How to choose a name
2026-10-12
How to choose the right name
Choosing a name is one of the most personal decisions parents make. A name will accompany a person throughout their life – from childhood to adulthood – so it is worth taking the time to think it through carefully. Below are general criteria and practical steps recommended by naming experts around the world.
1. Set your priorities
Before you start browsing lists of names, answer a few key questions:
- Do the meaning of the name and the story it carries matter to you?
- Do you want a name that reflects your family or cultural heritage?
- Are you looking for a name that is common and simple, or rarer and more unique?
- What sound and style do you like – classic, modern, short, melodic, internationally understood?
Many guides recommend setting these priorities (“filters”) first, as this greatly narrows the choice and helps you avoid feeling overwhelmed.
2. Check the meaning and origin
Always find out what a name means and where it comes from. A name that sounds lovely may hide a meaning you don't like, or unwanted associations in another language or culture. Use several reliable sources and, if needed, check with people who know the culture the name comes from.
3. Try the name out in practice
- Say the full name (first name + any middle name + surname) several times – affectionately, calling out, formally.
- Check whether it flows well with the surname (rhythm, repeated syllables, smoothness).
- Write down the initials and avoid awkward or inappropriate abbreviations.
- Think about possible nicknames and diminutives – will you be happy with them in the long run?
- Imagine the name in different situations in life: at school, at work, on official documents and in adulthood.
4. Consider practicality
- Pronunciation and spelling – the name should be understandable and as easy as possible to pronounce where the child will grow up (and ideally in a wider international context too, if that matters to you). Names that are hard to pronounce or unusually spelled can lead to constant correcting.
- Popularity – very common names are easy to use but less unique; very rare names are special but may often need explaining. The decision depends on your preferences.
- The future – the name should work for a small child as well as for an adult (e.g. on a CV or in a formal setting).
5. Agreeing as a couple and the influence of others
If two parents are choosing the name, agree on priorities and lists as early as possible. Many parents recommend not sharing the name too widely until you have almost decided – other people's opinions can vary a lot and are sometimes confusing. If there are family or cultural traditions, talk about them openly.
6. Live with a shortlist
Once you have 2–5 finalists, use them in your mind for a few days or weeks. Call them out, imagine them in everyday situations. Often one name slowly “settles in” and becomes the clear choice. Experts stress that it is better to start from what you like than from looking for reasons to reject a name.
7. Further considerations
- Avoid names that are an obvious joke or can easily be turned into teasing.
- Check for possible negative associations (famous people, fictional characters, meanings in other languages).
- Think about how the name will sound and work in different cultures and languages, if that is relevant for your family.
Conclusion
There is no single “right” name – there is only the name that feels right for your child and your family. A well-chosen name is one you can say with confidence, that has meaning for you (or whose sound you simply like), and that will serve the person through every stage of life. If the decision feels hard, that is completely normal – most parents go through a similar process.
Sources used (selection):
- Expert advice from international guides and articles on choosing names (e.g. TODAY.com, EasyTot, NamingWonders, BabyNames.com and similar sources).
- General recommendations on the meaning, sound, practicality and long-term usefulness of names.