Choosing baby names

Our top 5 tips for choosing a baby name

It’s one of the most exciting parts of your baby arriving, but also one of the toughest decisions to make. Choosing baby names can be daunting, but don’t put too much pressure on yourself – chances are, you’ll see the right name in your little one’s face when they arrive! 

Our top 5 tips can help when the time comes to sign that all-important birth certificate.
 

1. Finding a name

Inspiration can come from anywhere. Perhaps you want to name your baby after a relative or good friend, or it might be a name from your favourite book. Keep a list of your favourites somewhere so that you don’t forget them and ask your partner to contribute too so that you’ve got lots of options. 

Have you checked out our Baby Name Generator Tool? We've an extensive list of over 50,000 baby names for you to explore, to help find the perfect name for your bundle of joy!  

Do you know what the most popular names in Ireland were in 2020?

Grace has moved from the second most popular name in 2019 to number one in 2020 and Jack has been the most popular name since 2007! (apart from 2016 when James took top spot). 

2. Testing it out

Once you’ve got some ideas, there are some ways to test whether the name works for your little one (even before you’ve met them!), this will help you whittle down the list. 

• Do you BOTH love it?
• Does it work well with your surname? 
• What would your little one’s full initials be?
• Can you shorten the name, do you like it shortened? 
• Does the name go well with your other children’s names? 
• Can everyone in your family pronounce it? (Especially if you have relations in foreign countries)

3. Things to think about

Your baby’s name is your decision but try to think about how it might affect them later in life. How will other children react to it at school? Can you imagine using the name when they become an adult?

As obvious as it may seem, try to avoid pun names – however funny they are. Robyn Banks or Polly Esther (yes, really!) 

Check how popular your chosen names are. Will there be five other Alfies at preschool and would this bother you? If so, you might want to choose something less popular. 

4. Go with your gut

After you’ve taken everything into consideration, the most important thing you need to do is trust in your decision. You will never please everyone, and the only people that matter are you, your partner and little one. And from the first time you say it out loud, it will just seem right.
 

5. Whatever you pick will be perfect

It might feel like the toughest decision in the world right now, but many parents look back and say they worried unnecessarily about what to call their baby. Whatever you choose will be perfect, and in no time at all, you won’t be able to imagine them with any other name.