How to name a baby

This week a child was born and the whole world was waiting to hear the name. Bets were placed, the media speculated, and eventually the name was released. Of course I'm talking about the son of Kate Middleton and Prince William whose name has been announced: George Alexander Louis. Of course the royal child would have been given a fairly traditional name, but here are some pointers for anyone else hoping to have children some time in the future about naming their little darlings.

Remember this: a baby name is for life.
When you choose a baby name this is something that you have to like for the rest of your life. Naming the baby after a film character you're currently infatuated with may lose meaning if, in a few years time, you realise you actually don't like the film as much. If you're lucky enough to have time to really plan before having children why not consider a name for some time to ensure your opinion of it does not change.


I urge you to pick a name that isn't on the most popular baby name list at that given time. Do you really want your child to have the same name as most of the babies born that year? There are thousands of beautiful names out there. Instead of Laura why not Nora? Instead of Daniel why not Dashiel? Help your child get ahead in later life by picking a decent name that sets them apart from their peers and classmates. Don't copy the names your friends or acquaintances give to their babies. That totally defeats the purpose of naming.

Think about the initials of you future child. 
You may select beautiful names for the child but if you name your child something like Warren Ewan Emerson his initials will be W.E.E.
This also goes for seeing how your kids names go together. Having a son called Samuel and a daughter called Ella may seem lovely until you call out "Sam and Ella!" and it sounds like you're yelling about salmonella.

Try to pick a name you and your partner/co-parent will be happy with. 
Don't feel pressured into using a name you don't like by your partner or because there is a family name you're expected to give the child. You'll have to repeat this name thousands upon thousands of times over the years in good times and bad times. It may as well be a name you like to say.

If you need inspiration there are loads of baby name websites, phone apps and even youtube channels to give you inspiration. May you and your children have a happy life together.