[baby names]
break
The name game, perhaps the number one obsession of new moms-to-be. The angst of choosing a name that is unique, goes well with the middle and last name. But perhaps most important, does not rhyme, connote or whose initials spell anything obscene, ridiculous or embarrassing. I recall laboring (excuse the pun) over the task. I would search online for hours at a time.
break
May sound a bit much but after all, it is a name your child will live with for a lifetime or so we hope. So take into account the response it may conjure. In a world where celebrities set the trend, keep in mind that what works for Hollywood does not always work at home! We are all too familiar with the responses that Rumer, Scout, Sailor, Apple, Phinnaeus, and Hazel got.
break
A few tips to follow when naming your child:
1. Initials
Words that will be formed from the initials can be a source of teasing and jokes.
break
II. Unique names
Choose a name that is unique but not too unique. Having a name that is difficult
to pronounce, spell, too retro or hard to live up to can be frustrating for a child.
break
III. Be flexible
Don't be dead set on the name you've chosen. Your baby may not look like an Audrey or a
Harrison. Or perhaps, the sonogram was wrong and you are not having the little boy they
said you were. Be open to the possibility that at the last minute for whatever reasons you
might have to refer to another name that is more suitable.
break
IV. Make a connection
Find a real connection to the name…it is meaningful to you . . . it reminds you of
someone you care about, you love its origin or what it meaning.
break
V. Popularity
Ask yourself how comfortable will you or your child be with a name that is common or traditional.
break
Top 10 Florida Names 2006
Boy's Names & Girl's Names
1. Joshua / Isabella
2. Michael / Emily
3. Anthony / Madison
4. Christopher / Sophia
5. Jacob / Emma
6. Daniel / Ava
7. Matthew / Olivia
8. David / Mia
9. Alexander / Hannah
10. Nicholas / Brianna
break
Top 10 USA Names 2006
Boy's Names & Girl's Names
1. Jacob / Emily
2. Michael / Emma
3. Joshua / Madison
4. Ethan / Isabella
5. Matthew / Ava
6. Daniel / Abigail
7. Christopher / Olivia
8. Andrew / Hannah
9. Anthony / Sophia
10. William / Samantha
break
Top 10 USA Popular Names for Twins 2006
1. Jacob / Joshua
2. Matthew / Michael
3. Daniel / David
4. Ella / Emma
5. Isaac / Isaiah
6. Madison / Morgan
7. Landon, Logan
8. Taylor / Tyler
9. Brandon / Bryan
10. Christian / Christopher
break
Source: Social Security Administration (SSA) from birth certificate data from 2006