What to do when you don't agree

Choosing a name for your baby can be a tough especially when you and your partner don't agree on names. Unsurprisingly this is a common problem with many couples having conflicting ideas about what their new son or daughter should be called. However, be reassured that you will come to a decision eventually - even if it means compromising.

Its particularly difficult if you have had your heart set on a baby name forever and your partner just isn't into it, as can it be if you are under pressure to include a traditional family name that you really can't abide. There are ways of getting round this and here are some ideas to help keep you both happy.....

• If you both have strong ideas about a name you like why not use one as the first name and one as the middle name or alternatively use them as a hyphenated first name together. This way you'll both be happy and your child can decide which he likes best as he grows older.
• Try to find names that share the same meaning as your preferred name, you may be able to find the same sentiment in a name you both like.
• Why not look into the different spellings or foreign alternatives available for your name of choice, these could show up some lovely alternatives that you've never even considered.
• Both make lists detailing your favourite baby names their meanings. By discussing your likes and dislikes of each name and seeing how they fit with your surname you can work out a short list together and decide on the most suitable name when you finally meet your little one.
• If you really can't decide why not create a completely new name, try merging your preferred names together or making anagrams of the two so that your child can have a really unique name that both his parents love.

If you and your partner are having real difficulty deciding then it can be tempting to ask the advice of others. While its fine to sound names to friends and family it is important to remember that naming your baby is something that you should do together as a couple. Avoid stressing too much as its more than likely that when your baby is born you'll decide on a name that just fits his or her little temperament perfectly.