HOW TO CHOOSE THE RIGHT BABY NAME

It can be tough work finding the perfect baby name if you don't already have a name in mind. From the more popular to the more unique there are thousands of names to choose from. Even when you have your short list in mind there are still a number of things you need to consider.
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Here are some tips on choosing the right baby name for you and things to avoid doing. 

1. Use a baby name book or a website like ours

You may think you know all the good names that you may ever choose. However, there are tens of thousands of names to choose from and using a good resource like this website will always throw up a name you had not previously considered. For example, have you thought of the following:

2. You must both like the name you choose!

If your partner hates the names you love you must come to agreement, otherwise it will only cause recurring disagreements. The best way to resolve this is to both create lists of the names you like. Then if there are any names that you both like you can discuss to positives and negatives of those names. 

3. Consider naming baby after a relative

Win win, you choose a good name and you make a relative happy that the newborn has been named after them. However, this may leave other relatives a bit jealous.

4. Avoid names that have any unwanted connections

If a name reminds you or either of you of someone that you would rather it didn't then it's best to avoid it. For example an ex or someone you went to school with that was a pain. Don't give your your baby the name of a famous star, unless you really really think it's a good idea. 

5. Consider what the initials spell

Be sure your baby's initials don't spell out an unfortunate word, for example Cara Olivia Williams.  

6. Consider nicknames or shortened versions that could be made from the name

Think about whether you mind Oliver being called Ollie, or Daniel being known as Danny. So if you don't like some nicknames, then avoid those names that lend themselves to them. 

7. Is the name popular already?

Some parents prefer not to choose a name that's already popular. Even though these tend to also be very nice names. Simply look through the popular names category on this website's blog, if this is you.

8. Does the name go with the names of your other children?

Be aware that a name may be too similar to those of your other children. However, you may want them to be similar. Always consider what your children's names sound like together. For example, Madeline and Madison.

9. Imagine your baby as an adult with the name

Names may seem cute for a baby, but will they still be okay when they grow up. For example, Tilly is a cute baby name but can you imagine an adult with the name.

10. Think twice about using unusual spellings or pronunciations

An unusual spelling or pronunciation of a name can cause endless confusion. You and your child will soon grow tired of correcting people when they misspell their name, or can't pronounce it. Try your name choice on friends and family, and see how they cope. 

11. Does your name really suit baby?

Don't forget you have got until your baby is registered to decide on a name. So why not wait to see if she suits them name before making that final decision?

12. How does the name fit with your surname?

Choose a name that works well with your surname. You may or may not want it to rhyme. Also, some names may just not sound right together.