I’m a baby name expert – the 11 questions parents should ask before picking a baby name to make sure you don’t regret it
PICKING the right name for your unborn child is no easy task.
Some parents' priority is to make sure their baby's name is as unique as possible, while others want to make sure it has a personal meaning to them.
Whatever the inspiration is behind your baby's name, there are essential questions to ask to ensure you don't end up regretting it.
That's why Fabulous spoke exclusively to baby name expert SJ Strum, who has helped name hundreds of babies.
She runs and helps couples find the perfect names for their little ones.
The moniker expert revealed the top 11 questions parents should ask themselves to make sure they don't regret their baby name choice.
Does it sound rude?
The baby name expert said: "Initials do trip people up a lot at the agency. BJ is a big no-no for parents."
We've seen plenty of examples where names alone sound great but shortened to the initials sound very rude, such as one couple who accidentally called their child ASS.
"Pippa is a popular girl name that means shag in a lot of European countries," SJ adds.
And Kylie Jenner recently came under fire for using the name Aire for her son (which means penis in Arabic).
Most read in Fabulous
So it's always worth checking what your baby's name means in other languages other than your own.
Does the spelling make sense or is it just to be unique?
Many parents want to give a pretty normal name a unique twist by spelling it differently, but it doesn't always work in their favour.
SJ explains: "A classic name with a unique spelling will always need to be repeated, if it changes the sound like Jack to Jax, Amalie instead of Emily then stick to the original spelling.
"Spellings just make things hard so go for Emily, not Emeleigh and Winter, not Wynter."
Is it based on a current TV show or musician?
If you've had a baby name floating about in your mind for years but watched a new programme and are inspired by it, then it's worth rethinking just how much you like the new name.
The moniker expert adds: "Trends dominate the charts - you love Daphne in Bridgerton or Ada in peaky blinders?
"Both were huge hits over the last 2 years.
"Trends are great and root us in a moment of time - embrace them but choose them because you love them.
"Don’t be swayed from your favourite name for a newfound one because it might become the name of the year."
Should I honour someone in my family?
Tribute names can be a wonderful idea, says SJ, but make sure no one else in the family has called dibs on it as well.
She recalls: "We had 3 sisters at the baby name agency (baby name envy) all vying to honour grandma Harriet which became a race to get there first &; an argument about who could have it."
Instead, opt for a twist on the name or look at the other side of the family for a name to use.
SJ says: "Our biggest issue in the consultancy is being born into a naming tradition one of the parents hates; every boy in the family is called John - might be a tradition, but don’t lose the opportunity to name your baby.
"You could even mix it up with Johan, Jonas or Johnny or be bold enough to break it. It’s your baby, your choice."
Would it sound weird on a CV?
With so many unique baby names being used now, SJ reveals the old-fashion notion of what it looks like on a CV or in a boardroom doesn't matter anymore.
And if worse came to worst, you can always change it.
"If it's something you've considered; it's never too late to regret your baby name or choose a name as an adult that feels right for you," she adds.
Does it go with their siblings' names?
SJ is a strong believer in sibling names complimenting each other.
She said that at the agency 'we love to pair names by meaning vs sound.
"So if you love Olivia meaning peace, a brother Shiloh meaning the same is lovely," she adds, "Or Noah, meaning rest, goes great paired with Freddie, meaning peaceful.
"Listen to the sounds and say them out loud as pair."
One man recently revealed to Fabulous that his mum gave him and his sister the same name.
Does anyone you hate have the same name?
It's always a good idea to double-check that a name you want to use isn't the same as a sworn enemy of you or your partners.
SJ reveals ex's names are the most common issue that comes up.
She says: "We even had a couple who had picked their baby name - split up - and argued over who ‘got custody’ of the name on break up.
"He took it and had baby Mia with a new woman."
Like one man who gave his new son the same name as the son he had with his ex-partner because he 'forgot.'
Does a friend/family member also want to use that name?
Working in a baby name agency SJ explains stealing names is rife and one of the biggest issues they see.
But just because someone you know wants the same name doesn't mean you have to give up the name entirely.
"Most of the time it’s an accident, a best friend will often share your tastes and it’s good to discuss names to dodge the issue.
"No one wants to announce their baby is called Isla hot on the heels of another friend - but don’t give up on it.
"Last minute swerves are part of the baby naming process and Isla could be Ivy or Elisa or Isolde.
"Sometimes a bounce brings you a more special name."
Does it go with their surname?
The baby name expert reveals first names beginning with O are so popular because there are few surnames that start with the letter as well.
SJ continues: "Names are really fascinating and if you have a tricky surname like Roast, Parrot and Cox, we suggest balancing the main sound so picking a name without the strong consonants and it will flow more seamlessly."
The baby name experts' tip could have come sooner for one mum who gave her son the same first name as his surname.
Is it old-fashioned?
, but that doesn't mean all of them are a hit.
"There’s vintage gold and vintage old," explains SJ.
"Maeve is so popular but Mavis not so much. Stanley is a hit but Sidney is lower down.
"If you love old names go further back and you’ll pick up an old gem like Blanche or Winston which are ripe for the picking."
Any killers/weird celebs with the same name?
This one can be difficult to avoid but it's certainly worth doing your research so you don't end up like one mum who had children called Rosemary and Fred, just like the serial killers, says the baby name expert.
She reveals: "We once heard from a mother of Rosemary and Fred, surname West, who was in America and had no idea of the association.
READ MORE SUN STORIES
"And the mum of Meghan and Harry felt a bit blind-sighted, another with boys Ronnie and Reggie - we did think they could have checked before.
"It’s always worth some research."