So my friends came on Saturday night for some girl time and sometime between our uncontrollable laughter and crazy talk we got on the subject of baby names. Which just happens to be one of my favorite things to talk about, even since I was a child. I don't know what it is about naming but I have always found it to be extremely important and and I am very opinionated on the subject. The next day, I had a light bulb moment. What a great thing to talk about on my blog. I have so much to say on the subject. First off, I would really like to make it clear that what I say on Love The Name is strictly my opinion and I don't expect anyone to agree with me or like the names I like. If your child's name happens to be a name mentioned that I don't like, please don't take it personally! With that being said, what you can expect from Love The Name! is my personal rules, advice and opinions on naming. Swallow what you like and spit out what you don't.
On today's Love The Name! I will be talking about the do's and don'ts of naming your baby. I have compiled these lists from observing, researching and personal experience.
- Buy more than one baby name book. Every baby name book is different! Pay attention to the edition. Older ones may have inaccurate information on trends and dated top name lists. (my fave: Beyond Ava and Aiden by Linda Rosenkrantz and Pamela Redmond Satran)
- Add names to your list that you wouldn't normally add. Many of my top faves have been names I had to look twice, sometimes five times at before I realized how wonderful it was.
- Pay attention to trends. Whether you like to follow trends or stay away from them, it is important to know what they are. You wouldn't believe how many times I have heard very popular names mistaken as "unique". Many parents don't realize how common a name is until there are three more in their child's classroom. It might even be a good idea to ask some kids you know if they know anyone with the names you like. :)
- Think about you future children, even if you don't plan on having more.(surprises happen) Some people find "Sibsets" important, like me. Having names that fit each other well can be very important. If you have been set on naming your daughter Eva for years and then discover you are having a boy and name him Evan, keep in mind naming a future daughter Eva, might not be a great option.
- Pay attention to sounds! First, middle and last should flow well and not trick your tongue. The last letter/sound should not be the same as the first letter/sound of the middle or last name. That was confusing so for instance, Pilot's middle name should not start with T. Pilot Thomas. The T's clash. Also, the ending sound of the first, middle and last should not be the same. I DID THIS! I am quite angry at myself for it. Dexter Miller. The er at the end matches, No good. Make sure you do test runs on the name. They have some online.
- compromise. This has got to be the hardest DO. Dave and I have spoiled many days and nights arguing about names, even when we aren't pregnant. lol. When you and your partner have different styles of naming, it is important to find a middle ground. Maybe one can take first and the other can take middle. If one of you like uncommon names and the other likes classic, look at vintage names that once were common but aren't so much anymore.
- Let someone else's opinions ruin it for you, especially strangers, but even family members. Everyone has different experiences and associations with a name. Just because your best friend's aunt Sally was a bitch doesn't mean your little Sally will be too. I would hope after your baby is born and named, people will love the baby no matter what the name is. If they still make rude comments, then it's time to let them know that you don't appreciate it. Before that, just ignore them. (unless you asked)
- steal someone else's name. It is not okay to name your baby Jackson, when you know that your sister has been set on naming her baby that. Just because she isn't pregnant yet doesn't mean the name is free for the taking. It's rude and shows how little creativity you possess. If it is someone you don't know or the name of a baby you saw online and don't know, free game.
- worry about teasing. With the number of exotic, wacky and offbeat names, I don't think Banjo has much to say to Pilot. If little Michael wants to make fun of Bertram. Let little Bert know how you unique he is and not to let it bother him. But I wouldn't worry about it. Kids pick on other kids. I got called Amanda Panda and Amanda hug n kiss. please.
- Misspell your baby's name. Just because you used a y instead of an i or an o, does not make your child's name different than the other one in his class who's name is spelled right. It just makes it harder for them to learn how to spell it and for their teacher to read.
- use the same letter for every sibling. Although this can be cute, you are not the Duggars and sooner or later, they are going to run out of J names.Also, You can run into some problems with finding names you like that start with the same letter at number 5.
- aden, aylon, ianna. No matter what letter or combination you put in front of it, its still not unique. And just so you know Nevaeh is not unique anymore either.
- settle. Never Settle, even though finding a baby name can be frustrating, confusing and annoying. Sometimes you may not be able to use the name you really really love, but you CAN still find a name that is perfect for your baby without having to settle for a name someone else suggested or that you just kind of like.
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