Choosing a baby name can be like planning a wedding – you’ve either had an idea ingrained in your head since you were little or you have never thought about it before. I am the latter of the two. I never grew up just knowing what I would want to name my baby – my husband either. So, we had a little homework to do during our nine months to ensure we landed on something we both liked and that was suitable.
This was shockingly a lot harder than we had anticipated! We started discussing options at about month 4 and were still discussing right up until the day our little bundle arrived. We had the whiteboard out, we had notes going in our phones, we played baby name tinder – we did it all!
Eventually, we got there. And we are very, very happy with the outcome.
Here is some inspiration on how to choose a baby name. These steps can help generate first and middle names. I’ve also created a free printable to support the brainstorming process.
1. Names you love
Starting here will feel the most natural. Separately, have you and your significant other generate a list of all the names you have always loved or at least really like. Even if you could never see yourself selecting a particular name for your own baby, but you like it, write it down anyways.
2. Draw a family tree
Have you always considered continuing a family name or keeping within a family tradition? Drawing out a family tree can be super helpful here.
I absolutely loved this activity for more reasons than just trying to find the perfect baby name. I was fortunate enough to be able to sit down with grandparents on both mine and my husband’s side and really learn about family history through this process. In going back about 4-5 generations, I learned where some existing family names came from as well as family history that I had no idea about!
You can find a copy of a family tree to fill out in the free baby name printable attached to this post (along with lots of space for brainstorming!)
3. Consider what is meaningful to you
Consider what aspects of your life are meaningful to you. These can be values, adjectives, hobbies, inspiring people in your life.
First, determine what these higher-level categories are and then complete a brainstorm of words under each.
For example, if positivity is a value that is meaningful to you – what are some names that reflect positivity?
If you have a passion for travel, adventure, yoga, florals – what are words that represent these categories?
These might not sound like baby names as you write them down – but that is okay! You never know what may come from it.
4. Places you’ve visited
If you and your significant other have traveled the world together or lived in different cities, you may be surprised what name inspiration is hiding in there.
Generate a list of all the places you have been or lived that are meaningful to you. Don’t forget to include landmarks, parks & beaches.
5. Be on the lookout for inspiration
Inspiration is everywhere you look! From street names to TV and movie characters to books & famous people.
Keep a note in your phone so when you come across a piece of name inspiration – whether that is on your morning walk or while having a little Netflix & chill session – you can jot the inspiration down.
6. Tinder for baby names
The app, Babyname, is actually that. It is like Tinder, but for baby names! You and your significant other both sign up and create accounts on separate devices and then you can swipe through a variety of names in different categories.
The app will then notify you when you’ve got a match. It is a free app with optional, paid add-ons if you’re really needing some more inspiration.
Things to Consider Next
Once you’ve got a decent list of brainstormed baby names, now is the time to narrow it down. There are a few things to ask yourself when choosing a baby name.
- Is this name trendy? Is it too trendy?
- Is this name suitable for an adult, as well? Some names are super cute for babies but don’t necessarily age well…
- What do the initials spell out?
- Are there are any really insensitive nicknames that can be pulled from this name? We want to mitigate any name-calling on the playground…now!
- Planning to name them one thing but go by their middle name? If you’re going to go by their middle name, what are the implications this will have on them completing paperwork… for pretty much the rest of their life?
Choosing a name for your baby is a BIG responsibility! It is something that is going to be with them for the rest of their lives. No pressure or anything…! It is a very exciting time & journey to be on with, especially with your significant other. Utilize this time together to brainstorm and talk about possibilities. Make sure you both come to the table with opinions so it is a joint effort.
Happy baby naming!
OTHER POSTS YOU MAY LIKE TO HELP YOU PREP FOR YOUR NEW BABY:
How to Easily Prepare a Nursery… During a Pandemic
13 Pieces of Pregnancy Advice You Haven’t Heard Before
16 Essential Household Items You Need Before A New baby
How to DIY Maternity Photoshoot At Home