When it comes to choosing a name for their baby, many parents find themselves feeling overwhelmed. The process can be engaging, but the responsibility of naming another human being can be a bit daunting. Throughout their life, your child will carry that name.
It’s possible that you have a good idea of what you’re looking for in a name. Your partner, family, and friends may also have some opinions. It can be difficult to get everyone on the same page, but it doesn’t have to be a dreadful experience. Here, you’ll pick the perfect name for your baby.
Unique Boy Names
| Names | Meaning |
| Brantley | sword, fiery torch |
| Bishop | guardian |
| Emmett | Universal or truth |
| Darwin | dear friend |
| Anders | strong |
| Jahdiel | the unity of God |
| Dalton | valley farm |
| Jenson | God is gracious |
| Griffin | strong lord |
| Judah | praised |
| Ryker | rich |
| Boone | good, blessing |
| Asher | fortunate, happy one |
| Ansel | with divine protection |
| Lucius | light |
| Florian | flowering |
| Wilbur | brilliant |
| Shai | gift |
| Idris | lord |
| Casimir | destroyer of peace |
| Cato | all-knowing |
| Orin | light |
| Benedict | blessed |
| Lowen | joy |
| Basil | royal |
| Izan | strong |
| Cyril | lordly |
| Neo | new or gift |
| Vladimir | great ruler |
| Archibald | truly brave |
| Pax | peaceful |
| Rune | secret |
| Montgomery | man power |
| Ames | friend |
| Zebedee | gift of God |
| Enoch | dedicated |
| Eros | desire, love |
| Jethro | excellence |
| Finnian | fair |
| Galen | calm, healer |
| Aurelian | golden one |
| Inigo | fiery |
| Fritz | peaceful ruler |
| Valentin | strength, health |
| Levon | lion |
| Wynn | fair, blessed |
| Ferris | strong man |
| Joachim | Established by God |
| Roderick | famous ruler |
Unique Girl Names
| Names | Meaning |
| Brielle | hunting grounds |
| Emery | industrious |
| Rainey | queen |
| Oaklee | meadow of oak trees |
| Meilani | heavenly flower |
| Selene | moon goddess |
| Emmaline | peaceful home |
| Celia | heavenly |
| Tinsley | tynni’s meadow |
| Calliope | beautiful voice |
| Rylan | island meadow |
| Jessamy | jasmine flower |
| Sariah | princess |
| Kenna | fire born, good-looking |
| Harlee | the long field |
| Nia | bright |
| Mina | love |
| Lia | bearer of good news |
| Edie | rich gift |
| Luz | light |
| Aurelia | golden |
| Addy | son of Adam |
| Brilliana | brilliant |
| Isadora | gift of Isis |
| Joan | god is gracious |
| Lucinda | light |
| Araminta | loveable |
| Ethel | noble maiden |
| Elvira | white, fair |
| Asher | blessed, fortunate, happy |
| Eulalia | sweetly speaking |
| Sia | victory |
| Fenna | peace |
| Kerensa | love |
| Dulcie | sweet |
| Anwen | beautiful |
| Helia | sun |
| Nerissa | from the sea |
| Domino | lord |
| Eliska | pledged to god |
| Hebe | youth |
| Shoshana | lily |
| Zira | moonlight |
| Helly | shining light |
| Emeraude | emerald |
| Lucine | moon |
| Yuki | snow |
| Calixta | most beautiful |
| Kiyomi | beautiful |
Picking Baby Names
Not everyone has a long list of girl names, boy names, and gender-neutral names already started upon finding out you’re expecting. Some parents start from scratch with each child, while others even wait until the baby is born before selecting a name.
Selecting a Middle Name
A middle name is not mandatory, but it has a few practical applications. A middle name can provide a distinct identity for parents who give their child a family name that others in the family also possess.
A middle name is the ideal place to conceal the family name you choose for reasons other than love. The middle name can add some balance. The middle name can be more creative or unique if you choose a more formal first name. Choosing a very unusual first name can lead to a more traditional middle name.
A safety name can be added to a middle name as well. In case your child doesn’t love their first name, they can have a backup name to use in the future. Using a gender-neutral first name can lead to the addition of a more traditionally gendered middle name. Having a middle name can provide children with a range of options as they grow.
Selecting a Last Name
At first, you may not have much of a choice when it comes to your child’s surname. Some states and countries, for instance, require the baby to be given the father’s last name, if it is known. Sometimes, it has to be the last name of the mother or gestational parent.
Many states allow parents to choose a last name at birth more freely. In some families, parents with different last names hyphenate their names to show the joining of two families. In some families, parts of each parent’s last name are combined to create a new one. There are families that don’t use either parent’s last name. They opt to give their child a completely different last name, even though it is not permitted in every state.
The Importance of Family Traditions in Naming a Baby
Some parents may choose a baby’s name based on family traditions. It’s possible that your family has a long history of using the same naming pattern.
Religious Aspects and Naming Ceremonies
There are many religious obligations to name a baby. Some parents choose to name their baby after a religious figure, while others choose a name that has a spiritual meaning. If you have faith, you can inquire with your religious leader about the specific customs of your religion.
A baby naming ceremony is held by many different religions. The religious community welcomes the baby and bestows blessings and good wishes upon the child.
The ceremony can be held either in a place of worship or at home. A religious leader, family members, friends, and other community members have the option to attend.
Tips for Choosing a Baby Name
After taking into account family traditions, religious beliefs, and any potential legal implications, you may have a first, middle, and last name that you’re prepared to use. It’s a given that you can do that. Before making it official, it’s worth thinking about a few more things.
Write out the initials
It’s a good idea to avoid giving your baby initials that spell anything odd. Think about the nicknames people might suggest for your child, and make sure you like them and are satisfied with how they match your child’s last name. It’s recommended to give your children names that all have the same first initial or names that sound good together because they’ll be spoken in the same way often.
Be careful with meanings
Some states and countries have laws that prohibit the name of a child to be considered offensive.
Check for various spellings
Changing the spelling of a specific name may be uncertain, but it can make a significant difference. Spelling and explaining may be easier or harder for your child depending on it.
Consider the uniqueness
Unique names can be both creative and enjoyable. Life can be difficult with a name that is too unique. If it’s too difficult to spell or pronounce, others may avoid saying it. It’s possible for the child to repeat or explain it constantly to others.
