Thinking of the perfect name for your new little one can be nerve-wracking. Should you go with the name of a favorite relative? A literary character? A traditional moniker based in your ethnicity? And you know you have to choose wisely, since most people are stuck with that name for life–though if Snoop Dogg can rename himself Snoop Lion, anything might be possible.
For some inspiration, check out these great websites that use a slew of different methods, from computer algorithms to taking votes from friends. Or, if you prefer to seek inspiration from print books, we’ve included some innovative volumes below.
Nymbler.com. This fun site picks names based on your personal taste. To start, choose names from a box that appeal to you. The site will then bring up other names based on those. So if you choose Ellie and Zoe, for example, it could pop up with Lena. It gets addictive, but could lead to a name that perfectly fits your taste.
Nameberry.com. Find inspiration from name lists with themes like celebrity names, supermodel names and “coolest names that aren’t really names.” Besides lists, there are tons of articles on baby naming advice. The site’s number one piece of advice? “No dumb names.” Subjective, but solid guidance nonetheless!
Babynamer.com. Discover every detail of a name’s history, alternate spellings, and pop culture references. One potentially amusing section describes a name’s “drawbacks”– a list of possible teasing nicknames for every name. The highly creative nicknames (my name, Nancy, included “Underpantsy Nancy”) are good for a giggle, if not a deal-breaker.
Social Security Administration. Not the most glamorous website, but it gives you the chance to look back at the most popular names in each decade going back to the 1880s. The site also lists popular names by state. The popular twin names list is particularly interesting; rhyming names top the charts, as well as “Heaven and Nevaeh” and “Faith and Hope.”
The Bump Baby Name Finder. Find names by origin, popularity, or a fun list like “literary names,” then add them to your favorites. You can even share your lists with friends to have them vote on their top picks.
Books
Baby Names Made Easy: The Complete Reverse-Dictionary of Baby Names ($10.20). Have a special meaning in mind you’d like your baby’s name to reflect? Look up themes like “love and affection” or “victory” to find names that translate into those sentiments, like “Mia,” which means “mine,” and “Vincent,” which means “the conqueror.”
Cool Names for Babies ($9.95). If you want your tot to have a name that guarantees future rock-stardom, this is your pick. With categories like “thunderbolts” (one-syllable names with a punch: think Trent and Stone) and “Little Caesers” (Atticus, Phinnaeus), expectant parents with an edgy side are sure to find inspiration here.
60,001+ Best Baby Names ($9.99). It’s that one extra that makes the difference, of course! From traditional names to celebrity monikers, this exhaustive volume has them all covered. Happy name hunting!
