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The
Art of Baby Naming - Page 6
Origin of the Name - Ancestry and Heritage
There
are no rules that state that you can choose a name only from your own
ethnic origin. Parents often find interesting names of ethnic and
historical origins. The correct name from your own heritage can
provide an added source of identity for your child. This is a
very important factor in many ethnic groups. Your child's heritage is
an essential part of who they are, and you may want their name to
reflect that. Religious preference may point you towards a
certain category of names. Family tradition has often played an
important role in naming the first-born sons after their fathers. If
you like a name but it doesn't meet your family's traditional
requirements, consider using it as a middle names
Honour
a family member, friend or hero
Check
with your parents or grandparents to collect as many family names as
possible. You can use the same name, a variation of the name or match
the first initial. For example, our third child's middle name is Jack
after my great grandmother's name Jacqueline.
If
you do not want input on the final selection, do not announce the name
until the baby is born. Then it will be too late for lobbying. Tara's
family has another rule about names. If you are not pregnant, you
cannot claim a name. That way, all the family names are up for grabs
until there is a baby to be named. First come first served!
You
can name the baby after a famous person. When the child
is old enough to understand, explain who you named them after. They
will love to hear the story over and over again. It's a great feeling
to be connected to someone famous. A popular example is naming children
after sports stars. For example, we may be seeing the name Tiger
(Golfer Tiger Woods) more often for baby boys.
Instead
of using family name, you can use family geographical location. For
example, Julie named her baby Cal (born in California) and her
cousin born in Alexandria, LA named his daughter Alexis.
Another
way to find a name is to use a version of a name that relates to a
different ethnic group. For example, Juan is Spanish for John. Ian is
Scottish for John, etc.
Use of a Suffix
The
first, middle and last name need to be the same to use them. So,
if you do not want to use Jr., III, etc., then use a different middle
name.
All
parties need to be living. If grandpa (Sr.), dad (Jr.) and son (III)
have the same full name and grandpa dies, then dad becomes Sr. and son
becomes Jr. Some people (especially celebrities) keep the suffix
after the elder dies. Again, this rule is not law, only a guide.
Same First Name as the Parent
Some
people with the same name as a parent have commented about the problems
they have experienced. One mentioned that
even though he has a different middle name from his father, many
computer systems do not acknowledge middle names and still confuse the
two individuals. More information to keep in mind when making that
decision about picking a name!
Nicknames
We recommend that to
use the full form of the name when you register the birth even if you
intend to call them by a nickname. Later in life your child may prefer
the formal name or a different nickname to the one you chose. It
leaves the child's options open. They can always insist on others using
the formal name if they don’t like their nickname.
Think
about the possible ways that the name can be shortened and the
nicknames that may result. There is often a difference between
what a child is called and what it is named. Make sure you like the pet
forms of a name, such as, Rick, Ricky, Dick, Dicky for Richard.
If the name lends itself to a very undesirable nickname, you may want
to reconsider. Conversely, if the name lends itself to many positive
nicknames, this is a definite plus.
 
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