Oh Baby! Choosing the Right Baby Name

Naming a baby is no easy task. However, the following tips will help you give your baby his or her very first gift.

1. Religion. For some parents, religion plays a major role in choosing a baby name. Roman Catholics traditionally choose saints names. Jews traditionally choose Old Testament names. Names of deceased relatives are often chosen. Protestants often choose both Old and New Testament names.

Interesting Fact! : The majority of the people in the Western hemisphere have names from the Bible. The New Testament is a more popular source of names than the Old Testament.

2. Number of Names. You have many options when it comes to the number of names you choose for your baby. It is very common for a baby to be given three names, however, this is not mandatory. You may choose a first and last name; a first and last name and only a middle initial; initials for both first and middle names; or several middle names. Keep in mind, though, that several middle names will cause space problems for your child any time he or she fills out a form.

3. Sounds. Names are easy or hard to say depending upon the combination of letters used. A name such as Harry Berry invites potential teasing. Try this to create a nice effect: choose a first name that has the same amount of syllables as the last name. Whoopi Goldberg is a good example.

Interesting Fact! : Whoopi Goldbergâ??s original name is Caryn Johnson.

4. Pronunciation. Nobody likes to have their name mis-pronounced. This is an important factor to keep in mind with unique names.

5. Popularity. Choosing a popular name increases the likelihood that there will be other children in your childâ??s school with the same name. This may make him or her not feel as unique. However, a child with a popular name may be perceived better by peers than a child with a unique name.

6. Stereotypes. Many names create a positive or negative image. A name is often a personâ??s first introduction to others. Therefore, you must make careful considerations when choosing a name to fit your new baby.

7. Initials. Initials of a personâ??s name often spell words. If you choose to take this route, be sure that it will be a word you son or daughter will be happy with.

8. Meanings. Almost every name has a meaning. However, most people donâ??t know the meaning of their names. This may help in deciding between some of your favorite baby name choices.

9. Family History. Family History often comes into play when naming a baby. If you have to use a family name that you aren't happy with, consider using it as a middle name.

10. Celebrity Names. A common source of today's baby names comes from the names of celebrities and from the names that celebrities choose for their children. Characters from TV and movies are another popular source.

11. Make sure that the name you choose is one that your child will be able to grow with. Keep in mind that it should be applicable for all ages. Many names come with stereotypes.

12. It is important for both parents to compromise when selecting a name for your baby. However, keep in mind that you can always use two names, using one as a middle name.

Good Luck! A new baby is one of the most rewarding experiences of a lifetime.

Alli Ross is the webmaster at the Baby Names Box - Where you can explore over 6,000 baby names and their meanings. Sub-categories include Disney ,J.R. Tolkien names, Fantasy and Folklore names, and many names from the literary classics. Read articles ranging from parenting and family to home and gardening. Be sure to say hi to GranMamma!

In The News:

table border=0 width= valign=top cellpadding=2 cellspacing=7trtd valign=top class=jfont style=font-size:85%;font-family:arial,sans-serifbrdiv style=padding-top:0.8em;img alt= height=1 width=1/divdiv class=lha href=http://www.citywebshopper.net/articles/includes/redirect.php?url=http://www.hindu.com/thehindu/holnus/099200810131640.htmcid=1256852503ei=Q0nzSNnIMKXg6gO_o_l-usg=AFQjCNF7DB0mmGwkr-qIJ4t8dgPqZVTGMgbBabies/b #39;boost#39; mothers#39; intelligence/abrfont size=-1font color=#6f6f6fHindu,nbsp;Indianbsp;-/font nobr2 hours ago/nobr/fontbrfont size=-1Now, a team at Richmond University has found that having a btoddler/b makes a woman brighter. According to researchers, moms-to-be rewire their brains to cope b.../b/font/div/font/td/tr/table
table border=0 width= valign=top cellpadding=2 cellspacing=7trtd valign=top class=jfont style=font-size:85%;font-family:arial,sans-serifbrdiv style=padding-top:0.8em;img alt= height=1 width=1/divdiv class=lha href=http://www.citywebshopper.net/articles/includes/redirect.php?url=http://www.irishtimes.com/newspaper/features/2008/1013/1223680458381.htmlcid=0ei=Q0nzSNnIMKXg6gO_o_l-usg=AFQjCNFojUrdeljXhxetCjKJ7KvTdXc7vQAdding up childcare costs/abrfont size=-1font color=#6f6f6fIrish Times,nbsp;Irelandnbsp;-/font nobr12 hours ago/nobr/fontbrfont size=-1The average cost of sending a btoddler/b to a creche is €715 a month, up from €626 in 2005. bBabies/b, meanwhile cost €802 a month. Prices vary from county to b.../b/font/div/font/td/tr/table
table border=0 width= valign=top cellpadding=2 cellspacing=7trtd valign=top class=jfont style=font-size:85%;font-family:arial,sans-serifbrdiv style=padding-top:0.8em;img alt= height=1 width=1/divdiv class=lha href=http://www.citywebshopper.net/articles/includes/redirect.php?url=http://www.people.co.uk/news/news/tm_headline%3Dindya-would-have-loved-to-be-a-big-sister-she-died-without-knowing-she-already-was%26method%3Dfull%26objectid%3D20795592%26siteid%3D93463-name_page.htmlcid=0ei=Q0nzSNnIMKXg6gO_o_l-usg=AFQjCNE75hLvJmAcY39-XRqaZxhByHa8egIndya would have loved to be a big sister.. she died without b.../b/abrfont size=-1font color=#6f6f6fSunday People,nbsp;UKnbsp;-/font nobrOct 11, 2008/nobr/fontbrfont size=-1By Amy Nelmes A grieving couple told last night how their btoddler/b daughter died in a hospital blunder - without knowing her dream of having a baby brother b.../b/font/div/font/td/tr/table
table border=0 width= valign=top cellpadding=2 cellspacing=7trtd width=80 align=center valign=topfont style=font-size:85%;font-family:arial,sans-serifa href=http://www.citywebshopper.net/articles/includes/redirect.php?url=http://www.canada.com/topics/bodyandhealth/story.html%3Fid%3D95beb85e-814d-4242-b0af-dbf94baa8fbfcid=1254866679ei=Q0nzSNnIMKXg6gO_o_l-usg=AFQjCNHHog12h2Ydz5CA4pPX7VdxAJ9A2gimg src=http://news.google.com/news?imgefp=V31kX2iKREsJimgurl=a123.g.akamai.net/f/123/12465/1d/media.canada.com/33c8f3f9-b884-4a6b-b2d7-739f60df1694/56399257_2100605.jpg%3Fsize%3Dl width=80 height=80 alt= border=1brfont size=-2Canada.com/font/a/font/tdtd valign=top class=jfont style=font-size:85%;font-family:arial,sans-serifbrdiv style=padding-top:0.8em;img alt= height=1 width=1/divdiv class=lha href=http://www.citywebshopper.net/articles/includes/redirect.php?url=http://www.nytimes.com/2008/10/07/health/research/07sids.html%3Fref%3Dresearchcid=1254866679ei=Q0nzSNnIMKXg6gO_o_l-usg=AFQjCNHl5hDAPF17DbNkSRoPTmB6LlRoGAFan in Room Seems to Cut Infants’ Risk of Crib Death/abrfont size=-1font color=#6f6f6fNew York Times,nbsp;United Statesnbsp;-/font nobrOct 6, 2008/nobr/fontbrfont size=-1The decline is linked to a national “Back to Sleep” campaign that promotes putting bbabies/b on their back instead of their stomach, which has been shown to b.../b/fontbrfont size=-1a href=http://www.citywebshopper.net/articles/includes/redirect.php?url=http://health.usnews.com/articles/health/healthday/2008/10/06/bedroom-fan-cuts-sids-risk-by-72.htmlcid=1254866679ei=Q0nzSNnIMKXg6gO_o_l-usg=AFQjCNHWkVhfAli63_Iz6SUSqhUlHeuLKABedroom Fan Cuts SIDS Risk by 72%/a font size=-1 color=#6f6f6fnobrU.S. News World Report/nobr/font/fontbrfont size=-1a href=http://www.citywebshopper.net/articles/includes/redirect.php?url=http://www.efluxmedia.com/news_Fan_Use_May_Save_Your_Babys_Life_Reduces_SIDS_Risk_26042.htmlcid=1254866679ei=Q0nzSNnIMKXg6gO_o_l-usg=AFQjCNES1Od-3cBt2tLDxnkt2kFDLrX_tAFan Use May Save Your Baby’s Life, Reduces SIDS Risk/a font size=-1 color=#6f6f6fnobreFluxMedia/nobr/font/fontbrfont class=p size=-1a class=p href=http://news.google.com/news?sourceid=navclientie=ISO-8859-1rls=GGLG,GGLG:2005-22,GGLG:enncl=1254866679hl=ennobrall 708 news articles/nobr/a/font/div/font/td/tr/table
table border=0 width= valign=top cellpadding=2 cellspacing=7trtd valign=top class=jfont style=font-size:85%;font-family:arial,sans-serifbrdiv style=padding-top:0.8em;img alt= height=1 width=1/divdiv class=lha href=http://www.citywebshopper.net/articles/includes/redirect.php?url=http://www.irishtimes.com/newspaper/health/2008/1007/1222959451481.htmlcid=0ei=Q0nzSNnIMKXg6gO_o_l-usg=AFQjCNHfTMhuCmLK4EtnUUl_0sH1P7CLVQA btoddler#39;s/b taste of free will/abrfont size=-1font color=#6f6f6fIrish Times,nbsp;Irelandnbsp;-/font nobrOct 6, 2008/nobr/fontbrfont size=-1When bbabies/b are small infants, up to the age of at least 12 months and often longer, they believe themselves to be indivisible from their primary carer. b.../b/font/div/font/td/tr/table
table border=0 width= valign=top cellpadding=2 cellspacing=7trtd valign=top class=jfont style=font-size:85%;font-family:arial,sans-serifbrdiv style=padding-top:0.8em;img alt= height=1 width=1/divdiv class=lha href=http://www.citywebshopper.net/articles/includes/redirect.php?url=http://www.rrstar.com/news/x1985679231/March-of-Dimes-focuses-on-aiding-premature-babiescid=0ei=Q0nzSNnIMKXg6gO_o_l-usg=AFQjCNHz_Rc9cndwFAjyw1kh_6rPXSfj2AMarch of Dimes focuses on aiding premature bbabies/b/abrfont size=-1font color=#6f6f6fRockford Register Star,nbsp;ILnbsp;-/font nobrOct 10, 2008/nobr/fontbrfont size=-1Crusader Clinic is starting special prenatal classes with topics like home safety and infant/btoddler/b cardiopulmonary resuscitation in November. b.../b/font/div/font/td/tr/table
table border=0 width= valign=top cellpadding=2 cellspacing=7trtd valign=top class=jfont style=font-size:85%;font-family:arial,sans-serifbrdiv style=padding-top:0.8em;img alt= height=1 width=1/divdiv class=lha href=http://www.citywebshopper.net/articles/includes/redirect.php?url=http://www.northernnews.ca/ArticleDisplay.aspx%3Fe%3D1244749cid=0ei=Q0nzSNnIMKXg6gO_o_l-usg=AFQjCNGipB8U26KxV-XWqoWZLeD8rXXSHwPosted By GEORGE PARASKEVOPOULOS, NORTHERN NEWS/abrfont size=-1font color=#6f6f6fNorthern Daily News,nbsp;Canadanbsp;-/font nobr2 hours ago/nobr/fontbrfont size=-1quot;I have seen my btoddler/b grow into a little girl,quot; she said. Post Partum Mood Disorder (PPMD) is another pilot project of Best Start in Temiskaming Shores b.../b/font/div/font/td/tr/table
table border=0 width= valign=top cellpadding=2 cellspacing=7trtd valign=top class=jfont style=font-size:85%;font-family:arial,sans-serifbrdiv style=padding-top:0.8em;img alt= height=1 width=1/divdiv class=lha href=http://www.citywebshopper.net/articles/includes/redirect.php?url=http://www.sopghreporter.com/link.asp%3Ftwindow%3DDefault%26smenu%3D123%26sdetail%3D7506%26mad%3DNo%26wpage%3D%26skeyword%3D%26sidate%3Dcid=0ei=Q0nzSNnIMKXg6gO_o_l-usg=AFQjCNF6QgUdQZm4jlrS6yvAfACrTKNgiACarrick Library has programs for parents and bbabies/b/abrfont size=-1font color=#6f6f6fSouth Pittsburgh Reporter,nbsp;PAnbsp;-/font nobrOct 7, 2008/nobr/fontbrfont size=-1The time has come for bToddler/b Time where parents and their toddlers can sing, shake, wiggle and dance together while learning through songs and activities. b.../b/font/div/font/td/tr/table
table border=0 width= valign=top cellpadding=2 cellspacing=7trtd valign=top class=jfont style=font-size:85%;font-family:arial,sans-serifbrdiv style=padding-top:0.8em;img alt= height=1 width=1/divdiv class=lha href=http://www.citywebshopper.net/articles/includes/redirect.php?url=http://www.yeovilexpress.co.uk/news/express_news_mix/3743204.SPECIAL_SOMERSET_FEATURE__The_right_foods_for_weaning_children/cid=1256455506ei=Q0nzSNnIMKXg6gO_o_l-usg=AFQjCNGAiDj9kTuuP98IuBjJ-p6QNUOB5QSPECIAL SOMERSET FEATURE: The right foods for weaning children/abrfont size=-1font color=#6f6f6fYeovil Express,nbsp;UKnbsp;-/font nobrOct 11, 2008/nobr/fontbrfont size=-1bBabies/b need a variety of foods from different food groups to ensure they get all the nutrients they need. Follow-on milks contain higher levels of iron and b.../b/font/div/font/td/tr/table
table border=0 width= valign=top cellpadding=2 cellspacing=7trtd valign=top class=jfont style=font-size:85%;font-family:arial,sans-serifbrdiv style=padding-top:0.8em;img alt= height=1 width=1/divdiv class=lha href=http://www.citywebshopper.net/articles/includes/redirect.php?url=http://www.yorkshireeveningpost.co.uk/news/Wakefield-toddler-nearly-died-seven.4579113.jpcid=0ei=Q0nzSNnIMKXg6gO_o_l-usg=AFQjCNGwEmMgHJjV2FRcGqmFQMFTuVwesgWakefield btoddler/b nearly died seven times/abrfont size=-1font color=#6f6f6fYorkshire Evening Post,nbsp;UKnbsp;-/font nobrOct 10, 2008/nobr/fontbrfont size=-1b.../b table SEVEN times after he was diagnosed with Tetralogy of Fallot, a condition comprising four heart abnormalities which affects one in 1000 bbabies/b. b.../b/font/div/font/td/tr/table
babies toddler - Google News

Triumphing Over Tantrums

Before you had kids you probably witnessed an out of... Read More

20 Popular Quotations About Babies

1. "A baby is God's way of saying the world... Read More

Baby Crib Safety - Frequently Asked Questions

The crib is where your baby will spend a lot... Read More

Baby Cold Symptoms and How to Treat Them

Remember how miserable you felt when you last had a... Read More

Should Baby Bedding Be Tight or Loose?

Many parents already know that it is better not to... Read More

You Have a New Person at Home: Babys Fourth Month Guide

Baby is into her fourth month now.Mom's milk is best.Breast... Read More

The Colic Baby

When a baby has colic, the family environment is stressful... Read More

Baby Shower Hostess Etiquette

Does baby shower hostess etiquette allow for gift suggestions, if... Read More

How to Choose a Changing Table

As a prospective parent, you may wonder how hard it... Read More

Aromatherapy For Babies

Before reading this article keep in mind that most doctors... Read More

Your Baby?s Nursery ? What You Will Need

As an expectant mother, you are full of excitement and... Read More

What to Look For When Choosing Baby Furniture

If you're a new parent, be aware that you baby... Read More

How to Make Your Own Baby Food and Save a Fortune!

Baby in a highchair, mom in front with a small... Read More

Tips and Tricks for Introducing Solids to Your Baby

Helping your child move from breast breast milk or formula... Read More

Robeez Shoes ? A Baby Shower Gift That Moms Will Thank You For

Robeez shoes help your baby put their best foot forwardIf... Read More

Hello World: Babys Third Month Guide

Remember how you wished your baby would learn there is... Read More

Honor Grandma with a Baby Shower for Grandma

Throwing a baby shower for grandma could be a great... Read More

Fun and Easy Baby Shower Crafts

Baby shower crafts can be fun and easy to make.... Read More

Liven Up Your Baby Shower With A Few Games

You have a baby shower planned for a friend; you... Read More

Protecting Your Baby and Toddler from the Sun

Babies and young children have thinner and more delicate skin... Read More

My RAD Child

When I say RAD you may think of a child... Read More

Babies Born With A Cleft Palate Or Lip

As many as one in 700 babies are born with... Read More

Aargh those Pesky Sleep Problems!

It's 2am and your baby is up for the third... Read More

Getting to Know Your Baby: Babys Second Month Guide

Time has flown. Your little bundle of joy has been... Read More

Tips To Get Your Child To Stop Using A Pacifier

Limit the time you allow your child to use a... Read More