Baby Names

Choosing your baby’s name can seem like an impossible task, especially if you pick out your baby’s name before they are born. It can become even more complicated if you do not know your child’s gender. In that case, you are faced with the arduous task of selecting two different perfect names for your new addition. 

Besides gender, there are so many different factors to consider, from family history to name flow to initials. Even popular culture can play into your name choice, steering you toward or, in some cases, away from over-popular names.

Of course, the hardest part can be agreeing with your partner on your child’s name. Also, everyone else in your life, from your parents to friends and other family members, will have strong opinions on what the newest generation should be named.

So, while you can take others’ opinions under consideration, this daunting task is up to you and your partner. 

Types Of Baby Names 

Kids have to live with their names their entire life, which is something to consider when you and your partner choose a name. Picking a popular name may lead to your child being the second or third James or Michelle in their class. When looking for name ideas for your little one, it’s easy to get bogged down with the sheer amount of available information. Here’s a look at some types of names to consider.

Classic Names

Classic names sometimes get a bad rap for being too “old-fashioned.” However, there is nothing wrong with digging into the past for some baby name inspiration or what some may consider to be old money names. Names like Hazel, Gertrude, Rex, Henry, and Atticus may be a little old-fashioned. Still, you can be sure your child won’t hear their name being called on the playground and wonder who their friends are talking to.

If you like the idea of classic names but struggle with giving your baby such a strong name, you can put a fresh spin on an old classic and call them by a nickname or a shortened version until they are a little bit older. Conversely, don’t pick a name that is forever young. It may not age well as your child grows into their career. 

When considering a classic name, ask yourself how it sounds with your last name and the potential middle name. Will the names flow? Do the initials work? Is the name going to age well? Do I like how the name sounds if I say it multiple times?

Also, check historical references and royal baby names. There can be negative figures in history that may be associated with the name that may follow your child around. There could also be positive historical figures that may make things just as difficult for your child. A quick internet should do the trick. Don’t drive yourself crazy trying to track down every single reference to your name choice. 

Family Names

Baby names hold a lot of meaning and are chosen with careful consideration. It is not uncommon for surnames to be used as a child’s first name. Often, these names are non-gender specific and can carry on the family name, keeping it alive for generations to come.

Since parents have become so interested in genealogy in recent years, digging around in the past opens the door to more options than just your immediate family member’s last names. Honoring your family is a lovely gesture, but a kid might not enjoy being named Debus after their great-grandmother. 

Many last names began as words that reference the person’s occupation. Others literally meant “son of,” such as Jackson and Harrison. If you want to give your child a last name as a first name, you do not have to keep it to your own family’s names. People often name children after their favorite rock star or actor, using last names like McCartney, Hendrix, and Bowie. 

Name Meaning

If you have a general idea of what you want your child’s name to be, you can search by meaning or style to find the right fit. For example, if you want your child’s name to embody meanings like unity, strength, success, sharpness, pride or trust, you have more options than you may think. You can name them Andrew, meaning strong and manly for a boy, or Adira, Hebrew for noble and powerful for a girl.

If you’re searching for a more mellow meaning, you might want to consider a name that means soft, balance, or perfect.

Perhaps you have a strong religious background and are looking for a biblical name that means gift of god or a variation of it. You can choose any meaning you like and, with a quick search, come up with a multitude of names that fit the bill. 

Trending Names

Popular names have always been favorites for parents. Each year a new list comes out of the trending names across the world, and it’s ever-changing. Some years seasonal names take the lead, while other years, every other baby is named after a TV character. If you want to pick a popular name, you can reference Social Security’s name registry to see what names have been registered the most. Conversely, if you want a name a little further down on the trending list, you can go past the top ten for ideas. 

Trending names also lean heavily on what is going on in the world at the time too. In rough years, names that signify strength and resilience tend to become more popular as well. Of course, if there is a major sporting event, such as the Olympics, baby names trends come from the participating athletes. Parents may also opt to name their child after their favorite sporting event or team! 

Names By Syllable

Choosing a name based off how many syllables it has might be important to you. If for instance you have a longer last name, than a short first name can complement it well. This also works in reverse. If you have a short last name, you might be looking for a longer first name.

Another reason to consider the syllables in a name would be for nicknames. If you are not a fan of nicknames a shorter name provides less chance of a nickname forming for your child. Or if there is a nickname you love like Jack, you might want to consider giving your child the name Jackson. This gives him a professional name when he enters into the adult world, but a nickname you can use among family members and friends.

Seasonal Names

If you and your partner really like the weather and nature, you may want to consider names that come from the seasons. You don’t have to be as specific as naming your child Winter, Autumn, Summer, or Spring, though. Many different elements within each season can inspire your child’s name. In some cases, it may be as simple as picking a name that reminds you of your favorite part of that season. Weather baby names are a great way to honor your love for nature. Or perhaps something a little more out of the box relating to the passage of time.

Jewel Names

If you and your partner are a fan of stones, there are many different jewel names that you can choose for your child. Names like Ruby, Opal, Coral, Crystal, and Pearl can all be wonderful options. In addition, you can pick the stone for the month they are born in, such as Garnet for a girl born in January. 

You can also choose a name based on its meaning. For instance, choosing a baby name that means gold but not naming your baby gold is a subtle way to express significance.

However, if some of the names don’t sit right for you, you can look up the word’s origin and use that word for your child’s name. For example, some of the stones have beautiful Greek, Celtic, Hebrew, Germanic, and Arabic origins that make for unique names that are just as precious as your little one. 

Nature Inspired Names

Nature baby names have been gaining popularity in recent years, as parents seek names that are inspired by the natural world around us. These names often evoke a sense of serenity and tranquility, as well as a connection to the earth and its beauty. Many travel loving parents opt for names that mean wanderer or free spirit.

Some popular nature baby names include Willow, River, Forest, Sky, Ocean, and Autumn. Other names will have meanings rooted in nature such as spices like mint or sage. Or perhaps you want to opt for a name symbolizes a locations such as sand at the beach.

Many nature baby names have roots in different cultures and languages, adding a sense of uniqueness and diversity. Ultimately, choosing a nature-inspired name for a baby can be a wonderful way to celebrate the beauty and wonder of the nature world.

Animal Inspired Names

Animal inspired baby names can be traced back to ancient times. Animals were believed to bring good luck, protecting, and strength in some cultures.

Animal names were commonly used in Native American culture. Each animal was seen to have its own unique spirit and power. Animals names such as bear, wolf, eagle, and fox were commonly used for boys, while names like deer, rabbit, and butterfly were used for girls.

Ancient Egypt idolized gods and goddesses represented by animals such as Ra, the sun god depicted as a hawk or falcon. Anubis, the god of the afterlife was depicted as a jackal. Egyptians would name their children after these gods and goddesses.

In medieval Europe, animal names were popular among royalty and nobility. Names such as Lionheart, Wolfstan, and Reynard were common for boys. For girls, names like Ursula (little bear) and Felicity (associated with cats) were popular.

Animal inspired names continue to be used today. Leo, Bear, Fox, and Raven are common for boys. Names such as Dove, Luna and Phoenix are popular for girls. Evoking the sense of strength, beauty, and resilience, these unique names are a great twist from more traditional names.

Cultural Consideration

Some families are deeply rooted in cultural traditions. When choosing your baby’s name, you may want to honor your family’s heritage by choosing a unique name. This name can represent your ethnic heritage or combine your and your partner’s ancestry. 

For example, in Indian culture it is common for Hindus to give names based on horoscopes. These are provided by an astrologer.

Japanese naming customs and traditions are rich in history and cultural significance. Many Japanese names have specific meanings, such as “beautiful,” “strong,” “wise,” “angel,” or “flower.” Some parents choose names that have a special significance to them or their family, while others might look for names that have positive connotations.

You can choose to honor present-day ancestry or dive as far back as ancient Rome if your can trace your lineage back that far. A quick search can give you options for Greek, Irish, Australian, British, African, Lebanese, or European names to honor your heritage. 

Of course, you can also talk to family members to see if any unique family names have not been used in years and pick one of those for your new addition. That way, you are honoring your heritage in more ways than one. 

Unique Names

If you don’t want your child to be the tenth Wanda on the playground, you may move away from trending names and opt for a unique name instead. Be creative here and think of options like the ones many celebrities go for, like Rain, Apple, Kai, Snoh, Lupine, River, and more. You could also choose an ethereal baby name that is uncommon but carries a special meaning.

There is really no limit when it comes to unique names. Just remember, your child will have to lie with the name you chose for them, forever. 

Middle Names

Choosing your child’s middle name can be a difficult task too. As you and your partner are looking at options, there are a few things to consider. To ensure your child’s flows well, say the first, middle, and last names altogether. If that flows well, just say the first and middle name aloud. Ask yourself, does it flow well? Do the constants sound too harsh together? Also, consider if the name flows too well. You don’t want your child’s middle name to melt into their first.

Another thing to consider is whether or not your child’s initials are appropriate. Write the name in multiple ways to ensure you don’t give your child inappropriate initials or accidentally spell something awkward, especially when it’s just their first initial and last name. Remember, your child will have to live with their name from childhood through adulthood, and it will likely become an email address in an office one day.