What’s in a name?:

“What’s in a name? That which we call a rose by any other name would smell as sweet.”  That’s true Billy.

Your beautiful baby will always be your beautiful baby – but if William Shakespeare had been known as Billy Shakespeare, would we think of him and his great literary works differently?

We shall never know; but naming your new baby can often be one of the most challenging but also exciting tasks of impending parenthood. 

Maybe you have a family tradition on baby naming which can make it easier – remember all those ‘Nicks’ in My Big Fat Greek Wedding? That’s because in Greek culture, every child is named after a paternal and then maternal grandparent in turn – so entire families can be full of Nicks, Cons, Loukias and Roulas, depending on the names of both sets of grandparents.

But for most of us not only do you have to consider whether the name goes with the baby’s family name (surname), but whether it lends itself to a shortening that you don’t like or a nickname that sticks for life or is unkind or, in fact, whether it’s so bad that your bouncing baby decides to use their middle name or change their name entirely when old enough to do so.

So, to help you, motherpedia conducted a quick straw poll of baby names from new mums in 2011; we’ve also checked out popular boys and girls names in London and New York; and we’ve taken a look at what the ‘futurists’ predict for 2012.

The top 5 names for motherpedia’s new mums in 2011 were:

And for 2012?

‘Futurists’ – those who pick trends in various industries and entertainment – who also look at baby names have predicted that 2012 will be a big year for ‘adjective’ names such as ‘Sunny’, ‘Loyal’, ‘Happy’ or even ‘Royal’ as a twist on William and Kate.  They also believe names beginning in ‘A’ or ‘M’ are making a comeback – Ava, Annelise, Aurelio, Magdalena, Marguerite, Micah and Miller – as are vintage style names ending in an ‘ie’ sound, such as Betty, Addie, Nellie and the unisex Charlie. And if you want to make a statement for your baby’s name, there’s literary names such as Gatsby, Atticus, Harper and Capote. 

There are so many names to choose from and it is an important decision – possibly one that can have an impact for centuries, such as William Shakespeare.  motherpedia has two pieces of advice: first, it’s your (and your partner’s) decision so make sure you’re happy with it; and second, don’t make up your mind until you see your lovely new baby in your arms – sometimes the best inspiration can come in that magic moment.

Helpful information

• www.meaning-of-names.com