Naming a baby is no easy task. However, the following tips will help
you give your baby his or her very first gift.

1. Religion: For some parents, religion plays a major role in choosing
a baby name. Roman Catholics traditionally choose saints' names.
Jews traditionally choose Old Testament names. Names of deceased
relatives are often chosen. Protestants often choose both Old and New
Testament names.

Interesting Fact! : The majority of the people in the Western
hemisphere have names from the Bible. The New Testament is a more
popular source of names than the Old Testament.

2. Number of Names. You have many options when it comes to the number
of names you choose for your baby. It is very common for a baby to be
given three names, however, this is not mandatory. You may choose a
first and last name; a first and last name and only a middle initial;
initials for both first and middle names; or several middle names.
Keep in mind, though, that several middle names will cause space
problems for your child any time he or she fills out a form.

3. Sounds. Names are easy or hard to say depending upon the
combination of letters used. A name such as Harry Berry invites
potential teasing. Try this to create a nice effect: choose a first
name that has the same amount of syllables as the last name. Whoopi
Goldberg is a good example.

Interesting Fact! : Whoopi Goldberg's original name is Caryn
Johnson.

4. Pronunciation. Nobody likes to have their name mis-pronounced. This
is an important factor to keep in mind with unique names.

5. Popularity. Choosing a popular name increases the likelihood that
there will be other children in your child's school with the same
name. This may make him or her not feel as unique. However, a child
with a popular name may be perceived better by peers than a child with
a unique name.