The Evolution of Baby Names

by Mary Ann Romans | More from this Blogger

22 Jan 2009 05:55 PM

Are you agonizing over what to name your baby? Most parents our though tons of baby name lists searching out the perfect baby name for their little one. Relatives get involved, too, and everyone seems to have a definite opinion.

While parents have discussed possible baby names for as far back as there were babies to name, parents today have a harder time of it, I think, then parents of past generations in our recent history.

In previous generations, most babies were given family names. They were named after fathers, mothers, aunts, uncles, grandmothers, grandfathers and great grandparents. While some of that still occurs today, we live in a different society where traditional names aren't seen as the best choice. These days, parents want their children to have unique names that will stand out to others, helping their child make a mark on society or simply be remembered among hundred of other applicants submitting resumes or school applications. Sometimes this is accomplished with using a non traditional spelling on a traditional or even trendy name. There are many names that have converted the letter "e" or "i" to "y" or "ee."

There is a trend also toward older more traditional names that haven't been seen for a while, such as Emma (now in the top ten).

For some parents today, naming a baby today is almost seen as a marketing project. What is the best name to inspire the positive qualities that will help your baby succeed in life. Just as corporate consultants do research over name sounds (the c-k sound seems to be very successful for brand names that are solid and remembered), parents are considering them as well.

To meet this end of the right baby name, baby name consultants are a growing trend. For fees of $300 or more, a professional baby namer will consider such factors as the parent's last name, trends, numeric analysis, and, oh yes, even the parents preferences and come up with a list of the perfect baby names.

How did you pick your baby names?

Mary Ann Romans writes about everything related to saving money in the Frugal Blog, creating a home in the Home Blog, caring for little ones in the Baby Blog and now relationships in the Marriage Blog. You can read more of her articles by clicking here or subscribe to the blog using the subscription box on the right.

Related Articles:

Unique Baby Girl Names

Baby Names: Pay Attention to the Initials

Baby Name Trends: Place Names

Learn more about Mary Ann Romans

Mary Ann Romans is a freelance writer, wife and mother of three children. She lives in Pennsylvania with her husband, the kids and a 16-pound cat.

View Full Profile | More from this Blogger