When you can't agree on a baby name

About
Latest Posts

Keith is the father of a 3 year old that keeps him on his toes at all times. He has over 10 years experience in research and wants to help new parents find ways to embrace the chaos during those first few years of parenting.

How to get through your latest name battle

Have you found yourself in a heated battle with your partner, mother-in-law or friend about what to name your baby? No stress, we’ve got you covered with a simple 3 word solution.

Rock. Paper. Scissors. (RPS)

I believe that just about anything can be decided by a game of rock, paper, scissors. I mean it’s been a key piece of world history, helping mankind navigate through some of the toughest of times (kidding but also kind of serious).

I know I am probably in the minority when it comes to RPS, especially when it comes to something as important as choosing your child’s name. But hey, even if one parent uses this to decide on the final name for their child, I will be stoked (Email us immediately if you do please).

7 tips to help you enjoy the baby naming process

Start with an open and respectful conversation

Create a relaxed environment where both partners can express their thoughts and feelings without judgment.
Listen actively to each other’s perspectives, acknowledging the reasons behind your preferences.
Avoid getting defensive or dismissive. Remember, you’re both in this together.

Find some things you both DO NOT enjoy

Bitching and moaning about certain naming styles, types, or trends might be a great place to start if you’re feeling stuck. Bond through your shared hatred towards something.
Rather than chasing perfection from the get go and getting stalled, try flipping it around and look for what you both do not enjoy.
Finding some common ground this way usually leads to some interesting discussions as well because who doesn’t like b**ching about the things they hate?

Take a break if needed

If tensions rise or the discussion becomes overwhelming, take a break from the conversation.
Stepping away for a while allows both partners to reflect and return with a fresh mindset.
Remember, this is a journey, and finding the right name might take time.

Research and explore together

Set aside dedicated time to research and brainstorm baby names as a team.
Create a shared document or use a baby name app to compile a list of names that appeal to each of you.
Discuss the meaning and significance behind the names you like, as well as any personal connections they might have.

Identify common themes or criteria

Look for common themes or criteria that both of you value in a name.
Examples might include cultural significance, family traditions, uniqueness, or ease of pronunciation.
Use these shared criteria as a starting point for narrowing down the options.

Compromise and find middle ground

Be open to compromise and find a middle ground that combines elements from both partners’ preferences.
Consider blending names, using variations, or finding names that offer a compromise in style or origin.
Remember, the goal is to find a name that both partners can feel connected to and excited about.

Seek inspiration from personal stories

Share stories from your own lives or family history that could inspire unique name choices.
Discuss the significance behind family names or names of important figures in your lives.
Connecting the name to a meaningful story can help create a stronger bond and shared excitement.

Involve trusted friends and family

Seek input from trusted friends or family members who have successfully navigated the baby naming process.
Discussing the topic with others can provide fresh perspectives and insights that might help bridge the gap.
Be careful with this, it can make things even worse if you bring the wrong person into the mix.

What happens if you still can’t agree on a baby name?

If you and your partner have tried just about everything and still can’t agree, there are a few tried and tested methods that can break the deadlock.

Many parents find a compromise by choosing a name they both like rather than love.
Some parents each choose a name and use one for a middle name. Depending on how deep your name battle has gone, the parents who gets the first name will probably come out feeling like the winner.
Another method is to just wait until your little bubba has been born. Making a decision like this can be quite a bit easier to agree on once you’re holding your baby.

Choosing a baby name is an opportunity to celebrate your shared journey and create a lasting identity for your child.

By maintaining open communication, actively listening to each other, and exploring options together, you can find common ground and make the process enjoyable rather than a source of stress.

Remember, the perfect name doesn’t actually exist. There’s no such thing as perfection. Looking for it just adds pressure to the decision-making process. So let go and let your mind wander a bit more.

And if you still can’t figure it out… rock, paper, scissors is there waiting for you.

When you can’t agree on a baby name