The Naming Factors
When deciding on what name would be perfect for your baby, here are
some of the essential factors to consider:
Culture and Tradition
- You may want your heritage and culture to be reflected in your
child’s name.
- You may want family traditions to be upheld – for instance
having a male name in the family passed down to every generation.
- Your may want a name reflective of your religious faith.
- You may want to use a name from of this category as a middle name.
Harmony
- How does the child’s name harmonize with your surname?
- As a rule of thumb, longer first names work well with shorter
last names, and vice versa.
- Pass up first names that rhyme with your surname.
- Also, Combining a first name that ends in a vowel with a last
name that starts with a vowel – is not a good idea.
Significance
You may want to choose a name with a special significance or meaning.
Also consider names after of those you have known and loved over
the years.
Individuality
Most parents seek distinction when naming their child, so you may
want to choose a name with a unique quality or not in the current
trend (see Celebrity Baby Names).
However, Take into account the embarrassment factor as you wouldn’t
want your child to be ashamed for life with a name nobody can pronounce.
A good idea would be to choose a traditional or recognizable first
name if the baby’s last name is unusual, and vice versa.
Nicknames, Initials & Hidden Jokes
Anticipate any potential embarrassing nicknames or initial combinations
such as Ben Oliver or “B.O.”, whereas Andrew Oliver
is less likely to solicit teasing in school.
Watch out for names that could also harbour a potential joke such
as “Nessie” or “Randy” (ok in the U.S. not
in the U.K!).
Combinations and Connotations
Even if you’ve always dreamed of a sultry Mediterranean name
like Pablo or Paloma and have no Latin connections at all, have
a last name like Pilkington or come from Milton Keynes, then...
