Even before we become parents, we have named a couple of things in our lives: a pet, organization, or boyfriends. Sometimes, we also change our names, from a simple pet name to legally changing what’s on our personal records. Naming is fun; it makes us creative, reflective and adventurous. On the other hand, one doesn’t just give a name. It is very personal especially when it is our to turn to name a child.

Normally, these names come to mind even before a kid is born. One could choose from their particular obsession like Raikkonen, if you are an f1 fan; Maki, after a Japanese food; or Everest, for mountaineering enthusiasts. Many of us also choose a name depending on what it signifies. A parent may want to name their child that would mean strong, independent spirit, gift from god, etc.

But how do you really know what’s best suited for your child? Here are a few considerations that might help:

CONTINUING THE LEGACY
Some families preserve their history by passing on the names of their ancestors to their child. This is the reason why there are names such as Junior, Oliver the third and so on. One known family trend is to name the first-born male after the paternal grandfather. Some even look further on their family tree to find a name; either they keep the original form or change the spelling or pronunciation. One example is Joseph, which can be spelled as Josef.

A few might also name their child with the name of their country origin like Asia, Cuba, or Brazilia. Some parents would want to name their child following an ethnic or religious tradition.

SOUND CHECK
On writing or saying the full name of a person, one can notice if both names go together or not. Some people contemplate on the compatibility of the first and last name, like if it sounds funny or if it presents an impression on the child. Some Hollywood actors change their name more than one occasion until they find the one that “clicks”.

A forename in mind can be fine as it is; however, it can have a different effect when combined with the family name. Some common observations in finding a well-matched name include syllabication. Multisyllabic first names are usually matched with monosyllabic surnames like Cassandra Wong, and vise-versa, Love McIntyre.

Another common view is to steer clear of a possible acronym like Gabrielle Angora Gibson = GAG. Then again, this can come out good if it will be taken as “cool” by your child and his peers. Examples are Mark Anthony Nicholson = MAN or Lee Edward Gray = LEG. Avoiding first and last names that rhyme is also a familiar advice by other parents.

TIME WILL TELL
Remember that names last forever (unless your child hates it and file for another one). Not only that, it can represent your personality. Some people believe that your name molds you. Have you ever thought of a name that doesn’t suit a type of person? Among your friends, can you imagine adopting each other’s names and see if you can really live to that name? The name Babe can be cute for a kid, fine for a teenager, but probably not great for a 50 year-old woman. On the other hand, it can be charming calling your grandmother Babe but maybe not for everyone. Strawberry can also be a name that might have an age limit, and so is Bunny.

In addition to this, naming a child with such a unique way of spelling can be great or a problem in the future. Kristoffer, Poalinah, Kehnn and the like are potential headaches for your kid when he would have to always correct the spelling and pronunciation of her name. Your child can spend a lifetime spelling her name to strangers.

Other concerns in naming a child are unisex names (if the sex of the child is preferred to be unknown), future consequences like Charlie if your surname is Chaplin, nickname as the forename like Lizzie, instead of Elizabeth. Naming your child can give such an emotional and mental weight on parents.

Don’t worry though, some parents give a name after a child is born and some wait even longer until the perfect name comes along. No one can blame you; you’re a parent now.

Congratulations!

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