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Below are tips for tackling the all important, and sometimes stressful, task of naming your baby.


Don't Do It
Here are a few things to avoid when naming your child:

Too Long
A child's name shouldn't be hard for them to say, let alone spell. Typically, it's best to use a longer first name with a shorter last name.

Humorous
Charlie Brown may be cute, but consider the gazillion wise cracks he'll get later on - not to mention the pent-up resentment he'll harbour against you.

Too Unique
Giving your child a name that's completely out of the ordinary could set them up for problems later on. And you might find that your child will get sick of always having to spell their name for others.

Tainted
Don't agree to a name your partner loves if it reminds you of that cruel kid in high school. It would be horrible to cringe every time you called your own child.

Hard to Spell
Make a common name more original by changing the spelling may subject your child to a lifetime of correcting people who misspell their name.

Over-Popular
Your child may have to make a name for themselves in a class with five other children carrying the same name. Plus trendy names tend to go out of fashion quickly.

Awful Alliteration
Choices like Alice Adams can set a kid up for a childhood of teasing and an adulthood of embarrassment.

Overly Stereotyped
Osama and Saddam may have sounded nice at one point but their famous namesakes have given them permanent negative connotations.

Repeating Vowels
Starting a first and last name with a vowel can result in tongue twisters, presenting kids with pronunciation problems.

Easily Teased
Kids have enough to worry about. Why add to this with a name that invites mocking?


Definitely Do It
Here are a few things to keep in mind when making your choice:

Sound it Out
Read each potential name out loud. This helps you to visualize the name and make sure first, middle and last names fit well together.

Check for Associations
It's best to check your favourite names online or with friends to make sure they don't hold any hidden meanings you're not prepared for.

Keep a List
Rate your favourite names on a piece of paper and keep it handy for when new ones come along.

Research the Meaning
While many people don't choose names based on their meaning, it's a good idea to check it out. You never know what you'll find out.

Consider Siblings
Try to pick names that are similar in sound, ethnicity or syllables.

Think About Nicknames
Think about the potentials before you choose. You can set a rule that no one is allowed to shorten your child's name, but good luck enforcing this when they're off at school.

Honour Your Family
Keeping your child's name in the family is a great way to honour your ancestral roots.

Tell a Tale
A story helps bring a name to life and you'll always have a tale to tell your children.


Baby name quiz: http://lifestyle.sympatico.ca/Special+Guides/PregnancyGuide/contentposting_PG?newsitemid=b70cf66f-eb9b-4fed-87f4-b29d6ebb27dc&feedname=Pregnancy_Guide&show=False&number=0&showbyline=True&subtitle=&detect=&abc=abc&date=False