Thrilling yet overwhelming, baby naming is a delicate art that can be rife with potential blunders. High profile couples like Harry and Meghan have invited much debate over their choice of name for their daughter, Lilibet Diana. But even for those of us without a royal title, choosing a name can be a complex task filled with emotional and cultural significance. To get what you want without upsetting the apple cart, Maisie Clarke, Hippychick’s resident blogger, shows you how to navigate the complex world of baby naming.
Navigating Family Expectations
Naming your baby can be a minefield, especially when family traditions and expectations come into play. Favouring the name of one family member over another or choosing not to honour the family name at all can even lead to family rifts. To balance your desires with family expectations, when baby naming, consider these tips:
Honouring Tradition with Middle Names
Looking at your family tree is often the first step for new parents. My family didn’t shy away from ‘keeping it in the family’, and I find myself writing birthday cards to Joe Senior, Joe Junior, and Joe Junior Junior. As lovely and traditional as it is to pass names down through generations, it can create quite a bit of confusion, especially at family gatherings. One way to maintain tradition while avoiding confusion is to use family names as middle names rather than first names.
Balancing Personal Choice and Family Harmony
It’s important to choose a name that you love and that feels right for your child, but balancing that with family expectations can be tricky. Open discussions with family members about your naming choices can help smooth the way and avoid misunderstandings. Remember, while it’s nice to honour family traditions, the final decision should ultimately be what feels right for you and your baby.
The Importance of Etymology
Investigating the etymology of names is also a must. Every name has a meaning and a history, and understanding this can help you choose a name that resonates on a deeper level.
Seasonal and Symbolic Names
Seasonal names like ‘Holly’, ‘Angelica’, or ‘Carol’ have obvious etymologies, but not everyone knows that ‘Avery’ means ‘Christmas elf’ or that ‘Natasha’ means ‘Jesus’ birth’. Names carry meanings that can reflect values, hopes, and characteristics you wish for your child.
The Study of Names: Onomastics
Onomastics, the study of names, touches on linguistics, history, anthropology, psychology, sociology, and much more. Many parents feel that their child ‘just came out looking like a Hannah’ or a ‘Benjamin’, but it’s worth considering if the meaning of the name suits your baby as well.
Cultural Considerations for Baby Naming
When it comes to names, etymology often coincides with culture. Honouring your culture and that of others is another essential consideration.
Reflecting Cultural Heritage
Your culture forms a significant part of your child’s identity, so choosing a name that reflects your heritage is a go-to for many parents. For instance, my family has Scottish heritage, and ‘Maisie’ comes from the Scottish name ‘Margaret’, meaning ‘Pearl’. My friend Maya is named after the Hindu goddess Lakshmi, and another friend, Ansgar, has a Nordic name meaning ‘God and spear’. These names not only honour cultural heritage but also imbue a sense of identity and pride.
Practical Considerations
While family tradition, culture, and etymology are prominent concerns, practical considerations should not be overlooked.
Nicknames and Initials
Contemplating all possible nicknames is crucial. You may not have control over what nicknames your child will acquire, especially once they start school or join activities. Make sure you’re comfortable with all possibilities. It’s also important to consider the potential for unfortunate combinations of initials. For instance, a name like ‘Sam Oliver Green’ might be better reconsidered. Don’t forget to also check if initials will spell any unfortunate words!
Avoiding Trends
Many people advise avoiding trendy names that top baby lists. While trendy names can be appealing, classic names are popular for a reason—they have stood the test of time. Remember, classic doesn’t have to mean boring.
The Final Baby Naming Decision
Whether you’ve always known the name you’ll give to your baby or you change your mind daily, remember that a name won’t define your child. They may initially suit it or not, it could be tied to family or culture, or something entirely new. Ultimately, your baby will grow into their name, making it uniquely theirs.
Baby naming is a journey filled with excitement, tradition, and a touch of anxiety. By considering family expectations, etymology, cultural significance, and practical aspects, you can navigate this journey with confidence. Whether you’ve always known the name you’ll give to your baby, or change your mind daily in the run up to and even immediately after they are born, remember that a name won’t define them. They may initially suit it or not, it could be a name tied to family or culture, or something entirely new. Regardless, you should be assured that as they grow up, your baby will make their name their own, to the point where you couldn’t imagine them being called anything else! In the end, whatever name you choose, your child will make it their own, and soon you won’t be able to imagine them being called anything else.