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Today’s parents have a wealth of names from which to choose. Some are choosing more traditional names, while others pick trendy names. Some make their child’s name “different” by altering its spelling, and some create new names. Names can come from religion, celebrities, events, flowers and plants, history, literature, family history and geography. Names come from many languages. How do you go about choosing a name? You should make lists of possible names and rank your favorites. Look up names in baby name books and learn their meanings. After careful consideration, choose at least one girl’s and one boy’s name. Have the names picked out by the time you come to the hospital to deliver, as you will need to include the full name on the birth certificate. Try to select a name that is not too common but not too different, not dated yet not ultramodern. The name should be easy to pronounce and spell, as no one likes to have his or her name misspelled. Spell it in a way as to leave no doubt about its pronunciation. Some names that can belong to both sexes may cause confusion. Try to avoid these names. A “unisex” name could be used as a middle name with a good, strong masculine or feminine first name. If you want to add “Junior” to your little boy’s name, remember this may cause confusion in your household later in mail and telephone calls. Keep in mind that nickname “Junior” may remain with the child when he is fully grown and a foot taller than his father. You might avoid this by setting a time when you will stop calling him “Junior”. Also, beware of a name that would be cute for a child but would be embarrassing later because it sounds babyish. A name should have an ageless quality. Remember to guard your baby against nicknames you would never want anyone else to have. Be aware of the many variations that can be derived from the name you select. Be careful about namesakes. The name should always fit the child and should be chosen on its own merits. If you choose a family name, be sure you know how to spell it correctly. Make sure the first, middle and last names sound harmonious and pleasing together and that the initials do not spell anything embarrassing. Jokes or pun names will not be funny to your child. Watch out for names that have bad associations, too. If you have a one-syllable surname, you might consider giving your child a multi-syllable first or middle name. Remember that if you choose a popular name, you may run the risk of your child having the sme name as several other children in class. Your child is going to be known by, and must live with, the name you choose for life. Your best birthday gift can be a name of which your child will be proud.