Baby Name Advice
Advice on choosing baby names is the focus of these news stories and features, which include advice on choosing middle names and family names, on finding the right baby names, and on navigating name disputes.
Wed May 05 2021
Name Sage: Finding a Dutch English Compromise for a Son
Westen’s little brother is here – and nameless! Should he be Silas or Willas? And if not one of those names, what works in Dutch as well as English – and goes with big brother Wes? The Name Sage weighs in with some fresh ideas, and thoughts on brokering a compromise.
Wed Apr 07 2021
Name Sage: Finding Dramatic and Unexpected Baby Names
When your first child is named Ravenna, her sibling (probably) won't be Ryan or Jane. The Name Sage weighs in on choices every bit as dramatic and unexpected for baby number two.
Wed Mar 24 2021
Name Sage: Matching Sibling Names ... or Not?
They love ancient Roman names, and chose Aurelia for their daughter. But now it’s time to name her sibling, and they’re at a crossroads. Do they stick with Latin-inspired
names from way back when … or embrace some of their more modern favorites?
Wed Feb 24 2021
Name Sage: Debating a Name Theft Dilemma
One of their favorite boy names is already used – twice! – by families in her extended circle of friends. Now they’re debating a name theft dilemma: can Ezra still go on their list, or is it taken?
Wed Jan 27 2021
Name Sage: Seeking Timeless Names
They’re not sure what to name their firstborn. But they’re certain the right name should be easy to spell and easily recognizable. Ideally, they’d love to choose timeless names, too. Sounds reasonable, but it’s more of a challenge than they expected!
Wed Jan 13 2021
Cool Boy Names Stand Out
He says Ziggy. She says Cam. When it comes to casual cool boy names, how different is too different? And what’s the best compromise name for their son? The Name Sage weighs in with some fresh possibilities that should please both parents.
Wed Dec 16 2020
Joyful Names Honor Grandma
They want to honor grandma with their new daughter’s name. Except grandma’s name? Gay. Time to reinvent this family name for the twenty-first century, either by meaning, sound, or some combination of both.
Wed Dec 02 2020
How Not to Steal a Baby Name
Two sisters, one favorite name for a daughter! The Name Sage talks about avoiding name theft in families. Plus, we’ll explore the positives of knowing your niece has a great name – even if it takes an option off your list.
Wed Nov 18 2020
Challenging Family Traditions
Challenging family traditions can make naming a child even harder! The Name Sage talks through an expectant mom’s best options for finding a compromise.
Wed Nov 04 2020
Confronting Name Regret
They’ve brought their new baby home, but now they’re confronting name regret. Let’s work through their best options for re-naming their daughter. But should they re-spell her name, use her middle, or start fresh entirely?
Wed Oct 07 2020
Narrowing Down Your Name List
Narrowing down your name list can be the hardest part! Let’s help Jessie choose the right name for Eloise June’s new sister from her top favorites: Annabelle, Marceline, and Sylvie.
Wed Sep 23 2020
Handling Celebrity Name Theft
The Name Sage weighs in on a case of celebrity name theft. They’ve long planned to name their new daughter Lyra. With just weeks to go, does Ed Sheeran’s announcement change their plans?
Wed Sep 09 2020
Finding Rare Celtic Girl Names
They’re bold baby namers, but finding rare Celtic girl names for their new daughter has them stumped. Should they venture into other categories of names, or is there something they haven';t considered that works with Mairead and Fergus?
Thu Aug 27 2020
Searching for Casual Cute Boy Names
They know their style: casual, cute boy names. But her favorite choice for a son might be too different. Should they name their baby boy Dill? The Name Sage says probably not, and helps them find more boy names with the same homespun vibe.
Wed Jul 15 2020
Bold Boy Names: A Brother for Wolfie
She loves bold boy names. He has his doubts. They compromised with Alexander “Wolfie” Wolfgang for their first son, but now it’s time to name his brother and they’re stuck. Time to ask the Name Sage.
Wed Jun 17 2020
Name Sage: Finding Romantic Boy Names
They’re naming a brother for Ophelia. After agreeing on her name instantly, they’re stumped this time around. Time to find some long, romantic boy names. Check out the Name Sage’s suggestions, and share yours, too!
Wed Jun 03 2020
Name Sage: Choosing Names When You Disagree
Choosing baby names when you and your partner disagree can be tough! The secrets: start early, focus on the qualities you’d like in a name, and get some suggestions from the Nameberry community, too.
Wed Apr 15 2020
Boy Names Balance the Traditional and New
She loves rare and unexpected names. He likes to keep it more traditional. Sound familiar? It’s the classic tug-of-war between too-common and too-out-there for this couple. Let’s help them name a brother for Scout Valentine.
Wed Mar 04 2020
Choosing Offbeat Boy Names
They named their first son Ralph because they found it traditional, but approachable; a little bit different, but still cuddly and fun. Now let’s find more offbeat boy names to help name Ralph’s brother!
Fri Feb 21 2020
How to Name a Last Baby
Naming a last baby can be a struggle. Honor name, or longtime love? A third B name, or break the pattern? Here are our top tips for naming a final child.
Wed Feb 19 2020
Wanted: A Girls’ Name That’s NOT Popular
Growing up as one of the Emilys has this mom seeking a stand-out name for her daughter. Emily writes: My husband and I are expecting our first child and need some name help! We have a boy name, but are struggling to come up with the right girl name. Growing up as an Emily M., […]
Wed Feb 05 2020
Modern Traditional Boy Names
If it’s a girl, they’re all set. If it’s a boy, this kiddo is currently nameless! Time to call in the Name Sage. Jordan writes: I am expecting baby number three in April and my husband and I cannot agree on a single boy name. We are not finding out the gender this go around […]
Wed Jan 22 2020
Baby Naming Rules for the New Year
These seven smart resolutions can help you make a naming decision you’ll never regret.
Wed Jan 08 2020
Burning Baby Naming Questions
As Nameberry’s resident Name Sage, I hear all sorts of baby naming questions. While every short list and situation is just a little different, a few big themes repeat. And even though my answers vary based on circumstances, some things remain true. With a fresh new year upon us, let’s talk about those enduring questions […]
Wed Dec 18 2019
Celtic Baby Names SOS
The Name Sage to the rescue: Helping this family with very specific specifications!