Naming your baby can be one of the easiest or toughest decisions in life!! However, naming your child is one of the most important things any parent can do. Sometimes you just 'know' what name you are going to use. Other times you make lists and lists, pin them to the fridge and you still can't decide.
Religious or spiritual names Mix and match names Pop-culture and/or local and national societies as names Base words with meaning Before choosing a name, keep in mind your present and your baby's future.
When choosing a name remember that other children can be cruel, especially for children with less common names or names that can easily rhyme with other less-desirable words.
Great Tips For Choosing Baby Names
Have you ever curled up on the couch, baby name book in hand, imagining how your little one’s name will sound in the world? I have—and let me tell you, choosing baby names is one of the most exciting and meaningful parts of preparing for a new arrival. But if you're anything like me, it can also feel a tiny bit overwhelming.
Don’t worry—you’re not alone.
In this warm, approachable guide, I’m sharing great tips for choosing baby names that helped me (and might just make your journey easier and more joyful). Whether you’re expecting your first baby or adding to your growing family, grab a cup of tea and let’s dive into the adventure together.
Before I get into the tips, let’s take a deep breath and acknowledge why this feels like such a big deal. For me, it was because:
A name lasts a lifetime — I wanted something my child would love as much at 5 as at 50.
It carries meaning — Whether cultural, familial, or personal.
Names shape first impressions — It’s often the first thing people know about us.
And let’s be honest—I also wanted something that just sounded beautiful every time I said it.
When I first began brainstorming, I didn’t limit myself. I:
Wrote down every name that caught my ear (books, movies, conversations).
Made lists with my partner to compare ideas.
Jotted down family names that might carry special meaning.
Tip: Don’t judge names too quickly in the early stages—let them simmer a bit.
I found it fascinating to dig into the meanings and histories of names I liked. Here’s how it helped me:
I learned cultural backgrounds I hadn't known before.
Meanings sometimes sealed the deal (who doesn’t love a name meaning "bringer of joy"?).
It sparked great conversations about our family's heritage.
Resources I used:
Baby name books
Websites like BehindTheName.com
Asking family members about ancestry
One of the best pieces of advice I got was to say the name in context:
"Time for dinner, [Name]!"
"I love you, [Name]."
"Please welcome to the stage, [Name]..."
Doing this helped me feel how natural (or awkward) the name sounded.
I didn’t want to be surprised by unintended nicknames, so I:
Tried out common shortenings.
Considered possible schoolyard teases (just in case).
Asked friends what nicknames they instinctively used.
You might laugh—but initials matter! I:
Avoided combinations like A.S.S. (you get the idea).
Said the full name (first, middle, last) aloud to check rhythm.
Tried it with different tones (gentle, assertive, casual).
For me, incorporating a nod to our family's roots made the name feel even more special. Here’s how I explored:
Looked up traditional names from our cultural background.
Talked to grandparents about family naming traditions.
Blended modern with traditional (like pairing a classic middle name with a unique first name).
If you’re naming with a partner, here’s what worked for me:
We both had veto power—if one of us hated it, it was off the list.
We made top 5 lists and compared.
We tried saying the name together when imagining our future child.
In the end, the name that stuck was the one that just felt right. Even if it wasn’t everyone’s favorite, it made me smile every time I said it.
Overcomplicating it — Simple can be just as stunning.
Worrying too much about trends — Names rise and fall, but meaning lasts.
Letting too many opinions in — Trust yourself first.
Choosing baby names is such a personal, joyful, and meaningful journey. My biggest advice? Enjoy the process. Don’t rush. Trust that the right name will make its way to you.
And when it does, you’ll know.
Are you on your own journey of choosing baby names? Share your favorite name ideas below—I’d love to hear them!
If you found these tips helpful, feel free to share this guide with fellow parents-to-be. Happy naming!
Throughout this guide, I've included key phrases that matter when choosing baby names:
Great tips for choosing baby names
Choosing baby names
Baby name ideas
How to choose a baby name
Unique baby names
Baby name guide
Let’s be honest—choosing a baby name is both one of the most exciting and most overwhelming things I’ve ever done. If you’re like me, you’ve spent countless hours scrolling name lists, debating with your partner, and imagining how that name might sound on a playground or at a graduation ceremony one day.
That’s why I wrote this guide for you. I want to share all my favorite tips and a list of unique and meaningful baby names that helped me on my own journey. My hope is that it’ll spark inspiration and make your name search a joyful adventure!
When I started my baby name search, I didn’t realize just how much meaning and power a name holds:
It shapes identity — A name is often a person’s first introduction to the world.
It carries legacy — Names can honor family, culture, or heritage.
It tells a story — Every name has a history and meaning.
It grows with your child — A name should feel right from the playground to the boardroom.
No pressure, right? 😉
Here’s a list of names that I absolutely love—names that feel timeless, distinctive, and full of heart. Maybe one of them will speak to you, too!
Aurora — Meaning "dawn," symbolizing new beginnings
Elodie — A sweet French name meaning "foreign riches"
Isla — Inspired by the Scottish word for "island"
Selene — Greek goddess of the moon
Zara — Means "blooming flower" in Arabic
Asher — Hebrew for "happy" or "blessed"
Caspian — Evokes adventure, like the Caspian Sea
Ezra — Means "help" or "protector" in Hebrew
Kai — Hawaiian for "sea"
Soren — Scandinavian name meaning "stern" but stylish and soft
Arden — From Shakespeare, means "valley of the eagle"
Emery — Industrious and strong
Jules — Youthful and classic
River — Evokes nature, flow, and freedom
Rowan — Gaelic for "little redhead," but works for any child
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