Chapter two

Naming Your Baby

F or those who haven’t visited a local day care or nursery lately, names have entered a new dimension. Many parents are tossing off the safety of normalcy, mediocrity, tradition and sometimes-good taste to give their newborns a name of distinction. A name needs to sound pleasing, set the child apart and summon a positive image.

Today, naming a child isn’t only an art but a science. Many studies have endeavored to show the relationship between one’s name, station in life, emotional and financial success and longevity.

Some studies indicate that “good” initials, such as FIT, PAL, and WIN, live longer and commit suicide less often than those with “bad” initials, like SAD, NUT, and ROT.

A Loyola University-Chicago study once showed that criminals with bizarre names like Oder were more likely to become chronic offenders. “Unique names interfere with normal social interaction”, write the psychologists. “This produces disturbed adjustment.”

Parents have a lot more choices today when it comes to names. People tend to live up to the image of their names. If you have a problem pronouncing and spelling a name, then it can become a millstone. A weird name, such as Evil, may give the image that the person is less than honest or prone to the darker side of life.

This book can give you guidance in choosing a name with a positive image. The unique name children make fun of on a playground may be a terrific name as an adult. Remember, nicknames are just as important as a given name and surname.

If you are having a hard time narrowing down or deciding on which name to choose, this book will make your decision easier.

When you put the entire name, including the middle name, together you get an insight into your child’s future. The direction for life into which your child is being sent is strongly influenced by the name you choose.