Picking Baby Names

I heard a story once about a lady who hadn’t chosen a name when she went into labor. Under heavy anesthesia for the pain and on her way to the delivery room, she saw a sign which bore the perfect name for the baby she would soon hold in her arms. She insisted that boy take on the perfect name she saw on the sign. She named him Nosmo King.

Picking a name for the baby can be one of the most

daunting tasks a parent-to-be faces. A name carries so much depth and will forever be associated with the personality of the bearer. An identity is established in the name alone. With all of the weight choosing a name bears, sometimes it seems like it would make more

sense to wait to know this little being before bestowing their epithet. Of course this could result in more Picabo Streets, who is rumored to have named herself as a child after her favorite game. (As a skier myself, I have to say that’s not entirely a bad thing.)

Even before we were thinking about getting pregnant, my husband and I would toss out names for the baby we would someday have. Many were promptly vetoed. Many were considered and subsequently declined. Even now that our little girl has arrived, I am glad we didn’t have a chance to use the boy’s name we picked. I’ve since changed my mind. Picking a name is tough!

There are baby name books and websites and friend’s recommendations with unending lists of names and meanings. Sites like Baby Center have pages to help start the search. Some of the things to take into consideration include how the first name goes with the last name, what the initials spell, how unique the name is, not to mention what kinds of things other kids will come up with that rhyme with the name. Once a name is picked, any creative spellings should be reviewed for pronunciation.

Deciding a preference for traditional or unique or names is a good place to start.  Traditional name selections can start with reviewing family names to maintain heritage. Old fashioned names seem to be making a come-back right now. I know 3 Isabella and Sophia babies. Another approach could be to start with a meaning and finding a name that carries that sense, such as if you want to convey the meaning of “noble” you can name your daughter “Heidi” (no pressure). For more unique names, consider favorite places, combining names, or even words that are not traditionally used as names (like our friends who used their car for inspiration and named their daughter Giulietta). The possibilities are endless.

Picking a name for a baby can be a daunting task, but it can be a lot of fun. There really is no right or wrong approach.  Keep a pen and paper close when going through the process to write down any ideas that come up. Most importantly, know that the best part of seeing that name on the paper above the crib in the nursery is the amazing gift of the baby beneath it.

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