Top 10 Baby Names

Enjoy finding that special name meant just for your baby...along with some helpful baby-naming tips courtesy of Heartbeat Designs

Popular Baby Names

Girls Meaning Origin

(1) Emily Worker Old German

(2) Emma All embracing Old German

(3) Madison Daughter of Maude English

(4) Olivia Olive Tree Latin

(5) Hannah Grace of God Hebrew

(6) Abigail A fathers joy Hebrew

(7) Isabella Consecrated to God Italian

(8) Ashley From the ash tree English

(9) Samantha Listens well Aramaic

(10) Elizabeth Oath of God Hebrew

BOYS Meaning Origin

(1) Jacob Held by heel Hebrew

(2) Michael Who is like God Hebrew

(3) Joshua Jehovah saves Hebrew

(4) Matthew Gift Of God Hebrew

(5) Ethan Strong one Hebrew

(6) Andrew Courageous Greek

(7) Daniel God judges Hebrew

(8) William Will Helmet Teutonic

(9) Joseph God will increase Hebrew

(10) Christopher Christ-bearer Greek

Choosing a name for your baby is the first of many important decisions you are going to make for your child. There are those who even believe that it may affect one’s destiny in life. So, don’t look upon naming your child all too lightly.

But, that doesn’t mean that it should be a burdensome task either. This is one of the most meaningful times in a parent’s life, by investing a little extra thought into a name that will not only mark and brand your child for life, but may possibly even determine their success, you may just be insuring your child a better future…that’s quite a wise investment.

Take initials into consideration…do they spell a word out? Something positive or negative? For instance, if a child's name was Debra Ursula Hudson her initials would spell out the word DUH!!! Not exactly a nickname one might enjoy being called.

How do the first and last names sound together? Do they roll off the tongue smoothly or do they snag or sound like a stutter? Is the name too long when combined with the surname?

Keep in mind…that a name that sounds good today, might not necessarily sound as good years from now. Try to look ahead to when a child is an adult.

What is the meaning and origin of the name? You may find that some names meanings are very appropriate for your child, while others are inappropriate. It would be best to find this out before naming your child rather than letting their little playmates tease or bully them later on.

Think twice about naming your baby after a very famous person in history or a modern day movie star....he or she may feel pressured to live up to those expectations...or fulfill the prophecy of the name. For example: It would be perfectly fine to name your baby "Julius" but maybe not if your surname is "Caesar." If you decided to do this anyway...I'd be prepared for the terrible two's for certain! In the case of a modern day movie stars name...the child could some day find their namesake involved in an unfortunate situation that would cause them to be taunted. Case in point...you named your baby "Michael" and your surname was "Jackson."

Naming your baby is personal. It's very nice to name a baby after a relative or good friend, but by no means should parents have great pressure or obligation put upon them to do so. It's a parents right to choose whatever name they wish to call their child -- don't allow anyone to place a heavy guilt trip on the naming of your baby. Imagine going though life named "Drusilla" or "Incabob" because of some great great great or not so great aunt or uncle? Stand your ground firm and don't be coerced into naming your baby.

Once you have chosen the name...be sure to say your babies full name out loud over and over again to make sure it suits him/her well.