How2Day: Name Search Techniques

Searching for a name is an important step in preparing for your new baby. Maria Toutoudaki/Photodisc/Getty Images
Searching for a name can be one of the more difficult tasks facing a couple expecting a child, especially if they can't agree on a name. Babies Online advises that it can be an emotional experience, so it should be approached carefully and given a fair amount of consideration. For parents who are stuck, there are a few techniques that can help the name search process.

Many couples choose to use traditional names from their relatives. Perhaps there is a long tradition of "Juniors" in the family or a pattern for swapping first and middle names. Going the traditional route can be an easy way to choose and a convenient way to honor a relative. To make the name unique, pair a family name with an original middle name or vice versa.

Names in ancient times were often tied to a person's background, culture, personality, birth order, or any other relevant factor. Today, names can hold this same significance for the parents that choose them.

In this technique, each parent should list names that have a special meaning to him or her. Favorite literary characters, historical figures, or past friends might, make appearances on this list. With each partner thinking of important names, the list of possibilities will soon grow.

Many search banks exist online that can help parents choose a name by meaning, letter, country of origin, popularity, and many other categories. At BabyNames.com, parents-to-be can even browse "Celebrity Names" and "Cool Names" for more unusual ideas. Many of these sites will also provide lists of the most popular names to aid parents in the decision making process.

These websites take out much of the legwork for parents and will allow each partner to identify his or her favorite names based on criteria that is important to them. Beware, however, that such a large database of names can be overwhelming.

Another age-old method is to purchase a list of baby names from the bookstore and flip through it page by page. A helpful way to attack such a vast list of names is to ask each partner to choose ten favorite names. Perhaps each partner could use a highlighter to mark his or her favorite names in the book.

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