Does it go with the last name?

Say the potential name aloud. Does it flow well? Write the name. Does it read well? This is pretty simple if you have a name like, Smith or Jones, but what about if you have a surname like Deakle? If the last name is anomalous, you might want to stick with the common first names.

Can you spell it?

If you have trouble spelling the name, most likely the child will too.

Look at the family tree

Sometimes you can draw inspiration from what your ancestors were named.

Do you want a popular name?

If so the Social Security office publishes a list of the most used names for each year. Keep in mind that a popular name is not always the right way to go. For example, look at the girls that were named Ashley in the 90s. A mom would yell 'come on Ashley, time to go' when leaving the park, and turn around to 10 kids looking puzzled.

Include your family

The name should be something the both you and the babies father finds appealing. However, grandparents, parents, friends, etc.. may have some suggestions that you like. Just do not let anyone pressure you to use a name that you do not like. Grandparents can have a tendency to desire a namesake, but they had their chance : this is yours!

Look at potential ways a name can be shortened

Nicknames and initials are common usages today. They often do not originate at home; peers find nicknaming and shortening a name to serve two purposes- to befriend or to belittle. For example: Adam Shawn Smith sounds perfectly harmless, but kids may use his initials to form 'ASS'.

Get a name dictionary

Where a name may sound pretty, it may have a derivation that means ugly duckling or sour grapes, etc..

You probably want to avoid official cutesy names

Naming your little girl muffin may seem harmless, adorable, a loving display. However, think about when muffin gets to be 30 and is trying to start her own law firm. Muffin will not sound so cute then.

Once you determine exactly what type of name you are looking for, you can move on to the final phase of naming the baby. Each parent should make a list of 10-20 names. This will give you both a basic idea of what the other likes. Take a separate page and rank the names. Any names that are on both lists, put at the top of the page. Here is where the compromise comes in- trade list and rank the other persons list from most liked to most disliked. Take the top two or three names from each list, and write them on the common like page. This will give you a great place to start debating.