How to compromise on a baby name

Get side-by-side

Tossing around baby names is fun, but when it comes to reaching common ground on a moniker, putting pen to paper is an important first step. If you're lucky enough to discover mutual names on each of your lists, then your work is done.

Explain yourself

For the rest of us, the next step is to order your list from most favorite to least favorite. Explain to your partner why it is your favorite. Is it the way it rolls of your tongue like Khloe for a girl? Or is it the meaning of a name, like the French name Esme, which means "loved" for a boy?

If one of your partner's favs makes you cringe, explain why. Is it the name of a kid from your grade school years that you just couldn't stand? Or, do you think that the label won't fit your baby-to-be's characteristics? Simply saying you love or hate a name isn't fair, so be specific!

Explore nicknames

A name you're not fond of may offer a nickname you can live with, so check out the options when it comes to top names on each of your lists. You may be more fond a Bella than Isabella, or a Oli instead of Olivia. Or, you may be more likely to love the name Finn more than Finley, or Max instead of Maxwell.

Give it a new perspective

Sometimes, a simple tweak in the way you spell a moniker may give it a shiny new look that you may like. Avery spelled Averi may be more appealing, or Maisie instead of Maisey. Or, spelling the names Ashur or Rhys instead of Asher or Reese may float your boat.

Get more tips here for finding a unique spelling for a traditional baby name.

Look around the names you love

Look at names that are similar to the handles on each of your lists. If your partner likes the name Jackson, then perhaps a name like Mason or Grayson would please both parties.  Or, if you like the name Ella, then you may like Alia, Elli, or Isla for your bundle of joy.

Still can't agree? Instead of letting the baby name game turn into a baby name battle, take a step back and agree to disagree. Then, opt to each pick one name and pull out of a hat to determine whether it is a first name or a middle name. After all, choosing a name for your pea in the pod is supposed to be fun, so don't lose site of the ultimate goal; finding a compromise on a baby name!

The Most Popular Names in the World

More From SheKnows Explorer

Comments (0)

Subscribe to this comment's feed