How to Find Name Meanings

Choosing baby names is fun for parents-to-be. Finding out meanings of different names can help parents decide what name will best fit their new born. Finding out the meaning of a family name, such as a grandparent, is nice if you're considering using that name for your child.

Instructions

Difficulty: Easy

1. Choose a few names you're interested in. If you don't know the sex of your baby, choose both boy and girl names.
2. Make a list of family names you would also like to consider. Talk to grandparents about your family history to come up with these names.
3. Visit the local bookstore in the baby section to find books on baby names and their meanings.
4. Look for books on baby names and their meanings at your local library.
5. Search the Internet for websites featuring baby names and their meanings. Often these websites will give you some initial information and then charge you for a print out or more detailed information.
6. Talk to relatives and friends about people they've known with the names you are interested in. Many times you can get a sense of how your family feels about a certain name before you choose it.
7. Compare your different resources to come up with the most accurate name meanings. Some sources provide more detailed information than others.

Tips & Warnings

• Try and determine the meanings of names before you actually choose one. Finding out after the fact that the name you chose means something awful isn't much fun. Do the research first, and your child will thank you.
• Not every name out there has a specific meaning. Don't be surprised if you've chosen a name, especially if it's a more modern one, and a meaning simply doesn't exist.