Tips for choosing the right name for your baby

When it comes to parental disagreements, few subjects are as contentious as picking your baby's name. Boy or girl, it seems as though fathers and mothers are genetically predisposed to abhor any name suggestions put forward by their spouse. If your wife can't get over naming a baby girl after her favorite Aunt Mildred, and she won't budge whenever you push for making a baby boy's middle name "Danger," it may be time for a new course of action. Here are some tips for choosing the right name for your child.

Name flow
If you've ever heard a name like Julia Gulia (The Wedding Singer, anyone?), it's probably the result of unwary parents who failed to take their surname into consideration when naming their child. Even if you both happen to agree upon a first name, make sure that it flows with the last name as well. Don't make your child carry around the burden of a weird moniker for the rest of his or her life.

Name meaning
Almost everyone's name has a meaning attached to it. For example, the name "Steven" is the modern equivalent of the Greek name "Stephanos," which translates to "crown." Deciding upon a general theme behind a name such as love, strength or beauty may open up a world of possibilities across many different languages and cultures.

Family name
Some families have a history of sons or daughters with the same name. If you, your father and grandfather are all named "Kevin," then you might be prepared to name your firstborn son the same thing. However, you should consult with your wife before making the executive decision. While some see family names as an honor, others feel that it denies a child his or her own identity. If the latter situation applies to your wife, or vice versa, consider using it as a middle name instead.