In the hectic frenzy that goes into preparing or caring for a newborn, selecting a name may seem to be the least of the challenges. While for some the process of selecting a name may be quite uneventful, for others there may be some hurdles.
- Difference of opinion: Couples may sometimes have a problem agreeing upon a name for their baby. To avoid this, it helps if both parents jointly list potential names, for boys and girls, early on during the pregnancy. Each can then select names that appeal to them individually. There are bound to be at least some common choices and the final selection may be made from among these.
- Criticism from others: The name you finally choose could provoke criticism from others. If this happens to be from people whose opinions matter to you, it may be a difficult choice to make. It is ultimately up to you to decide whether you want to stick to your resolve or change your plan to please others.
- Family traditions: Sometimes family tradition may dictate the choice of names. If you don’t like them, it is up to you to decide whether you should honor the tradition at the cost of your own wishes. One option would be to go along with the tradition, but shorten or modify the name to make it sound more modern.
- Unsolicited suggestions: Prospective parents are often subjected to endless advice on various matters, and that includes options for naming the baby. This can be exasperating, but the best way to deal with it would be to at least consider the options offered. You may even like some of them. If you don’t, you can of course reject them.