What's in a name?

So if you are like my wife and I we began picking baby names well before we found out we were pregnant. The choice is much harder than it would seem and agreeing on a name is a real challenge. We still haven't come to a decision. So how do you decide on what name is best? Well here are some tips to maybe help push you in a certain direction.

• Make sure you like the name. I mean it should be obvious but make sure YOU and your wife like it and you aren't influenced by your friends or family. You will be the one hearing and saying it the most.
• Say the name out loud....a lot. If it sounds funny out loud throw it out. Make sure it would sound good for both a child and as an adult. That cute name you pick for a kid is fine until they are a professional and not taken seriously due to the cutesy nature of their name.
• Look at the meaning...if the definition is something you value go with that.
• Consider the family names. It can be a real honor for someone to have a child named after them...if you don't like any of them then maybe look at a way to vary it.
• You want to be different...but not too different. If it could be a challenge for an adult to spell or pronounce how do you think your child will feel trying to learn? or correcting people for their entire life.
• Rhyme it....I know it sounds silly but kids tend to rhyme kids names when they choose how to pick on them....maybe double think naming your kid Rick...or Mitch. You get the idea.
• Will it be shortened? Think about what it will sound like if the child or their peers decide to nickname them. If you name your kid Edward are you prepared to hear Eddie or Ed? If not rethink the name.
• Let family traditions help but they aren't forced rules! Just because there are 10 Margaret's in your family doesn't mean you have to name your child Margaret.
• Initials....What do they spell with first middle and last name? It may not be a big deal to most but its something to consider.
• What me and my wife are going to do to help settle the dispute is I will be naming if its a boy and she will be naming if its a girl...of course we still have to somewhat agree. This helps prevent an off the wall crazy name from that book/movie I loved such as Gandalf or Severus Snape. 
• Have a backup...so your baby is born and looks nothing like the name you decided have a back up just in case your baby looks more like a Colton than an Oliver.

Just remember that the child will have this name for the rest of their lives so think long and hard, but probably once you hear the one or look into that child's eyes you will just know its the one for your little pride and joy.