How to Compromise on a Baby Name

Thinking of a great baby name would be easier if it was your decision alone! Two people may love each other enough to start a family together, but when it comes to choosing on a name, they may have completely different ideas. Unless you both adore the same name, you're going to need to compromise. Here's how an expecting couple can compromise on choosing a name for their new baby.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Baby name books and/or access to baby name websites

1. Discuss with your partner what kinds of baby names you like. Discuss what criteria are important to each of you when choosing baby names.

2. Figure out which criteria are the same for both of you. For example, you may both want a name that reflects your shared heritage. In addition, figure out which criteria are different. For example, you may prefer unusual names, and he may prefer traditional ones.

3. Do research on baby names by reading baby name books and looking on websites. Choose a list of names you'd like to give your baby. Do this by yourself, without your partner's input. Your partner should do the same thing and come up with a separate list.

4. Rank the names on your list in order of preference. Your partner should do this with his or her list as well.

5. Compare lists. If one name is close to the top of both of your lists, you may be set. Figure out what names are on each list that you both like, and cross out any names that one of you positively does not want. Make a revised list of names from both of your lists that you'd like to consider together.

6. Discuss how each name matches up to your criteria. If you want names that reflect your heritage, and three of the names on the list don't do this, eliminate those names. If you want an unusual name and your partner wants a traditional name, look for names on your list that are both unusual and traditional.

7. Choose your baby's name, and then wait for your joyful new arrival.

Tips & Warnings

• Consider using your backup name as a middle name, or for the name of a future child.
• Consider combining names. If one of you likes Tara and the other likes Erin, how about Taryn?
• Remember, you'll love the baby no matter what name you choose, so don't get too worked up about this decision.
• Don't ask for the opinions of family members, friends, and other outsiders. It's hard enough for two people to choose a name, so don't confuse things by adding more opinions.
• Don't forget to consider the baby's initials. Avoid names like David Oliver Garcia!
• Don't forget to consider how your prospective first names sound with the last name. If your last name is Drake and Blake is on your list, you can cross that one off.

Resources

• Baby names at BabyNamer.com