by Laurel Queen

Created on: April 18, 2008   Last Updated: October 24, 2011

You took the tests, and you're pregnant! Congratulations! Your mind must be buzzing with possiblitiesregarding your future and your baby's future. Before the nine months is up, most people have decided on a name for their little one, but the real question is, was it the right' name? Will their child regret the parents' naming whimsy? Or will the child love the name chosen for them, and proudly wear it for the rest of their life? Here are some tips that will, hopefully, help you choose a name that won't cause your child won't cause your child to cringe.

Don't make it too weird

Parents seem to always want to make their kids unique. But don't make the name too unique, remember you don't have to live with it everyday. Your child does. Don't let your child face ridicule with the name such as,  Cashmoney' (pronounced like cash-monet; yes, this is a true story, unfortunately). A guideline is: if you tell your friends the name, and they look at you sideways, you might want to rethink it. No, really. Starry Sunrise does not a happy child make.

Think twice about naming your child after a celebrity (or a celebrities' kid).
Unless it's a common name like Christina, really think carefully about bestowing the oft discussed Apple' on a hapless youngster. Think about how it'd look on business cards. Apple Smith just looks like someone is trying to describe a fruit, not writing out their name.

Make it mean something

Have a relative who you really like and want to give them a gift? Name your kid after them. It doesn't even have to be a first name, middle names work well too. When your child is old enough to appreciate it, you can tell them the story behind their name. Perhaps they were named after their grandfather who fought in WWII. Maybe their aunt could not have children of her own, so you shared your child in a very special way. Naming your child after someone special to you can give your child a sense that they are a part of history, or that they have a unique story to tell about themselves.

Be sure to check the initials

Maybe you've decided on what seems like the perfect name for your little girl. Paula Imara Graham. What a beautiful name. But waither parents got her booties monogrammed, and they read PIG. How terrible! Be sure to write out the initials all in a row before you decide on a name just to avoid such things. It doesn't take long, and it could save some headaches in the future.

These are just some very basic guidelines. Naturally, only you decide what to name your child. Only time will tell if your child likes the decision. Think carefully about this decision, and happy naming!

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