Creative Names

From WikiParenting

There are millions of interesting names that have been used throughout the history of the world with meanings that represent a wide variety of sentiments and ideals. Still, even with so many names from which to choose, some parents are still inspired to invent names for their children by combining other names or words or by creating a new word entirely.

[edit] A Few Simple Rules

If you are game for the creative challenge of inventing a name, be sure to keep the following points in mind as you embark on this process:

• Remember that your child’s name will have to be spelled and pronounced many times during your child's life. Keep the spelling simple, logical and intuitive.

• Say the name with various middle names and test all combinations with your and surname.

• Consider the nickname possibilities and the initials. If either of these turns up something undesirable, reconsider the name.

• Seek input from other people. If even a small fraction of the people you poll seem either amused or repelled, think twice about using the name. Remember that there may be many others who feel similarly but are too polite to criticize your creativity.

[edit] Where To Begin

Understandably, creating a new name is a daunting process. Most people lack an in-depth understanding of onomastics, the study of the origin of names, which could lead to unintended results, like a new name that actually has a derogatory meaning in certain cultures or is inappropriate as a name for other reasons.

Onomatology is a complex study but it is well worth one’s time to research a newly invented name as well as you can to ensure that no part of the name lends itself to an unpleasant connotations. Bear in mind that you can abandon this process at any time in favor of existing rare and beautiful names. You need only look as far as your family genealogy, great literature or folklore to discover rare gems with interesting meanings. You may even find some old names that you have never even heard. Remember that everything old is new again. If you are still determined to create a new name all on your own, you'll need to find inspiration to get those creative juices flowing. Inspiration can derive from anywhere but here are a few sources that may lead you in the right direction:

• Existing names that you already love. Make a list of all the names that you enjoy and as you are doing so, think about why you like them so well. Is it the way they sound? Do they remind you of special people? Are they rooted in a language or culture that you enjoy? There may be creative, alternate ways to use the names you already love or reinvent them into something new.

• Consider the people that you want to honor. Make a list and think about ways in which you could attractively combine their names.

• Reflect on meaningful places and events. Was your first date with your partner in Larkspur Park? Perhaps Lark would be a fitting name for your first child together.

• Consider the way in which songs, poetry and phrases could change form to create a name.

• Don’t forget the little things. You might find inspiration in something as simple as the color of the dress you wore on the night your husband proposed or the gemstone in the earrings that your husband gave you on your first Valentine’s Day together.

[edit] A Sample Recipe

Once you have found a source of inspiration, you should organize your thoughts in order to deeply examine the naming possibilities within that source of inspiration. If you're drawing your inspiration from a specific occasion or event, for example, the following stream of consciousness exercise may aid you in the naming process. You may be surprised to discover that you can find a perfect name without having to invent a word from scratch.

1) Occasion or Event: Meeting husband for the first time.

2) Date and Year: July 1999

3) Time of Day: Midday

4) Where: London

5) What We Did: Talked in a lounge.

6) What I Wore: Jeans and a gray, short sleeved shirt.

7) What My Date Wore: Black jeans and black shirt.

8) What We Talked About: Travel, flight and the city of London.

9) Music that was playing: Paint It Black, by the Rolling Stones

Some naming possibilities from the occasion:

• Summer (July is in the summer)

• Leo ( the astrological sign for July)

• Julian or Julie (from the month)

• London(from the location)

• Scarlett (as in the “red door” in the song Paint It Black)

• Ruby (birthstone for July)

[edit] More Baby Naming Articles

• Baby Name Styles
• European Royal Names
• Gemstone Baby Names
• Names for Multiples
• Victorian Baby Girl Names
• Ethnic Variations of Names
• Baby Names Overview
• European Royal Names
• Middle Names
• Virtue Names