10 baby name rules for excited parents-to-be!

Choosing a baby name is an exciting task for any parent-to-be, but it can be daunting as well, because of all the baby name rules you have to consider!

Finding the "perfect" name is a challenge, but don't worry! We’ve listed 10 important baby name rules that will help you come up with the perfect name for your child!

Keep it short

Cutting down your child’s name to 1 or 2 from a choice of 10 may be hard, but ask yourself, "Will my child be able to recite this in class? Will he be able to write it all down?" If your answer is no, then best keep the name short.

Consider the spelling, nicknames and initials

Change one of the letters to make the name more distinctive. For example, change the "S" in "Sara" to make it "Zara" instead. Also, pay attention to nicknames and initials.

Sometimes a parent may be so engrossed with their child's "beautiful name" that they fail to realise that the initials might spell out something silly, such as "Isabella Patricia O. Tan" or "I.P.O.T.!"

Avoid using names that your close friends and family members have recently used or plan to use

What happens when your friend tells you her future child’s name and it’s the same name you had in mind? Fret not! Some friends don’t mind sharing baby names, but if not, refer to the previous rule. Who knows, you might like the new name even better!

Other alternatives

Why not translate the name in another language?

"Belle" can also be "Bella"(beautiful). Instead of naming your daughter "Alex", try "Alejandra" or "Alejandrina" (protector). Not only does the name sound more exotic, but you also get a kick out of explaining what it means!

Ask permission before using someone’s name

Honouring a deceased uncle by naming your baby after him might be a good idea. But ask his children first in case they may already be planning to use the same name for any of their children. They might not mind and instead feel honoured by the gesture.

Be sensitive to other people’s feelings

When naming your child, it may be best to veer away from names that will trigger ill-feelings in someone close to you. If someone did something wrong to a loved one, avoid naming your child after the culprit. The last thing you need is unnecessary tension for both your child and loved one!

Respect how others name their baby

"To each their own", they say. If you’re not a big fan of the name your friend has chosen for her child, keep it to yourself. Under no circumstances are you to laugh or belittle other people’s choices lest you want someone doing the same thing to you.

Own it

Choosing baby names is an honour mostly given to the baby’s parents and one that they should enjoy. Be accepting of suggestions but you have the right to make the ultimate decision for your child. Claim it!

Be original

Unleash your creativity by using unusual names. Don’t be afraid to experiment within reason. Gwyneth Paltrow has a child named "Apple". Other parents have named their child, "Elektra", "Oceana" and "Tulip".

Do certain places hold meaning for you? Use city names such as Memphis and Brookyln. Love nature? Why not try nature names such as "Leaf" or "Maya"?

Keep your chosen baby name a secret

Calling dibs on baby names is now a trend being done to prevent stealing but it can’t really stop anyone from copying you.

So, keep the name a surprise until the baby’s birth. Isn’t it even more exciting that way? If they still copy you afterwards, just treat it as a form of flattery.