• how to choose a first name
• how to choose a middle name
• how to create a strong full name
• baby naming resources

There surely must be a more intelligent, logical, and meaningful way to name a child. Forget about putting a smile on Grandma's face by opting to name your daughter "Jonni" after Grandfather "Jonathan." And don't feel the need to be fashionable by picking the middle name "Greenbush" because you like gardening. There is hope even amidst the expectations of others, once you realize that names are much more than mere words of identification. A name is a thing of great power. It not only molds who we are, it speaks of who we will become.

how to choose a first name

Of all the name components, the FIRST NAME is used independently with greatest regularity. Consequently, the first name has the most significant influence on a person's life and personality. Almost from the moment of birth, the first name vibration begins impacting perceptions, traits and talents. With time, the underlying frequency or vibration of the first name plays a major role in establishing an individual's relationship patterns and communication style.

Unfortunately, many believe that the "meaning" of a first name can be learned from a baby book or from a phrase on the side of a coffee mug. Nothing could be farther from the truth. The generic phrases or definitions which have been passed across cultural lines from one generation to the next until making their way to the present time, are but fragments of the original significance. There is also the consideration that Aramaic and Hebrew names, mentioned in scripture and the Bible, and created centuries ago for a specific purpose by way of the native alphabet, have taken on a whole new energetic purpose when restructured into English. In addition, think of the names that were first rendered by way of Chinese or Japanese characters. The jump to English for those names was in many instances quite brutal when compared to the originally intended energetic frequency. It's like the old scout game where several people sit in a row and the first whispers a message to the next until the communication reaches the end of the line. When the last person states the message out loud, it has more often than not taken on a totally different meaning. For the most part, in English speaking cultures, names have silently mutated, to create a hybrid variety producing sometimes harmonious and sometimes discordant effects on an energetic level.

In considering a first name for your child, several factors should be addressed:

1. Narrowing the field: Make a list of names that appeal to you, noting all possible spellings. (For example, Eric can also be spelled Erik, Erich, Erick, Aric, Aeric and Erec.) Each spelling has its own set of characteristics, so if you like a name and its profile is weak, you could find a stronger spelling while maintaining the desired sound. Once you have your list, research the energetic influence of each individual name and its variations. You can find an extensive on-line profile for any first name by going to the First Names page on this site. These profiles will discuss a name's effect on personality, health, relationships, job/career, finances and more. (Spot check names with free mini-profiles at www.namepower101.com.) As you assess each moniker, continue to consider only names that carry a balanced internal frequency. Some examples: Colin is balanced, Collin is weak… Erika is strong, Erica will drain energy reserves… Gregg is powerful, Greg is isolating… Tom is scattering, Thomm is grounded. Eliminate names that are discordant or lacking in balance.

2. Hand-Me-Down Names: If you feel the need to name your child after a relative, take a close look at the life and health of that individual. Your son or daughter will no doubt experience many of the same challenges, pitfalls, triumphs and personality quirks. In instances where a relative has led a life of misfortune, early death, addiction or co-dependency, think twice about adopting that individual's name for your child.

3. Gender Specifics: Match your child's gender to a complementary name influence. Some names carry a strongly feminine quality while others are strongly masculine. Choosing a masculine name for girl or a feminine name for a boy can result in conflict and esteem problems. Some names to avoid for girls include: Pat, Brittany, Kay, Cindy, Leslie, Tiffany and Emily. Names to avoid for boys: Dana, Roger, Doug, Aidan, Rich, Christopher and Corey.

4. Nicknames and variations: Determine whether a name is likely to be shortened, or whether common nicknames might be applied later in life. A name could be an excellent choice in its full form, yet the shortened variation might create a totally different personality influence that is less than ideal. Michael is top notch, but Mike brings scattered emotions and a lack of assertiveness… Lynnea is ideal, but Lynn encourages hypersensitivity and relationship challenges. Remember, every variation of a name is in essence a totally new vibration. Thus, if a woman uses Elizabeth, Beth, Liz, Betty and Liza she is creating five different personality profiles! And when a Christopher adopts Chris, he is incorporating a "name change." Never shorten a name to only initials where no vowels are present (examples: T.J., J.R.) Since vowels carry the life force of language, a first name consisting of only consonants attracts very physical experiences.

5. Checking the fit and feel: Once you have settled on a few favorite names, try them on personally in advance of the baby's birth. Spend a few days using each name as your own when you make restaurant reservations or order free catalogs. You will quickly discover just how other people respond to a particular name vibration, either positively or negatively.

• how to choose a first name
• how to choose a middle name
• how to create a strong full name
• baby naming resources