Coming up (and agreeing) with a name for your baby is one of the most exciting privileges about having a baby, but it can also be a stressful process for some parents!
In Australia, the most popular boy name was Jack, and the most popular girl name was Charlotte in 2012. More recently, there has been an increasing trend for many parents to use more “traditional†names, such as Molly, Lilly, Grace, Elizabeth, Ava, Emma, and Isla for the girls. For boys, names such as Jack, Thomas, James, Henry and Edward have been quite popular in recent times.
Stuck on Baby Names? Here Are Some Ideas
Your name is such an integral part of your identity, so it makes sense that you want to choose the right name for your baby. With so many names out there, the process of narrowing down your potential list can seem completely overwhelming – perhaps even leaving you with no ideas at all!
Here are a few suggestions to help you approach this tricky task.
Go Online
The internet is a good place to start your search for eligible baby names. Sites like Baby Name Wizard and Nymbler provide plenty of tips and tools for choosing a baby name, including popularity charts. Browsing online should at least help you develop a shortlist.
Loved Ones
No doubt you and your partner have relatives and close friends you hold dear. Naming your child after someone who has made an indelible impact on your life can be a touching tribute. Keep in mind that you also want an era-appropriate name for your baby though – your great-great-grandfather’s name may not be suitable for newborns today.
This approach could also extend to respected public figures that you and your partner have a deep admiration for.
A Name You Both Like
It’s important for both parents to be content with their child’s name. If a particular option is a big ‘Yes’ from you but a big ‘No’ from your partner, be respectful of their opinion and keep hunting. If you come across a name that makes both of you smile, it could be a sign that you’ve found the one.
Our clinic has heard its fair share of baby-name discussions! If you need a caring and experienced obstetrician during your pregnancy, we would love to hear yours as well.
Dr Ken Law is a Brisbane Obstetrician specialising in the management of pregnancy and delivery. For more information and to discuss your specific situation, please contact Dr Ken Law to arrange a consultation at Greenslopes Obstetrics and Gynaecology.
