Hey there, expectant mom! Congratulations on your journey into parenthood and welcome to the world of unsolicited advice—mine included!
Choosing a name for your baby is a big deal. You might have dreamt about a name since childhood, perhaps imagining you were adopted from a royal lineage with the name Clarissa (or maybe that was just me). Whether you’ve spent countless hours poring over books and websites or have a name that has stuck with you for years, you will inevitably face the question: “Have you picked a name yet?”
This question can pop up anywhere, from the office to the grocery store. While you’re simultaneously dodging questions about how you plan to nourish your little one (pro tip: avoid talking about bottles) and managing that bump that may have just collided with someone’s coffee, brace yourself for the inquiry.
If you share your chosen name, you’ll quickly gauge their reaction, which may include a passive-aggressive “OOooOH…” followed by any number of delightful responses such as:
- “Oh, that’s interesting.”
- “Is it a family name?”
- “Are you considering other options?”
- “Is it inspired by a celebrity or character?”
- “Have you thought about [insert bizarre name here]?”
- “Wasn’t there a notorious criminal with that name?”
- Silence.
Before you toss your favorite name into a sea of hormones and tears, hold off on the Sharpie and the baby name book. Here are seven reasons why your baby name (probably) rocks:
- You Love It: That’s the most important reason.
- Your Partner is Onboard: If you and your partner have reached an agreement on the name, treasure that alignment. It’s not easy to find a name you both adore.
- It’s Unique Among Your Circle: Aim for a name that hasn’t been claimed by any of your friends, family, or coworkers in the last decade.
- It’s Unused by Pets: Make sure it hasn’t been taken by any of the pets in your circle, whether they’re dogs, cats, or even imaginary friends.
- It Holds Meaning: Whether it’s a family name (like Frances or Henry), a beloved character (like Holden or Katniss), or something whimsical (like Cookie or Pickle), the name should be special to you.
- It Brings You Joy: Picture the nursery filled with personalized decor and imagine calling your child’s full name with a mixture of pride and frustration throughout the years.
- They’ll Probably Complain Anyway: Ultimately, your child will find a way to hold you accountable for ruining their life with their name (sorry, little Pickle Katniss!). They might even decide they were born to royalty and their real name is Clarissa.
Everyone has an opinion when it comes to baby names, especially yours. There’s no name that everyone will love, so embrace what resonates with you and take others’ opinions with a grain of salt. Unless you’re accidentally naming your child after a notorious criminal—then maybe reconsider that choice!
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Summary:
Choosing a baby name can be daunting, especially with outside opinions. Focus on names you love, those that hold meaning, and make you happy. Remember, no name will please everyone, so trust your instincts and enjoy the process!