Choosing Baby Names - The Parents’ Guide
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Choosing Unusual Baby Names
Many parents are steering away from the old-fashioned and classical names, and moving towards an ever-increasing trend of trying to find a unique and unusual baby name.
Listed below are several ways in which parents can try and find an unusual yet acceptable baby name.
- Name or word combinations: This a name derived from the combination of two or more names or words. For example, if the baby’s parents or grandparents are called David and Trina, the baby’s name could be Davina – a combination of the two names. This provides an unusual (although not unique in this case) name for the child, as well as honoring family members.
- Name meanings: Another way to pick out unusual name for your baby is to focus on the meaning of the name. You can decide what you want your child’s name to mean and then choose a name that has that meaning. A very good site to help you do this is www.parenthood.com. They have a facility whereby you can type in the desired meaning, and it then brings up a listing of names with that meaning, both popular and unusual.
- Place names: Many parents are now using this method to name their babies. Some countries, states and cities can make very nice names for your baby. The downside is that, as this method increases in popularity, the names will become more and more common. Some popular names for male babies are: Colorado, Phoenix, Salem, Denver and Israel. Popular names for female babies are: Atlanta, India, Paris, Asia and Vienna.
- Using a surname as a first name for unusual baby names: This is another method that is increasing in popularity. You could choose, for example, the surname of an ancestor or perhaps the surname of a historical figure or a celebrity. Examples of using a surname as a first name for boys are: Beckett, Addison, Brewster, Donovan and Jenson. Examples of names for girls are: Bronte, Dempsey, Liotta, McCartney and Piper.
- Names from nature: You can also draw on the beauty of the world around you for inspiration. Some parents have selected words related to nature to help them name their babies. Examples of these are: River, Leaf, Raine, Rainbow and Sky.
- Traditional (Unusual Baby Names): There are still the traditional ways of selecting your baby’s name. The first, of course, is using a name that has been in the family for years – perhaps the name of an aunt or uncle, or a grandparent. The other way is to browse through the plethora of books on the market that list literally thousands of names to select from. Although it is unlikely that you find a unique name from these books, they can certainly prove to be a valuable aide to parents who are struggling to think of a suitable name.