How to Pick a Baby Name
Use this guide to help you choose the perfect name for your baby
Choosing a name for your baby is one of the most important (and fun) decisions you get to make as a parent! Here’s a quick guide to help you make a confident decision.
1. Start with Brainstorming
Whether you’re full of options or starting from zero, getting your thoughts down is a great way to start the process. Sit down with your partner and/or family members and make a list of names you like. Consider names that are meaningful to you, names of family members, or names that you simply find attractive.
2. Research the Meanings
Once you have a list of names, it can be fun to research their meanings. Maybe you want to find a name that represents a characteristic you want to endow in your child, such as strength, beauty, or intelligence, or maybe you want to find a name that lets you create your own meaning!
3. Consider the Sound and Flow
Say the names out loud and consider how they sound with your last name. You may also want to think about how the name will be abbreviated or if there are any potential nicknames.
4. Check the Popularity
Checking the popularity of the names you're considering can help you get closer to a decision based on how unique you want your child’s name to be. Keep in mind if you’re going for something modern or mainstream that name popularity can change over time, and so can the spelling!
5. Consider Cultural Significance
If you have cultural or religious traditions you want to honor, consider choosing a name that reflects them. When you research name meanings, you might be surprised at the wonderful ways even the most common names can honor traditions!
6. Consider the Middle Name
If your child has a unique first name, do you want to give them a common middle name that they can choose to go by instead? Or vice versa? The middle name can also be a way to choose multiple names that you like for your child.
7. Get Feedback
If your child has a unique first name, do you want to give them a common middle name that they can choose to go by instead? Or vice versa? The middle name can also be a way to choose multiple names that you like for your child.
8. Narrow Down Your List
After considering all the above factors, narrow down your list to your favorite names, and take as much time as you need to decide. It can help to create a shortlist of three to five names to bring to the hospital if you haven’t made your decision by then.
9. Give Yourself Time
This is a big decision, so don’t feel like you have to pressure yourself too much. After you’ve narrowed down your list, it can help to sleep on your options and let the inspiration come to you when the moment is right. Some parents wait until they actually meet their newborn to make a decision–and some parents change their mind! Trust yourself that you’ll make the best decision you can, when you can.
10. Make the Final Decision
Choosing a baby name is a personal decision, and ultimately, you should choose a name that feels right for your child. Once you've made your decision, it can be fun to share the news with family and friends!