Choosing the perfect name for your baby can be a very grueling task, but it can also be fun and challenging!  Here are some things to consider to help you pick the perfect name for your new baby.
1.      Names from Family Choices. Plan the decision of choosing the baby name with your partner.  In the planning, make your own list of baby names and let him make a list also, then compare your list. In the Philippines, it is very common for couples to join or coin their names together and decide to make this the name for the child.  Family members and friends can help in deciding the name for the baby. Remember that two heads are better than one when making a decision but it can also be, more heads make a team in the finalization of a decision.
2.    Names from Family History. Sometimes, there are traditions to be followed in the family, like referring to the family tree or naming the first born male after the paternal grandfather. Other people choose a name from their ethnic or cultural heritage. If you are not happy with that name, then consider using it as a middle name or just an initial.
3.    Names from Popular People. Many people pick a name that is popular but this seems to be risky. These names don’t stay popular forever but may become obsolete and your child will be left with a name that everyone else has and this can often make things difficult when the child will start schooling.
4.    Names from Celebrities. Another common source for baby names are names of celebrities, or names of their children, or names of the characters they play in the movies or TV. Lots of people are using these popular names but these names also fade with time.
5.    Nicknames.  When choosing a name, consider also that nicknames can be derived from this name so test also the nickname if it sounds good with the surname.
6.    Unique Names.  There are many ways to come up with unique names to be given to your child.  You can get it from names of places, occupations, from nature, substances or things. If the name can be too unique, there will also be the danger that the child will be teased.

After making a list of the names, check it again after a while to review if you are really decided to adopt that name.  Make sure that it is compatible with your last name.  Make sure also that you like it, feel excited in using it, and you feel positive about it. You cannot please everybody so don’t pick a name if you are not happy about it.