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.

Can I Name My Child After Myself?
Mon Dec 06 2021

Can I Name My Child After Myself?

Mom's name is Rebecca — can she have a son named Beckett? Or is it arrogant to name a child after herself? The Name Guru weighs in on the situation.
Name Sage: Honoring Grandma Elaine
Wed Dec 01 2021

Name Sage: Honoring Grandma Elaine

There's no question that this baby's name should honor grandma Elaine. But what's the best way to transform this elegant, feminine favorite into a choice for a grandson? The Name Sage has the answers.
Ask the Name Guru: Can I Use an Honor Name Without the Honor?
Tue Oct 19 2021

Ask the Name Guru: Can I Use an Honor Name Without the Honor?

Erin and Michael's favorite name for their baby girl is Nora — coincidentally connected to a grandmother that doesn't make the honoree shortlist. Can they use the name Nora without an association with Grandma? The Name Guru shares her take.
Name Sage: Defining Classic Girl Names
Wed Jun 16 2021

Name Sage: Defining Classic Girl Names

They know they love classics with cute nicknames. But naming a sister for Benji and Will has proved more challenging than expected. Let’s help them find the perfect name – bonus points if the nickname is Elle/Nell.
Name Sage: Japanese-inspired Names for Raiden and Renzo's Sister
Wed May 19 2021

Name Sage: Japanese-inspired Names for Raiden and Renzo's Sister

They're living in Japan, so their new daughter's name needs to bridge two cultures - just like brothers Raiden and Renzo. Plus, they're hoping for something that feels meaningful to their family. The Name Sage tries to check all the boxes!
Name Sage: Finding a Dutch English Compromise for a Son
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.
Name Sage: Finding Dramatic and Unexpected Baby Names
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.
Name Sage: Matching Sibling Names ... or Not?
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?
Name Sage: Debating a Name Theft Dilemma
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?
Name Sage: Seeking Timeless Names
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!
Cool Boy Names Stand Out
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.
Joyful Names Honor Grandma
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.
How Not to Steal a Baby Name
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.
Challenging Family Traditions
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.
Confronting Name Regret
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?
Narrowing Down Your Name List
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.
Handling Celebrity Name Theft
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?
Finding Rare Celtic Girl Names
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?
Searching for Casual Cute Boy Names
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.
Bold Boy Names: A Brother for Wolfie
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.
Name Sage: Finding Romantic Boy Names
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!
Name Sage: Choosing Names When You Disagree
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.
Boy Names Balance the Traditional and New
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.
Choosing Offbeat Boy Names
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!
How to Name a Last Baby
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.