· Keep a list of all the names you’ve thought of handy, this way you can add new names to it as you hear or think of them.

· Talk about it with others. If you’re comfortable with the entire family getting involved in the naming process don’t be afraid to ask them what they think. One of them might know the perfect name or perfect person to name your baby after.

· If you don’t want to be pressured by others about your baby’s name, or don’t want others involved in the naming process, consider not telling people the names you have chosen until after the birth.

· Be compromising with your spouse. It’s important that you both like the name. If necessary, use one person’s choice for the given name and the other’s choice for the middle name.

· Choose names for both genders even if the ultrasound has told you are having one sex or the other. They do sometimes get it wrong!

· Be flexible. If possible have a couple of names picked out. You may find that when your baby finally makes his appearance he doesn’t look like an “Andrew” at all!

· Most children have 3 names, but this isn’t mandatory. If you prefer, you can choose to use just a middle initial, have no middle name, or have several middle names. Remember, however, that a very long name can be a problem in the future when filling out forms.

· Think about using the same first initial as another member of the family—this can become inconvenient later on when initials are used to identify possessions in the household.

· Consider calling your baby by their middle name if the first name must be handed down. This avoids the “Junior” complex and makes your child feel like an individual.

· If using a family name, ask around to see if other relatives intend to use the same name. You could end up with many family members with exactly the same name and this might not be a good thing.

· If you don’t want to use family names you can use just the initials. For example, if your father’s given and middle names are “Robert Douglas” you may decide to name your baby “Ryan David” and this will have special meaning to you.

· You can also use ethnic variations of names that have meaning for you. If your grandfather’s name was Giovanni, for instance, you may choose “John” which is the English form of that Italian name.

· Another common choice is to use the Mother’s maiden name as a middle name.

· If you are stuck on 2 names and can’t decide which one to use, consider combining them. Many wonderful names these days originated from that solution. For example, Carleigh and Katelyn.

· Avoid cutesy names or using a nickname as a permanent name. This can backfire when your child is 65 and still going by the name of “Baby”.

· Beware of names you give your baby while you are pregnant. Sometimes they can stick and be very difficult to get rid of. You don’t want your baby going through life with a name like “Peanut”!

· Don’t choose to name your baby after a beloved pet! Your son might find it disconcerting to discover that you named him “Ben” after your favorite goldfish!

· Don’t choose the name of someone you dislike. Even if you love the name, you might find it difficult to get over the negative connotations this name brings along with it.

· Don’t tell your other children that they can name the baby. You’d be surprised at how many Sponge Bob Square Pants we’d have if everyone did this!

· Say the name you’ve chosen out loud—does it sound good? Melodious, harsh?

· Shout it out the back door several times. Do you feel comfortable using this name?

· Don’t be pressured by anyone. The most important thing about this decision is that the name is one you and your partner like.

· Don’t rush. This is an important decision—names are permanent things! Take your time, and most of all really enjoy the process.

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