Should you share your baby name?

Naming your baby is a hugely personal decision that should be made by you and your partner alone. Unfortunately once people find out you are expecting they will be more than happy to share their opinions as to what you should name baby and what names they think are completely unsuitable, usually whether you ask for their advice or not. While batting off these suggestions tactfully is an art in itself, the real question is whether should you tell people what you are planning to call your baby before he or she arrives.

On the plus side sharing your decided names with others enables you to test the water - you'll get a good idea of how popular the name is in your area (and a feel for whether your child is going to be sharing her name with 3 other children in her class when she gets to school) and will also be able to see how people generally react to it. It can also be useful to share your naming ideas if you have friends who are expecting at the same time as you as telling them what you are planning to call your little one will hopefully help to avoid 'you stole my baby name' fallings out!

On the other hand keeping your chosen baby name under wraps can help you resist pressure from others who have keen ideas as to what you should call your little one (family members especially). It also helps avoid people reacting negatively to the name and putting doubts in your mind. Not sharing with others will also help if you completely change your mind about names once your baby is born (something that often happens).

Ultimately whether you decide to tell or not will probably depend on whether you have concrete ideas as to what you would like to call your little one or whether you are still trying to make up your mind - but its your choice, you don't have to tell people if you don't want to. However, it can be best to agree whether or not to share your planned baby name as a couple so that your both happy.

Regardless of what your family and friends think of your chosen name, its your decision - remember that its almost guaranteed that they'll fall in love with the name once they meet your baby.