How to Choose a Name for Your Child

For some people, it is a simple task; for others, quite a puzzle. Choosing a name can be very difficult for many expecting parents because they have lots of criteria and just cannot agree on the same name. The best approach is to use a process of elimination, which is why we have put together what to consider when choosing a name to make things easier for you.

Name after a parent or another family member

In the past, this was common, and some families still keep this tradition today. If you want to name your child after you or after grandma or grandpa, then it is very simple. However, if you do not want to follow this tradition, you can simply rule out these names and immediately narrow down your options.

According to the name day

Sometimes the shortlist includes names that are close to the expected due date, or close to Christmas. Some people do not mind that, while others would rather have the celebration a few months apart. So if you do not want the birthday and name day to be close together, rule these names out.

Names of siblings' or friends' children

Often, when a certain name is mentioned, it reminds us of a friend, classmate, a friend's child, a guy you dated, and so on. Usually, these names are also ruled out, because you simply associate them with someone else and would rather choose different ones.

More ways to address the name

Another criterion when choosing a name is whether it can be addressed in more than one way. This means that, for example, with the name Martin, you can also use Martínek or Marťas. On the other hand, with the name Eliška there are no such options. Some people simply prefer names that also have diminutives; others do not care about that.

Traditional Czech names vs. modern or foreign ones

Parents usually know this right away. Either they want a traditional Czech name such as František, Josef, Antonín or Marie, Eva, Kateřina. Or, on the contrary, they prefer a modern or even foreign name such as Ella, Mia, Timea or Nikolas, Egon, Benjamín. If that does not matter to you, try narrowing down the choice according to other criteria.

How the first name and surname fit together

A shorter first name usually goes better with a long surname, and vice versa. Of course, if you like a long/short first name and at the same time have a long/short surname, that does not mean your child cannot be named that way. Also, if the surname contains the letters “r” or “ř”, it is better to choose a name without these letters for easier pronunciation. So it is something to think about and another way to narrow down the selection.

Meaning of the name

For some people, the meaning of a name can be important, so try looking up the meanings of the names you like. For example, Ondřej means masculine, sturdy, brave. Meanwhile, František is said to mean a free man. You will definitely come across many interesting meanings and countries of origin for names.

So which name should you choose?

Unfortunately, we do not have an exact guide for you, but we believe that the criteria described in this article will help. If you are planning to have more children, you and your partner can agree that each of you will choose the name for one child, so you do not have to argue about it. If you still cannot agree before the birth, you can choose the baby’s name after it is born, based on how the baby looks and which name suits it better.

Choose with love and do not stress too much about it; it will all work out somehow.