Baby Name Inspiration: Finding a Name for Your New Bundle of Joy

Bringing a baby into the world is a new and exciting adventure for any person. Choosing a name for your new child is one of the most important things a parent can do. With millions on millions of potential options to choose from, picking the right name can feel like an impossible decision. 

Fortunately, there are a number of different strategies any new parent can use to narrow their search down to a name that resonates with them. Remember that there really is no wrong choice of name for your child, and that the only important rule is you pick a name you love. 

Different Paths to Follow When Picking a Name

As you start your quest for figuring out the perfect name for your child, there are a few different paths you can take which may help to narrow your search:

1. Choose a traditional name that matches your religion

2. Choose a family name to honor your family tree

3. Choose a completely unique name

While the above three strategies are not the only method by which to choose a name, they are among the most common. A majority of people end up using a combination of all of the above to choose the name for their child. 

8 Methods for Finding a Unique Name

Remember that when you pick a name for your child, that choice can have long-lasting impacts. For example, studies have found that people tend to live in similar locations to the sound of their names, with other studies having found that people's career choices are linked to their names. Use the following methods to determine how you would like to name your child:

1. Consider online name generators

If you don't know where to start, using an online name generator is never a bad choice. This option will pull name ideas, such as the 1,000 most popular baby names in the United States, on display in one place to easily peruse options. While a name generator may give you basic versions of names, you can use this as a jumping off point to find a name that fits the unique look you're trying to find. 

2. Research beyond the name and look at the meaning

The majority of names will mean something in a given language. Start creating a name by finding a word that resonates with you. Take this word and see if it translates to any names that have a nice ring to them. Additionally, consider any family names that may have meaning behind them which you wish to use. 

3. Play around with using a family name

As mentioned above, a family name can be an excellent choice for a child. In some cases, parents may choose not to use a family name exactly due to it sounding more old-fashioned. In this situation, consider turning an older family name into something modern by taking the root of the name and modernizing it. 

4. Use a last name as a first name

One unique way to set your child's name apart from others is to use a last name as a first name. While the majority of last name's don't work as a first name, there are a select few such as Kennedy, Lincoln, Madison, and more.

5. Combine two names into one

Another unique way to choose a name for your child is to combine two names that you love into one. While this is a more limited option as it won't work for all names, it can provide for some unique combinations. 

6. Name them after a special moment in your life

One option many people don't consider is naming their child after a special moment in their life or after a person who had a special impact at one point or another. By using this method, every time you call your child by their name you will be reminded of that person or event that had a major effect on you.

7. Throw a naming party

Before throwing a baby shower, consider throwing a naming party! For learning how to throw a naming party, get all your close family and friends together and pass out tools such as easels, pieces of papers, fun letter blocks, or other similar items. Then, each person can take their turn at creating a name that means something to them. By the end of the party, you will have a long list of meaningful names that could be given to the child. 

8. Find a name as popular today as when you were born

By picking a name that has been popular for years, you can ensure that the name your baby gets is one that will stick around for years as well. Names that are a part of a passing trend go out of style quickly, which may be a good idea if you are seeking an out of the box name in a couple of decades. 

Advice for Settling on a Baby Name from a List of Options

While all of the above methods should allow you to choose a name that is unique and that you love, there are a few general tips to remember as you finalize your decision:

• Consider how the name you choose will sound as a nickname

• Does the baby name allow for any personalization?

• How popular is the name you are planning on choosing?

• Do you like how the name looks written down?

• Pretend to call your child's name around the house to see how it sounds

Choose a name that fits your little one

Remember that when choosing a name for your little one, there is no wrong decision to be made. The only important thing is that you love the name you pick. Remember to consider all options and speak with everyone whose opinion you value. Before you know it your baby will be here, so have a name ready to go for that special day.