There are some children who, by the time they graduate high school, have their whole lives planned out: not only their career and their house, but all the way down to their spouse, car, number of children and the names and genders of each.
For the less enthusiastic, however, when they start a family and a child is on the way, budding parents often become stuck on what to name their newborn.
It was William Shakespeare who said that a rose by any other name is just as sweet. Except we know better: names have power. To name a child is a beautiful part of parenthood, but it is also a responsibility. There are many different ways you can get ideas for the names of your child-to-be.
Type of Name
Different people have different criteria for names. Some want traditional names which will stand the test of time, and usually choosing religious or cultural names. Others prefer more popular, modern names, and as such find baby name websites and statistics to their advantage. Then there are some people who prefer unique and bold names which make a statement.
Personal History
One's own life is as good a place to start as any. Are there any heroes in your family whom you wish to honor? Any role models from your past? Any fictional characters whom had a huge impact on you while you were growing up, or whom you liked a lot? Oftentimes one comes across a name they liked the sound of, or one whose meaning resonated with them. Giving your child the name of a beloved one is the highest honor you can bestow to both.
Family Traditions
Some families usually follow naming traditions: naming children after their grandparents, having siblings with the same initials, traditional middle names, rhyming schemes, etc. If your family doesn't have one, you can even start your own!
Culture and Beliefs
Different religions, ethnicities and communities have different partialities. Consider names which have meaning in your beliefs, such as the names of religious leaders and saints, like Ali, or names which reflect upon your faith, such as Grace. Names which honor your culture are also a good way to go, usually ending up giving your child pride in their heritage.
Other Sources
Nowadays, the Internet has a vast amount of information available on baby names. Websites have lists upon lists of names which can be sorted in a variety of ways, such as alphabetically, by origin, by meaning, by gender or by popularity, and are a great resource when choosing a name.
Pitfalls
When naming your child, anything goes; yet there are some names which should be completely skipped during the selecting process.
Brand names, for example. No matter how much you love Disney or IKEA, naming your child after a company is folly. So is naming one child after a previous child, such as Jordan and Jordana. This robs your child of a sense of individuality and uniqueness.
A name from outside your culture or religion, too, should be avoided. Not only would this classify as cultural appropriation in some cases, it would also hurt the sensibilities of those communities, as someone from outside their culture or religion might not always know the significance attached to a name.
Aesthetics are also often important for parents, such as in the way the name sounds or looks with your last name, or in the way it is spelled.
Search online to see if any unsavory folk already have the same name you have chosen; the results might end up surprising you.
Lastly, one should try the introduction test: pretend to be your future child introducing yourself by your full name to your friends, to your teacher and to your employer. If you're uncomfortable while saying it, chances are your child will be too.
In the End, It Is Your Decision
A name is the first gift you give to your child, so avoid haste and conflict, but also to ignore the rules if they bother you.
Make a list with your partner, comparing which names each of you prefer, crossing out those which one of you cannot stand, and finalizing a name which you both love. This is, after all, a magical time for both of you, not a chore: enjoy every moment.
Top Ten Baby Names of 2013
GIRLS
1. Sophia
2. Emma
3. Olivia
4. Isabella
5. Mia
6. Ava
7. Lily
8. Zoe
9. Emily
10. Chloe
BOYS
1. Jackson
2. Aiden
3. Liam
4. Lucas
5. Noah
6. Mason
7. Jayden
8. Ethan
9. Jacob
10. Jack
For the less enthusiastic, however, when they start a family and a child is on the way, budding parents often become stuck on what to name their newborn.
It was William Shakespeare who said that a rose by any other name is just as sweet. Except we know better: names have power. To name a child is a beautiful part of parenthood, but it is also a responsibility. There are many different ways you can get ideas for the names of your child-to-be.
Type of Name
Different people have different criteria for names. Some want traditional names which will stand the test of time, and usually choosing religious or cultural names. Others prefer more popular, modern names, and as such find baby name websites and statistics to their advantage. Then there are some people who prefer unique and bold names which make a statement.
Personal History
One's own life is as good a place to start as any. Are there any heroes in your family whom you wish to honor? Any role models from your past? Any fictional characters whom had a huge impact on you while you were growing up, or whom you liked a lot? Oftentimes one comes across a name they liked the sound of, or one whose meaning resonated with them. Giving your child the name of a beloved one is the highest honor you can bestow to both.
Family Traditions
Some families usually follow naming traditions: naming children after their grandparents, having siblings with the same initials, traditional middle names, rhyming schemes, etc. If your family doesn't have one, you can even start your own!
Culture and Beliefs
Different religions, ethnicities and communities have different partialities. Consider names which have meaning in your beliefs, such as the names of religious leaders and saints, like Ali, or names which reflect upon your faith, such as Grace. Names which honor your culture are also a good way to go, usually ending up giving your child pride in their heritage.
Other Sources
Nowadays, the Internet has a vast amount of information available on baby names. Websites have lists upon lists of names which can be sorted in a variety of ways, such as alphabetically, by origin, by meaning, by gender or by popularity, and are a great resource when choosing a name.
Pitfalls
When naming your child, anything goes; yet there are some names which should be completely skipped during the selecting process.
Brand names, for example. No matter how much you love Disney or IKEA, naming your child after a company is folly. So is naming one child after a previous child, such as Jordan and Jordana. This robs your child of a sense of individuality and uniqueness.
A name from outside your culture or religion, too, should be avoided. Not only would this classify as cultural appropriation in some cases, it would also hurt the sensibilities of those communities, as someone from outside their culture or religion might not always know the significance attached to a name.
Aesthetics are also often important for parents, such as in the way the name sounds or looks with your last name, or in the way it is spelled.
Search online to see if any unsavory folk already have the same name you have chosen; the results might end up surprising you.
Lastly, one should try the introduction test: pretend to be your future child introducing yourself by your full name to your friends, to your teacher and to your employer. If you're uncomfortable while saying it, chances are your child will be too.
In the End, It Is Your Decision
A name is the first gift you give to your child, so avoid haste and conflict, but also to ignore the rules if they bother you.
Make a list with your partner, comparing which names each of you prefer, crossing out those which one of you cannot stand, and finalizing a name which you both love. This is, after all, a magical time for both of you, not a chore: enjoy every moment.
Top Ten Baby Names of 2013
GIRLS
1. Sophia
2. Emma
3. Olivia
4. Isabella
5. Mia
6. Ava
7. Lily
8. Zoe
9. Emily
10. Chloe
BOYS
1. Jackson
2. Aiden
3. Liam
4. Lucas
5. Noah
6. Mason
7. Jayden
8. Ethan
9. Jacob
10. Jack