Over the course of my pregnancies, I’m pretty sure I have spent literal days brainstorming baby names — and that doesn’t even include the time I’ve spent convincing my husband to consider my top picks. After all, it’s a huge responsibility to name a human. So many things to consider. So many options.
In the process of discovering the perfect name, I’ve scrolled through baby name books, consulted every website, assessed our family tree, and more. Eventually, a favorite or two rises to the top and then I wait to meet my little one to finally gift what I hope they too will deem the best name for them.
But how exactly does one get to that point? The moment of gifting a name? What all should be asked and considered? Well, here are some questions to ask before you decide on a baby name:
Do you love it?
The #1 requirement of a name is if YOU and your partner love it. It truly doesn’t matter what anyone else thinks.
Does it work for a baby, child, teen, and adult?
Once I hone in on a name I love, I try to imagine not only my baby, but them as a child, teen, and adult. Does it work well over the course of a life span? Something that sounds charming for a 2-year-old may not feel the same for a 30-year-old.
How does it flow with your last name?
With my first baby, my husband and I considered the name Rocco. But with a very Italian last name that also ended in an “o”, it just felt like too much to us seeing that our little one would actually have more German heritage than Italian.
What is the name’s meaning?
A quick online search will reveal the meaning behind the name you might be considering. Sometimes it will lead you to love the name more, other times it might cause you to reassess. Often, I’ve worked backward too — searching for name ideas based on the meaning. Most recently, I’ve fallen in love with quite a few names related to “light” – Ellen, Ilona, Luz, Beacon, Kiran, and Meyer. Aren’t those brilliant?
Are you naming your baby after someone or some place?
Your family tree is a wonderful place to find name inspiration, as is a map of places you’ve lived or visited. My son is actually named for the hometown of a dear friend we lost too soon. It was the perfect, subtle way to show him honor.
What are the initials?
Once you land on a name, double check those initials to make sure they don’t spell something shady.
Are there alternative spellings?
Consider all the options and get creative with spelling varieties if you want to — or not.
How does it rate in popularity?
For some, it’s very important that their child’s name doesn’t rank in the top 100. For others, the top 100 or top 1,000 list will be a gold mine for name options.
Who else do you know with this name?
Sometimes it’s a great thing when you know someone else with the name you are considering, and other times it’s a deterrent. And then you’ve got other’s opinions. In my case, both my mom and sister are teachers, so I always run name ideas by them for a little insight.
What about potential nicknames?
Oh nicknames! They can make or break a name, can’t they? With one of my kids, I actually opted to officially name him the nickname. I just liked it most!
What makes it special?
At some point, every child will ask: “Why did you name me this?” Think through your answer so they feel extra special when they hear the thought that went into choosing their perfect name.
