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The Baby Name Game

Can't agree on what to name your baby-to-be? Perhaps you come from an Irish family and your husband is Italian. You prefer Ian and he'd rather Antonio. Or maybe your husband insists on naming the baby after his favorite aunt, but Zelda just doesn't do it for you. Before you wind up giving birth to a baby known only as "X", here's some expert advice on how to resolve the naming issue.

By Rachel Fulton

Can't agree on what to name your baby-to-be? Perhaps you come from an Irish family and your husband is Italian. You prefer Ian and he'd rather Antonio. Or maybe your husband insists on naming the baby after his favorite aunt, but Zelda just doesn't do it for you. Before you wind up giving birth to a baby known only as "X", here's some expert advice on how to resolve the naming issue.

Before you can make any decision about the name, it's important that you both hear each other out, says Jeffrey Smith, M.D., assistant professor of psychiatry at the New York Medical College in Valhalla, New York. "Spend plenty of time listening to why each of you favors a particular name. For example, ask, 'What do you like about Uncle Harry?' or 'What was so special about cousin Rita that you want to name our child after her?'" Each of you should try to understand where the other is coming from and feel you're getting a fair shake. Just knowing that you're understood goes a long way in resolving conflicts. To ignore the reasons why each wants a particular name is counterproductive. Then, once you both feel really tired of the discussion, you're ready to make a decision.
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