Looking for inspiration?
A few of my girlfriends have asked me to consider the process of naming a child for them. What considerations do you make choosing the name for your first born child? Or the even trickier decision, how do you choose a name for your second child? You picked the perfect name for your first child, but how do you select another name that matches it! Not just a name that looks or sounds like a match, but a name that has the same qualities.
Will you retain the theme of your first choice? If your first choice was quirky will you go with straight-forward for your second child? If you have a family name for your first choice, are you compelled to have a family name for your second, third or fourth child?
Here is an opportunity to ask the difficult questions, for example:
"Any idea of which name goes with Victoria?"
"I named my first daughter Emeline Joy... what shall I call my first son?"
"I wanted to call my daughter Raven, but hubby hates it because of that TV Show, are there any other names just as cool?"
Tara
ps. Please feel free to ask your questions using the form below.
**************************
Hi Tara,
I've been thinking about what to put in my name rec request, my likes are easy, my DHs aren't. I've been pumping him for info though, so here goes.
We'd love some suggestions for future children. Our daughter is Isabella Beatrice (she gets called Bella, we wanted just Bella but it didn't work with my DHs one syllable last name starting with G, the Beatrice is after my grandmothers). If she'd been a boy she would have been Jack Whiteside (Jack after my grandfather, Whiteside after my DHs).
The slight spanner in the works, even though we're married, I kept my maiden name (singled syllable starting with K). Any future sons will have my last name, all daughters will have DHs.
So, our likes and dislikes.
We're both allergic to non-traditional spellings, extraneous ys, hs, ls etc. I tend to like pretty names like Ava and Lilly, and the slightly foppish english boys names like Rupert. DH goes for more classic stuff. He likes Elizabeth (cool for me I can get both Lily and Beth out of that), and Chelsea (I don't like that).
We've recently managed to agree on the slightly foppish english thing in general, he suggested Harriet or Henrietta, both of which are growing on me, and Montague, which I'd take some convincing of.
What can you suggest that would work for both of us, traditional for DH, with pretty diminutives for me and no made up spellings and useless extraneous letters.
Ta muchly
ginchy
ginchy
Hi Tara!
Totally digging your blog!
I need help!!
I can't think of any boys names whatsoever!!
We had the name Stirling picked out forever - but we have just gone off it completely! We need something cute but manly and it needs to go with the name Makayla.
I also like somethinga little bit different.
Thanks heaps, Lauren
Lauren
Hi Tara
Would love to hear your suggestions for our 2nd child. Our daughter is called Rose Alice. Our surname starts with B and my husband is English. We like conventional names that are not too popular, and both dislike surnames used as first names. We'll shorten it (our Rose is a Rosie!) so that's a consideration too.
Thanks
Mel
Mel
Hi Tara,
We're currently TTC our second child and are already having disagreements on names! We agreed on Christopher Garry (Garry after my husband's father) but then DH decided he didn't like the short form Chris and our girls name of Isabella Joan is now out the window with both a friend and Princess Mary naming their bub Isabella! Our first born is Jack Charlie, we like traditional names, preferably something that isn't too common and is a little bit cheeky.
Thanks!
Megan
******Tara's Response******
Megan, Congrats on TTC. :)
I will have a think of some cheeky boys names for you!
Tara
Megan
Hi Tara,
Ever thought of charging for your ideas?? :) Saw an interview with the owner of babynames.com and they charge $35-90 for name suggestions!!
I have a doozy of a surname - 16 letter Greek name with lots of "opoulos" and need a name (boy & girl - although think ill only need the boys name) thats not too long and not too ethnic!
Thanks
Shell xx
Shell,
I have thought about charging, but I thought it would be nice to get a bit of customer confidence at first. So for the time being until I get a few more fans I am happy to do free suggestions for friends! Plus it is taking me ages at the moment, I couldn't charge when I take weeks to get back to people.
I love the challenge of 'opoulos' last names, some of the best names can sound much better with a long last name! :)
Tara
shell
Hi Tara,
Great site! I love names and you certainly seem to have a passion for them!
We could use your help naming our next bub. We like biblical names or at least ones that have a strong biblical backgroud. Our first born is Noah (after the obvious) Philip (after St Philomena). Could you help with some names for both boys and girls.
TIA.
Danielle
*Tara's Response*
Danielle,
I would love to list some names for you! :) I am going through my backlog right now, but I will be back asap.
Love
Tara
Danielle
Hey Tara,
I currently have one child named Sebastian and need your help in coming up with good strong traditional names that aren't commonly used. I like anything with a European flavour. To give you an idea I love the names Thierry and Simona but my husband hates them (damn him!).
Any suggestions clever one?
Elisa