Top 10 Baby Name Mistakes
By Paul Krantz
Choosing the perfect name for your baby girl or baby boy should be an exciting and rewarding process. And as soon as your baby and her name become a couple, you’ll love them both.
Of course, like any decision made by mere humans, regrets can creep in long after the fact. Here are 10 baby-naming pitfalls you’ll probably recognize—and some tips for avoiding them.
1. Following the Crowd
Often times, parents-to-be choose a name simply because they love it—only to discover six years down the road that everyone else fell in love with it about the same time. You may not be sure why you adore the name Emily (the current number one among girls), but if you choose that name for your daughter, you can expect her to have lots of company when she starts school in a few years. (Perhaps you remember sorting out all the Jessicas in your own school?)
Top Tip: Check the popularity of your baby name candidates at TopBabyNames.com.
2. Chasing a “Hot” Name
Choosing a baby name in honor of your favorite Hollywood personality is always a risk. Remember that the person you admire today may be the laughingstock of tomorrow.
Top Tip: Beware especially of one-name celebs like Cher, Paris, or Elvis.
3. Getting Nicked
If you can’t stand the nickname, stay away from the name. You may always call him Edward, but you can be sure someone else will want to call him Ed, Edd, or Eddy.
Top Tip: Factor in possible nicknames when you are choosing baby names, and never assume that you can control how your child’s name will be used (or abused) by others.
4. Going Short
Here’s another take on the subject of nicknames. You might like the name Maddy, choosing it over the more formal Madison. But by going that route, you are limiting your daughter’s options later in life. When applying for a position at a prestigious law firm, she might very well be more comfortable with latter.
Top Tip: Use the nickname but put the “real” name on the birth certificate.
5. Settling on Oddball Spellings
There is absolutely nothing wrong with naming your daughter Caitlin—or Caitlan, Caitlynn, Kaitlin, Kaetlin, or any of the other 150 or so variations on this one name. But the farther you stray from the most popular spellings, the bigger the hassle factor for you and your daughter. (See also Geoffrey, Phred, and Merry)
Top Tip: If you have your heart set on an unusual spelling, write it down and ask five strangers to pronounce it. If fewer than four get it right, think twice about choosing it.
6. Neglecting a Middle Name
At the time our nation was founded, middle names were relatively uncommon. In fact, it wasn’t until the mid-19th century that the idea of multiple names really caught on. Even today, some parents shun middle names, either out of fatigue (from the work of picking the first name) or fear that the middle name will overshadow the first name. Whatever the reason, it’s a bad choice. Even if rarely used, a middle name supplies that all-important middle initial that bureaucrats are always insisting be included when you fill out their forms. Furthermore, a middle name reduces the odds that you son will be mistaken for one of the other 10,000 Michael Johnsons in your town.
Top Tip: Don’t just make your second choice name your baby’s middle name. Instead, use the opportunity to honor someone you love or admire, like a grandparent or special teacher.
7. Missing the Meaning
The original meaning of a name may be obscure, but you can be sure your child’s playmates will ferret it out—especially if it might be a bit embarrassing. The name Paul for instance, means “small.” Not a big deal, really, but not quick in the same league as Rock when trying to impress the opposite sex.
Top Tip: At least make an effort to learn the meaning of you chosen name, especially if it is an unusual or “foreign” name.
8. Failing to Think Long Term
Baby boy Leslie isn’t likely to complain about his name. But fast-forward 12 years and you have one grumpy Leslie on your hands. (With apologies to Leslie Nielsen.) Think twice before bending the gender line.
Top Tip: Don’t think you can finesse the issue with a nickname (Les) or masculine spelling (Leslie).
9. Poor Initial Thinking
Here’s a trap that’s often overlooked. Take the names you are considering and see what the initials spell. Chloe Alyssa Taylor might relish being a CAT, but her brother, Zachary Isaac, may have issues.
Top Tip: Just don’t step in that pile.
10. When in Doubt, Toss It Out
In the end, follow your instincts and intuition. If there’s something about the name that bothers you—even if you can’t put your finger on the exact reason—move along.
Top Tip: Remember, if you love your child’s name, chances are excellent that he or she will, too.
