Your Baby’s Name – 5 Things to Consider

Johnny Cash sang “A Boy Named Sue,” a ballad about a man who grew up tough because he was teased for having a girl’s name. Ima Hogg and Redd Rose surely suffered their share of teasing about their names. What were their parents thinking? Choosing a name for your baby is important. Consider the following as you make your decision:

• Historical significance of the name – No one names a child Hitler or Jezebel, but there are other names less well-known that might represent an unsavory history. If you choose a Biblical name, read the person’s story carefully. There may be some little known characteristics you do not want associated with your baby.
• What the initials spell – Suppose that Felicia Ann Thomas grows up to have a problem with her weight. The initials F.A.T. will be an painful embarrassment.
• Which name you plan to call the child – I’ve almost eliminated my first name from all official records, choosing instead to use my maiden name as my middle name. Why? I got tired of answering to “Joan” in classrooms, doctors’ waiting rooms, and government offices. Your baby’s first name should be what you plan to call him or her.
• Ease of spelling – Give your baby a name that teachers, employers, and friends will not struggle to spell or often misspell. An unusual spelling must be spelled out to others for an entire lifetime.
• Impact of a Biblical name – People who populate the story of our faith history often have strong godly characteristics that we would like to see in our child. If you do choose a name from the Bible, tell the person’s story to your child emphasizing character strengths. Since the people of our faith were also human and flawed, be prepared to explain to your child how God’s grace saw them through the valleys as well as over the mountains.

Questions: What factors are important to you in choosing a baby’s name? How has your own name made on impact on who you are?