How to Choose a Baby Name You Won't Regret in 10 Years

How to Choose a Baby Name You Won't Regret in 10 Years

I've changed my mind about this name 47 times. My partner vetoed 200 options. We have 3 weeks until the due date. Is it too late to just call the baby "Baby"?

Choosing a name is weirdly hard. It's permanent (mostly). It affects another person (not just you). And everyone has opinions. Here's a practical framework for actually making this decision—and making it well.

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The Regret-Proof Testing Framework

Test 1: The Playground Shout

Go outside. Shout the name like you're calling your kid in from play.

"Time to come in, [NAME]!"

Does it feel natural? Is it easy to say? Can you imagine saying it 10,000 times? If it feels awkward shouted, it might feel awkward in daily life.

Test 2: The Resume Test

Picture this name on a resume for a 35-year-old professional. Does it work for:

• A doctor?
• A lawyer?
• A CEO?
• A teacher?
• Whatever career your kid might choose?

Names should work at every life stage, not just babyhood.

Test 3: The Full Name Flow

Say the full name—first, middle, last. Check for:

• Rhythm: Does it flow or clunk?
• Initials: Do they spell anything unfortunate? (ASS, PIG, LOL)
• Alliteration: Too much? (Sally Sue Smith)
• Sounds: Any repeating sounds that feel awkward?

Test 4: The Spelling Quiz

Tell someone the name out loud. Ask them to spell it. Did they get it right? If not, your child will be correcting people forever.

Test 5: The Nickname Check

What nicknames naturally come from this name? Consider:

• Nicknames you'd like (Maddie from Madison)
• Nicknames you wouldn't like (Dick from Richard)
• Mean nickname potential (what would middle schoolers do with it?)

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The Decision-Making Process

Step 1: Make Individual Lists

Each parent makes a list of 15-20 names they love. Do this separately first—no influencing each other.

Step 2: Veto Exchange

Trade lists. Each person gets 5 absolute vetoes—names that are completely off the table, no discussion. Respect the vetoes.

Step 3: Find Overlap

Any names on both lists? Those are your frontrunners.

Step 4: Top 3 Ranking

Each person ranks their top 3 from the remaining options. Compare. Discuss. Negotiate.

Step 5: Live With It

Once you have a top choice, live with it for at least a week. Use the name when referring to the baby. See how it feels after repeated use.

Red Flag	What It Might Mean
You keep "forgetting" the name	You're not that attached to it
You're embarrassed to tell people	Might not be the right name
You can't stop second-guessing	Keep looking
It feels right	Trust that feeling

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Common Traps to Avoid

The Trend Trap

Today's unique name is tomorrow's classroom of 5 Emmaleighs. Check popularity trends before deciding.

The Honor Pressure Trap

You don't HAVE to name your baby after Grandma. It's nice, but not required. Consider middle name or a variation if the name doesn't work for you.

The Perfectionism Trap

There is no perfect name. Every name has some downside—too popular, too unusual, too hard to spell, too boring. Accept good enough.

The Sibling Name Trap

If you have other kids, the names should work together—but don't be so matchy that individual identity is lost. No rhyming sets. No same-initial sets unless you really want to.

The Pop Culture Trap

Today's beloved character is tomorrow's dated reference. "Katniss" had a moment. Now it's just... a name that happened in 2012.

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When You Still Can't Decide

Wait Until Birth

Some parents need to see the baby to know. This is totally valid. Have 2-3 finalists and decide when you meet them.

Use the "Would I Mind if My Partner Chose Alone?" Test

If your partner picked their top choice without you, would you be okay with it? If yes, you're both in a good range.

Remember: They Can Change It

Your child can legally change their name as an adult. You're not permanently branding them. (But try to get it right the first time anyway.)

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The Bottom Line