Baby Naming Today: The Person Makes the Name

Despite this newfound openness in choosing a name, you still want to find a meaningful name for your child. After all, any important decision in life requires research and contemplation. But remember, only you have some inclination of what road your daughter or son may take, only you know what ideals you will set forth for your child, and only you will say, repeat, and abbreviate this given name thousands of times as you endeavor to raise your child into an exceptional person.

Trust Your Instincts

We've all had that deep, gut feeling that prompts us to make specific decisions, and allowing these instincts to guide you—rather than being persuaded by a barrage of opinions—offers you the best chance at picking the consummate baby name.

To cultivate this skill (and yes, it is a skill), you need to get out of your own way and be open to anything. Give yourself time; you don't need to name the baby before his or her arrival. Many parents wait until they meet their baby to make a final name selection, especially if they have a couple of name favorites. Don't worry—your baby will not remain nameless because her parents were too undecided! A name will come to you, so have confidence, get informed, and enjoy the selection process. To quote Deepak Chopra, "Trust your gut and your heart and your toes, too."

Your baby's name could come from a person, place, thing, or idea, and it can be popular or unusual—it can be anything you want it to be, because it's not the name that makes the person, it's the person that makes the name. Your child's name, personality, and beliefs will be interwoven and mixed into a combination that is truly unique.

Name Dilemmas

The most frequent predicament in the naming process is when parents can't agree on a name. While some couples are so like-minded they easily agree on name choices, others agonize over this decision. Here are a few guidelines to help you overcome naming problems.

• See if you can begin the journey on common ground. Try agreeing on a strategy or process as opposed to a specific name. Think about what naming style you both do agree on—whether you're looking for a unique name, a biblical name, or a traditional family name, for example.

• Keep baby naming between you and your mate. Unless you have a very secure relationship with your parents or in-laws, it's usually best to keep their opinions out of the mix. The same goes for other well-meaning relatives and friends. One of the most common naming problems is that a relative or friend may feel she has ownership over a name you're choosing. What they don't know won't hurt them.