The New Baby Name Game

By the editors of Parents.com
Photolibrary/Matton
Use our uber-creative tips to find a moniker you're mad about.
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Opposites Attract

Buff Strickland

Check out opposite sex names. For girls, look at the boy section of your baby name book. It's a great way to find something that feels fresh and unique, without being too out-there. (Plus, gender-neutral names are so hot these days.) But be practical too, think Dylan, Campbell, or Emory -- as opposed to, say, Hank.

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Choose a Foreign Name

Frances Janisch

Flip through a foreign language dictionary. Conceived on your honeymoon in Venice? How about the Italian word for beautiful (Bella) or water (Acqua)?

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Research Nicknames

Buff Strickland

Start with the nickname. Most kid's names get shortened anyway -- so why not begin with what you're going to be calling her 90 percent of the time and work forward from there (Ella...short for Isabella).

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Search in Unique Places

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Mine wacky sources. Go online and dig up names from Greek mythology or from constellations. Or how about artists' names from an old college art history book? Even if you don't find anything you like, you'll definitely feel like you mined all the possible sources once you do settle on the perfect name.

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Inspiration is Everywhere

Pay attention to everything (everything!) you read. Newspapers, magazines, menus, Yellow Pages -- you never know where or when inspiration will strike!

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Family Names

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Think of people in your family, or even research your family tree way back to your great great great grandparents! Discover your family history and gain some naming inspiration.

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Think Character

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Muse about the characteristics you would like your child to possess. Then, use one of these as a jumping off point to find names that reflect it.

Copyright & copy 2010 Meredith Corporation.

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