How to choose a baby name?

On our recent Baby Dribble podcast, we talked all about baby names! There are many factors that can influence name choices, so we thought we’d share some tips and inspiration for choosing the perfect name for your little one.

Our inspiration for this podcast came from the anticipation surrounding the announcement of the newest royal baby’s name—Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s new bundle of joy! Just two days ago, they introduced us to Archie Harrison Mountbatten-Windsor, a name we absolutely love here at Sweet Dreamers. So, let’s dive into some things to consider when choosing a name for your own little prince or princess…

Family Names

Take inspiration from the royals and consider family names! The royal family often looks to past generations for naming inspiration. Look at names from parents, grandparents, aunts, and uncles—this is a great way to find meaningful inspiration and honor a loved one.

Unique & Exotic Names

If you’re looking for something a little different, consider names from other cultures. International names can be beautiful and unique, such as Sienna (Italian) or Mateo (Spanish).

Historical Names

Looking to history for name ideas is always a great starting point. Classic names like Theodore, Eleanor, Winston, and Henry are timeless and carry strong historical significance.

Pop Culture Inspiration

Many parents find name inspiration from their favorite actors, musicians, or fictional characters. For example, names like Luna, Hagrid, or Severus have gained popularity thanks to Harry Potter, while pop icons like Bowie or Monroe have also influenced modern baby names.

Trendy Baby Names

Celebrity baby names often set new trends! Many stars choose place-inspired names, like Brooklyn (Brooklyn Beckham), Rome, or Florence, which have all become popular choices.

What to Consider When Choosing a Name:

• Name Meanings: Research what the name represents. For example, Bella means "beautiful," while Matilda means "strong in battle."
• Initials: Make sure the initials don’t spell out anything unintended.
• Names That Grow Well: Think about how the name will sound as your child grows into adulthood.
• Nicknames: Consider potential nicknames, both good and bad.
• Sibling Compatibility: Some websites can suggest sibling name pairings to ensure a cohesive set of names.

Middle Names – Why Do We Have Them?

Historically, middle names were used to honor family members, especially when first names were chosen based on religious traditions. Today, middle names are still often used to pay tribute to a loved one or to include a name that didn’t quite make the cut as a first name.

Top 5 Baby Names from 2018

Here’s a look at some of the most popular baby names in recent years. Do you see your little one’s name on the list?

Girls:

1) Amelia
2) Olivia
3) Isla
4) Emily
5) Poppy

Boys:

1) Oliver
2) Jack
3) Harry
4) Jacob
5) Charlie

Instagram Poll Results

Instead of our usual myth-busting poll, we asked our Instagram followers what influenced their baby name choices. Here’s what they said:

Did you choose your baby’s name before pregnancy?

43% Yes / 57% No

Did you change your baby’s name after birth?

19% Yes / 81% No

Did you use the middle name to honor a family member?

71% Yes / 29% No

Did you and your partner agree on the baby’s name?

80% Yes / 20% No

If you could, would you change your baby’s name now?

8% Yes / 92% No

Thank you to everyone who participated in our poll! That’s it for this week’s podcast—we hope we’ve provided you with some helpful tips for choosing a name.