If you’re expecting, or have been thinking about adding to your family soon, then chances are you’ve already started brainstorming baby names. The decision is a big one, and it will impact your child for years to come. So it’s important to think through all your options and consider the pros and cons of each name carefully.
It’s also worth bearing in mind that certain names are more popular in some places than others, and this may impact how your baby is viewed in the future. You might want to keep this in mind if you’re considering an unusual or unique name. It’s also a good idea to be aware of any religious or cultural associations the name has, as these can have an effect on your baby’s upbringing and culture in general.
When choosing a baby name, it can be helpful to look back in history and take inspiration from old-fashioned names. This is especially true for boys, where a number of classic picks like Owen, Henry and Oliver are currently enjoying a revival. Meanwhile, girls’ names such as Sophia and Olivia have long ruled the charts, while ‘E’ names including Ellie, Emily, Evelyn and Sophie are gaining popularity.
A study by etymologists has found that the most beautiful-sounding names are often those that share similar phonemes to popular names that came before them. So while the Karens and Katies of the world will probably meet lots of little people with the same name, they’ll still be one-of-a-kind.