There is probably nothing more anxiety-inducing than trying to choose the perfect name for your baby.
From trying to choose something classy without following the herd to picking something exquisite, there is a lot on stake.
Naming a child is a BIG deal
There is also a risk of attracting all sorts of unwanted comments if the name sounds more unique than usual. More importantly, naming a child is also a big deal because it becomes an inseparable part of his/her existence and you don’t want to be the parent who has given your child a name he/she is embarrassed by.
7 questions you NEED to ask yourself
So, if you want to avoid a lifetime of taunting, we list down the 7 questions you NEED to ask yourself before you name your child.
1. Does the name match with your surname?
Yes, as weird as it sounds, checking whether the name you have chosen for your kid goes well with your surname is essential. You don’t want your kid to end up with a weird combination that makes him the center of all the jokes.
2. Will it suit the child when he/she grows up?
Remember that you are not only naming a baby, but also an adult. So, to ensure that your child is not stuck with a name that sounds very kiddish in adulthood, imagine calling your kid with the name in all the stages of his/her life. If it sounds too immature at any point in time, drop it.
3. Will it make for a good nickname
A lot of names make for even cuter nicknames but some can really go hilariously wrong. So, while you are on a quest to choose the perfect name, try to find words that rhyme with the name. If those words do not make you smile, be rest assured your kid is going to regret it in the middle school.
Infact, if you do not like the shortened version of the name, you may want to skip it completely.
4. Is the name way too common?
We strongly suggest Googling the name to determine its popularity. After all, you do not want your kid to be stuck with a name that 5 people already have in the class. Do not choose a name which is too much in trend, you just might regret it, a few years down the lane.
5. Are you naming the kid after your favourite celebrity?
Before you get all excited about naming your child after your favourite celebrity, ask yourself whether you will be okay with people asking you if the said celebrity is your favourite, ALL THE TIME.
6. Is it easy to pronounce?
This is the trickiest part. Even if you think that you have found THE name for your kid, get a few family members or friends to pronounce it and see if they are able to do so correctly. After all, nothing is more irritating than people mispronouncing your kid’s name all the time.
7. Will the name instil confidence in your child?
Last but not least, think from your child’s point of view and how he or she would feel while talking to others and introducing himself or herself. As a parent, it is your responsibility to avoid names that transform into jokes or puns.