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What’s in a baby name? Well.. quite a lot actually. Some parents seem to get caught up in the pressure of choosing a baby name and overlook the fact that their offspring may have to carry the burden for the rest of their life.
With millions of options, there is an inclination for parents to opt for obscure and pretentious baby names. Celebrity baby names have inspired people to take a leaf out of their baby book and name their children after the most unlikely sources, including in some cases baby names from cartoons.
However, the most successful baby names are usually not celebrity inspired, but unique to a certain extent compatible, sentimental and suitable.
An unusual baby name has the obvious advantage that it marks its owner as an individual. As a rule of thumb, if you begin to hear young children and babies with a name that you like, avoid it. This means the name is trending and you could potentially end up with multiple children running up to you as you call your son or daughter’s name in the playground. However, a unique name also has its drawbacks. An obscure sound or spelling will frustrate your child for the rest of their life as people struggle with pronunciation. Also consider their surname. For example, baby Smith needs a diverse forename, whereas a complex family name can be simplified by a short and sweet first name.
Following that point, always consider the baby’s name as a whole. Shorter first names usually compliment longer surnames, and vice versa. Don’t chose first names that end in vowels for second names that start with a vowel, for example, Ava Anderson, as they will run together. Also, avoid puns and rhyming names at all costs.
Consider names of friends and relatives when searching for baby names. However, never inform them of your choice in case you need to change your mind last minute. This is a nice sentiment, and combining a modern middle or first name with that of an ancestor or older relative can update a more traditional name.
Take into account any potential nicknames that can be derived from your chosen name as children can be cruel. Also, take care as to what initials spell out.
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