Most Important Decision of a Lifetime - What to Name Your Baby


Most people don't know the meaning of their name, but most names do have meanings. You should at least find out the meanings of your favorite choices before giving one of them to your child. The meaning of your child's name probably won't greatly affect his or her life, but may help you to make a decision between your favorites.

Many names are shortened to nicknames during childhood, or other stages of life, so be sure to think about what shortened forms of your child's name may be. Also consider that names we might think are cute for a child could be embarrassing later in life, before giving your child a nickname as their legal name. For instance - shortening Samantha to Sam or Sammy while your daughter is young may be fine, but will she mind having to put Sam on her business cards or college application later in life if its her legal name?

No one likes having their name constantly misspelled or mispronounced, so keep this in mind before choosing a unique pronunciation or spelling of a common name. Remember that your child will spend his or her lifetime explaining to others how the name is really spelled or pronounced.

Unisex names, like Chris, Robin or Terry, may make it easier for you to choose your child's name before you know their sex, but others argue that it can be unfair and psychologically harmful to a child, especially to boys who may feel more insulted when presumed to be girls, than girls do when they're mistaken for boys.

Namesakes, or exact reproductions of a person's name, even if followed by II or Jr., are quite often confusing to everyone involved. Worse yet, the child never gets the satisfaction of having a clear identity or name of his own. Although namesakes can be complimentary to the original owner of the name, consider the impact to your child, and how you plan to differentiate between the people who share the name before you choose to name your child after someone else.

Remember, the name you choose for your child will be a lifetime decision, so take your time and enjoy the process!

(c) Copyright 2003, S. Denise Hoyle. All Rights Reserved.

About The Author

S. Denise Hoyle serves as the webmaster of both http://nurseryroomprojects.com and http://fertility-facts.com. To find the meanings and origins of thousands of popular names, take a look at our lists of boy's names and girl's names at http://nurseryroomprojects.com/baby_names.htm







Related News



Ben And Jen And Babies Make 4! - TheCelebrityCafe.com

Ben And Jen And Babies Make 4!
TheCelebrityCafe.com, NY -Jan 7, 2009
The attractive Hollywood couple have one older daughter together, toddler Violet, age 3. Garner most recently was in "Juno," as a mother-to-be. ...

Jardine Expands Recall of Cribs Sold by Babies R Us Cribs Pose ... - US Recall News (press release)

Jardine Expands Recall of Cribs Sold by Babies R Us Cribs Pose ...
US Recall News (press release), CO -19 hours ago
IN NINE OF THESE INCIDENTS, CONSUMERS REPORTED THAT THEIR INFANT OR TODDLER BROKE THE SLAT WHILE IN THE CRIB. IN ADDITION, A 22-MONTH-OLD CHILD FELL THROUGH ...

Baby Swimming Lessons Add to Holiday Fun with Keycamp - PR Web (press release)

PR Web (press release)

Baby Swimming Lessons Add to Holiday Fun with Keycamp
PR Web (press release), WA -14 hours ago
To give the perfect toddler friendly holiday, Keycamp provides travel cots, highchairs, baby baths and potties free of charge, while buggies are available ...

10 Reasons I Love My Phil & Ted's Stroller - Examiner.com

Examiner.com

10 Reasons I Love My Phil & Ted's Stroller
Examiner.com -9 hours ago
by Kate Byrd, Houston Babies Examiner There are two men in my life that I could not live without. Well, four. I do have a wonderful son and husband. ...

Convertible Cribs - Cradling Your Sweet Ba - Meadow Free Press

Convertible Cribs - Cradling Your Sweet Ba
Meadow Free Press, ID -1 hour ago
Often, convertible cribs change to toddler beds using the safety bed rails. Many come with conversion kits that make this watercolor for the consumer. ...

UPDATED: The Top 10 Evil Babies! - FEARnet.com

FEARnet.com

UPDATED: The Top 10 Evil Babies!
FEARnet.com, PA -3 hours ago
Well, that’s another story, especially when those babies are so evil they’ve either been planted by Satan himself or have grown into a terrifying toddler...

My Superpowers Came In Handy Again. - Seattle Post Intelligencer

My Superpowers Came In Handy Again.
Seattle Post Intelligencer -Jan 4, 2009
I will help open doors for people with strollers/babies/toddlers. I will help babysit now and then. I will even change diaper blow-outs and have many times. ...


Old-fashioned lifeline - Boston Globe

Old-fashioned lifeline
Boston Globe, United States -12 hours ago
By Carolyn Y. Johnson WAYLAND - With a toddler's aplomb, Ellie Brogan gives a tour of her body's plumbing. The pouch tucked into her diaper is "my ostomy. ...

Medical Center community classes - Star Community Newspapers

Medical Center community classes
Star Community Newspapers, TX -16 hours ago
Families of babies with special needs are encouraged to attend. Sign for Baby: Tuesdays, through Feb. 24, 7 n 8 pm $80 per individual, $120.00 per couple. ...

Babies and Mobiles part 4: quick-learners! - IntoMobile

Babies and Mobiles part 4: quick-learners!
IntoMobile, CA -Jan 8, 2009
So I’ve had a bit of a break since the last post I wrote about the relationship that Mobiles have with my Baby (soon to be Toddler) – you can check out the ...