Naming A Baby

Perhaps the most important thing you will give your baby boy or baby girl, apart from life itself, is a name. After all, the name you choose will be with your baby for life.

Baby experts, sociologists and teachers agree that your child's name will impact on his or her personality, affects your child's ability to interact with his or her peers, and how he or she will be seen by strangers. No pressure then!

First, let's get rid of this 'his or her/he or she' business; it's a bit ponderous to read and no fun to type. Let's call baby 'she' or 'her' unless we are talking specifically about boys. Now let's start with some general advice - you'll find loads more in the articles found elsewhere on the site.

Want to be different? - It's fashionable today to choose a baby name that is different, or a traditional name that is spelt in a different way. Two things to consider here: firstly, your baby is going to grow up into an adult, so make sure the name you choose will suit a six foot three inch tall hunk as well as a cute baby. Secondly, when teacher calls Katey, then Katie and Katy will also come running. Choosing a different spelling will only ensure that sooner or later someone is going to spell her name wrongly and, in later life, that will cause her annoyance, especially if official documents like a driving licence need to be corrected. Your baby is unique, she doesn't need a unique name to be different.

Sound and Compatibility - If your surname starts with a vowel, avoid first names that end in a vowel; the names tend to run together. Many people like to choose a long first name if the surname is short, and vice versa. Someone once suggested that before you decide on a name you go into your garden and shout it several times. Your neighbours might think you've gone crazy, but take time to ensure that names sound right.

Initials - Spell out baby's initials, including the middle name. It sounds obvious, but some people don't do this and it is difficult to correct mistakes later. P Green?

Avoid the puns - I worked with a great girl called Hazel Nutt, and while in hospital met a nurse with the name Rosie Bottom. Hazel laughed it off each time she was introduced to someone new, but there must have been times when the smile was really a grimace; and Rosie's name certainly cheered up the patients. But what were their parents thinking of? I also worked with a man whose middle name was Mary. He was Irish and apparently that isn't very unusual, but he came to England and tried very hard (unsuccessfully) to keep his middle name a secret. I think if he was offered one wish in life he would change that name. Many will know the song 'A boy called Sue', amusing; but in real life...

And the crazy names - Recently we heard of twins called Mercedes and Porche! Babies are expensive and maybe Daddy would have preferred to spend the money on a new car. Feel sorry for those kids.

The name you give your baby is a gift, make sure it is one she will be proud of.

Here are links to the most recent articles about choosing a baby name that are posted elsewhere on this site.

Articles

Happy New Year! Chinese New Year that is.. February 7th saw the start of the Chinese Year of the Rat. If your baby is due between now and 24th January next year, read about the characteristics of babies born during the Chinese Year of the Rat.

Popular baby names in 2007 - It's Jack yet again!

Naming Twin Babies - If you think choosing a name for one baby can be difficult, how about twins! We provide some suggestions.

Chinese year Signs - We all know our zodiac or star sign, but how many know their Chinese year sign? Here's a list with dates and links to pages with the character traits of babies born during the various signs.