1. Search through baby books or on-line books and make a list of the names you like, include 20-40 names. Then go back the next day and cross off the ones you don’t like as much. After about a week you should have your list narrowed down to a few choices.
2. You need to choose a name that goes with your last name. Also consider the initials your child will have. If the initials form a word or have a meaning then choose a different name. My initials were TP (toilet paper) without my middle name.
3. Choose a name with a special meaning, maybe a characteristic that you want them to possess. Baby books and many web sites usually list names with their meanings.
4. You can incorporate a family name or one that shows your ethnic heritage. Family names are usually best used as middle names, that way no one gets confused. For example my son’s middle name is Gene after his father.
5. Unique spellings although unique make it difficult when your child is constantly spelling or having their name mispronounced. Don’t make Emily into Emaleigh just so it’s different. If you do want a unique name you could change the spelling of a common name and make a new name. For my daughter’s name we took the name Alyssa and changed it to Alysta.
6. Consider your other children’s names. Choose a name that sounds good when said with the others. For example I had friends who were named Crystal, Shanda, and Lier (crystal chandelier when said together), not a good choice. My kids all have an “l” and a “y” in their names. Although my husband didn’t realize this until our youngest was about 6 months old.
7. Don’t choose a boys name for a girl or choose a girls name for a boy. I know a man whose name is Tracee, which I think is a girls name. I also know someone named Dylan and she’s a girl. It’s nice when you can tell what sex a child is by their name.
8. You might choose a few names then wait until you see your baby before deciding which name fits best.
9. Before choosing a name remember that your child will have it for the rest of their life. If you wouldn’t want the name your child probably won’t either. Don’t choose a name just because it’s popular or you think it sounds cute. Remember your child will one day be an adult. Princess sounds cute for a little girl but not a lawyer.
10. Watch out for names that can be shortened or have a hidden joke, especially if they rhyme with profanity.