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When you are having a baby, there is so much preparation to do. Supplies to stock up on, furniture to buy and plenty of doctor’s appointments to keep you busy. Choosing a name for your baby can be one of the most difficult things you must do before your new baby arrives. Just when you think you have chosen the perfect name and think you will never find another name better than this one, your spouse will say, “I hate it!” Some parents like to choose names that are unique and rare while others like to stick to old favorites. Some of you may even have a family name you are expected to use that you really can’t stand. Whatever place you are coming from in the name game, it is important to keep in mind the ramifications of whatever name you choose for your baby.
If you have a family name or your spouses would like to name the baby after themselves, you don’t need to fall into a state of depression wondering how your poor baby is going to make it through life with a name like Hortense. If it is important to use the family name, you can always settle on a pre-agreed upon nick name that is more to your liking that you will know the baby by. For example, if you really do need to name your baby Hortense, you could call her Tess or Holly. If you can settle on a more esthetically pleasing nick name for your baby, the family name might not seem so bad after all.
When you choose baby’s name, always be sure it doesn’t rhyme with anything derogatory. While you may plan on instilling values into your children that will let them stand up to adversity and name calling, it is an unfair obstacle to intentionally throw in your child’s path when you can avoid it with a little fore-thought. Try not to choose names that are difficult to pronounce or can be pronounced in several different ways. When a child has his name repeatedly mispronounced, his name can become something he grows to dislike.
If you have a long last name, you should try and pick a name that is shorter and simple. Having two long and complicated names next to each other can be burdensome for a child. If you have a short and plain last name, you can go ahead and get fancy. Always say the name aloud with your last name to see how it sounds and if you can think of any possible reason why an eight year old would use it to torture your child later on in life!
Try this simple test to see if you are comfortable with your child’s name: Open your door, lean out and yell the name! Trust me, you are going to be doing a lot of this and it’s a great way to see how you feel about the name. If three kids come running, it’s time to choose a new name, there are already too many of those in the neighborhood.
Above all, it is your and your spouse's decision which name your child will carry through life, so don’t let anyone else try to tell you what the name should be. If your friends and family are constantly shooting down the names you choose, keep your decision to yourself. Once the baby has arrived, everyone will love it no matter what the name. Just be sure you are totally comfortable with your choice and that your child will have a name he can proudly take with him through life.
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