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...