How to choose a baby name

Simply liking a name is not a good enough reason to pick it for your baby. There are half a dozen other things you should consider. Watch this video to learn how to choose a baby name.

Step 1. Get a baby name book

Get a baby name book. They have dozens of names you’ve never heard of, and most come with an explanation of their original meaning—so you won’t run the risk of giving your child a name that means “ugly baby” in Swahili.

Step 2. Consider relatives

Consider naming your baby after a relative. It will not only increase the likelihood that Aunt Judith will put your offspring in her will, but studies show it makes the child feel more connected to her lineage, giving her higher self-esteem.

Step 3. Avoid wacky names

Avoid wacky names. You may think “Licorice” is a cool name, but research shows that kids with common names like Mary and Michael are presumed by teachers to be smarter than those with crazy or trendy monikers.

Step 4. Check out what’s popular

Check online to see what the most popular baby names are today, based on social security records.

Step 5. Consider initials

Consider what the initials spell. Ashley Sue Spencer may seem like a great name—until it’s time for monogrammed towels.

Step 6. Avoid odd spellings for boys

Name your daughter Caryl with a “y” if you must, but think twice before you add a “y” to Jason.

Step 7. Consider the last name

A first name can’t be picked out of the context of the last name, so say the full name out loud to make sure it flows. Often a short first name will complement a long last name, or vice versa.

Step 8. Consider nicknames

Consider all the nicknames that can be made from your child’s name, because you know “Gabriella” is going to end up “Gabby,” “William,” will be called “Bill,” and so on.

FACT: The name Addison hop-scotched 100 places up the popular name list when a character with that name joined the TV drama Grey’s Anatomy.