How To Choose A Baby Name
I remember the time when I had to choose names for my three children. It did daunted me for a while. Cos I wanted to make sure the name will not sound obscene or able to make fun of by others in the main dialects and languages.
Uncommon baby names came to my mind as well, for I wanted my children to possess a truly unique identity. Therefore, a name that meets all of the above mentioned requirements really is quite a task, for a child’s name will be with them throughout their life.
Here are some of the tips I would like to share when I was choosing my baby names:
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Tip#1 – Relax, Choose Something You & Your Spouse Like
If you or your spouse like different types of names e.g. I like uncommon ones, basically spun off from those traditional ones that spells differently while my spouse preferred original, traditional ones, try to talk it out with your spouse, make sure both of you do not quarrel over this.
Tip#2 – Start The Search Early
The hunt should not be last minute where you feel pressured, it will affect your decisions and may trigger unhappiness in the family. My family members are concerned on the name we chose for our children. We discussed our shortlisted names with them well beforehand and get their feedback, finally choosing something that everyone is happy with.
Also, the meaning of the name is important to me, so I really took my time to search for something that I think I really like.
Don’t be skeptical about sharing the names with family members as they just want to help to do a check if the name will be appropriate or not, once you talked to them, you will find that they are just concerned and will not interfere in your final decision made by you and your spouse.
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Tip#3 – Avoid Difficult to Pronounce & “Grow Into” Names
This tip is very important. I have seen names that are difficult to pronounce and people simply give a nickname to that person. Therefore I really encourage not to use such names. A name is lifetime thing, even if name change can be done, but still, it’s a lot of hassle and furthermore, damage is done before a name change can be initiated, ain’t so?
Same for “Grow Into” names. I had a grade school classmate whose Chinese name means “Beautiful” as in “Mei Ren”. However, she is rather dark and a very sporty type of girl, at that point in time, she certainly ain’t what her name suggests. She is often teased by classmates and she really hated her name.
Tip#4 – Check List of What Not to Choose or What to Include
Some families have a middle name to keep to preserve the family’s history, or some family members are taboo if their name is the same/sounds similar as the baby. (This is especially true in Chinese Families, they do not even encourage names that sound the same but character and meaning is different).
Well, I hope you find this useful in selecting your baby name. Happy Hunting!
