Tips on choosing a name for your baby

How do you pick a name you’ll be happy with - and keep all those relatives and friends, who expect your baby to be named after them, smiling?

1. Decide on the basics, such as whether you want an unusual name or a conventional one. If you do decide on something out of the ordinary, remember that many parents give their children more run-of-the-mill middle names, in case they want to change them later. If you’re stuck at this stage, don’t give up in disgust

2. You and your partner should draw up a short list of names - and don’t let anyone interfere... yet! Every so often, say each name out loud, together with your child's surname. You might find that you go off some. Try them without the middle name as well. Only when you’ve got a short list you both like should you test them on your friends and family

3. Speak easy. Makes sure the names you chose are easy to say, whether they are spoken on their own, or together. Remember, a middle name can give your child's whole name a completely different rhythm. Jack David Door sounds far better than Jack Door on its own, for example, and if your baby’s surname will begin with a vowel, try to avoid first names that will end with a vowel (or an ‘r’ will creep in. Try saying Joshua Anderson, for example)

4. Do some surfing. Look at our comprehensive names dictionary or for a really broad look at all the factors to do with naming your baby, try your local library for a look at the Guinness Book Of Names by Leslie Dunkling

5. Let your family down gently. If Auntie Gertrude or Uncle Nigel are desperate to be your baby’s namesake, talk to them. Whatever you do, don’t let them find out through the family grapevine. Perhaps you could come to a compromise: does Gertrude have a middle name you could use? Or can you include them in the baby’s life in some other way?

6. Think roses. Don’t forget what Shakespeare said: a rose by any other name would smell as sweet. Whether your little one ends up as Jack, Joshua, Jeremiah or Jason, you soon won’t imagine him to be anything else.

Fascinating fact

Sixteenth-century Protestants fell victim to a fashion of naming their children after the virtues they most aspired to - so this is where names such as Faith, Hope and Charity come from. Other names which didn’t quite make it into the 21st century include Sin-Denie, Increased, Much-Merceye and Fear-Not