What does your child's name mean?

WHAT kind of names do your children have? Are they local or foreign names? Are your children proud of their names or are they ridiculed on account that they have weird and funny names?
A personal name identifies a specific, unique and identifiable individual person.

Naming your baby is one of the most important tasks you will ever undertake as it can be a pretty big task. There are endless possibilities out there, and it might take a while to find a name that both you and your partner are happy with.

The name is central to a child's earliest sense of identity, so the worst thing you could do when choosing a baby name is to rush into it.

Names are in a way believed to be a hallmark of our heritage. They are said to be reflections of both the ethnic and religious roots of our past and our dreams for our children's future. (The African-American Baby Name Book)

Some researchers believe "Your name is your identity and a window on your culture and self as it links you with your past, your ancestors and is a part of your spirituality."

In this respect, it goes without saying that, settling for a name you are not hundred per cent happy with may affect you and your child for quite a long time.

It is not advisable to commit yourself to the first name that you find unless of course you are quite comfortable with it.
But if not, it is better to keep searching until you find a name that you truly like.

In Zambia, as in most parts of the world the birth of a child is an event of great joy and significance and a certain level of importance is attached to the naming of the child.

The hopes of the parents and current events of importance are sometimes given consideration in naming the child. Parents may feel it's important to follow family tradition and name their child after a parent or grandparent or may simply settle for a unique name.

It is sometimes believed that the name chosen will exert an influence for better or for worse on the life of the child and on the family as well (Namesite.com)
So, what should you consider when choosing your baby's name?

The following tips by www.BabyNameStats will help you give your baby the name he/she deserves:
Unique names- Before choosing a name with a unique pronunciation or spelling keep in mind that your child will spend his or her lifetime explaining to others how the name is really spelled or pronounced. No one likes having their name constantly misspelled or mispronounced.

Check the Initials- Once you have an idea for your baby's name, always check the initials! While the full name may sound pretty good, the initials may bring some an unpleasant surprise. In order to avoid any embarrassment for your child, check the initials before you make your decision and I bet you will be glad you did.

Check the nicknames (or shortened forms of your child's name). Many names are shortened to nicknames during childhood, or other stages of life, so be sure to avoid baby names that might produce insulting nicknames when people shorten them. If you don't like the nickname, you may also reconsider your decision.

Unusual names- Unusual names are hard to remember at first, but once remembered usually stick to memory much better. An unconventional name will make a wonderful conversation starter, especially if there is an interesting story behind it.

Middle names- You can feel free to be as creative and meaningful as possible with a middle name, because your child only has to reveal it when he feels comfortable. They may adore their middle name and tell everyone about it or they may hate it, but they never have to use it.

Unisex names may make it easier for you to choose your child's name before you know their sex, but it can be unfair and psychologically harmful to a child, especially to boys who may feel more insulted when presumed to be girls. However, unisex names are another trend that is popular these days.

How it sounds- It's a good idea to recite your choices out loud. Saying it out loud and using it in common sentences will give you a better idea of how much you really like the name. Don't forget, some names look great when written on paper, but sound terrible off the tongue.

Celebrity names- These may be in fashion and you may consider them but if you are not happy with the choices available you could even make up your own baby names by being creative.

Make sure you don't choose a name that ends with the same letter your last name begins with. This can end up being a tongue twister and cause some teasing too.

Suitability- Make sure that the name you choose is one that your child will be able to grow up with. It should be applicable for all ages. Don't pick a name that's really cute for an adorable little baby but will sound silly when the baby grows up.

Remember that the other parent and your family will also have opinions about baby names, so it is a good idea to consider their opinions too. It's impossible to make everyone happy but it's advisable to be respectful of your partner's feelings and those of your family.
And keep in mind that you should pick a name because you love it, not because of what everybody else thinks of it.

A person's name is truly a lifetime gift, and it helps define your child - within the family, to friends, at school and to the outside world. If you consider the options carefully and select with love, you really can't go wrong.
So go ahead and give your baby his or her very first gift-a name.




Source : www.zambiapost.com