PARENTHOOD.IE

There is a lot of preparing to do during pregnancy, not the least of is coming up with a name for the new addition to the family. The name that is chosen follows your child throughout his life, making the decision a very important one.

Not all future parents spend months making lists of baby names, but it is a good idea to start thinking about it early. As with many things to do with your children, you might find that your and your partner's ideas concerning your baby might be opposite. You could be set on a name that might give your partner negative associations, and that might just be the beginning of the discussions on choosing a perfect baby name. Jack and Sophie where the most popular baby names in Ireland last year, according to the Central Statistics Office.

When choosing a name for your newborn boy or girl, a few things need to be considered. First, how will the name sound? Everyone wants to be unique. If the name is hard for you to pronounce, even if it is cute, that’s a sure sign that your child is headed for trouble later in life.  No one likes their name pronounced every way but the right way.

Some parents like more common names, but they change the spelling to change the look of the name on paper. Megan as the traditional spelling may not look as good as Meghan or Meggan.  Faith doesn’t look as unique as Fayth. While the alternative spellings may look better, think about your child.  Will they remember how to spell their name and will others know as well? When choosing an Irish baby name, you will soon realise that spelling can be an issue as well. Many parents will look for unique an obscure names, just make sure you double check with several Irish language sources on how to spell it.

People remember names that flow well. This doesn’t mean that the first, middle, and last names have to rhyme. That is a bit too much flow. Instead, choose each name so that it compliments the surname.  For example, John Smith has a one syllable first and last name.  If your last name is long and hard to pronounce, choosing a shorter first name is better.  It’s not only easier to say, but easier to write and read. Make sure you are not combining names that are associated with a funny character or have another meaning, such as Rose Branch.

Another thing to consider is nicknames. A name that can be shortened will be shortened by other kids when your child reaches school age. Traditional names like Benjamin or Steven, are shortened pretty easy.  If you don’t like the nicknames or shortened versions, another name could be the solution. This goes for girls’ names as well.  The last thing any parent wants is to open their child up for ridicule from other kids.

With so many choices for names floating around in the ether today, parents have to do a bit more searching to find the perfect one to fit their child. Start early so there’s time to come up with a list of promising names that you can then narrow down until you find the perfect name for your new bundle of joy.

Most popular names in Ireland, 2009:

Boys

Girls