Baby naming guidelines
While there are rules or accepted practices for naming anything, but when it comes to naming your baby there is none. In India or among Hindus, you have very little time compared to other countries when naming the kid. Since sex detection operations are not done which is a very good law from the government, you can only think of a baby name after the baby is born.
There may not be any naming rules or laws, but there are naming guidelines. Four of them, in particular, are very basic and very good to keep in mind.
Guideline number 1 - Pick a name that pleases you and your spouse
It is very common to find that people and relatives chipping in with their names when it comes to naming a baby. Just because your Father was named Shambu and you love your father very much doesn't mean that you name your id that way. It is best to go with the times and choose a name that pleases you both.
Guideline number 2 - Don't pick just one name
Don't just have one name in mind, chances are that your best friends daughter also have the same name or the neighbourhood trouble maker aunty shares that name. It is best to have a small list of names.
Guideline number 3 - Team work
It is best you discuss with your wife or husband about the names you have in mind. Better, if both of you can browse together. If your spouse is not into the Internet, take print outs of the pages and go through the lists available here.
Guideline number 4 - Be gender specific
There are lot of unisex Indian names which can be given to both boys and girls but it is better to be specific about the gender while naming your baby. I had a girl class mate who had her name as Prem Kumari, this was cause of great confusion for the teachers as well as students. Do check our tool to find the gender of a name.
Guideline number 5 - Avoid silly names
I know a friend of mine who named his kid laddoo, I do agree laddoo is a good sweet and is yummy but is not right for a baby name. Usually in schools, people tend to get nick names, so it is better to stay away from a name which can be easily mocked.
