Sometimes you just ‘know’ what name you are going to use. Other times you make lists and lists, pin them up on the fridge, and you still can’t decide. Whether to go for a family name, traditional, modern, unusual, or just something you like.

We have compiled a list of the most popular baby names. A list of names of the most commonly registered names in the UK over the last 5 years.

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Popular Baby Names and Their Meanings

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Things to think of when choosing a name.

• Will your baby’s initials spell out something you’d rather not have? e.g. Edward George Green = EGG

• Is a name so unusual or so old fashioned the child will get teased?

• Are you choosing a name that is trendy now, but will be just strange 5 years from now?

• Remember your child will have the name for their whole life, if they want to be a lawyer or a Doctor, do they really want to be called Elvis?

• Making lists of potential names is a good idea, and remember you don’t have to make a decision until after your baby is born.

Want to read about more things to consider when naming your baby?

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List of questions to think about to help you decide on babies names

Sometimes you just ‘know’ what name you are going to use. Other times you make lists and lists, pin them up on the fridge, and you still can’t decide.
Whether to go for a

• family name,
• traditional,
• modern,
• unusual,
• just something you like – it’s got to be right!

First things first, if your mum does not like the name you have picked – it doesn’t matter, he or she is your baby. The same applies to names that family members insist you use – again it is your baby, your decision.

Rare and unique names
Is a name so unusual or so old fashioned the child will get teased? OK, so you might not choose Talula Does The Hula From Hawaii (honestly that is a real name given to a child), but to be the only child in the school or neighbourhood with that name can make them stand out. This can be a good thing too, sometimes to be a little different is fine. Sometimes an unusual name is grinding though, do you want them to have to spell their name out all the time to ensure correct spelling. If you get their older brother or sister too involved in choosing the name you could be heading for disaster!

Common names
If your child has the same name as 6 other kids in their class, it is likely they will be known by something else, (not of your choosing) their initials or my least favourite their first name and last initial. John B, John F, or John K – just to establish who they are.

Family names
Sometimes there is a long tradition of a particular name in your family.. We thought the name we chose was reasonably unusual in the family, but researching  the family tree a little revealed lots of them!  This pleased us as our son now had a family name, not just one we liked.

You may be under pressure to pick a family name, which may not suit, but you could pick it as a middle name and pacify many people. Take care though, just because there are lots of Wilfred’s in your family, your Dad is called Wilfred and you like the name, doesn’t mean it is kind to name a baby in this day and age Wilfred. Your child will have to bear the brunt if you decide to give him a name that went out of fashion long ago.

Names that remind you of someone
Some names conjure bad memories or remind you of people you dislike. You don’t want to be reminded of them every time you call your child. Your partner may not be comfortable giving your child the same name as your ex, even if it is a great name.

Trendy names:
Are you choosing a name that is trendy now, but will be just strange 5 years from now?  Remember your child will have the name for their whole life, if they want to be a lawyer or a Doctor, do they really want to be called Elvis? People do make assumptions about people just from their name. Do you want your daughters CV for a solicitors office to get put to the back of the pile because she is called Hartlepool?

Rhyming names
In the school playground kids can be cruel. Be aware of names that rhyme with another word Plain Jane, Charlotte the Harlot, Bendy Wendy.

Names that make sentences
What about names that make phrases when put together with your surname. I have actually known a Gordon Bennett, and a Rob Banks. What about Dylan Thomas, or …………….

Easily spoken and spelt names
How easily spoken is the name, does the first name fit with the second? Names can sound different in your head to when spoken out loud – Daisy Maisie sounds silly, but Daisy Leigh, or Maisie Olivia sound nice. Are you thinking of spelling a name unusually? Amy, Amie, or Aimee might go through life spelling her name to people.

What about the initials?
Will your baby’s initials spell out something you’d rather not have? e.g. Edward George Green = EGG

Name meanings
What does the name actually mean? Would you rather your son’s name meant Warrior or Little Sheep?

There are lots of books that detail name meanings.

Agree on the name together
If you are having a child as part of a couple – remember both of you have to agree on a name – if either of you wants to drop a name – then do. There are plenty of other names. You would not want them to insist on a name you don’t like – so don’t do the same to them.

Write it down.
Making lists of potential names is a good idea, and remember you don’t have to make a decision until after your baby is born. Our son was called Daniel right through the pregnancy, 10 minutes after he was born we looked at him and we knew what his name was – and it wasn’t Daniel.

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List of questions to think about to help you decide on babies names.

Top baby names -  your FREE copy of baby names

It can help you think of the perfect name or might lead you on to think of other topics that mean something in your life. In any event it is a fun game for you and your partner to play! 

Print off this list and ponder the answers.

Questions:

Where were you born?
Village, town, region, state, country

What country or place are your parents or grandparents from?
Village, town, region, state, country

What holidays, rituals and traditions are most important to you?
Ok so you might not name your baby “Christmas”, but what about Holly or Noel?

What might your baby’s personality be like?
Your baby might take on some of your traits. What about Grace if you are graceful? Isaac means ‘to laugh’ in Hebrew.

What will be your baby’s astrological sign?

What names have been used in your family?
First names and surnames, as surnames can be used as first or middle names

Where did you conceive?
Posh and Becks used this one and ended up with Brooklyn and Romeo!

Where did you go on your honeymoon?
Phuket is probably not a good idea, but Venice could be.

Where do you like to go on holiday or where are your favourite places to visit?
The same applies as to the last question?

Where will your baby be born?
St Lukes Hospital is not a great name – but Luke might be.

Who are your heroes, artists, sports people, celebrities or authors?
How about: Bronte, Chaucer, Monet, Michelangelo, Tiger, Venus.

Who are your favourite biblical characters?

Source: http://www.biblical-baby-names.com/

What are your favourite flowers, trees or plants?
There are so many, how about…, Camellia, Dahlia, Daisy, Flora, Fleur, Heather, Iris, Ivy, Jasmine, Laurel, Lilac, Lily, Meadow, Poppy, Rose, Sage, Violet, Basil, Heath, Sage, Acacia, Aspen, Holly, Olive, Rowan, Willow, Alder, Ash, Aster, Cypress, Forrest, Hawthorn, Leaf, Linden

What are your favourite animals or birds?
How about…, Fawn, Lark, Raven, Robin, Teal, Wren, Colt, Hawk, Jay, Martin

Who are your favourite mythological characters or characters from folklore?
There are so many in this category.

Who are your favourite relatives?
Don’t just think about people you know well, think about stories of people long ago in your family.

Don’t forget the seasons and months!
April, August, Autumn, June, May, Season, Summer, Winter

What about earth water and sky names?
Aurora, Nova, Rain, Sky, Tempest, Blaze, Sky, Brook, Canyon, Clay, Jasper, Ridge, Rio, River, Stone

What are your favourite gemstones?
Amethyst, Diamond, Ebony, Emerald, Jasper, Opal, Pearl, Quartz, Ruby, Sapphire, Topaz.

Or what will the birth stone of your baby be?
Or  the birthstone of a relative?

What is your favourite colour?
Blue, Burgundy, Crimson, Cyan, Green, Indigo, Ivory, Pink, Red, Scarlet, Sienna, Silver, Slate, Steele, Stone, Teal, Violet

Who are your favourite singers?
Take a trip down memory lane – just be careful if you want to call your son Elvis

Who are your favourite historical figures?

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