Top Ten Tips for Choosing a Baby’s Name (continued)
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Tip #4: The Meaning of the Name Matters
Do you know what your name means? If not, then start knowing the meaning of your child’s name. Do you want your big, strong boy to bear a name that means “pretty flower”? Remember that although name meaning may sound less important, it does create a big deal. So it is then necessary to create a name that contains a positive meaning for the reason that it sometimes be associated with the personality or character of your child.
I bet you will agree with me if I will say that there’s nothing lovelier than to know that the name you have created for your child has a pleasant origin. Yes, it is! So if possible, try to decide for a name that has a positive meaning. Choose the ones that are associated with good qualities and desirable traits that you wish your child may possess. However, creating a name that is associated with good qualities or traits is not easy as pie. If you have picked a name that means “kind”, for instance, then it follows that you must teach and show your child the virtue of kindness. Raise him or her up with kindness in your heart, in your mind and in your deeds. And, if the meaning you chose means “brave”, then you should also show the difference between braveness and foolishness to your child for him or her to deserve such name.
But, how can you know the meaning of the name you have chosen for your baby?
The solution is just so simple. There are hundreds of books out there that contain information about baby’s names and their meanings. Aside from this fact, a myriad of websites are out there today that could help you generate a name for your baby and find that name’s meaning. All you have to do in these websites is to enter the names that you are considering and your on the way to knowing what those names mean. In addition, there are some online portals these days that display hundreds of names in alphabetical order, with their corresponding meanings. So start exploring the web now.
Tip #5: Be Creative, but Not Too!
I bet you’ve heard someone saying be unique or creative, but not too. Well, this is certainly true when choosing a name for your baby. Note that creating a name that is unique is not a bad idea, but to create it with too much uniqueness and creativity may end up your child regretting the name and blaming you in the end. A name that no one has heard of or can’t pronounce can no doubt bring embarrassment. It may even bring unwanted attention to a child. So if possible, don’t be too unique when deciding for a baby’s name. Common names that are easily recognized or can easily be spelled may fare much better to your child’s future, although having a unique name may make your child stand out in the crowd.
Tip #6: Trendy and Popular? Think Twice!
A name’s popularity is also a matter of consideration when choosing a name for your baby. Parents must remember that names that are too trendy are likely to go out of style in the years to come. Also, choosing a name that is on top of the popularity list has certain risks. The name being on the top will be a favorite to so many that your child may end up with a name that everyone else has.
For starters, having a name that most everyone around you has, may create some difficulty and confusion especially in school. It can be tough for your child to find three or more of his or her classmates answering to the same name. A teacher of this class may also find it daunting to call a student , John and three or four of the students get up and respond to the same name. Given this fact, it is then best to avoid the so-called “top ten” names. Look for certain names which are rare, but are not too, or simply look for a name that is mid popular and not too trendy.
Tip #7: Consider Nicknames
Creating a nickname for a child is another important thing to consider. Always remember that most children are addressed by their nicknames. So when you think of a nickname for your baby, always consider what possible nickname can be derived from the first name. Before you choose one, again test the nicknames for compatibility. Think of what the nickname you chose could subject your child to in the future. Nicknames can be fodder for playground teasing as kids can sometimes be cruel.
Tip #8: Watch Out for Initials
As what most people have noticed, the initials in a name can be a devastating factor, this is perhaps the reason that most couples or parents do not really look at the initials when deciding on a name for their babies. Well, initials should not appear undesirable. It is worth noting that most of the time in our lives, initials are highly required. So it is important for parent to think about it and make sure that the first initials of their child’s first, middle and last name do not spell anything that is undesirable. To put it simply, the words that will be formed from the initials of a given baby name should not be a subject of ridicule. For instance, the name Precious Ivy Gonzalez may be a beautiful name for a beautiful baby girl, but the downside is when you take a look at the initials and the words that will form is “PIG”. Now, are those initials great to hear? These initials can no doubt become a source of anguish and shame for your child. Besides, who loves to be called “PIG”? No one, I think so. So be very careful when choosing a name for your baby.
Tip #9: Name after a Family Member’s Name
A lot of parents have recognized the advantage of naming a child after a family member’s or relative’s name. Well, according to some resources, naming a child after a family member’s name is like honoring that member. So if you want to show honor to your grandparents perhaps, then start checking out with their names and collect as many family names as possible. You can use the same for your child, but this is not by far a very good option for the initial is worthy of consideration here. Perhaps the best way to do is to create a variation of the name or do a matching with the first initial. For example, you can name your child “Jack” after your grandmother’s name “Jacqueline”.
Tip #10: Think About theGender
Most people think for a name based on the name’s gender. Well, this is a pretty considerable matter as it is important for name to be clearly identified by gender. In this way, names that are being used for both girls and boys can easily be ruled, thus choosing the right name for your child can be done as easy as possible. Simply put, it’s advisable to make a name with clear gender identification.
So, all the possible options are laid down to you. Perhaps the best thing for you to do now is to note and understand everything that has been said. Always remember to think for your child’s future when deciding on a name for your baby. And, don’t forget that ultimately, the name of your child is your decision, so if you consider the tips mentioned above carefully and choose a name based on what you really feel or love, then there’s no way for you to go wrong.
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