Tip 1.
Consider it an honour to be given the responsibility of choosing a name for an individual to carry with them for a life time. It needs to stand the test of teenage mocking, the ease with which to write it in kindergarten, to be cute as a toddler but be strong enough to carry wisdom as an adult.
Tip 2
Personality. Your baby's name does not make them who they are; their personality does. Allow your baby time to grow into who they are instead of making a statement before they get a chance to show it. Think about a few name options then decide after you meet.
Tip 3.
Associations. Your baby's name will usually be with them and you for life. Be aware that if you choose a name that reminds you of someone who you have not liked, it can create an associated negative response towards your child through the relationship you had with the person that you did not like. At times during your child's life there will be enough negative thoughts towards them, without bringing in unnecessary ones. I imagine this can be tough for parents who have a teaching background with many name associations.
Tip 4.
Learning to write. Be mindful of not choosing a name that is long or has a lot of curvy letters in it (g, u, c, o, s). When your child begins learning to write their name, it can be difficult to get the curves going in the right direction! Growing up has enough frustrations to cope with, therefore minimize them when you can.
Tip 5.
Will they be unique or the odd one out?
It is nice to have a unique and unusual name but your child will be forever hearing comments and answering constant questions such as:
How do you spell that?
Is that your real name?
Oh, that's different!!
Where did your parents get your name from?
Constantly hearing these questions and comments can be a positive association for a child who has the personality to cope with being different or a negative one if they have a sensitive nature who wants to conform and feel a part of a group. Unfortunately you won't know what personality your baby has until well after they are born.
Tip 6.
Keeping it quiet. You may like to avoid telling friends and family your baby's name before they are born as you may want to change it when you meet each other at their birth.
Tip 7.
Middle name. Are you going to choose a middle name for your baby?
Why and what significance will it hold?
Tip 8.
Teasing. Children can be cruel! Are the initials of your baby's name going to be an easy target for name calling?
Tip 9.
Length. How long will their full name be? Take into consideration their surname as in some situations only a select number of letters fit on forms.
Tip 10.
This is a list of the 12 most popular names in Australia in 2008, 2009.
Do you want your child to have a common name?
BOYS or GIRLS
Jack and Ella
Lachlan and Emily
Joshua and Charlotte
William and Chloe
Ethan and Mia
Noah and Grace
Samuel and Sophie
Ryan and Olivia
Matthew and Isabelle
Daniel Jessica
Benjamin Lilly
James and Sienna
Whatever name you choose - love it.
Jan Murray has been committed to studying and working as a Registered Nurse, Midwife and Child Health Nurse for over 25 years. Jan is a mother of 5, Child Health Consultant who co-founded and directs Settle Petal. Jan provides information and support for parents to develop their knowledge base and confidence. Receive your FREE Routines eBook at http://www.settlepetal.com to unlock a secret to helping babies settle, sleep and grow.
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