Baby Names: The First Big Decision Parents Make

With literally hundreds of thousands of names out there to choose from this can be an overwhelming task. You start your task by making a name list. One side you list your favorite girls names on the other your favorite boys names.

On this list you place only the names that sound great to you or have a special meaning. You say out loud to yourself. Then you say them with your last name and a possible middle name. Excitement, one stands out, it has a good rhythm with your last name. Yeah, this is "the name".

Then you try it out on your family and your friends. Now, this is where the frustration part comes in. You present your prize to them, the accumulation of hours of research. They shoot it down like a clay pigeon. They might remain silent or say something like "Why, I don't think I've ever heard that name before". Which means that they hate it but are not going to tell you that.

My real life parent advice is this: You are never going to please all the people so work on pleasing the only people who have to live with the decision you the parents and baby.

This site has lists and links that will hopefully help you search and find that perfect name for your baby girl or baby boy. But before you start your search please quickly read the list of tips on how to choose a baby name below.

Choosing Baby Names Tips

• Names should have a rhythmic flow. For example, Austin Michael Jones has a rhythm or flow versus Austin Mark Jones.
• Names should be as short as possible. Avoid using two or three names in the middle. Who wants to write John Paul Matthew Jones their whole life? I tried to hyphenate my last name when I first got married and found it annoying and stopped.
• Does the name rhyme with or shortened into something vulgar or insulting. You may not think about this but others will. I'm sure you remember how cruel kids can be. Make sure your child can wear his name with pride.
• Original names are great but be careful. When considering unique names think about your child as a student, employee and adult. Will the name fit all of these people or will it be awkward as your child matures. Remember Buffy is cute for a baby but not so much as a 40 year old attorney.
• Names are calling cards. They are what people will identify your child with his/her whole life. Choose a name that stands out from the crowd. People tend to remember unique and original names over the common.
• Names are often like shoes they come in and out of style.I'm sure you have your own opinion of what is stylish and what is out. Some people like names that have a western sound to it like Dakota. Others like trendy names like Tiffany. Knowing what your name style is will help narrow the search any eliminate some of the frustration.
• When choosing a name consider nicknames. Many times a name will be shortened by family and community even if the parents don't wish it to be. Can you live with a shortened version of the name even if its only from time to time.
• Be very aware of gender specific names. This is especially true when naming a boy. Make sure the name you choose for your son has a strong masculine sound to it. Names like Francis and Marion will cause your son a lot of conflict.
• The greatest tip of all is have fun. Naming a child is a very serious decision but it also should be fun. Play with different spellings and letter combinations.

Tips for Searching for Baby Names

Baby Naming Trends

• Another great way to find that perfect name is to think outside the baby book box. Many parents are finding their baby's name by looking at the world around them. Traditionally, flowers and trees were sources for names but names from nature have grown beyond that. Names like River and Star have grown in popularity over the past decade.
• Using last names for first names is a growing trend in baby naming. Many babies have been named using an old family name or mother's maiden name. Click here to see a supreme list of last names that transition to first names well.
• Parents seem to have a more difficult time finding that special baby girl name. A trend for naming girls that is popular now is using a boy name for a girl. There are a number of boy names that make attractive girl names.
• The Bible has always been a traditional source of baby names. Many popular names of today have roots back to the Bible. The Bible also can offer that different and unique names that are not so common today.
• Cultural names are very trendy today. Many Americans are looking to their heritages to choose a name for the next generation.

Unique Baby Names

Home Page