| 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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