Naming your baby can be difficult but also fun and exciting. Once you make the choice of baby name, be happy with it. The name you choose is a gift to your child, but make sure you're aware of all the naming considerations to find a name you'll love forever.
The following is a range of things to consider when choosing your baby’s name.
Popularity of baby names
You may like a name that is currently popular or you may prefer to choose a name that is considered uncommon or even unusual. Popular names can be great because lots of other people like them, but they can also mean your child grows up with several other children in their class or sports team with the same name. This often means their name gets extended to include the first initial of their surname to help distinguish them by teachers and coaches. For example 'Jake C' and 'Jake F'.
Unusual names can be great, but sometimes an attempt to make a name really unusual can mean others think it is silly or unacceptable. One example is the actress Gwyneth Paltrow and her husband Chris Martin (from the band Coldplay), calling their daughter Apple.
Fashion trends in baby names
Naming trends are often reflected by the popularity of current celebrities and perhaps what they named their child. For example, Demi became popular when Demi Moore made a lot of films and Mia has been more popular since Bec and Lleyton Hewitt (Australian tennis player) named their baby Mia. Name fashions come and go. So consider that what may be fashionable now my not be in 20 or 40 years time. Classics like Matthew, Sophie, James, Emily, William and Ava have endured centuries, other names like Barbara and Gary were in the top 10 in the 1950's in Australia but are now dated.
Traditions in baby names
Some parents come from families with strong traditions relating to what a child should be named. Usually this is more for a first born child, particularly a first born son. For example it is common in Greek culture to name a child after a grandparent. These traditions are being less and less followed in modern times, but may still play a role. Some parents compromise by using the expected given name as a middle name
Meanings of baby names
The vast majority of names are derived from language origins and are given a certain meaning. For example, Noah is derived from Hebrew and means 'peaceful or restful'. Anna has German, Italian, Czech and Swedish origins and means 'gracious'. A name's meaning may play a large role in the name you choose and perhaps make you avoid names you first liked. Sometimes meanings can hold certain expectations for the child who carries it if the meaning is emphasised by parents as they grow older. For most adults their name's meaning or origin does not really matter that much. To find out the meaning of over 30,000 baby names check out our Baby name finder.
Baby name associations in baby names
Many people gain an immediate and sometimes totally subconscious view of a person just from hearing their name. A person's name can sometimes provide a distinct advantage in life, or perhaps a disadvantage. It may be that you had a favourite name but then came across a person you didn't particularly like with that name, or maybe a person's pet has that name. Many teachers find it hard to choose a name because they attach values or perceptions to names of children they have taught in either a positive or negative way. Bear in mind what you associate with a name others probably wont, but you have to be happy with your personal choice.
Unisex baby names
A recent trend in naming children has been the use of unisex names. Examples are Jordan or Morgan. Some unisex names work better on girls than boys or visa versa due to a certain name being interpreted as more masculine or feminine. One problem (or advantage) with a unisex name as an adult can be others confusing the gender of a person, for example on job resumes. You may consider changing the spelling of a name slightly for gender, for example Jesse for a boy or Jessie for a girl.
Initials of baby names
Something that is often overlooked when deciding on a name is the child's initials. This is becoming even more complex with the increasing use of acronyms through SMS and the Internet - BRB for Be Right Back or RIP. Your child's surname initial is decided. What names you choose to put in front of it will complete your child's initials. Therefore if your surname is Murphy, you may think twice about naming your child Bridget Una. Initials can also come into play when choosing the same initial for a first name and then filling out documentation or receiving mail to a household. For example, if your name is Oliver Smith and you name your sons are called Orsen and Oscar, then a letter addressed to Mr. O. Smith may cause some confusion.
Nick names for baby names
Australians are world leaders when it comes to shortening names and creating nicknames. This may be something you like or perhaps want to avoid. Elizabeth can be shortened Liz, Eliza, Lizzy or Beth, William may be shortened to Will or even changed to Bill or Liam. Names like Darren may be changed to Dazza or Kerryn to Kezza. Referring to your child with your preferred name as they grow will help it stick in the early years for others. However, as teenagers and adults, your child may choose other derivatives or be given nicknames by friends and acquaintances.
Pronunciation of baby names
IIt can be hard for a person if others find it difficult to pronounce their name. They may go through life constantly correcting others or cringing if their name is called out incorrectly in public. A good example is Niamh - the Gaelic pronunciation is "nee-av", but "neeve" is also a modern pronunciation (and spelling). In our increasingly multi-cultural society, more and more people choose names that reflect their ethnicity or country of origin. In countries like Australia, there is now less of a tendency to try and Anglicise foreign names. In India and other Asian countries, there is now a trend for parents to give their children names that can be easily pronounced by foreigners. Examples are Ravi for a boy and Maya for a girl.
Spelling of baby names
As with pronunciation spelling a name in an unusual way can make life difficult for the person. They may constantly find the need to spell their name for others. Some parents like to spell their child's names differently because it makes it more unique, others think this is unnecessary burden. Common examples are replacing the letter K with a C, for example Jacob and Jakob or using a y instead of an i such as Madyson or Gavyn. It may be that a letter is added for example Rayan (normally Ryan).
Matching your surname
When choosing your child's name it will usually need to match their surname. Bear in mind that some women still change their surname if they marry. Many parent's like to choose a child's name to match the ethnicity of their surname. For example if they have a Scottish surname such as MacDougal, they prefer Scottish first names like Angus or Kelsey.
Middle names for babies
Not every person has a middle name, but middle names are commonly given. Some babies are given two, three or more by their parents! A middle name can be just another name that you like or perhaps a way for both parents to use their favourite names for their child. Some parents make the mother's surname a middle name and others choose a relatives or friend's name as a middle name, if this is expected or preferred.
Siblings names and you baby name
Once you have one child, you may have another. Choosing a name for a sibling can be difficult and the more children you have the more difficult this can become. It may be good to put some thought towards what name you might choose for potential siblings when having your first baby and to save 2nd choice names for brothers or sisters. However, many parents change their mind about names by the time a sibling arrives.
Twins baby name choices
Parents of twins have different ideas when it comes to naming their children. It is common for parents to choose names that sound similar or use the same first letter, for example Jack and Jade. However, others feel that while this may be cute, it may not be very suitable. One argument is that twins have to share a lot as they grow up and are often stereotyped as being similar all the time, rather than individuals. This life-long burden may be helped if the children are given completely different names. We do know of a set of Australian twins (now adults) who are identical but mirror-imaged (ie. physical features on opposite sides for example their hair-parting line is on the right side for one twin but the left side for the other) - their parents named them Noel and Leon :)
Naming etiquette in baby names
There may be unwritten rules when it comes to naming etiquette. Is it acceptable to use your best friend's favourite name if she is yet to have children? Can you use the same names as other relatives have used? If you are thinking of doing something like this, it may be polite to ask the person involved if this is Ok before you make a final decision.
If you are not 100% sure on the baby name you've chosen, take heart that in most cases a baby's name will grow on them (and you)! Why not discuss your naming ideas and concerns in our birthtalks community baby names forum or why not choose from over 30,000 other unique baby names in our Baby name finder?