|
 Through
all the delights of pregnancy, there comes a stage where all parents have
to make the decision that will affect their child for the rest of their
life - choosing a name.
No matter how you come up with your baby's name, one thing is for certain,
it will follow your child from birth, through childhood, adolescence and
into adulthood. With such a long lifespan, it's important to get it right
- even Deed Polls can't change a Birth Certificate!
Linda RosenKrantz, co-author of nine baby naming books, including The
Brilliant Book of Baby Names, helps clear the dilemmas of choosing baby's
name, with the following Dos and Don'ts.
Decide which of the following statements is a Do and which is a Don't
and click on your answer to see if Linda agrees - you might be surprised!
1. Giving your baby a name that all your friends and family hate
You'll regret giving up your favourite just because others
don't get its appeal.
They may see something you don't see.
2. Naming your baby after a celebrity's child
DO - If it's a pretty and popular one like Reese Witherspoon's
Ava.
DON'T - One Princess Tiaamii in the world is probably enough.
3. Carrying on a family tradition
DO - It provides a nice sense of continuity and connection
to your child's history.
DON'T - Could be confusing if your son, his Dad and his Granddad
are all named Thomas and you need nicknames to set them apart.
4. Considering what their initials will spell out
Unless you think your daughter won't mind having towels monogrammed
with the initials for Pandora Isabel Green.
If you think your daughter will mind having towels
monogrammed with the initials for Pandora Isabel Green.
5. Making their name from a mix of yours and your partner's
It's another way of solidifying and expanding your bond.
It could come out as a bizarre amalgam (e.g. Trevalina).
6. Giving all siblings a name beginning with the same letter
They can pass along their initialed t-shirts as they outgrow
them.
It has a kind of assembly line feel.
7. Picking a name out of a hat
Think of it as one possibility, not an inevitability.
It might be Herman or Hephzibah.
8. Leaving it until the baby is born before you decide on a name
A baby's looks and persona can suggest what name suits it.
Deciding ahead of time gives the baby a real identity even
before it arrives.
9. Sticking with the first name you think of
If you're a strong believer in first impressions and love
at first sight.
If you feel it would be better to explore all your options.
10. Choosing a name for its literal meaning
Your Ethan will like knowing that his name means "strong."
Ebenezer's schoolmates won't know (or care) that his name
means "strong."
11. Giving your baby a name that's top of the pops
Kids actually like having a popular name.
Being one of six Olivias in her class might make yours feel
less special.
Where to next?
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