What To Name Your Baby

Whatever their origins may be, or however unusual they may sometimes sound, naming a baby can be one of the most enjoyable aspects of being a parent.

Ok. you've attended Lamaze classes and doctor's appointments with due diligence. You've bought the crib (And spent four hours trying to assemble it). You've painted the nursery. You've blown two pay-checks on toys so far, boys and girls toys and you've even constructed a bunker in the backyard where you can safely ride out your wife's hormone induced tempests. You've done everything possible to prepare for that biggest of all days, the birth of a child. You've even done the impossible, like put that crib together. Now comes the most important part of all. What should this child be called? Certainly, you can't refer to your impending bundle of joy as Hey you for the next eighteen years, can you? Baby names come from all different origins and in all shapes and sizes, from the simple, to the downright...er...creative.

Parents definitely have a long list of names to choose from. The one problem seems to be deciding on one. Some parents make it easy on themselves and give their child one of the many popular baby names, such as John, Paul, Michael or Luke for boys; Jennifer, Sara, Katherine or Stephanie for girls. Religious families frequently name their sons after figures from the bible, such as John, Paul or Luke, and many others, like the author of this article, are named after their fathers, extending the family line. Many infant girls are named after their grandmother, or another woman in the family that the expectant parents feel deserve tribute. Other popular girls names, such as Eve or Mary are derived from biblical figures. Many parents simply search for the prettiest popular name they can think of, wanting the name to match the beauty of their young daughter.

Some parents, however, are a little more adventurous. Eschewing the popular, or “played out” namesakes, these mothers and fathers seek an unusual baby name that will make their child one of a kind. A portion of these names are ethnic in background, such as African American or Hispanic names. Others are derived from an endless list of topics. Nature loving parents may give their child a name like “Summer” or “Autumn.” Other girls names, like “Rose, “Violet” and “Daisy”, are derived from flowers. Geology aficionados favor “precious” names, like “Quartz”, “Amethyst” or “Diamond.” Still others seem to wait until the baby is born, then decide on the first positive adjective that escapes their mouths. “Precious”, “Marvelous.”

The list of baby names is seemingly endless, ranging from the popular to the unusual. Parents give their children names based on many different reasons and origins. Whatever those may be, naming a baby should be one of the easiest aspects of child-rearing. At least it's easier than wrestling with that $%&@* crib.

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