What makes a good name?

jasieandry

I've been thinking a lot about the whole naming process lately and theres a lot of talk about whether or not a name is a "good" name. What makes a name good? If its recognizable? Trendy? Meaningful? I was told there are a lot of name nerds here and I'd love to hear some your thoughts on this.

krissyh21

What makes a good name is different for everyone. I believe a name should be able to grow with a child, so should have options for when they are younger and older if you want a cutesy kids name - a kid is only a kid for a short amount of her life.

I feel a name should honor your heritage. This is not a must for everyone, but it was important to me. 

Spell correctly - and by correctly I mean not just the popular spelling, but don't go all nuts on a kids name. Spelling changes pronunciation.

Do not name your child a name meant for another sex. Not all names are meant to be feminine and  adding a Y does not change that.

I also wanted a name that had a good meaning. Again, not everyone cares - I do.

Most importantly - I think a child's name should be liked by both the mother and father (unless there is a reason why both sets of parents are not involved). 

HannahO28

For me, a good name is spelled right, used on the right sex, is not made up or a modern invention (I like names to have at least a 100 year history).  I like names that are easy to spell and pronounce in the area that your child will grow up in. I don't like names that are likely to offend a lot of people (even if you don't care, your child might). I generally avoid names if the meaning is really bad (I'm looking at you Mallory). 

westrose

A good name to me is one that has meaning and is spelt normally. This is something that the kid has to live with forever, so I hate when people go crazy and do something really stupid. 

BlindysWife

A good name, to me, looks nice on paper and sounds good to the ear. It conjures up positive images, feelings, or associations. (for example, when I hear the name Ivy, I picture a spunky little girl with her hair in braids, who grows up to be an indepenent and strong woman. The name Arthur makes me think of my kind, smart, loving grandpa.)

A good name also has history and meaning. A good name is a gift to the chilid, and bears in mind that they won't be a child their whole life. It remembers that a name is part of a person's identity, and often times a first impression.

Good question, op.

CarolynDouglas2012

A name that has meaning behind it. Whether is is a family name or a name that comes from your heritage. Something that they wont get teased for through out their life and a name that can grow with them. It is hard to picture a CEO walk into a baord room and demand to be respected and taken seriously when the have a "cutesy" name. I also have a big issue with the proper gender names. When I hear a boy with a girly name my immediate reaction is I bet his buddies wont tease him at all. It is all a personal opinion thing though. Everyone is different.