What should you name your baby?

P icking a right name for your baby is a really-really hard task, especially in America... In some countries, for example, they have really strict rules about it, which makes this job much easier. But here you can name your baby what ever you want.. and with so many possibilities of a name from a variety of cultural sources and with all the options it can be extremely overwhelming. But you have to remember that the name you select for your son or daughter becomes a unique imprint that lasts a lifetime, being as though "visit card" of the carrier. That is why you should consider your choice very-very carefully.

When I was pregnant with my first son I started to think about the name as soon as I knew I was pregnant. I knew that no one would force me to choose a name, and it was up to me. I went through all books, magazines, horoscopes, etc. to find a perfect name for my first newborn. I've read everything I could found at that time, asked suggestions from my friends and relatives and made notes for myself about each name. Finally I have picked 5 names from all, and it was moment where I stuck: I could not choose the best! Then something happen, what brought some changes in the list of picked names: my three neighbors who were also expecting, gave a birth earlier their due dates and they "picked" three names from my list! I didn't want use the same name for my son, in my opinion, he deserves a unique name, and so I crossed those three from my list. Because, it was really near my due date, I've decided that I will write two last ones on the piece of papers, will add one more (just for quantity), put them in the hat, shake it and with my eyes closed took one from the hat. That's what I did. Guess what, I picked the wrong one! LOL

To make sure it won't happen to you I wrote this lens and I really hope that it will help you to make this task much easier and will give you some ideas how to choose the perfect name for your baby (either baby boy or baby girl name), based on different factors.

Many parents choose to name their babies after a grandparent, other relative, or close friend. This option can provide you with a good pool of names to chose from. Take ideas graciously, but don't tell anyone what you and your partner have decided until after the baby is born -- when it's too late to give in to any subtle hints.

And never let anyone pressure you into a name you don't like. Maybe some of your Great grand father have survived all right with his name, but why should your baby live surviving?

I'm positive, you'll be getting suggestions regularly from family members, friends and even strangers (sometimes). And of course, it won't hurt to be open to all ideas, but the decision is up to you (or you and your partner). Don't be afraid to say thanks, but no thanks, if you certainly don't like something!

Some people saying that because woman caring her child for 9 months, going through so many difficulties and inconvenient changes in her body during pregnancy, that she should be one who name the baby or at least be one who's making final decision how to name the baby. And others insist that this decision is responsibilities of both partners or even relatives and friends. What do you think about it?

Who should name the baby and why?

There are lots of considerations when you're deciding on a name, such as to make sure the relatives are satisfied with your choice, avoiding embarrassing initials or nicknames, and steering clear of names associated with bad memories, etc.

These are some of the main points to keep in mind...

How your baby's name sounds when it's said aloud is one of the most essential things to think about. Is it beautiful and harmonious? Or it sounds harsh as sandpaper? Does it go well with your last name? Often, longer first names work better with shorter last names, and conversely. Avoid first names that rhyme with your last name ( unless you want everyone will make fun of your child's name forever) it will be cute for about five minutes only, and then your poor child will be stuck with it for the rest of his or her life.

An unusual name has the advantage of making the bearer stand out from the crowd.

I remember when my son was three years old, we met two new boys in the playground. Both of them were Benjamin, one was 4 years old and other - almost 5. When we got home after the walk (my child didn't say a word on our way back home) he ask me if he going to become Benjamin too when he turned 4. And he was really upset, when I told him "no"... Its took me really long time to explain to him how important it is to have an unique name...

To have an unique name it's fine, but on the other hand, a name no one has heard of and few can pronounce can bring attention a child would rather avoid.

I just remember another funny story about the name, related to language and culture differences... Last summer my son was on the phone with his friend and suddenly burst in the hysterical unstoppable laugh. As I found out later during the talk his friend (on the other end of the phone) said: "hold on, I need to say something to Jesus..." - "..then I won't interfere" my son replied. -- " You won't, because his my friend and he's right next to me now" -- "??? ...I thought He's everybody friend...." -- answer my son few seconds later, thinking they talking about God. But in reality they were talking about boy, named Jesus (Spanish boy by origin).

So, one way of achieving a balance is to choose a familiar first name if the child's last name is unusual, and the other way around.

Your child's heritage is an essential part of who she or he is, and you may want him (her) name to reflect that. Your religious preference may steer you toward a certain category of names... Or perhaps your family has a tradition of naming first-born sons after their fathers. If you love a name but it doesn't meet your family's traditional requirements, consider using it as a middle name. Or give your baby the name you prefer and use the traditional name for her(his) middle name.

Ancient Slavs had a custom: they named the baby using very unassuming names, such as Bandy-leg or Red-haired. But when "initiation into adulthood" took place each person should get or win the name for himself in the fight or contest or hard working or taking part in other activities...And just then he got his name judging by his character and personal qualities. Some of those names transformed into last names few centuries later...

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It's an appreciation photo sent to me, showing Little Devil Baby Hat from my shop: www.cleverclew.etsy.com

Of course, first of all its specific meaning of the word. No one is likely to treat your child differently because his or her name means "hero," but the derivation of your baby's name is something you may want to think about.

Every name has a meaning. It is said more you are called by your name, more you would inherit the qualities related to your particular name. You can see all around that some people are naturally detailed; others are disorganized. Some are promoters; others are teachers. Some are people-oriented; others are loners. Some are technical; others are inspirational. Some are happy and optimistic; others are satirically contemptuous of others. Some are reliable; others are indifferent. Some are intellectual; others live in their feelings. These thinking patterns are to a great extent dependent upon the name and the meaning of that name which a person has been given by parents.

Each name is extremely important as it is how person identify him(her)self.

You are known and identified by your name to the outside world. A name is the unique part of language that is attached and given to you by your parents or relatives. Your name affects your overall pattern of thinking, including mental strengths and weaknesses.

Any of popular name... will it still sound right in 5, 10 years from now, or completely ridiculous? Think about, before choice is made.

Initials and nicknames.

Make sure you're happy with both the long and short versions of your child's name (e.g. Nate for Nathaniel, Katie for Katherine) because he or she may pick up the nickname whether you like it or not.

People, especially kids, can be really cruel when it comes to nicknames, so try to anticipate any potentially embarrassing ones. Of course, just because you don't think of something doesn't mean some clever classmate won't -- and he'll probably find it utterly hilarious.

Also, be aware of what your child's initials spell. Try to avoid something like R.A.T of P.E.T or anything that cause your child "drama" later in life... Of course, you can't protect your child from teasing or bullying all his(hers) life and maybe it will make him(her) stronger, but at least you can do is not give your baby a name that people obviously will make fun of.

Numerologists claim to be able to find the hidden meaning in your name by using the numbers which correspond with the letters in your name. By adding all of the numbers in your name together, you arrive at a number that represents your destiny, or what it is in this lifetime you want to accomplish.

Numerology is a very exact science. As you come to feel and experience true vibrational effects of numbers in your life (and in your names numerology), you will quickly see how accurate and powerful this divination method is.

The basic principles of Numerology indicate that every number in your birth date, and every letter in your name (which is converted into a number) hold a specific vibration. Analysis of these numbers provides insights into many different aspects of your life. This enhanced self knowledge allows you to own your strengths and work with them. By Acknowledging your weaknesses you free yourself from attempting to participate in arenas where your natural skills are of little benefit. This knowledge can help you free yourself from projected limitations and directs you towards self knowledge and most importantly self empowerment.

Astrology does not claim to be the answer to everything, but an analysis of your horoscope shall guide you in the right path.

LITLE STORKS IN THE NEST sweater and hat baby set, sz 0-6 months

knit Baby Lace Pretty in Pink Matinee Coat, Hat/bonnet and booties set

HANDMADE KNIT BABY SWEATER, HAT and BOOTIES SET

* Lesson 1

1. Go to the supermarket.

2. Arrange to have your salary paid directly to their head office.

3. Go home.

4. Pick up the newspaper... and read it for the last time.

* Lesson 2

Before you finally go ahead and have children, find a couple who already are parents. Berate them about their...

1. Methods of discipline.

2. Lack of patience.

3. Appallingly low tolerance levels.

4. Allowing their children to run wild. Suggest ways in which they might improve their child's sleeping habits, toilet training, table manners and

overall behavior. Enjoy it. It will be the last time in your life that you will have all the answers.

* Lesson 3

To discover how the nights will feel...

1. Walk around the living room from 5PM to 10PM carrying a wet bag weighing approximately 8-12 pounds, with a radio turned to static (or some

other obnoxious sound) playing loudly.

2. At 10PM, put the bag down, set the alarm for midnight, and go to sleep.

3. Get up at 12 and walk around the living room again, with the bag, until 1AM.

4. Set the alarm for 3 AM.

5. As you can't get back to sleep, get up at 2AM and make a drink.

6. Go to bed at 2:45AM.

7. Get up at 3AM when the alarm goes off.

8. Sing songs in the dark until 4AM.

9. Get up. Make breakfast. Keep this up for 5 years.

Look cheerful.

* Lesson 4

Can you stand the mess children make? To find out...

1. Smear peanut butter onto the sofa and jam onto the curtains.

2. Hide a piece of raw chicken behind the stereo and leave it there all summer.

3. Stick your fingers in the flower bed.

4. Then rub them on the clean walls.

5. Cover the stains with crayons.

How does that look?

* Lesson 5

Dressing small children is not as easy as it seems.

1. Buy a live octopus and a small bag made of loose mesh

2. Attempt to put the octopus into the bag so that none of the arms hang out. Time allowed for this-all morning.

* Lesson 6

1. Take an egg carton. Using a pair of scissors and a pot of paint, turn it into an alligator.

2. Now take the tube from a roll of toilet paper. Using only scotch tape and a piece of foil, turn it into an attractive Christmas candle.

3. Last, take a milk carton, a ping-pong ball, and an empty packet of Cocoa Puffs. Make an exact replica of the Eiffel Tower.

Now you are ready for school projects.

* Lesson 7

Forget the BMW and buy a station wagon. And don't think you can leave it out in the driveway spotless and shining. Family cars don't look like that.

1. Buy a chocolate ice cream cone and put it in the glove compartment. Leave it there.

2. Get a dime. Stick it in the tape or CD player.

3. Take a family size package of chocolate cookies. Mash them into the back seat.

4. Run a garden rake along both sides of the car.

There. Perfect.

* Lesson 8

Get ready to go out.

1. Wait outside the bathroom for a half an hour.

2. Go out the front door.

3. Come in again

4. Go out

5. Come back in

6. Go back out again.

7. Walk down the front walk.

8. Walk back up it.

9. Walk back down it again.

10. Walk very slowly down the road for five minutes, stopping, inspecting minutely, and asking at least 6 questions about each cigarette butt, pieces of used chewing gum, dirty tissue, and dead insect along the way.

11. Retrace your steps.

12. Scream that you have had as much as you can stand, until the neighbors come out and stare at you.

13. Give up and go back into the house. You are now just about ready to try taking a small child for a walk.

* Lesson 9

Go to the local supermarket. Take with you the nearest thing you can find to a preschool child (a full grown goat is excellent). If you intend to have more than one child, take more than one goat.

1. Buy your week's groceries without letting the goat out of your sight.

2. Pay for everything the goat eats or destroys. Until you can accomplish this, do not even contemplate having children.

* Lesson 10

1. Make a small hole in the side of a melon and hollow it out.

2. Suspend it from the ceiling and swing it from side to side.

3. Now get a bowl of soggy Cheerios and attempt to spoon them into the swaying melon by pretending to be an airplane.

4. Continue until half the Cheerios are gone.

5. Tip half of the remainder into your lap. The other half just throw up into the air.

You are now ready to feed a 9-month old baby.

* Lesson 11

Learn the names of every character from Sesame Street , Dora the Explorer, Barney, and Disney. Watch nothing else on TV for five years.

* Lesson 12

Make a recording of Fran Drescher saying "mommy" repeatedly. (important: no more than a four second delay between each "mommy") An occasional crescendo to the volume of a supersonic jet is required. Play this recording in your car everywhere you go for he next five years.

You are now ready to take a long trip with a toddler.

* Lesson 13

Put on your finest work attire. Pick a day in which you have an important meeting.

1. Take a cup of cream, put in 1 cup of lemon juice and stir.

2. Dump half of the mixture on your shirt, and saturate a towel with the other half.

3. Attempt to wipe off your shirt with the towel.

4. Do NOT change. You have no time

5. Go directly to work.

* Lesson 14

Go for a drive! But first...

1. Find one large tomcat and six pitbulls.

2. Borrow a child safety seat and put it in the back seat of your car.

3. Put the pit-bulls in the front seat of your car.

4. While holding something fragile, strap the cat into the child seat.

5. Run some errands, removing and replacing the cat at each stop.

Did you survive? Still sane? Well, mostly anyway. Then... you are now ready!

Susan Nadritch