There are thousands and thousands of names, so finding a name for a baby is a challenge. The child will carry this name with them for a lifetime, so the name should be chosen wisely. Friends and family will inundate you with name suggestions; while it doesn't hurt to brainstorm, you and your partner should make the final decision.
You should discuss names and set possible criteria early on during the pregnancy. Draw up a list of your favourites, which should always be to hand in case another name comes to mind. Name lists also provide a lot of inspiration.
Some things should be considered when deciding on a name, for example potentially embarrassing nicknames, initials or names with negative connotations. A name should mainly be chosen according to the following criteria:
Sound and compatibility. How does the full name sound when you say it out loud? Does it sound melodic, harmonious or harsh and is it compatible with the surname? Usually, multi-syllable first names work better with single-syllable, short surnames and vice versa. A first name that ends with a vowel does not usually sound as good if the surname also begins with a vowel. The first name should never rhyme with the surname. Please refrain from playing with words such as 'Hans Wurst'!
Uniqueness. An unusual name gives the bearer of the name more individuality. Too often there are three or more children with the same first name in a class. However, it leads to problems if the name is too exotic and unpronounceable. If the child is asked all his life how his name is pronounced, he is sure to hate it. A good balance is to combine a 'normal' surname with an unusual first name and vice versa. A child whose surname will be Schmidt will be lost in the crowd with a first name like Peter, whereas a child with the name 'Blumsgewerdski' will probably be very happy with the name Peter.
Friends and relatives. Names are sometimes chosen after certain relatives or friends. Unfortunately, this honour can only be bestowed on one person and can lead to disputes. And remember: what happens in the future if things go wrong with the namesake? Then the child's name will always harbour an unpleasant memory. A completely new name among friends and family is more neutral.
Ancestry. A child's heritage is an essential part of their character and a name can serve to reflect this heritage. Certain religions can also restrict the search for a name to certain groups. Perhaps there is a tradition in the family to name the first-born son after the father or grandfather. If you have chosen a name that does not fit in with family traditions, you may be able to use it as a middle name, or vice versa.
Meaning. A child's character will not change depending on the meaning of their first name, but sometimes it is worth finding out what the original meaning of a chosen name is beforehand.
Initials and nicknames. Children are cruel, especially when it comes to nicknames of their classmates. So try to anticipate and assess possible nicknames to avoid potential embarrassment. Not everything can be excluded, but the most obvious nicknames can be. The same applies to initials. For example, Therese Olga Dorn (T.O.D.) is not the best choice of initials, while Olga Therese Dorn (O.T.D.) is unlikely to be teased.
There are no fixed rules for choosing a name, the most important criterion is and remains that both parents like the name.
