10 tips for choosing a baby name

Are you looking for traditional ‘with a twist’ or thinking of something altogether more unique? Whichever route you go down, a third of couples fall out over choosing a name, so here are a few things to consider before you begin.

By Lynne Roberts

Royal or biblical names

Elizabeth is a hot favourite with the bookies for the new royal baby, and if you’re stuck for ideas you could do worse than look to the Royal family for inspiration.

Royal names like George, Mary, William or Catherine are a pretty safe bet handed down through the generations. They may sound old-fashioned or stuffy at first, but they never date and can be shortened to something cute when they’re little. After all, if it’s good enough for a prince or princess.
Meaning

Most people don’t give much thought to what their name means, but lots of parents want a name that will resonate with their heritage or beliefs in some way.

With endless online naming tools it’s easy to check out meanings so think carefully before you take the plunge. Your favourite name may sound great, but may lose its appeal when you discover it means ‘dog’ (Caleb), ‘pig’ (Portia) or ‘crooked nose’ (Cameron).
Hormomes

You only have to suffer a few mood swings to know that there are times during pregnancy when reason flies out of the window.

Bear in mind your hormones are all over the place and while your ‘perfect’ name may sound brilliant halfway through the third trimester you may just feel differently when the dust settles and you’re left with little Boudicca.

Run it by a few friends you trust to tell you the truth and make sure you say it out loud so you know what it sounds like when you holler it across the playground.
Siblings

Choosing a name is never easy but if it’s not your first baby there’s the added complication of siblings to consider. Find names that will complement each other. Whether you go for quirky or traditional consistency is key, so if you choose something Biblical first time they are more likely to go together if you stick with the theme.

And a long name may sound odd next to one that’s very short. Avoid names which rhyme – you may think it’s cute or funny now, but Maisie and Daisie might hold it against you in years to come.
Surname

If you know whose surname the kids will have the next challenge is to work out how it will sit with their first name. Does it roll off the tongue easily? What are potential nicknames and what will they get called at school?

A shorter first name and longer second work well, or vice versa. But think carefully before picking rhyming names (think Roland Boland) puns (Minnie Driver) or the ‘double whammy’ (Edward Edwards) which will haunt them into their adult years.
Don't fall out over it

What happens if you’ve known the name of your firstborn since high school only to discover your partner hates it? A third of couples fall out over what to name their child and some resort to desperate tactics, each calling them by a different name or even registering a different name behind their partner’s back.

Start talking about it now so you’re not disappointed later, draw up a shortlist of names you both like and take it from there.
Ignore everyone else

When it comes to choosing a name everyone has an opinion. Family and friends will have plenty of suggestions and even strangers will think nothing of asking you what you have in mind – only to then tell you exactly why they don’t like it.

'I got so fed up with people giving a name their blessing or not that I just pretended we hadn’t come up with anything yet, or changed the subject,' says Emily, 29. Thank people for their ideas and when they ask for yours just say you haven’t decided yet, or simply that you’d rather not say.
Get your own name

If you’re thinking about ‘borrowing’ a name it’s a good idea to make sure whoever had it first won’t mind. If you’ve had your heart set on a name since you were little it can be infuriating when someone comes along and uses it just before you.

Similarly, think twice about names already used by family, friends or mums from your NCT group – will it cause upset if you use it for your own child? 'My sister named her son Jake when she knew that was ‘my’ name,' says Lisa 35. 'Years later I’ve just about got over it, but I was livid at the time.'
Family

Look back through your family tree and chances are you’ll find a few names to make you snigger. But names often go in cycles as people remember favourite aunts or grandparents.

Traditional names may sound dull but often suit an adult better than a baby and have lasting appeal, while family names can give your child a strong sense of identity and his place in the world. If your family is very traditional and you’re under pressure to use a particular name, you could always consider using it as a middle name instead.
Unique

Thinking of a classic name but with your own ‘twist,’ or something quirky and individual that will make them stand out from the crowd? An unusual name will ensure they’re not just one of three in their class at school, however if it’s hard to pronounce or spell it could bring them unwanted attention or cause confusion when it comes to paperwork.

While trendy names might sound more exciting now, they can date quickly and may not have the same appeal later on – try it out by imagining how it will sound when they introduce themselves to a potential date a few years down the line.
Next Up: 36 embarrassing pregnancy pictures
Some the most cringeworthy pregnancy photos from Awkward Family Photos.