It’s no surprise that mom and dad won’t always agree on everything, no two people could. But what do you do when you can’t agree on a name for your baby?

Here are three ideas for how mom and dad can get on the same page about baby names:

1) MAKE TWO LISTS OF NAMES: Mom and dad should separately make a list of names they like — pick your top 10 to 15 names. Then compare lists — if you have something in common, great. If not, be open to the other’s picks and try not to veto anything right away. Try using combinations from each person’s list for first and middle names. Maybe a combination will work as a compromise. If dad likes Archer and mom likes David, then Archer David or David Archer might be the right name for you.

2) DITCH THE NAMES & FOCUS ON MEANING: If you can’t agree on a name, agree on a name meaning. Then go through the names that fit your definition and start your list over together with names that are meaningful for both of you.

3) FAMILY TREE: Pull out your family trees and look for names that show up on both. You might not have come up with the name on your own, but seeing the family history may convince you to change your mind.

These are just a few ideas for how you can handle those sticky name disagreements. Put them to the test and see what happens. I’m sure you will be able to come up with a name that you both love!

♥ Amanda

If you have baby name questions for me, email me at amanda@amandabarden.com.

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