Don’t Name Your Baby Until You Read This! Just kidding! But, these baby names tips for the perfect name really are helpful when you’re trying to choose a baby name. First things first; Congratulations, mama! You’re glowing, you’re growing, and you’re probably super overwhelmed by, well, everything! It’s an exciting time, but let’s be honest, picking your perfect baby name can feel sooooo overwhelming! These baby naming tips will give you inspiration on how to find your perfect baby name and, tips on how to narrow down your choices. I’ve also included a free baby names quiz at the end of this post to help you find inspiration!
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Searching For Baby Names Tips for the Perfect Name?
Then you’re in the right place! Does this sound like you? I was constantly Googling baby names and searching for baby names on Pinterest! Then, I pinned every name I even remotely liked and kept a list of names in notes on my phone. I was so stressed about finding the perfect baby name, and believe it or not, an actual physical baby names book is where I ended up finding our perfect baby name. That, and the baby naming tips and activities I did that are designed to help you create the perfect baby name for your little one. Doing these excercises really helped, and they also showed me what NOT to do when naming your baby!
We found our perfect name, and you can find your perfect baby name too! So, before you get that custom name sign from Etsy for your baby nursery, read these baby names tips for the perfect name, so you can find the perfect name for YOUR baby (and what not to do when naming your baby)!
BABY NAMES TIPS FOR THE PERFECT NAME
1. Choose a name that fits YOUR BABY not just one that’s trendy at the time.
Some names might sound cute now, but if its too trendy or obscure you might not like it later on. Also, sometimes when a name is popular, or trending, it can seem as if everyone has the same nama as you. Opt for a name with staying power and that you will always love, instead of just trying to fit in with a trend.
2. Say the name out loud. A LOT.
How does it sound with your last name? Does it have any unfortunate nicknames? (Nicknames happen so be prepared!) Will the name sound good with the middle name, and what about the whole name together? Try it out and see if it flows. Also, try rubbing your belly and saying the name out loud to see if you feel connected to it, and call your baby by that name for the whole day, or a few days, and see how it feels to you. If it feels right then it’s right.
[Saying the names out loud is what really made me know that I had found the perfect name for my baby. After I did my baby name homweork I had 4 names as top contenders. Saying the baby names I had chosen aloud is when it really clicked! One of the names just felt so right! My husband looked at me and said, I think that’s one. And it was.]
3. Search for names by their meaning.
Think of traits you want your baby to have such us bravery, strength, or beauty, and then look up names that have meanings equal to those traits. This is where Google is your friend but, don’t get too stressed about a name’s meaning or origin. Those are just tools to help you find a name you like.
4. Use the internet and AI.
Search for names on Google or Pinterest and use AI as a tool. If you’re not finding what you want on Google or Pinterest, or its too overwhelming, then, try using AI! You can use Google Bard or Chat GPT to help you create a list of baby names. If you’ve never used these before, don’t worry it’s simple! Just type in a prompt or question and AI does the rest.
Try These Prompts: AI Example Prompts.
- Please write me a list of 15 baby names for girls that start with the letter L.
- Can you create a list of 10 gender neutral baby names that mean strength?
- Please write a list of unique boy baby names that sound mythical.
- Can you give me a list of 20 enchanted names for baby girls?
5. Embrace the family tree.
Honoring a special relative can be a beautiful way to connect your child to their heritage, if this is something that’s important to you. Also, family names can make great middle names! You can also use your family religion, origin, and culture for name inspo. For example, do you come from a big Italian family? Then maybe you already know you want an Italian name. This helps narrow down your choices.
6. Teamwork makes the dream work. Involve your partner in the baby name homework.
Discuss your preferences, create your own lists of names you like, and compare notes. You and your partner may not agree on names at first so be open to compromise. A good activity is for each of you to write down your top 10 baby names in order from most favorite to least favorite. Then, compare your lists. If you have a name at number 1 but your partner has it at number 10 then, maybe you would both agree on one of the names in the middle. Next, cross off any completly vetoed names. From there, make a list together of your top 5 baby names, and next, your top 3 baby names. This is a great way to really narrow down your choices.
7. Write any names you like down (yes actually write like with a pen and paper).
Write the full name out, first, middle, and last, and write out the initials. Mext, write down different first and middle name combos. Looking at the names written out can help give you a visual representation of the name. You’ll know right away if you dont like it.
8. Use topics you’re interested in for inspiration.
Good areas to draw baby name inspiration from are books, music, TV Shows, movies, history, theater, and art. Your favorite characters from books, or shows can help inspire names, and the same goes with the other areas. Use things you already love as inspiration for baby names!
Want to know what you should actually put on your baby registry? Then read my first time mom baby registry must haves!
9. Think about the nicknames!
Sometimes a name sounds really cute until you think about the potential nicknames that name has. If a name has a terrible nickname then you might want to reconsider. I don’t know about you but, I didn’t want to give my child a name that had a nickname kids would possibly make fun of because the world is hard enough.
10. Check your baby book (or Google) for all the similar names of a name you like.
Sometimes there will be a different version of a name you like better. Perhaps you don’t like the name Krystal but, you love the name Krista. Also, check for different spellings because the way a name looks contributes to how much you like it.
11. Use meaningful experiences with your partner as inspiration.
Did you and your partner take an amazing trip together? Where did you meet and what was going on in the world then? Think about your proposal place, date, and season. Where was your first date? Do you see where I’m going with this? You might love the idea of choosing a name that has a special meaning to you.
12. Go through a baby book or 2 (yes an actual physical baby names book) and go through the names alphabetically.
Check off or circle any names that you like, that stand out, or you find interesting. There’s just something about a physical book that can really inspire you and spark all the baby name ideas! If you’re looking for a great baby name ideas book I used this baby name book and this book. These were the books I used and where I found my perfect baby name.
13. Trust your gut!
Sometimes, you just know when a name feels right. Maybe it has a special meaning, but maybe it doesn’t. Maybe it just sings to your heart and you just know it’s the one.
14. Try out the name at Starbucks or similar place where they ask for your name and call it out.
When they ask for your name, give them one of your name contenders. This is a great way to hear how the name sounds and how people may possibly pronounce it. I haven’t personally tried this one but I think it’s a great tip for hearing how the name sounds and can help you narrow down your choices.
Remember This Mama
There’s no perfect name, but there’s a perfect name for YOUR baby. So relax, enjoy the journey, and congratulations again on this incredible chapter! I hope these baby names tips for the perfect name inspire you, and help you narrow down your choices, to find your perfect baby name!
Do you have any baby names tips for the perfect name? Let me know in the comments! And don’t forget to take the baby names inspiration quiz below!
Baby Names Tips for the Perfect Name QUIZ: How to Find Your Perfect Baby Name!
Ready to get those creative juices flowing? Take this quick Baby Names Tips for the Perfect Name Quiz below to discover your baby naming style!
1. What does your dream vacation destination look like?
A. Classic European city (Rome, Paris, London)
B. Off-the-beaten-path adventure (Iceland, Patagonia, Costa Rica)
C. Relaxing beach getaway (Maldives, Bora Bora, Bali)
D. Vibrant cultural experience (Morocco, Japan, Thailand)
2. Describe your ideal home decor style:
A. Timeless elegance with a touch of luxury
B. Bohemian flair with unique finds and vintage pieces
C. Coastal chic with calming blues and natural textures
D. Bold and eclectic with a mix of patterns and colors
3. What fictional character do you most admire?
A. Elizabeth Bennet (Pride & Prejudice) – Strong, intelligent, and witty
B. Katniss Everdeen (The Hunger Games) – Brave, resourceful, and fiercely independent
C. Anne Shirley (Anne of Green Gables) – Imaginative, kind-hearted, and full of zest for life
D. Hermione Granger (Harry Potter) – Intelligent, loyal, and a champion for justice
4. What’s your favorite literary genre?
A. Classic literature (Jane Austen, F. Scott Fitzgerald, Harper Lee)
B. Fantasy or science fiction (J.R.R. Tolkien, Margaret Atwood, Rebecca Yarros, Neil Gaiman)
C. Romance or historical fiction (Nicholas Sparks, Kristin Hannah, Colleen Hoover, Philippa Gregory)
D. Contemporary fiction or non-fiction (Celeste Ng, Ta-Nehisi Coates, Brené Brown)
5. Imagine your child all grown up. What qualities do you hope they’ll possess?
A. Confidence and strength
B. Creativity and independence
C. Kindness and compassion
D. Intelligence and curiosity
Now tally up your answers!
Mostly A’s: You have a classic and sophisticated taste. Consider elegant names with timeless appeal, and classic names that will hold up to any trend.
Mostly B’s: You crave adventure and appreciate unique finds. Explore names with interesting origins or bold sounds, and unique names that aren’t used a lot.
Mostly C’s: You love serenity and natural beauty. Opt for calming names with natural references or, names with peaceful meanings.
Mostly D’s: You embrace all things vibrant and expressive. Consider names with rich cultural heritage or that symbolize strong personalities, and names that sound creative or strong.
Remember, This is just a starting point! Use this quiz, your gut feelings, and the tips above to find the perfect name for your precious miracle.
