Most Important Decision of a Lifetime - What to Name Your Baby

Most Important Decision of a Lifetime - What to Name Your Baby

By S. Denise Hoyle

Most people don't know the meaning of their name, but most namesdo have meanings. You should at least find out the meanings ofyour favorite choices before giving one of them to your child.The meaning of your child's name probably won't greatly affecthis or her life, but may help you to make a decision betweenyour favorites.

Many names are shortened to nicknames during childhood, or otherstages of life, so be sure to think about what shortened formsof your child's name may be. Also consider that names we mightthink are cute for a child could be embarrassing later in life,before giving your child a nickname as their legal name. Forinstance - shortening Samantha to Sam or Sammy while yourdaughter is young may be fine, but will she mind having to putSam on her business cards or college application later in lifeif its her legal name?

No one likes having their name constantly misspelled ormispronounced, so keep this in mind before choosing a uniquepronunciation or spelling of a common name. Remember that yourchild will spend his or her lifetime explaining to others howthe name is really spelled or pronounced.

Unisex names, like Chris, Robin or Terry, may make it easier foryou to choose your child's name before you know their sex, butothers argue that it can be unfair and psychologically harmfulto a child, especially to boys who may feel more insulted whenpresumed to be girls, than girls do when they're mistaken forboys.

Namesakes, or exact reproductions of a person's name, even iffollowed by II or Jr., are quite often confusing to everyoneinvolved. Worse yet, the child never gets the satisfaction ofhaving a clear identity or name of his own. Although namesakescan be complimentary to the original owner of the name, considerthe impact to your child, and how you plan to differentiatebetween the people who share the name before you choose to nameyour child after someone else.

Remember, the name you choose for your child will be a lifetimedecision, so take your time and enjoy the process!

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About the author:

S. Denise Hoyle serves as the webmaster of bothhttp://nurseryroomprojects.com and http://fertility-facts.com.To find the meanings and origins of thousands of popular names,take a look at our lists of boy's names and girl's names athttp://nurseryroomprojects.com/baby_names.htm

(c) Copyright 2003, S. Denise Hoyle. All Rights Reserved.

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