Choosing Your Baby?s Name
After anxiously awaiting the results of your pregnancy test and determining the best color and furnishings for the nursery, choosing the perfect name for your baby is one of the most exciting, gratifying tasks for expectant mothers and their partners. Of course, some women have had baby names chosen since long before their childbearing years even began, while others may want to wait until they meet their new baby before deciding which name suits her or him best, but it is always a good idea to give baby names at least some thought while you are pregnant.
Choosing baby names is a deeply personal, meaningful experience and can be a very simple or very difficult task, depending on your particular situation. For example, if there are family names that are traditionally used, or family members who expect their name to be bestowed upon your new baby, this can cause tension if the situation does not coincide with your wishes. There are several ways that this situation can be handled, either by simply explaining that choosing a baby name is very personal and that you hope they will not get their feelings hurt if there name is not used, or you can find creative ways to incorporate a family member?s name in a way that works for you. For example, if your mother-in-law?s name is Mildred and you cannot bear the thought of giving that name to your newborn, you could consider making it your baby?s middle name, giving your baby two middle names, with Mildred being the second, combining Mildred with another family name to create a unique, new baby name that is to your liking, or officially naming your baby Mildred and calling her Millie right from birth.
When couples do not have family names to consider, they often want to select a baby name that is significant to them, has a special meaning or that is of historical or cultural importance. For example, Abigail is a Hebrew name that means ?my father?s joy,? making this a good choice for families who want to honor their Jewish heritage, or who appreciate the benefits of giving a baby girl a name that will always remind her how special she is to them.
Choosing baby names also tends to move in trends with the most popular baby names changing from year to year. If you are concerned about finding a unique baby name, you may want to check current baby name trends to ensure that your son or daughter?s third grade class will not be filled with children who share his or her name.
However you decide to choose your baby?s name, you are sure to find the baby name that works best for you, your partner and your new baby. Choosing a baby name is an exciting endeavor for couples to take on together and will likely be one of the most gratifying, fun undertakings during your pregnancy.
