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The
Art of Baby Naming - Page 3
The
Sound of the Name
The
general “sound” and rhythm of the name is a very
important
factor in choosing a name. In general, the number of
syllables in
the first name should not match the number of syllables in the last
name.
Your
child will hear it over and over again and you will have to say it over
and over again. Ask yourself if the name sounds
pleasant
when you say it aloud? Combine it with your surname and with middle
names you are considering. If you have other children, how
does
the name you have in mind go together with their names? How
your
baby's name sounds when it's said aloud is one of the most important
things to think about. Does it go well with your surname? Is it
melodious or Harsh? Often, you will find that longer first names go
better with shorter surnames, and vice versa. Balance the
first
name with the surname. If the surname is common, such as Jones, a
slightly unusual, longer first name is the best idea. A long,
unusual surname can be balanced with a more familiar first
name.
Alliteration can be used to good effect such as Jeramiah Johnson or
Daniel Defoe, Benny Blackmore. These combinations are easier
to
remember too. You will say the name thousands of times. You will say it
lovingly and in anger. You will whisper it when the child is asleep and
yell it when dinner is ready. See how it sounds!
Vowels
& Consonants
Try
not to combine a first name that ends in a vowel with a surname that
starts with a vowel. The names tend to run together e.g. Anna Anders,
Jerry Yonker or Diedre Eaton
Don’t
use first names that rhyme with your surname such as Peter
Fleeter. Avoid using puns, they will be funny for everyone
except
the child. A name like "Holly Wood" or “Scott
Land”
,“Ann Teak” or “Candy Barr”
would be
disastrous. Your child will be stuck with a silly name for the rest of
their life. Some people advise going out to the back door and
shout the name a few times just to make sure it sounds right. Hopefully
the neighbors will either approve or possibly enquire if you are
feeling well or not!
 
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