How to Choose the Perfect Baby Name: A Parent’s Guide

Once, Shakespeare said, “What’s in a name?” Well, quite a lot in today’s scenario! Your name is your real identity; it’s on your Aadhaar card, PAN card, passport, in the certificate you won the prize for, and every document that describes you. 

Even film stars go the extra mile to select unique names that make them stand out. In our Vedic tradition, names aren’t just groups of letters; they symbolize and carry certain energy. Words have power, and so do names. Vedic tradition has a concept of nāda brahma, or “sound as the ultimate reality,” and explains that every name transmits its own vibration, an energy that can subtly influence an individual’s personality and destiny.

For example, when your friend calls you “sweet,” you immediately feel warm and cheerful, but if someone calls you “rude” and says nasty names, you might feel the energy of anger or sadness. 

Hence, if you are becoming new parents, picking the right names can be challenging, but not anymore. This baby name ideas guide, “How to Choose Baby Names,” will simplify the process for you. So, let's get started.

How to Choose Baby Names | The 7 Methods

There are many types or methods for choosing babies; it all depends on your tradition and beliefs. Some of them are:

1. According to the Kundali

This is the most common naming method. Baby names are selected depending on the baby's birth chart, particularly their Nakshatra (lunar mansions) and Rashi (moon signs). This method uses syllables linked to the cosmic energies.​

Example: A girl born under Rohini Nakshatra might be named "Ojasvi" (begins with "O").​

For Mesha (Aries) rashis, the suggested sounds are "A," "La," and "Cha." The baby names can be Aarav, Arjun, Advait, Anaya, and Chandni.

2. Numerology

You can choose numerology for selecting unique baby names. You select names so their total numerical value (based on the alphabet) corresponds to a lucky or harmonious number for your child.​

“Alphabets in the names = The lucky number”

Example: “Anaya” contains 6 letters, which can be “the lucky numerical number.”

3. Modern Trends

Choosing modern trends can be one of the easiest methods to choose the best baby names for boys and girls. Names are selected based on current popularity, style, or uniqueness in society, often inspired by media or celebrities.

Example: David Beckham says his daughter Harper's name was inspired by author Harper Lee.

Jason Derulo and more celebrity parents have chosen to assign their children their own names

4. Honour Your Family or Tradition

Many parents decide on their baby name ideas to honor their ancestors, family heritage, or carry on customary naming traditions.​

Example: Naming a baby "Harshita" can refer to the grandmother's name. This can help preserve generational family ties/connections.​

5. A Certain Energy You Believe In

You can pick the names based on spiritual or healing vibrations, religions, or energies you might believe in. As per Vedic tradition, this name can influence your child's destiny.​

Example: Picking the name "Karuna" to attract the energy of compassion and positivity for a child.​

6. Vedic Names

Pick names from ancient Sanskrit or Vedic texts for their spiritual meaning, like purity and divinity.​

Example: "Vedika" refers to an altar or sacred knowledge. It can be chosen for its deep roots and spiritual importance.

7. Gender-Neutral Names

Today new parents are now opting for names that aren't explicitly male or female. Gender-neutral names offer flexibility and inclusivity for your child's identity.​

Example: "Ari" can be used for any gender and is common in several cultures.

What are the Benefits of Having a Good Name?

Here are the benefits of having good, unique baby names:

• Good names attract positive vibrations.
• They can boost self-esteem​ and confidence.
• Life can bring knowledge and wealth when names are aligned with one's birth chart or planets.​
• Brings spiritual guidance and protection from ancestors.​
• Establish a sense of community by preserving family, ancestry, and tradition.​

Tips for Choosing Baby Names

Here are a few simple tips for the best baby names for boys and girls:

• Avoid awkward acronyms
• Choose a name that, when you spell it in full or short form, makes you happy
• A balance between uniqueness and being easy to spell
• Pay attention to spelling options
• Check for any unintended or negative interpretations
• Don’t be afraid to change a tradition
• Be careful with meanings
• Check for similar names
• Take geography into consideration

Unique Indian Baby Boy Names List

Unique Indian Baby Girl Names List

Conclusion

Whichever method or tips you choose, the final decision is yours to make. Choose methods like numerology or Vedic tradition that are best aligned with your beliefs. After all, a baby’s name is the first gift of love and identity you give them.

Here are a few questions you can ask yourself before naming your baby.

1. Does the baby name allow for growth?
2. Will you still choose the name when they become an adult?
3. How popular is your baby name pick?
4. Do you want a unique baby name?
5. Do you want to honor a family member with your baby's name?
6. Do you like all of the possible nicknames?
7. Do you and your partner agree on a baby name?