One of the most exciting and fun things for expectant parents to do is choose a name for their soon-to-be bundle of joy. With so many to choose from, picking a name can be overwhelming. How do you know which one is the “perfect” one? How can you make sure your child’s name is unique? There are so many questions and so many thoughts that go into choosing a baby name. Here are some tips for parents trying to find the perfect name for their little one.
Don’t spell it crazy
I worked at a daycare when I was 18. In my classroom, there was a little boy whose name was pronounced “Justin” but was spelled “Jhuzstynne.” Not only was it frustrating for the daycare workers to remember how to spell his name, but it looked like a bunch of monkeys had banged on a keyboard and the parents called it good. Spelling a name a little differently, like Jane vs. Jayne is fine and Dandy, but don’t give your kid a spelling so ridiculous that people aren’t sure how to read it.
Think about your child’s future
A name that might sound cute for a baby, might not sound cute on your child’s first day of high school, or during a law school interview. “Twinkle” might be cute when your little girl is still playing dress up, but with a name like “Twinkle,” she isn’t likely to be taken seriously when she applies for a job. Don’t curse your child with a name that will embarrass them later.
Consider initials
It can be easy to skip over the initials of your soon-to-be baby’s name, but always double check what the initials may or may not spell. An accidental slip up with your child’s initials could lead to a lifetime of embarrassment for your child.
Avoid rhymes
Before you make the final decision on a name, test it out and make sure it doesn’t rhyme with anything that could be used to tease them on the playground. While some rhymes may not be a big deal, if you name your son “Corky” he’s bound to get called “Dorky Corky” at some point or another. Don’t be surprised if he comes home in tears on day. Additionally, try to avoid rhyming the child’s first, middle and last name. Harry Gary is likely to inspire chuckles among classmates in school.
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