Naming Your Child
Picking the perfect name for your child is one of the most important tasks you will ever undertake. A name is essentially gives your child his or her’s earliest sense of identity, so the worst thing you could do when choosing a baby name is to rush into it. Settling for a name you are not completely satisfied with may affect you and your child for a lifetime. What exactly should you consider when choosing your baby’s name? The following tips will help you give your baby the dream name he/she deserves.
Before choosing a name with a unique pronunciation or spelling keep in mind that your child will spend his or her lifetime explaining to others how the name is really spelled or pronounced. No one likes having their name constantly misspelled or mispronounced.
Check the Initials. Once you have an idea for the baby’s name, always check the initials! While the full name may sound pretty, the initials may bring some surprise! Imagine the feeling of a child who grows up and realizes that their initials are: “N.I.L.”, “Z.I.P.” or “P.I.G.” In order to avoid such embarrassment for the child, check the initials before you make your decision.
Check the nicknames or shortened forms of your child’s name. Many names are shortened to nicknames during childhood, or other stages of life, so be sure to avoid baby names that might produce insulting nicknames when people shorten them. If you name your baby Richard, then expect him to be called also Rick. If you don’t like this nickname, you may also reconsider your decision.
Unusual names are hard to remember at first, but once remembered usually stick to memory much better. An unconventional name will make a wonderful conversation starter, especially if there is an interesting story behind it. Alternatively, using a creative and meaningful name as a middle name may be beneficial in more ways than one. Because your child will only have to reveal it when he or she feels comfortable. They may adore their middle name and tell everyone about it or they may hate it, but they never have to use it!
A person’s name is truly a lifetime gift, and it helps define your child - within the family, to friends, at school and to the outside world. If you consider the options carefully and select with love, you really can’t go wrong.
