Some parents have their baby's name picked out before their child is even conceived, while others wait until after their baby is born (and about to be discharged from the hospital!). If you're agonizing over all the choices out there and need baby name help, you're far from alone. Below, tips on choosing a baby name for your little one from What to Expect parents who have been there.
How to choose a baby name
Make it sing: Consider the cadence, and be careful about combinations that could turn your child's name into a joke.
Consider nicknames: Make sure you're happy with both the long and short versions of your child's name (e.g. Nate for Nathaniel, Katie for Katherine) because he or she may pick up the nickname whether you like it or not.
Look at initials: If you like the way C.J. sounds, Carl Joseph might be a good combo for your baby-boy-to-be.
Honor tradition: Get creative with the way you use family names and contemplate combining them: his mom is Ann, yours is Mary — welcome little Ann Marie! Use your mother's maiden name, the name of a favorite relative or a passed-down family name as either a middle or first name.
Be original: There's nothing wrong with an uncommon name!
Consider what's popular: Often, a parent hears a name he or she likes — the lead character from a TV show or the heroine of a novel — only to discover that, er, everyone else likes that name, too. If originality is important to you, check out the top girl names and top boy names to see if your choice shows up (and then choose something else!).
Analyze the meaning: Parents often choose a baby name by picking one with a special meaning or association. For example, you may feel so-so about "Bryan" until you learn it means strength and honor. Another source of inspiration is the ethnicity and/or its historical associations (a president, famous artist or explorer). "We named our son Jayden for the meaning behind it — it's a Hebrew name meaning: God has answered your prayers," says WTE user chachymom.
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See what fits: If all else fails, look to your new family member for help. Parents-to-be who can't decide on a name might simply want to wait until their baby is born. "With [son] Aidan I went through three major phases," says WTE member Gidgetgirl. "First he was Caleb. Then it was Joshua. On the way to the hospital I said 'I really like Aidan' and we went with it after he was born. It just fit."
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