How to Name a Child

As the long-awaited day approaches, many soon-to-be parents are tearing out their hair (or each other’s) in a panic wondering what they will name their child. The name you choose to give your child will be his or her lasting legacy, and no parent takes this responsibility lightly. Fear not. There are steps you can take to come to an agreement more quickly and with less marital discord.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

Things You’ll Need:

• Baby-name book(s)

1. Decide if you want to name your child after a family member. This may make things a little easier, as it narrows the pool of names considerably.
2. Start well ahead of time. Get a baby-name book, and make sure you both spend time looking through all of the names. There are going to be many names you have never heard or thought of, and some of these might be perfect.
3. Look through a book of Saints for names if you want your child to have the name of a patron saint. If there is a particular saint whose qualities you admire, you may want to consider this one. Often parents name their child after the saint whose feast day falls on the birth of their child.
4. Prepare to compromise. For parents who cannot find any common ground, take the time to make 2 lists of 10 names; one of your favorite names, and one of your partner's favorites. Exchange lists and choose 3 names off of each other's list that you could live with. Both parents then choose a favorite out of the 3 left on your list, or spend time examining the 6 names left.
5. Think about the nicknames the name may be shortened to. If you do not want your child's name to be shortened, you may want to choose a name that stands on its own, or be prepared to stand firm against those who insist on renaming your child.

Tips & Warnings

• Do not insist on a name if your partner does not like it. It’s important that both parents have a say in the naming of the child.