From the day of your pregnancy, you start thinking of names for the baby. At first, the names may be generic but as the day of the baby’s birth approaches, you become more specific as you learn the baby’s gender. Getting the right name for the baby is the first vital aspect in taking care of the baby. Remember that the baby will be carrying the name for the rest of their life and their name will be used in every form of communication. Their name might even become known worldwide and respected in all levels of society. People sometimes re-use names of other family members or ancestors instead of trying to find a new and unique name for their baby. They feel accustomed to the name used by their ancestors and apply it to their baby. They have no originality and creativity. They do not give the proper relevance to the deed. Giving an appropriate name is one of the most unforgettable things you can do for the child. The name represents the baby’s existence and identity. The baby will be remembered by that name forever, during their lifetime and even in their death. The person should feel happy and satisfied that their parents gave serious thought and consideration to their names. They should feel proud of their names and not want to hide their name in embarrassment or shame.

There are thousands of names to choose from. You can be lethargic and re-use a name from one of your ancestors or family relatives. You can be religious and select from one of the names from a religious book, like the Bible or select one of the saints being celebrated on the day of your child’s birth. Other people choose names of celebrities or famous people and superstitiously hope that fame and fortune goes with the name. Others want their own names to be carried forever and name their child Junior or the second, third and so on, which is the case with some royal families. There are thousands of names in baby books and in the Internet. Before deciding on whether the name you choose should be from a family ancestor, a historical person or other sources, think of the names that appeal to you. Try to have a fairly long list at the start so you have a range for selection. Say the full name aloud and feel your reaction when you hear the name. Write the name down and see how it appears on paper. Some nice names may appear humorous and ridiculous when spoken or written down. You will have to filter these out of your list. You don’t want your child feeling ridiculed and laughed at every time their name is spoken or written down. Remember the child will be carrying the family surname as well and the name should not be blemished by snide comments.

Take your time. You should start planning the child’s name by the middle of the pregnancy. Due importance should be given to the name. You should not wait until the child’s birth and then hurry up and give the first name that comes to mind. Once the child is born, you have several days at most to give a name to the child for proper identification. The first official document that will carry the child’s name is the birth certificate. Start early. Every time you think of a good name, write it down in the list. We’ll have more tips on the second part.