Where on earth do you start?

[splatt]

I'm 23 weeks pregnant and until now have sort of been ignoring it. Not bought anything etc etc, but this week it's started properly squirming around and various work stresses are coming to an end on Monday so I feel I can start thinking more about us actually having a baby.

DH came home with a "10,000 baby names" book the other day. But where on earth do you start. I've flicked through it and it just seems such a daunting task to fins names we both like and agree on. And such a responsibility!!

Any suggestions of where to start?

It is blooming hard!!!
Write down all names you like and DH like and keep looking at the list, discount those that one or the other absolutely hate.
Look at the top 100 names for the last year so you can avoid popular names (if you wish)...and pray that DH comes round to your way of thinking!!!!
Oh and let us know your shortlist so we can slag them off give constructive criticisum!!!

How about looking at the top 100 baby names lists from last year here

Then you could decide what you like/dislike about some of the names. For example do you like traditional or modern names? Long or short names? Any particular initials or start/end letters which wouldn't work with your surname?

Are there any names you know that you like/dislike that you could post here and people can give their opinions or make suggestions?

Good luck!

A favourite tv show, like The Muppets?

I just wrote down all the names that took my fancy, whittled it down a bit, then showed it to DH. It helps if you have a vague idea of what you want or what you don't want. For example I knew I didn't want a top ten name (even though there's nothing wrong with them, and there's a good chance the one I've chosen will be top ten next year!).

I found it hard to get him to actively find names, but he was happy enough to veto or approve a few. Eventually we ended up with a list of about seven, then got that down to one. Unless I change my mind when I give birth in a few weeks :D.

Think about men/women who have inspired you or book characters you have loved. We have one fantastic female literary character, one Biblical superhero and one 20th century author/philosopher/professional wrestler.

Just keep presenting a few to your DH that you like and asking him to choose his least hated one. Note it down and eventually you'll have a shortlist of names you both don't hate.