Many couples feel obligated to name their baby after a relative; this could be aggravating or advantageous depending on how other family members feel about it. It can be a blessing because it makes it easy to brainstorm baby names by writing down everyone in both extended families. Then go through and see which names they like the best. If none of them sound appealing then you do not have to use any of them. Or if you like two names try a combination of both names. Other couples have used their own middle name or other family names for possible baby names.
If everyone is hassling you with names, save yourself the aggravation and do not tell them, keep the name a secret until it is put on the birth certificate. Some names you have chosen often may not seem as appealing when you first see your baby. You may have planned on Kayla but she looks like a Rebecca instead.
Many couples have problems deciding on what names they both like because for years certain names have been in a person’s mind; once couples talk through a name they may find they have very different tastes. Even the grandparents will want you to name your children by their favorite names. The best way to solve this dilemma is to think about the baby! They have to live with the names you decide on for the rest of their lives. What may be cute when they are three will not be cute when they are forty and in charge of a large corporation. What you name them may decide what they become.
If you are a star crazed fan it may not be a great idea to name them after a celebrity who has an unusual name. They may be popular in the moment, but a few years down the road will they want to be saddled with that name? Think through all combinations of names to ensure they are not going to be embarrassing to the child later on.
If you are thinking of popular baby names, keep in mind many people will have your child’s name throughout the rest of their lives. My name is Emily Marie Thomas. Every part of my name is common and popular; many people actually have that exact name. It can get confusing when you are in college and there are three other people with your exact name (Yes, this really happened). Luckily, I have a sense of humor and love the name I was given. Your child might not be so happy.
When it comes to baby names, try to spell it the normal way because they will spend the rest of their lives fixing people’s spelling mistakes on their name. Another common problem with names is if you give them a unique name. No one will ever want to say their name and they have a greater potential never getting to hear their name because people are too afraid to say it wrong. The best advice is to go with your heart when choosing the right baby names.
By Emily Thomas