Baby naming tips from YeahBaby.com - find tips and information on finding baby boy names and baby girl names.
Baby Naming Tips
Have you ever run into someone with a horrible name? Chances are their parents didn't read these YeahBaby.com tips on naming babies!
Your family has a favorite name, but is it appropriate for the baby?
This tip is your best bet for finding hidden gem baby names.
Because Candy Kane just isn't a good name.
Can't decide between two baby names? Combine them!
There's reasons why a baby name can never be too old fashioned!
Baby names using the mother's maiden name
My baby, Junior Johnson. Don't worry- we'll just call him Junior
For parents thinking ahead, read up on what traits make one name sexier than another.
Baby names and the initials they create
Some names just sound snotty
Check off this last item on your baby naming checklist
The two most common ways to obtain an SSN number for babies
Consider the baby's last name
When searching for baby names, always consider the baby's last name. Saying the two names together should produce a sound with a nice ring. Feel free to say the name out loud over and over, to get a good feel for the baby name.
If the baby's last name is long
Long baby names will often strike a balance with a short last name. Keanu Reeves rolls off the tongue much better than does Joe Reeves. Last names with two syllables typically sound good with any length first name.
If the baby's last name is short.
Many look for short baby names to compliment a long last name. Jane Gulbranson sounds better than Juanita Gulbranson.
Baby names with a dash of uniqueness
Baby names which are unique can often be a great thing. Baby names that are TOO unique may not be a good thing. Jermaine Jackson named his son Jermajesty, which we believe to be a punishable offense!
A name for the baby's entire life
Remember that a name lasts the baby's entire life. A baby name like 'Precious' may be fun to say for the baby's first couple years. But later in life, the name 'Precious' on a resume may cost your child the chance for a once in a lifetime job.
Is an odd baby name a good thing?
Think twice before choosing an odd baby name. Research suggests kids with odd names are teased more by peers and are overall less socialized. But if your family is full of bravado and energy, odd baby names may be a great thing.
Baby names that end in consonants
If a baby is going to have a last name that begins with a hard consonant, you may want to choose a baby name that ends in a vowel. News anchor Paula Zahn's name is much more pleasant than if she was named Liz Zahn.
The pitfalls of common names
Common baby names can be a blessing or a curse. On one hand, you cannot go wrong with the common baby name. On the other hand, your son or daughter will likely be known as Mary P. or John O. at school and throughout life.
Don't forget the baby's middle name
Many baby names are chosen to honor a favorite relative, religious figure, hero, or sports star. If the baby name does not make a good first name, perhaps the name could be used as the baby's middle name.
Analyze baby names through the eyes of a 12 year old
We've all gone through it - our schoolmates try to make a 'not so glamorous' nickname for us. Your child will thank you for avoiding the baby names which are obvious fodder for teasing. Naming your daughter 'April' or 'May' may cause teasing during those spring months.
When to avoid celebrity baby names
Some celebrities can become so much larger than life, their name becomes one you may not want to use for your baby name. We may never see many people naming their children Elvis or Cher.
Baby names meant for a nickname
Some baby names can be derived from naming your baby a longer name. If you want to call your baby girl Jen, you may want to name her Jennifer. If you want to call your baby boy Zeke, you may want to name him Ezekiel.
Can't decide between two baby names - combine them!
There will be occasions when one cannot decide between two baby names. See if the two names can be combined. We know a girl whose parents could not decide between Janelle and Della, so she was named Janella. We think that's a great baby name.
Carrying on a family name for the baby
Carrying on the name of a beloved family member's first name is all right, as long as it is a good name for the baby. If the name is simply not a good one, consider the family member's middle name.
Consider the baby name's meaning
You may want to consider the importance of the baby name's meaning. Even if this is not important to you, it may be important to your child.
Baby names using the mother's maiden name
If retaining the mother's maiden name is important, and you do not like hyphenating last names, try using the maiden name as the first name or middle name. Many maiden names may not be best suited for a first name, but will often make a great middle name.
Baby names and the initials they create
When choosing baby names, make sure to consider whether the baby name creates initials which are undesirable. Francis Arthur Thompson sounds like a great name, but the initials spell out F.A.T.
Announce baby names to trusted friends and family
Once you have zoned in on a baby name, get feedback from a couple, well-trusted friends or family. Their advice and input can be invaluable, and they can often point out anything you may have missed.
