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Solving Common Baby Naming Problems
Naming a baby is a deeply personal undertaking. Parents want a name that reflects a unique identity, heritage, or a good vibe. All too often, others (friends, in-laws, coworkers) feel free to weigh in on your choice, or you and your partner don't see eye to eye. Here are some common problems, and how to resolve them.
Q. My husband and I have different naming styles. He is much more traditional and conservative, while I am drawn to more creative, unusual names. What can we do?
A. You could flip a coin to decide who gets to pick the first name and who gets to select the middle name, but that wouldn't make either of you very happy. It would also result in the kind of divisiveness that leads to dueling names or a dull compromise that nobody likes.
If your lists are far apart stylistically, keep an open mind. You may be surprised by what you discover. There are so many names to choose from that the possibilities are unlimited. Consider creating a new name from one of your husband's favorites, combined with one of yours. If his top pick of Emily, for example, is too conventional for you, you could suggest Emilie, Emme, Amelia, or Emerson.
Don't shortchange the process or each other. Take turns suggesting potential names, listen respectfully to each other's choices, and agree from the start to choose a name that both of you like and accept. This way you'll be sure to defuse any power struggles, and you'll move that much closer to achieving a happy collaboration.
Here's one exercise that always gets people to cooperate: Start with a list of names you both hate, and work your way up from there.
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you as the mother who carried sum1 in ur uterus 4 9 months has every right to name ur child what you like! the person whose opinion matters besides urs is the daddy...you can't satisfy everyone 9 months pregnant and keep ur almost-here-i-come baby and urself happy! my mind is made up and im only 7 months prego..no daddy doesn't like it but he will love her reguardless!!!
3/20/2010 06:07:57 PM Report Abuseyeah....don't give them a name like mine "Cekka" pronounced C-Ka it's embarrassing sometimes hearing people try to say my name so I make sure to always write down my middle where there's no confusion! lol
3/5/2010 02:25:53 AM Report AbuseCapone, as in Al Capone, the largest gangster in American history?
3/2/2010 09:28:19 PM Report AbuseCapone? isn't it type of chicken?
2/28/2010 10:14:29 AM Report AbuseWell Samantha I suggest that you tell everyone that they will get used to it. Go with your heart when the time is right you will find the name you want. My family was all against naming my daughter Shawntee Aurora, I told them to get over it. Guess what they did just that. Every single one of them love her and say that she would not be anything but Shawntee to them now. Another thing I found Shawntee 1 week before I gave birth.
2/25/2010 10:58:00 PM Report Abusei am so tired of others opinions as soon as i find a name i love everyone convinces me out of it and tells me what i should name him instead i have 5 weeks and not a clue what to name him or how to tell people that the names they choose are not my taste
2/10/2010 07:16:00 PM Report Abusewhat do you guys think of the name Capone??
2/2/2010 09:16:05 PM Report AbuseI agree greenidlady34. What do you believe is trying to be hidden by giving a child a unisex name; maaries? Let's hear your name...
1/21/2010 04:03:47 AM Report Abusesorry that comment was in the wrong place :)
1/20/2010 11:35:42 AM Report AbuseMe and my husband cant agree on a name for boy. He is in love with Troy and I dont like it at all, he is upset cuz I wont be open to it but I dont want to name our son something I dont like. I love mason lee. The last name is allen. I know that wont be our sons name either because he doesnt like it. We have a son named Trevor grant, Any suggestions for names we will both like?
1/20/2010 11:33:37 AM Report AbuseMy name is Patricia and my nickname is Pat. My dad's name was Jan Roland Samuel in Sweden & I was called to the office twice when asked about why or if this is his first name. Jan (the j is pronounced like a y and I think pronounced like Jon or John except w/ a y pronunciation. Anyhow, names can be misinterpreted or mispronounced. So make sure u know what u r doing and pronounce it w/ the last name to see if it is palatable to the ear. I like names w/ meaning or purpose.
12/9/2009 05:55:56 PM Report AbuseMy husband and I agreed on a name but could not agree on spelling. I went onto CafeMom.com and created a poll (un-jaded) and we decided to go with whichever made a higher score.
11/23/2009 04:39:05 PM Report Abusei feel that unisex names can be used to some extent. my name is Kyndall, and my daughter is Reese and i feel they work fine. a little too masculine would be my first choice for my daughter, Rhian (pronounced Ryan).
10/27/2009 09:42:06 PM Report AbuseMaybe they just like unisex names I do and my boyfriend and I both have one.
10/17/2009 01:19:36 AM Report Abusethat is strange thinking
10/14/2009 07:31:22 PM Report AbuseThere was a time when giving a girl a unisex name was done primarily for the purpose of getting doors opened to interviews for traditional masculine jobs and/or inroads into other opportunities where women would not have been invited. I think the name should clearly indicate the gender; within name groups a statement can be made. When someone has a unisex name, I feel they (or the parents) are trying to hide something.
10/1/2009 04:35:56 PM Report Abuse