7 Things to Consider When Choosing a Baby Name

What’s in a name? A lot, actually…naming your child may feel like one of the hardest parts of being pregnant (besides actual labour, of course). Think about what’s important to you when naming your baby. Do you want something unique, traditional or somewhere in between? While we cannot choose the baby’s name for you, we can give some helpful tips on things to consider when naming your child. 

• Does the Name Allow for Growth?
  It’s true that you’re naming a baby…but it is important that the name you choose can grow with him past toddlerhood. You may have a really cute baby name…but can you picture it on an adult? 
  Try this: Practise saying it out loud. What would that name look like on a job application? Choosing an official first name that will fit your child through adulthood might feel too mature for a tiny babe, but you can always use cute nicknames while he's young!
  
• How Popular Is the Name?
  Ever hear someone call out your name in a crowded room but they are not actually talking to you? This might happen to your little one if you choose a popular name. But do not worry there is a ton of info on the popularity of names!
  Do not get too hung up on popularity, though—the interesting thing about modern naming trends is that even the most popular girl’s name of 2018, Emma, was only given to 1% of baby girls!
  Some final food for thought: Names are popular because they are well-loved!
  
• Do You Want a Unique Name?
  On the opposite end of the spectrum, some parents may find they want a completely unique name for their baby—avoiding popularity all together!When it comes to this approach, you may want to try it out first. Go to a coffee shop and give the barista your name of choice. How does it sound when they call it out? Did they mispronounce it? Was it spelled correctly? Getting a 'feel' for the name is an easy way to discover if your child may have difficulties later in life with something 'too' different. There is no shame in being original, though!
  
• Do you Want to Honour a Family Member?
  A great way to pay homage to an inspiring family member is pass on their name! Was your Grandma Elizabeth your favourite person growing up? Honor her legacy by giving your baby her name. Another fun way to use a family name: Inspiration. You could name your baby Eliza or something that starts with the letter ‘E’.
  
• Do You Like the Possible Nicknames?
  Love the name Madeline but hate the nickname Maddie? You may want to consider a different option.You can try to guide friends and family towards using her full name, but it is pretty likely that the most obvious nickname will be used sometime in her life. So, if you hate the nickname—skip the name!
  
• Do You and Your Partner Agree?
  It’s hard enough to find a name you like… let alone one that you and your partner both love! It is important to be on the same page when it comes to naming. If you’re having trouble coming to a decision, consider a compromise: Dad gets to name the first baby, then Mum names the second or Mum chooses the first name while Dad the middle.
  
• Would You Want to Be Named the Name You’re Choosing?
  Put yourself in their shoes! Remember: You are giving a name to your little one for their entire life...would you like the name you’re choosing?
  

What did you consider when choosing your baby’s name? Tell us in the comments!

Disclaimer: The information on our site is NOT medical advice for any specific person or condition. It is only meant as general information. If you have any medical questions and concerns about your child or yourself, please contact your health provider. Breastmilk is the best source of nutrition for babies. It is important that, in preparation for and during breastfeeding, mothers eat a healthy, balanced diet. Combined breast- and bottle-feeding in the first weeks of life may reduce the supply of a mother's breastmilk and reversing the decision not to breastfeed is difficult. If you do decide to use infant formula, you should follow instructions carefully.