Baby Name: Parental Guide To choosing A Baby Name

A name given to a child is for life, however it is possible to aquire another name later in life through a naming ceremony or Baptism. These methods do not erase the original name.They enable one to officially use another name. Other ways to go round it is to have a nickname, this is not official but generally people close to you will use that name, and some people may never get to know your original name. you may decide to shorten your name.Like the nickname this is not official, but if its a common way people with that name shorten it, its much easier to have common law acceptance officially if necessary.

Baby Name Source

There are various sources where names are derived from, the common ones being the social trend, religious practice,in memory of,immortalise name of relative, fashion, celebrity names, personal taste,pleasurable sound and random parental makeup name. This is especially so in the western world. In other parts of the world, names are dictated by certain cultural conformity. This may mean giving names according to time of birth, month or year of birth, place of birth, season, events taking place or geographical location of birth. Some other cultures especially African origins are determined by sex and whether the parents are married or not. In case of married woman, first born boy is named after the husband's father whereas the the first born girls named after his mother. Naming alternates in this order, that's wife's side and husband's side.

Meaning Of Names: What's In A Name?

In the scenario given on name sources, the name is dependent on how it was acquired. Where this vary, then there is special meaning or a logical explanation. In last category of sources, if a child dies, the next same sex will be a replacement hence will be given a totally different name which alert others he has come back to life,he has resurrected,has refused to die,is a fighter,is annointed and so forth.
From the name a child gets, one can easily figure out its source either by nationality, tribe or religion. It also means its possible to determine who a child was named after or what was happening at the period they were born. Some names are fancy names and are made up by parents and so have no meanings at all.

Choosing A Baby Name

All births and deaths must be registered. This in essence means a parent has no choice but has to provide a name to the Registrar.
Though present trends is for people to have choices in life, a baby can not make this choice. You can not wait until they can be able to do this so you have to make this important decision for your child. The best practise if you are not bound by your cultural practise is give a serious thought. Choose a name that is easy to pronounce and easy to write. Your choosen name should not be one that causes ridicule or funny jokes. Your child will have to live with the name not you.
Choosing a celebrity name or royal name is a common trend with most people, but if that name bearer is no longer popular or has become a number one wanted person, will your child live to like the name? Its your child's life, so take a name he can build reputation on.

Adding A Name

A child can be able to make up his own name when he is older. There are two ways, either through a naming ceremony where he adopts it as his new name. He can alternatively acquire one through Baptism. The child gets certificate of this new name added to the name you choose at birth. It is presented to the Registrar of births and hence added to his birth certificate. He can however decide to be putting it as an initial.
Other ways of changing this is by changing title so that he is addressed by title eg in ladies as a Mrs so and so, or a professional title eg Dr so and so, HR... etc

Effect Of Wrong Name Choice

In some cultures, it can encourage sibling rivalry, and at social level abuse, bullying and formation of rival gangs depending on name type or source. At later life, their names may give bad first impression at work place or social events. This can affect the social standing or proffesional progress to some degree. It can also affect the child's emotional development and communication can be affected. Their self esteem may be affected and depending on the way the name is perceived, it can create positive or negative motivation.

Best Names: Branding Your Child For Life

When tracing our ancestors, we must have a starting point, normally a family tree. The name you gave your child is the first point of call- the 'brand' name you gave.This is your real life product, that's why you were so proud and branded the child as so and so. Unlike physical product, they will outgrow you and become their own identity but are not able to legally change the name.

Whatever name you choose, it must be in the best interest of the child where possible. Names given to children marks the first mapping of socialisation tool. Choose it wisely. It helps in intergration. It is the first interface of interaction. This is especially so in descriptive names or action names. They built an instant image of you on others. A good brand attracts positive energy, band brand does the opposite.

The child will bear this name for the rest of his life- its a permanent branding. This brand will be judged by others not you. This in essence means you should bear in mind what has good taste and feel to the rest of the society.This is because you do not want to isolate your child. Preferably give a pleasurable name. a beautiful, empowering and inspiring name. A name that does not make your child feel awkward. This also means when first name and sirname or initilas are put together they look and feel good, possibly sounding great and wonderful.