by Trenna Sue Hiler

Created on: September 07, 2008

There are many things to think about when you are naming a child. It's a label that they should feel comfortable carrying through a life time. It will affect how people view them, their potential employment, their self esteem, and social skills. It's an important decision.

Names with Meaning
*Family names Using a traditional family name is important in some cultures and family. There are probably many names to pluck from the family tree and you want to make sure you are looking in the right area. You don't want to burden a child with a name they cannot write, pronoun, or understand. On the other hand a family name gives the child a connection with the family and a sense of worth and value. Pick carefully.

*Root meaning
You can find in the thousands of names listed the traditional meaning of the name. For example, the name Emily means "industrious". That is a name my father would love because he would have been able to show value, teach and direction with the meaning. If you feel that kind of an affinity it can be helpful to know the meaning of a name. If this holds no meaning to you, it may be well to check the name if you believe the child may someday do so.
*Numerology
Many people eliminate and adjust names based on numerology and astrology. This is something to consider if you has strong beliefs.

Fun Names
*Trendy Names
Names come and go. There are trendy names that come and go through an entire generation. You may want to name your child one of the favorites, but be prepared that there may be many with the same name. Their last name or middle name may be more important, because they will need to something to differentiate them. One of my best friends in grade school was Stephanie B, not Stephanie Michelle, or Stephanie L, who were also in my class.

Acoustics
*Rhyming
Is there some creepy rhyming going on with the name? This rhyming may sound great at two or in a Dr. Seuss book, but how will it work in high school and beyond? Can unfortunate rhyming happen because of the name? You may take a risk naming your little cowboy Tucker.

*Pronounceable
Is the name something that people in your culture and surroundings are going to be able to pronounce? I have a very different name. Phonetically, it makes sense, so that helps some. However, I have spent a great deal of my life just trying to get people to call me the right name. It can be a burden.

*Flow
Does the name have a flow and sound right? It should. I have the correct middle name because people just assume that is my middle name and then are surprised when they are correct. Say the entire name out loud and see if it flows.

I am old and it always seems to come out in my writing. You will recognize the final test as something from the past, but I still think every parent should give it a whirl before names their child. Go out on the back porch and shout the name at the top of your lungs! It is something that comes out easy. If not, make a change.

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