Coming Up with a Name
Coming Up with a Name
Trouble Naming?
You are not alone, most couples run into problems when thinking up names. How can you possibly name a person you've never even met? Of an infinite pool of names, how do you select one or two that truly sum up the amazing thing that is your baby-to-be? And what if your partner likes Harry, Ron and Hermione, when you're more into Saruman, Elrond and Arwen?
To avoid having their children teased, many couples spend hours running through lists, shortlists and definite-no-no lists of baby names. The meaning behind a name is also very important. Whether it's a special personal meaning: the name of a loved one or a significant link to the past: or hidden in the name's origins, many parents feel happier giving their children names which 'mean something'.
Personal and Semantic Meanings:
Who wouldn't be flattered to learn that their name meant 'beautiful' or 'strong' or 'wise'?
But often parents choose names with meanings that echo not only the semantics of the word itself, but hold deeper personal significance. Many children are named after a parent of another important member of the family.
Waiting for the Birthday:
What's the rush? Many parents hold off naming their baby until the first birthday. There might be some event or action that triggers a name. Lots of moms and dads allow for this by thinking up several possible names and waiting for the Big Day to make their final decision. We have over 17,000 names in our database to help you find the right name.
Happy Coincidences:
Sometimes, parents are lucky enough to stumble across a name that seems to tie together neatly in several different ways and meanings. Helen found this when she named her baby boy Otto, after a pet fish in one of her daughter's books.
Expecting Twins?
If you're struggling to think up a name for one baby, pity the poor parents expecting twins. It can be double the trouble finding two complementary names that don't clash, rhyme or make your children sound like cartoon characters. Pinky and Perky and Tweedledum and Tweedledee can carry it off, but on their 18th birthdays, will your twin daughters really thank you for calling them Lolly and Dolly? Come on, let's not be cruel here.
Often, parents choose a name not for any deep family, semantic or personal meaning, but because they happen to like a celebrity with the same name while other parents let younger siblings choose a name.
Take heart as you pore over countless baby books, scan the credits in obscure films and search your family tree for a name which perfectly sums up the wonder of your child-to-be, don't worry too much. When your baby is born and you've entered the mysterious world of parenthood, you'll soon learn something very important ...
Once you've met your baby Jack, Lewis, Daniel or Xanzigiar, it doesn't matter what his name means. Because it will soon become your favourite name in the whole world.
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