How to Choose Baby Boy Names

Choosing a name for your son can be a daunting task. Here are some ways to go through the process of selecting a name for your baby boy.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• notebook, pen
• internet access
• visit to a bookstore

1. Purchase a small (blue?!) notebook so you will have a place to keep your name ideas over the course of the months. Keep the notebook close at hand so you're always ready to jot down names you hear when you're out and about.

2. Determine your naming style. Do you agree on a type of name? Trendy or old-fashioned? Traditional or brand new? Discuss with your fellow parent what your ideas for types of names might be. Communicate about what names will be 'definitely out' or could be 'definitely in' especially if there is a traditional family name to consider passing on to your child.

3. Consider what's popular. The top 25 most popular baby boy names for 2009, in ranking order are: Ethan, Noah, Jacob, Aiden, Logan, Jackson, Jack, Jayden, Matthew, Gavin, Joshua, Ryan, Tyler, Benjamin, William, Nathan, Dylan, Luke, Michael, Alexander, Evan, Lucas, Andrew, Caleb, and Mason. Review this list for discussion purposes- which names do you like or dislike?

4. Keep collecting names in your notebook. Do a Google search on 'baby boy names' and you will find a ton of websites dedicated to exactly that subject. Lists are great to search for ideas. Visit a local bookshop and search through the baby boy name books. Narrow down your list to a top twenty names you both agree on, then top ten...and hopefully by the baby's birth day he'll have a fantastic name!

Tips & Warnings

• Bring the notebook everywhere- you never know when you'll hear a cool idea for a name!
• The baby will have his name forever. Try not to saddle him with a name he'll have a hard time learning to write or a teacher will have a hard time pronouncing!

[PhiMcRee]

on 4/21/2009 Well written and great advice. 5*