How To Choose Name For Child

Do’s and Don’ts of Choosing Baby Names

The right name – or the wrong name – can influence your child’s future. The right name can open doors more easily, while surveys show that the wrong name can close doors just as quickly. Names like Ernie and Cletus don’t give an air of confidence, while a name like Nathaniel implies trust. Here are some of the finer points to consider in how to choose a name for a child.

Do go with your first instinct. What’s the first thought that you associate with the name? Talk out loud with your partner to narrow down the possibilities. Be considerate of each other’s opinions and be flexible.

The following is true for boy name and for girl name. If you prefer to choose for new age baby name, check the modern names section for new idea’s and for tips how to choose name for child.

Do think about how the first, middle, and last names all work together. Does it roll off the tongue easily and flow nicely? Are there any jokes that can be made if the first name is shortened to a common nickname or common name for child? There are plenty of grown adults that end up legally changing their names because of the merciless teasing that comes with a problematic name combination. And no, it doesn’t build character to wantonly subject a child to an unfortunate name.

Don’t over-think every possible scenario. You will undoubtedly choose a name that someone out there doesn’t like. At some point you have to just make a decision, because you can’t please all the people all the time.

Don’t force yourself to go with what is “expected” in your family. Just because it’s a family tradition to use Mary or Elizabeth as the middle name, doesn’t mean you have to. Are you going to later regret that you caved in to what Grandma Sue and the rest of the clan wanted you to do?

When it comes to how to choose a name for child, don’t dwell endlessly or obsess on the matter – choosing a name is supposed to be one of the fun parts of being a parent.