Finding the Perfect Name for Your Baby

Looking for a name for Jr. or Jr. I, II, or III?  There are several things to consider in your quest for the perfect baby name.

1.  If this is Baby Number One, please proceed with a.

a.  Do you want a traditional, popular, family, or unusual baby name?  Traditional names would include such gems as:

 

Boys:

John

William

James

Edward

Michael

Robert

Thomas

Charles

Andrew

David

Girls:

Anne

Margaret

Mary

Catherine

Sarah

Rebecca

Victoria

Emma

Julia

Victoria

** Please note:  For a larger list, please consult your favorite search engine querying "Traditional Baby Names".

2.  If this is Baby Number Two, please consider the name of your eldest child.  It might be considered favorable or at least, pleasable, for the names the names of your offspring to have some connection, whether it be ethnic, phonetical, or otherwise.  For example, if your eldest is named Jacob, then a logical choice for a second child might be Rachel or Benjamin.

3.  If it is a Popular name you're seeking, then consider the most popular boys and girls names of 2010.  One study of sixth graders found that students with names popular with teachers scored higher in skills tests, set more ambitious goals, and were better adjusted.

10 Most Popular Names for Girls 2010:

Isabella

Emma

Olivia

Sophia

Ava

Emily

Madison

Abigail

Chloe

Mia

10 Most Popular Names for Boys 2010:

Jacob

Ethan

Michael

Alexander

William

Joshua

Daniel

Jayden

Noah

Anthony

4.  Family names are always a solid choice.  If you love and respected your grandfather, his name is "easy on the lips", AND your wife approves, then you have it made.  You already have the advantage (if this is your relative and not your spouses in some cases) that your names are compatible heritage-wise, and that the name is familiar to your family.

5.  Unusual baby names are the most controversial of all.  Why this is, I'm not sure.  But if you visit any baby name board on the www, you will quickly find that these names incite all kinds of bad feelings in some people.  Maybe this stems from certain religious or ethnic traditions that dictate the naming of children in honor of relatives and ancestors.  Regardless, it would be impossible to list all the unusual baby names here.  But following are a few recent notables you might consider:

Girls:

Adalee

Braelyn

Drema

Exie

Jinger

Lorna

Petal

Tayla

Xanna

Zahley

Boys:

Bronx

Declan

Gannon

Hopper

Ivo

Kierce

Kyler

Park

Sailor

Xander

I have learned from experience that tastes in names are ever-evolving.  What you dream about naming your child at seventeen may differ greatly from what you might name him or her when you are thirty-five.  However, if you choose well, you will be happy with your decision when your baby is a grown person, and more likely than not, you will find that the name you pick suits your son or daughter perfectly.

About the Author

Kristin McKenna is a full-time freelance writer and blogger, as well as a self-proclaimed "semi-southern belle" and published poet.  She has worked as a tech writer and a corporate librarian, but has never fulfilled her life-long dream of becoming a forest ranger.  Check out her ever-evolving blog at www.krystynbelle.com

TOP 10 Popular Baby Names in the World 2010

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