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How to Pick a Baby Name: 8 Steps to a Name You'll Love
How to pick a baby name in 8 simple steps: build a long list, check meaning and origin, test the sound with your surname, look at popularity, and choose together without the stress.
4 min read
In this article
Wondering how to pick a baby name? You're not alone. It's one of the first big decisions you make for your child, and with tens of thousands of names to choose from, it's easy to feel stuck.
The good news is that it gets much easier with a plan. These eight steps take you from a blank page to a name you both love, with a few tools along the way to help.
1. Start with a long list
Don't try to find the one right away. Each of you should write down every name you like, even the ones you're unsure about. Aim for 20 or 30 names each before you compare notes.
Browse our girl names and boy names, save the ones that catch your eye with the heart button, and come back to your saved names later. If you'd rather keep things open, our gender-neutral names work for any baby.
2. Look up the meaning and origin
A name's meaning won't define your child, but it's nice to love the story behind it. Many parents pick a name that honors their heritage, faith or a place that matters to them. Every name on our site has its meaning and origin, and you can browse names by origin.
Girl name: Clara
#63 in US“bright, clear” · Latin
Means "bright, clear". A simple meaning that suits almost any child.
Boy name: Felix
#175 in US“lucky, happy” · Latin
Latin for "lucky, happy". A cheerful meaning in a short, strong name.
Girl name: Amara
#98 in US“grace” · Igbo
Linked to "grace" in Igbo and "eternal" in Sanskrit, so it travels well across cultures.
3. Say it out loud with your last name
Say the full name out loud, many times. Shout it across a park, whisper it at bedtime, and imagine someone reading it at a graduation. A name that looks good on paper can feel clumsy to say.
A few rules of thumb: a short first name often sits well with a long last name, and the other way round. Watch out for names that end with the same sound your surname starts with, which can blur together. And check the rhythm with a middle name too.
4. Check the initials and nicknames
Write out the initials and make sure they don't spell anything awkward. Then think about the nicknames people will reach for, including the ones you don't love. If you would hate "Liz", Elizabeth might not be the right pick.
On the bright side, nicknames give a name flexibility. A long formal name with a cute short form lets your child choose as they grow up.
5. Decide how popular you want it to be
Some parents want a classic that everyone can spell. Others want a name their child won't share with three classmates. Neither is wrong, but it helps to know where a name stands. Every name profile shows its US rank and how its popularity has changed since 1880.
If you want something less common, try our lists of unique girl names and unique boy names. If you want to see what other parents love, check the top voted names.
6. Keep the spelling simple
Creative spellings can make a name feel unique, but your child will spell it for teachers, doctors and baristas for the rest of their life. If a name has a common spelling, it's usually the kindest choice. If you love a less common spelling, make sure it's still easy to say when people read it.
7. Choose together and narrow it down
Once you each have a list, swap them. Cross off any name either of you vetoes, with no need to explain. Then each pick your top five from what's left and look for overlap. A shared shortlist of three to five names is a great place to be.
Stuck between two family names? Our name combiner blends two names into new ones. Can't decide at all? Let the baby name spinner pick a few ideas to talk about.
8. Live with it for a while
Try your favorite for a week or two. Use it when you talk about the baby, and notice how it feels. If you're still smiling when you say it, you have your answer.
It's also fine to wait until you meet your baby. Many parents bring a shortlist to the hospital and decide once they see their little one's face.
Questions parents ask
How do you pick a baby name?
Start with a long list of names you both like, then check each name's meaning, how it sounds with your last name, its initials and nicknames, and how popular it is. Swap lists with your partner, cross off vetoes and narrow it down to a shortlist you both love.
When should you pick a baby name?
There's no deadline before birth. Many parents start a list in the second trimester and decide in the last few weeks, while others wait until they meet their baby. In most US states you have a few days to a few weeks to file the birth certificate.
What if we can't agree on a baby name?
Give each other a veto, then each pick your top five names from what's left and look for overlap. Combining two names, or using one person's favorite as the middle name, often breaks a tie.
Should a baby name be popular or unique?
It's up to you. Popular names are easy to spell and say, while unique names stand out. Checking a name's US rank helps you find the balance you're comfortable with.
