Choosing a name for my son was very difficult because I didn’t want to regret the name I chose for him. I had looked through several baby books and heard many suggestions. I started to feel extremely overwhelmed with all the guidelines on picking a name. The number of syllables, what would they call him for short, would the initials spell something weird. When I finally found the name I didn’t get a good feedback from others. However, I knew that this name would be perfect for him. Jaden ~ meaning God has heard, or meant to be.

For some, finding a name can take their entire pregnancy and deliver without a decision. For others, they knew the name they would pick before they even became pregnant. Most likely, your baby will wear the name you choose for life, which is why it is so important to put a lot of thought into it. Your child will be known on the playground, in an interview for a job and to future generations by the name you choose.

Avoid names with initials that spell out words Would you name your baby Richard Alexander Thompson? Maybe, until you saw "RAT" on a monogrammed baby gift! How about Penny Ursula Smith (PUS)? Try to choose a name that doesn't spell out an unexpected word with an unpleasant connotation.

Think about nicknames Are you prepared to hear your child called by a nickname? Andrew will inevitably become "Andy" some of the time, even if you insist on the formal name. Make sure you like the potential nicknames associated with the name you choose. But if you have strong feelings against them, think about choosing another name with nicknames you like better or consider names without commonly used nicknames such as "Eric" or "Mary."

Should you honor a family member? It's your choice If you genuinely like the idea of naming your baby after a family member, then by all means go ahead. But if you feel obligated to do so but secretly dislike the name. Maybe it sounds too old and tired to you or reminds you of someone you never liked. Then think of an alternative. Try using the family member's name as a middle name so you can still use the name you wanted for the first. However, just remember it's your decision. No law says you have to choose a name you don't like just because it's been used before in your family. Perhaps it's time for a new name to be introduced.

Go with your heart! There are so many things to consider! When your baby is born, you realize it's all a matter of feeling, not logic. And your feelings and your partner's matter more than any opinion offered by friends or family. Stick with the name you genuinely love. And look forward to welcoming your child, its proud bearer.

Five tips on getting started: 1. Make a list of the name you favor most. 2. Consider the middle and last name as well. 3. Avoid names that remind you of people you genuinely dislike. 4. Think about the nick names. 5. Most importantly, go with your heart!