Original Baby Names

Where Do Original Baby Names Come From?

Parents who are searching for original baby names may be struggling in their quest to find names that meet their criteria.

The trend a few decades ago was to name at least one of the sons after the father, adding another mark to the Roman numeral so that James the II, III and so on were taken for granted. Using names that were already in the family was also widely accepted. Though there were some exceptions with parents who sought out original baby names, many of the names were used to carry on family names.

Carrying on family names has again become a popular tradition, though in a slightly different way that allows parents to set out some very original baby names. Using family surnames as first and middle names is very common today and results in some highly original baby names. You'll find children with names like Patterson, Houston, Wilson and Brown. The trend seems to be more popular with boys' names, though many girls also carry on familial names in this manner.

Twins are another great opportunity for original baby names. One way twin names can result in original baby names is when parents choose one name they like, then rearrange the letters to make another name. Myra and Mary are an example, but the practice is not limited to real names - the second name may very well exist only because of the twin! There are some other original baby names and naming ideas for twins listed at www.babiesonline.com/pregnancy/articles/choosingbabynamesfortwins.asp.

As you're searching for original baby names, you may find yourself facing one of two options - drop the idea of originality because you simply can't come up with an original name, or go with the original name that's more weird than original.

Start by defining original baby names. Be specific about your reasons for wanting an original name. If you're just out to find a name that no one else has ever used, you're probably going to have to make up a new word. But if your idea of original baby names means you'll find a name that's not common and holds some special meaning, time is your best friend. Start searching early and keep an open mind. You may not decide to name your child Moon Unit, but you can surely come up with some great options.

So be sure to check out our pages about Popular Baby Names, Baby Boy Names, Baby Girl Names, Baby Name Meanings, and Celebrity Baby Names elsewhere on this site.