Consider Initials

When picking first and middle names, take a moment to think of what initials this will give your child when teamed with your surname.  For example, if your last name is Dunn and you choose Benjamin Andrew; the initials will be B.A.D.

Think About Nicknames

Remember:  children are cruel.  When your child reaches school age, do you want them to be given an unfortunate name such as ‘Smelly Elly’?  Don’t give the bullies anything to work with.

Abbreviations

You might love the name Samuel for example, but hate Sam.  Even if you stick to the full name, you can guarantee that others won’t always.

Is it Out There?

It might be the trend for celebrities to choose individual names (Apple Martin?) but try not to go too crazy.  If there is an unusual name you love, how about using it as a middle name?

How Do You Spell That?

Also, if you are choosing an unusual name you will constantly be being asked how to spell it, which throughout your child’s life may grow tiresome.  This could also be the case if you choose an alternative spelling of a common name, such as Lucie rather than Lucy.  Do you really want to spend the next eighteen year (at least) saying ‘That’s ie not y.’?

Don’t Be Discouraged

If you have to avoid telling other people of names you like.  There will always be someone who will put a dampener on it and put you off it.  When I was pregnant with my son, I was considering the name Oliver until I told my dad, who started singing songs from the musical Oliver! every time I saw him.  Needless to say I chose not to go with that name after all.

Is it Too Similar?

Is it too much like a sibling or other family name?  If your sister has a little girl called Stacey, you might want to not go with Lacey for your baby.  The same with Kieran and Kian or Chloe and Zoe.

Compromise

It can be tricky to find a name which both you and your partner both love, but try.  You could each make a list of names you like and try to find any matching names or at the very least one you can both live with.  Another good idea to stop any children you already have from feeling left out is to let them choose a name.  Depending on their age you might want to let them pick the middle name instead.