Most Important Decision of a Lifetime - What to Name Your Baby

Most people don't know the meaning of their name, but most names do have meanings. You should at least find out the meanings of your favorite choices before giving one of them to your child. The meaning of your child's name probably won't greatly affect his or her life, but may help you to make a decision between your favorites.

Many names are shortened to nicknames during childhood, or other stages of life, so be sure to think about what shortened forms of your child's name may be. Also consider that names we might think are cute for a child could be embarrassing later in life, before giving your child a nickname as their legal name. For instance - shortening Samantha to Sam or Sammy while your daughter is young may be fine, but will she mind having to put Sam on her business cards or college application later in life if its her legal name?

No one likes having their name constantly misspelled or mispronounced, so keep this in mind before choosing a unique pronunciation or spelling of a common name. Remember that your child will spend his or her lifetime explaining to others how the name is really spelled or pronounced.

Unisex names, like Chris, Robin or Terry, may make it easier for you to choose your child's name before you know their sex, but others argue that it can be unfair and psychologically harmful to a child, especially to boys who may feel more insulted when presumed to be girls, than girls do when they're mistaken for boys.

Namesakes, or exact reproductions of a person's name, even if followed by II or Jr., are quite often confusing to everyone involved. Worse yet, the child never gets the satisfaction of having a clear identity or name of his own. Although namesakes can be complimentary to the original owner of the name, consider the impact to your child, and how you plan to differentiate between the people who share the name before you choose to name your child after someone else.

Remember, the name you choose for your child will be a lifetime decision, so take your time and enjoy the process!

(c) Copyright 2003, S. Denise Hoyle. All Rights Reserved.

About The Author

S. Denise Hoyle serves as the webmaster of both http://nurseryroomprojects.com and http://fertility-facts.com. To find the meanings and origins of thousands of popular names, take a look at our lists of boy's names and girl's names at http://nurseryroomprojects.com/baby_names.htm

---

How to Choose a Diaper Bag

Even though it's a popular shower gift, you may want to choose a specific type of diaper bag, either because you've learned through experience what works and... Read More

Your Baby?s Nursery ? What You Will Need

As an expectant mother, you are full of excitement and anticipation for the arrival of your little baby. You are picking out names, attending baby showers, and... Read More

Show Your Baby That You Read

When you take your child to the library, check out a book for yourself. Then set a good example by letting your child see you reading for... Read More

How to Find Those Elusive Baby Gifts That Are Just Right

Baby Gifts from gift certificates to very expensive toys. Something for every budget and taste. Gift certificates can be purchased at many different merchants.Mothers would appreciate some... Read More

Real Nappies (Cotton Nappies) or Disposables - The Debate

I'm sure you have heard some of the debate surrounding real nappies, whether you should use them, the environmental impact of disposables and so on. Well, this... Read More

Better Health and Happiness for Your Baby

The design of your home has an amazing affect on the health and well being of your baby. If it is in harmony with nature, it will... Read More

How to Protect Your Baby from SIDS

What do These Things Have in Common: An Epidemic of Baby Deaths in 1890, An Ambassador's Sudden Illness, Swamp Gas, and Old Mattresses?The Answer Could Save Your... Read More

The Baby Stroller- How To Choose

You will need to begin gathering the things your baby will need, now that you got the news that you are expecting a bundle of joy. You... Read More

Baby Massage: A Cure for Colic

Colic hurts. Any parent who has an affected child will know that there is almost no pain like it ? the physical and vocal response to the... Read More

You Have a New Person at Home: Babys Fourth Month Guide

Baby is into her fourth month now.Mom's milk is best.Breast milk is still important and sufficient to take care of baby's needs. If you are a working... Read More

Baby Clothes - Daywear, Nightwear, And Special

When choosing and buying baby clothes, parents can be faced with many choices that, in the baby's younger days, can seem quite confusing. Striking a balance between... Read More

Baby Cribs - Safety Is Key

You have just learned that you are expecting a baby. Even if you have other children, you must take a look at cribs. Is the crib you... Read More

Baby Signing ? 10 Easy Ways to Start Signing with Your Baby

Babies can communicate their needs and desires a lot earlier than we think. They have an instinctive need to communicate. Baby signing is a pre-verbal form of... Read More

Your Newborn Baby?s First Few Days at Home ? What You Should Expect

The first few days home from the hospital are important for both baby and parents. As parents you will have gone through intense birth process that is... Read More

Theory of Child Cognitive Development

Jean Piaget has allowed us many insights into child cognitive development and his valuable research made great inroads concerning brain functioning in general. According to Piaget and... Read More

Young Child Games-But When Do I Stop Playing Baby Games, You Ask?

As a baby matures and starts to show the first signs of independence the games that you play will change dramatically. The turning point comes as he... Read More

The Baby Food Debate: The Benefits of Homemade Baby Food Over The Jars

Americans have long depended on jarred baby foods for convenient feeding. In the past few years more and more processed food options have entered the children's food... Read More

Baby Gift Registry

A furniture gift registry helps us streamline to the best choice. Through an online gift registry, parents can find out exactly what is required for their baby.... Read More

Favorite Cake Flavors for Baby and Bridal Showers

A cake is an excellent treat at any party, especially baby showers and bridal showers. Asides from making a great centerpiece for your snack table, cakes are... Read More

Stammering Toddler

Some parents have the shock of hearing their young child start stammering as a toddler. I am somebody who runs a speech centre in Birmingham, England, I... Read More

Potty Training in One Day - Can You Really Potty Train in a Day? What Does It Mean?

Sounds great ? doesn't it?Or does it sound too good to be true?It all comes down to perspective and expectations.If these words evoke the idea of a... Read More

Baby Name Trends: From Classic to Hip

Goodbye Bertha, Hello Kaitlyn! The top baby names of today break with tradition and follow-up on new trends. Because choosing the perfect name can be a daunting... Read More

Baby Shower Centerpieces That Double as a Gift!

Here you will learn how to make and where to purchase your baby shower centerpieces. As the centerpiece is the focal point of the baby shower, it... Read More

Properly Care For Your Children

When it comes to your newborn or children's health, it is very important to get to know every inch of their body in order to make sure... Read More

Does The Size Of Your Baby Matter?

Does size matter? No, not that! Is your baby too fat, too thin, is she eating too much or not enough? Not only have you got your... Read More

A Birth Announcement That Is Both Practical and Sentimental

The best birth announcement is both practical and sentimental. Welcome your new baby into the world in a very special way. Tell everybody your good news with... Read More