Picking a right baby names

Picking the right name for your child is a daunting task. It will stick with them for life, so the pressure's on! And while some countries have strict rosters of appropriate names you can choose from, in America almost anything goes. With all the options, it can be extremely overwhelming.

Where do I begin?

Start discussing names with your partner as soon as possible to set some guidelines. Keep a list of favorites handy so you can add to it whenever a name pops into your head.

There are lots of considerations when you're deciding on a name, such as appeasing relatives, avoiding embarrassing initials or nicknames, and steering clear of monikers associated with bad memories. These are a few tips for you when picking a name

* Sound and compatibility. How your baby's name sounds when it's said aloud is one of the most essential things to think about. Is it melodious? Harsh? Does it go well with your last name? Often, longer first names work better with shorter last names, and vice versa. Combining a first name that ends in a vowel with a last name that starts with a vowel generally isn't the best choice.

* Uniqueness. An unusual name has the advantage of making the bearer stand out from the crowd. On the other hand, a name no one has heard of and few can pronounce can bring attention a child would rather avoid. One way of striking a balance is to choose a familiar first name if the child's last name is unusual, and vice versa.

* Relatives and friends. Many parents choose to name their babies after a grandparent, other relative, or close friend. This option can provide you with a good pool of names to consider. Take ideas graciously, but don't tell anyone what you and your partner have decided until after the baby is born.

* Ancestry and heritage. Your child's heritage is an essential part of who she is, and you may want her name to reflect that. Your religious preference may steer you toward a certain category of names. Or perhaps your family has a tradition of naming first-born sons after their fathers.

* Meaning. No one is likely to treat your daughter differently because her name means "hero's daughter," but the derivation of your baby's name is something you may want to think about.

* Initials and nicknames. People, especially kids, can be cruel when it comes to nicknames, so try to anticipate any potentially embarrassing ones. Of course, just because you don't think of something doesn't mean some clever second-grader down the line won't and he'll probably find it utterly hilarious. But at least you can rule out the obvious problems. Also, be aware of what your child's initials spell.

Remember, none of these are hard rules. The most important criterion for a name is simply that you and your partner like it.