Heinz - Tinytums

Baby naming advice

What to consider when choosing a baby name

What does it sound like?
Say the name aloud. How does it sound? Does it fit with your last name?
Sometimes a long first name works better with a short last name and vice verse. Watch out for vowels that run into each other (e.g. Jemma Armitage) as these can be tricky to say.

Should I choose an uncommon name?
Most people want their children to be special or unique and it can be tempting to choose a name that is uncommon to emphasise their individuality. Unfortunately this can draw attention to a child at school, often at precisely the times in life that you are trying desperately to be like everyone else!

Boys appear to suffer more from teasing about unique names than girls do. If you have a particularly unusual name that you are fond of consider using it as a middle name.

Naming your baby after relatives?
Naming your baby after a family member can be very touching, but be careful you don't land your son or daughter with an old fashioned name that they may not like. Don't be pressured into naming your baby after someone. If you want to pay homage to a family member again, think about giving that name as a middle name.

Should I follow tradition?
There might be a tradition in your family to name children after their grandparents, or to use certain religious names. Heritage is important and can help when choosing a name, but don't feel pressured into picking a name you don't like.

How important is meaning?
The meaning of a name may be important to you, but generally it is not common knowledge and people are unlikely to treat your son Brock differently just because his name means 'badger'. However, your daughter Deirdre might want to know why you gave her a name that means 'sorrow'.

Initials and nicknames?
Children can be cruel. Watch out for initials that spell words, Samuel Andrew Davies might spend his whole school life being called S.A.D. How the intials work with the names is important too. Ian Martin Last will always be written as I.M.Last.

Don't tell everyone your choice of name straight away. Live with it for a while saying it aloud. If the name is right you will not get bored of it.