Rare Baby Names

From LoveToKnow Baby

Every parent wants their baby to be special and choosing rare baby names is one way to help your baby stand out from the others right from the start.

Check out these names!

Finding Rare Baby Names

Back in the 70's my husband and I poured over the little book of baby names trying to find the right name for our first born. We chose a name we thought pretty, unusual, and had never heard before. However, much to our chagrin it seemed every third baby girl ended up with that special name "Heather."

Today, with access to the Internet, it's much easier to not only choose rare baby names, but to also double check that they really are rare. Babynames.com provides a feature to check on top names in a given year. The list includes 100 boy names and 100 girl names. If I had had such a tool back when I gave birth to my daughter, she would probably have grown up with a different name. For example, if you liked the name Aiden as a rare name and then learned it sits at the top of the list of most popular boy names in 2006, you'd find another name.

Choosing Your Baby's Name

Choosing a name is not easy. It's hard enough to find one name you really like, but then when both parents have to come into agreement the search goes on. While you want to choose a different or rare name, it's important to remember that the name you choose will impact your child as he or she grows up. When choosing a baby name, it's a good idea to settle between common and rare for something unique but not impossible to pronounce. Another factor to think about is how often the name will be misspelled. I know a young man named Kraig. No one spells his name correctly until they know him. The spelling of his name is rare, but not the pronunciation.

Make a List

As you sift through the lists and lists of baby names, create a list of the names you like. The Internet is full of sites to offer options. If you're wondering where to start here are a few sources:

As you study the lists of names, try to narrow it down to 10 favorite names for a boy and 10 names for a girl. Then, take your list and check the meaning of the name. For example, the meaning of the name Aiden is "Little Fire" The meaning of the name might not be important to you, but if it ever becomes important to your child. Choose a good meaning for which they can be proud.

Unusual Family Names

Another source of rare names can be found within the family. Names that were popular a century ago may be considered rare today. If you really want to be sure, you can compare your family names list with current popular names. If the name has been resurrected to popular culture, it won't be considered unique or different.

Naming a baby after an older family member is a tradition that has been followed for ages. But even if the name is rare, you still have to like it. Another point to consider is how other people will view the name. You don't want to make your child's life difficult in ways which they have no control. You want them to stand out as special, but not in a negative way. Think of your child in school. Will his name cause him to endure teasing?

Names From Different Cultures

It's become popular to choose rare baby names from different cultures. You can find many of these names at the sites listed above. Again, it's important to know the meaning of the name within that culture. Be sure that if you have a daughter the name you choose is a female name, and the same rule applies for a boy. I know a girl with the name Rene. A pretty name but her parent's used the male spelling.

Say the Name

Sometimes a name looks pretty or interesting, but before you settle on your choice say the name aloud. Ask yourself the following questions:

  • How does is sound?
  • Is it a name that will be mispronounced more often than it is pronounced correctly?
  • Is it a name that fits your baby?
  • Does the name sound good when combined with a middle and last name?

If you follow these steps, you'll find the right name to fit in every way.

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