Baby Name

What's in a baby name? Lots!

Remember, your cute little baby will grow up and have to live with his name - so choose it carefully! First, make sure his initials don't spell anything embarrassing or unpleasant - such as George Ian Thompson (GIT) or Fiona Ann Taylor (FAT) - and stay away from silly rhymes such as Kylie O'Reilly.

An unusual baby name is fine but don't go overboard to choose a wacky name. Even if you think your own name boring, your child may not appreciate being burdened with something wilfully eccentric, such as Horatio.

Long baby names can get shortened and short names stretched by classmates and workmates, so think about how the name could end up. You may like Charles but hate Charlie or Chuck, and your daughter Samantha's name could end up as Sam or Sammy. Victoria may shorten her own name to Vicki, and Nicola to Nicki or even Nic. If you like a short name such as Ben, then go for it - you don't have to name your son Benjamin. Put time into the decision, after all you are spending nine months working out the perfect buggy and baby monitor, your child’s name deserves the same attention and research!

Practise the baby name and think of the future
When deciding on your baby name, think about the adult your child will grow into: do you really want to give a name that might be sweet for a baby but difficult for an adult such as Bilbo, Pootle or Fluffy? Consider nicknames that young friends might call your child - Stewart Potter is likely to end up as Stewpot!

If you plan to move to another country, check first that the name you wish to give to your child does not mean something derogatory or peculiar in the new language. Speak the baby names out loud, individually and using both first and last names, as this is almost always how your child will be addressed.

Check that they're not awkward to say in combination or too harsh or tongue-twisting. Make sure you like the rhythm and that it flows well. A long surname often sounds better with a short first name and vice versa. Bear in mind too that once your child starts learning to read and write his own name, shorter names are easier.
Book now to visit The Baby Show and a number of our exhibitors will be able to give you baby name advice while you visit.