Saturday, October 31, 2009
Choosing Baby Names by Sandy Green
Baby names tend to go through cycles with particular names gaining popularity for a period of time and then falling out of fashion. Another lot of names become fashionable for a season.
Names that go in and out of fashion can be associated with popular movie stars, sportsman and and musical artists. Some baby names originate from fictional character from well liked television shows. For instance, Kirk, Wynonna, Tori and Garth are just a few names that people may connect with someone in the movie and entertainment world.
Other names have a endless appeal. They continue to be fashionable with generations of moms and dads. Often, these are traditional names that are taken from the Bible or famous literature, either the names of characters or the authors themselves.
Popular traditional may include, Joseph, David, Michael, John, Luke, Matthew, Sarah and many others. Other famous names from literature include Scarlet, Meg, Louisa to name a few.
Names can also be handed down from generation to generation as a family custom. Some parents and grandparents honour the tradition of naming newborns after them. Others the middle, or perhaps even maiden names and this is where some odd names can arise. George, Virginia, Dorothy, Clarence, Josephine, and Edward are just some of the names that have endured throughout generations for this reason.
Baby names can also be decided or influenced by different cultures, race, religion, or geographic location. The options are endless.
There can be one or more meanings associated with a name, and parents may also select or even eliminate names based on the meaning of the name itself, as well.
Some mother and fathers also make the final selection of their baby's name by taking into account the numerous nicknames associated with that name. Some will choose or veto a name based on what other people might tend to nickname their child when they are older.
For instance if you name a child Robert, common nicknames could be Bob, Rob, Robby, Robbi, Bobby, or Bobbi. The import thing about nicknames is that even if you do not call your child by that nickname, others may. You have absolutely no control over that once your child goes to school or grows up.
So if you dislike the nickname, you may want to rethink the name that could be the foundation of that nickname. On the other hand, if you love the nickname Bobby, you could simply choose to name him Bobby instead of Robert in the first place.
In any case, the name you select for your child should have meaning to you because your child will live with this name forever. So take your time in choosing, your loved ones perfect name!
About the Author
For more tips and information on naming your baby go to BabyWay
Friday, October 30, 2009
Tips for Choosing Your Baby's Name by P.S. Orr
1. Thoughtfully look at all the names that are in the heritage of both sides of your baby's ancestry. In some instances, there may be a wonderful name that can be passed down that will provide strong identity and purpose. On the other hand, some names are best left in the past and not to become a burden hoisted upon your child for the rest of his or her life. It's not a good idea to appease a family member either, by naming your baby an expected name unless you actually do like the name. Think about how you would feel if you were named that certain name. Would you be proud or embarrassed?
2. It is usually best to stay away from fad names that may be popular today or that are used by pop movie stars and rock idols. Also, names that have a double meaning or can be twisted into an embarrassing slogan or spelled backwards to mean something else...you get the idea.
3. Think about the spelling, initials and pronunciation before settling on a permanent "handle" for your youngster. It's much easier for a child in kindergarten to spell shorter names and names that don't have weird spellings. The initials are another thing to consider. It's usually best to make sure that a set of initials don't spell something strange or embarrassing as well. Pronunciation is also important to think about because some names can be pronounced more than one way so make sure you know how you want the name spoken. Think about if the name can be shortened or turned into a nickname that you do not want for your child.
4. You and your spouse should both agree on the name that is chosen for your child. If not, there may continue to be tension about the name and it will be apparent to the youngster as he or she grows up. Two heads are better than one, as the saying goes, and it's always helpful to share this type of decision with your spouse since he or she may have some knowledge or insight about a special name. It's also a very good bonding moment when you both decide on your baby's name.
Issues such as pronunciation, spelling, meaning, and family connections are all important considerations when picking out the right name for your baby. So do your homework, discuss the possiblities with your spouse and try the name on yourself to see how it feels to be called that name. Then, settle on the name that your little one will live with for the rest of his or her life. That's a lot of responsibility, isn't it?
About the Author
P.S. Orr has been writing articles for 6 years on a variety of topics of interest. Come visit the latest website over at a http://www.singleservecoffeemakerstore.com/ which helps people find the best deals on a single serve coffee maker and more information about gourmet coffee machines.
Thursday, October 29, 2009
Ideas for Naming Your Baby
Biblical and Hebrew Names Biblical and Hebrew names are probably the most popular names in the United States. Michael is consistently one of the most popular name for boys. In 2004 it was second, with the other four top five boy's names in order being Jacob, Joshua, Matthew, and Ethan. The origins for all are biblical or Hebrew. Biblical names for girls also endure consistent popularity with Hannah, Abigail, and Samantha being in the top ten most popular. Sarah, Rebecca, and Jessica also have enduring usage.
Vintage Names It is sometimes possible to "date" someone by knowing when their name was popular, especially for fad names that are used for only a short period of time due to the current popularity of a singer, movie star, or fictional character. Consider Marilyn, Jacquelyn, and Shirley, all examples of names that became popular for brief periods because of public figures. Another source of old-fashioned sounding names is classic literature.
Baby name meanings are often less important in vintage names, since usually the original meaning is secondary to the cultural associations. Girl's names seem to be more subject to trends and fads, as well, with boy's names changing less. For old fashioned names, look to your grandparents or great-grandparents, books, and movies from the era you would like a name from.
Ethnic Names Choosing a name based on your ancestry can be a way of showing pride in your heritage and passing that on to your child. Names from other cultures can also be a way of giving your child a less common name, but without some of the negative associations that can come with making one up. You can look to other languages for different spellings of common names, too. Using a common name in a foreign language can result in a distinctive name for your child, for instance the Swedish Mattias instead of Matthew.
Another option for a distinctive name is to use family names. Find out what your grandparent's or great-grandparent's middle names are. Using a mother or grandmother's maiden name can be a way of providing a unique identity for your child while preserving family ties and heritage.
Unisex Names Choosing a unisex name can be an easy compromise rather than coming up with a "boy name" and a "girl name", but it is rarely necessary now that most expecting parents know the gender of their child before birth. Unisex names can seem stylish and clever, but be aware that gender confusion can upset children. It's a safer choice to give a unisex name like Mackenzie, Tracy, or Morgan to a girl. It is more accepted for women to go by seemingly masculine names than for men to go by feminine sounding names. Plenty of girls with feminine names like Samantha or Maxine may even go by shortened forms that are male names like Sam and Max.
Hollywood Names Hollywood often sets the style for baby names, just as it does for so many other trends. The rich and famous rarely give their children common names. They range from the old-fashioned and classic to made up and unique to downright strange. Consider Frank Zappa, who named two of his children Moon Unit and Dweezil. Madonna's children are named Lourdes and Rocco. Nicole Kidman and Tom cruise named their children Isabella Jane and Connor Anthony. They traverse the spectrum, but one thing almost all celebrity children have in common is that their names are not.
Creating a Name Making up a name for your baby is becoming more popular, but it is still a choice you should consider carefully. There is some evidence of job discrimination when it comes to applicants with extremely unusual or made up names. Your child may also be subject to frequent mispronunciation by teachers and later coworkers. Creating a new name can also give your child a strong sense of identity, as with using a word not normally thought of as a name. Make sure you check dictionaries and other reference sources if you make up a name, though. It could already be an obscure word that may potentially embarrass your child.
Names and Personality The name you give your child can go on to affect their personality, their behavior, their self-worth and their identity. Choosing a strange and unusual name can make your child a target for teasing and bullying. While using words for names, or making them up entirely, is gaining some popularity, your child will probably still encounter prejudices based on their given name. Some children may even choose to change their names as adults or to use their initials instead of given names.
Using a name that is extremely common also has its pitfalls. If you select an extremely popular name for your child, like Matthew, Brittany, Dylan, or Ashley, it's probable that he or she will be one of several in his or her class at school. While that may not be an issue for your child, some may feel as though it is difficult to establish an independent identity. Others may feel that they don't fit in if they are identified differently than other children, such as by last name or first name and an initial, if other children aren't also identified that way.
Tips for Choosing a Name Try saying the name out loud. Make sure it sounds good with your last name. It may take some time for you to get used to it. Avoid names that can easily be turned into taunting nicknames. See if the name you like rhymes with any words likely to be used in an insult. You might not want to use Bart as a nickname if you choose to call your son Bartholomew.
Check to see if the initials spell anything potentially embarrassing. If you are making up a name, check the dictionary first. Urban legends are rife with stories of children named something embarrassing by unwitting parents. Remember that your child's name will be with them for life. Choose something that they will be proud of.
Coming up with prospective names for your child doesn't need to be difficult and fraught with arguments. Discovering the different name origins of common monikers can be both fun and educational. Even if you have already decided to use a name that has been in your family for generations, learning baby name meanings can still be fun.
Irvin Mcclain
About the Author
Learn about aloe vera benefits, aloe vera oil, facts about aloe vera, removal of fat, buccal fat removal , how to remove buccal fat and other information at the Health And Nutrition Tips site.
How Do I Flatten My Post Pregnancy Belly? - Getting Your Pre-Baby Body Back by Jenna Dotson
So, "how do I flatten my post pregnancy belly?" There are some ways to speed up the process and enable you to see quicker results. Many moms quit their workouts too early or think that they don't have the time to exercise. By doing the right exercises and doing it efficiently, you can lose weight after pregnancy and keep it off in less time.
A great way to do this is by sticking with a good nutrition program. Learning to eat right is key to losing the pounds. Many moms make the mistake of eating quick meals, but using the wrong ingredients. Use healthy fresh ingredients and stay away from processed, fatty foods. Lots of fresh fruits and veggies along with lean meats are the perfect combination for losing that post pregnancy belly.
Although it might be hard at first to resist the temptation of fast foods, because you are taking care of a baby, don't let that get in your way of your goal to look and feel your best. Try to find the time when baby is napping or happily playing to prepare meals in advance. Cut up the veggies and prepare meats in advance and you will soon be in a routine that will save you much needed time.
Exercise is also the answer to your question, "how do I flatten my post pregnancy belly?" Another great way to losing the post pregnancy weight is to find an exercise routine that works the entire body. Full body workouts are much more efficient at burning fat and calories and will also give your metabolism a kick. A program that includes squats, v-ups, lunges and dumbbell presses, to name a few, will increase your metabolism and burn calories quicker. By working more areas of your body at once, you save time and will spend less of it on exercise.
I hope these tips have inspired you to get out there and start to regain that pre-baby shape you so desire. I am a mom of three and know how hard it can be to motivate yourself to take care of you. Moms are always worrying about everyone else, but tend to neglect ourselves.
About the author
If you would like to get a free copy of "Fitting Fitness into a Busy Schedule" or to preview a great program especially designed for moms so you can stop asking, how do I flatten my post pregnancy belly? please visit http://how-to-lose-post-pregnancy-belly-fat.blogspot.com