Baby Name in 2023
We have listed some significant facts that should be the center of your consideration when you pick a name for your bundle of joy.
1. Take a Look at The Family Tree for Inspiration
According to a survey, 30% of parents choose a baby name based on a family member or friend’s name. So before surfing the Internet and tiring yourself along the process, look at your family tree. This way you can honor your family member of their life whose life has inspired you.
You might find a name that is beautiful, classy, and compatible with modern-day naming culture. And it will save time and spare you from a long process of contemplation.
2. Spouse Choice
The excitement of having a baby is the same for both parents, and it will be wise to seek the opinion of your better half for this significant decision. So before going on a voyage searching for your little pumpkin’s name, ask your spouse what kind of a name they would prefer.
Some people have strict standards about names, such as one person who dislikes names with vowels at the end. Your partner might view things from a different angle. Thus it will be wise to ask them in advance.
3. The Popularity of a Name
You must do a popularity check on the name of your choice. You will not want ten heads turned when you call your baby’s name out loud in public. You can do a barista test by calling your preferred name aloud in a coffee shop and see how many people respond.
Also, do not pick an extra unique name that sounds strange and alien to the tongue and ears. Though some people prefer a unique name, extra unique names confuse pronunciation and spelling. So it will be wise to keep a balance between a name being too popular and too unique.
4. Choose a Name That Grows With Time
Cute names are good, but your baby will not always stay a baby. They probably do not like their cute name when they grow up. And choosing a timeless name will save you and your baby from such a situation. People mistake timeless names for boring names and we assure you that this is not the case. For example, “Gabriel” is not boring at all.
Also, consider that the name you pick does not look weird when it’s written on a document. Like you will not want “Bizzy” on your daughter’s document when she applies for a job.
5. Meaning Of The Name
For almost every parent on earth, the meaning of the baby is considered very important. A beautiful name with a dull or bizarre meaning is rejected right away. It is believed that the meanings of names have an impact on a person’s nature and personality.
So it should be the very first thing to do while searching for the identity of your cute sunshine. A gorgeous name with an imposing meaning will be more classy and beautiful and will also add depth to it.
6. Do a Bully Test Before Choosing the Name
A name can be pretty graceful in your language but may have disgusting meanings in another language. For example, “Chloe”, a beautiful name indeed, in German (Klo) translates to “Toilet.”
Children, as cute as they are, cannot distinguish between bully and fun at their young change. And you will not want your child to be the center of “Fun” for other kids. Thus it is a good idea, a step to ensure the mental safety of your kid, to do a little research on the name you want to choose.
7. Compatibility With The Surname
It is common for parents to consider the compatibility of the name with their surname. In South Asia, most names complement the surname “Khan” perfectly. But “Khan” is not the only surname in that region or anywhere in the world.
You will undoubtedly have a list of names with potential before settling on one. To cut it short, do a compatibility test on your chosen names. Say it aloud with your surname. Does it sound good? Keep it in the list; if not, cut it, and do so until you find a perfect match.
8. Does it Pair Well With the Sibling’s Name?
Do you already have a baby? If yes, then it will be a delight if you pair their names. A match considering history or a pair in rhyming, however, you like. Siblings are each other’s first friends, and pairing their names will be another step to bringing them closer.
For example, “Eden” and “Zion” are a dignified pair regarding the Bible & Christianity. And in terms of coordination, the pair “Joseph” & “James” sounds perfect.
9. Trending and Inspired Names
47% of respondents to a survey agree that they tend to choose a name from their favorite TV show, a literature-inspired name, or the current trend.
It might be okay, but trends die too quickly, and you want a name that is bound to eternity and is ever graceful and elegant. Thus, before choosing a fashionable name, study its meaning, historical context, and other factors.
10. Nicknames, Initials, and Monograms
Another key factor is the child’s nickname. Consider all potential nicknames with the assistance of your friends, family, or spouse, and make sure that they won’t lead to your Man-Cub being a victim of bullying once they leave your tender Love-Cave to explore the world.
For example, “Mortimer”, a name of Norman origin, has a potential nickname “Mort”, which sounds unpleasant.
Likewise, the name’s Initials and Monograms should also be considered. The initials of the name “Ava Simon Stone” don’t look good. So it’s better not to leave any stone unturned before finalizing a name.
11. Cultural And Historical Significance Of The Name
In most regions, culture significantly influences parents when choosing a baby’s name. For example, In Chinese culture, parents choose a name with a meaning related to positive traits such as wisdom and tolerance.
Naming babies after historical figures is reasonably common across cultures and periods. For instance
~ In the United States, parents named their baby “Abraham” after a historical figure “Abraham Lincon“, who did many great things for the people of his country.
~ In Muslim culture, every other baby boy is named “Muhammad” in honor of the last prophet “Muhammad Ibn-e-Abdullah (P.B.U.H)“.
~ In Hindu culture, most boys are named “Krish” after their god “Krishna the Mighty.”
12. Considering The Middle Name
Choosing a middle name should be given as much importance as given to the first name. It provides the flexibility of choice to your baby. If they want to change their name later in life, they will have the option of their middle name. They can easily do so without legally changing their first name.
Also, it allows you to choose your better half’s preferred name as a middle name if they do not particularly like the first name.
Conclusion
Considering factors like cultural and familial traditions, origin and meaning of the name, impact on child’s future, spelling and pronunciation, spouse choice, middle name, name’s popularity, and its compatibility and matching with surname and siblings respectively can help you out in choosing a baby name that stands out. A graceful name with strong significance is what parents want for their babies. And you can achieve that by following this guide to its end. Happy Naming!
choosing a baby name
Also read “Ancient Greek Names“
choosing a baby name
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Why should you be careful when choosing a baby name?
A name is the child’s first identity until they make their mark on the world through their deeds and marvelous actions. It also is a permanent mark on your family. So, if you want your child to have a healthy socioeconomic status, it is best to choose your child’s identity carefully.
How to choose a name according to astrology?
The main thing for choosing an astrological baby name is the baby’s date of birth. The zodiac signs and horology are taken into consideration before finalizing a name for the baby.
How do couples decide on a baby name?
The key to giving your baby your desired name is compromise. Let your spouse choose one name, and you choose the other. Then decide which name should be the first, middle, and last. In this process, make sure you both are happy with the names and the first, middle, and last names are compatible.
How to choose a baby name in Islam?
According to Islam, the child’s lineage is from their father’s side. So, when choosing a baby name according to Islam, the father’s name should be your child’s last name. Also, the first name should hold a strong and beautiful meaning, as the meaning has an impact on the child’s personality.
