Top 100 Baby Names

Choosing Baby Names

2005-12-13T17:16:00.000-08:00

Choosing Baby Names

By Sarah Mitchell

Take Your Time The worst thing you could do when choosing a baby name is to rush into it. Settling for second best may affect you and your child for a lifetime! Don't commit yourself to the first name that you fancy. Keep searching until you find a name that you are 110% happy with. And don't forget that you don't need to have a name for your baby before birth. Some parents have been known to wait 2 or 3 weeks before deciding on that perfect name.

What Does it Mean? Some parents don't really care for the meaning of their baby's name, where as others base their decision soley around it. But, in our opinion a quick check couldn't hurt. Do you really want your big strong boy to have a name that means "pretty flower"? If you have a meaning in mind, but don't know what names contain that meaning, visit NamesToBe.com.

Spelling Try to make sure you don't choose a name that ends with the same letter that your last name begins with. This can sometimes make pronounciation a challenge. There are some exceptions to this rule, but in general it is best to keep it in mind when choosing a baby name. Try it for yourself and you'll see what we mean. Letters like "l" and "s" are especially bad.

Say it Out Loud Instead of refering to your unborn baby as he or she or "the baby", try using one of the names that you like for a week or so. Saying it out loud and using it in common sentences will give you a better idea of how much you really like the name. Don't forget, some names look great when written on paper, but sound terrible off the tongue.

This article was written by Sarah Mitchell from www.namestobe.com Find thousands of baby names, their meanings, origins and genders at www.namestobe.com

Tough Time Deciding on a Name for Your Baby?

2005-11-06T15:29:00.000-08:00

Tough Time Deciding on a Name for Your Baby?

By Steven Preg

The conversation went something like this:

“Hey honey, when we get pregnant, how about if we name our baby Jack, if it’s a boy?” The husband responded, that no, he indeed did NOT like that name. As time went by, they acquired a cat. They were having a hard time finding a name for the male feline. Finally the husband just said, “You like the name Jack so well, let’s give that name to the cat. Because I am NOT having a son named Jack.”

So the couple went happily on their way, enjoying the newlywed life and their new cat, Jack.

After a bit of time passed, the happy couple learned they were expecting a bundle of joy to be born later that year. They began the overwhelming task of deciding on names. It’d be easy if the baby was a girl. They agreed upon a girl’s name long before they were ever married.

They poured over baby naming books; they shared ideas; they made lists; they tried coming up with a boy’s name using this method; then they tried that method. Still nothing. They could not agree on a boy’s name.

Thanks to modern technology the couple learned that they were having a baby girl. Their naming problem was solved! They proceeded with the remainder of the pregnancy preparing for the baby girl who already had a name. They even called the baby by her name as the husband read to the pregnant belly.

But then yet another ultrasound revealed that the little girl they had come to know and love was actually a little boy!

The baby was scheduled to make HIS delivery into the world in relatively short time. The parents frantically went back to the tireless task of finding a boy’s name they could both agree upon.

One night the husband announced that he liked the name Jack for his son! (This is a true story ladies … can you even imagine how you’d feel if your husband announced this grand revelation?)

To the wife’s dismay she reminded her husband that he was the one who did not like that name; in fact went as far as to declare he would NOT have a son named Jack. She then jogged his memory that they had a cat named Jack. Jack the cat even responded to his name.

You may have guessed the rest of the story. The cat now has a new name. It is rather original. The feline is now known as Kitty Cat (K.C. for short). And they have a beautiful son named Jack.

What’s the moral of the story? If you are having a hard time coming up with a perfect name, you just might try the name you’ve given to the family pet!

Steven is a CEO of Pregnancy Resource Center http://pregnancy.i-right.info. He wrote a lot of article about preganancy and other babies-related topics.

How to Pick the Best Name for Your Baby

2005-11-01T14:27:00.000-08:00

How to Pick the Best Name for Your Baby

By Nancy Wurtzel

Expectant parents spend hours preparing the nursery, poring over pregnancy and delivery books and going to childbirth classes. Yet surprisingly, many decide their child’s given name within a matter of minutes, often spending more time selecting the right car seat or stroller.

What should parents-to-be consider when choosing a baby name? All About Baby, a personalized children’s products company that has seen all types of name combinations, has come up with helpful tips to make the process interesting, fun and successful.

First, start with the experts. The choices today are staggering with more than 50,000 common names and spelling variations. Begin with some basic homework by buying a few baby-name books or a baby-name software program. Check online for the best buys.

You can also use the internet by tapping into dozens of internet sites that list popular baby names, some websites even offer customized search programs, complete with the meaning and origin of the names.

Somewhere during the middle of your pregnancy, start jotting down some of your favorite selections.

Next, begin mixing and matching the first and middle names along with the baby’s last name to see how you like various combinations. How do the names sound together? How do they look on paper? This is the time to ask others for their opinion, so keep an open mind and have a little fun considering a wide range of names for your little one.

At the same time, keep in mind that names often bring up a myriad of emotions, and sometimes parents can have very different reactions to their partner’s favorite choices. So we advise being respectful of your partner's feelings.

Trendy names are really in fashion -- especially with celebrities. However, there is always something to be said for the old standards that have endured the test of time. For instance, Bambi Nevada might seem like a cool choice today, but consider what is the best selection for an entire lifetime. What will this name look like decades later on a business card?

Along these same lines are exotic spellings and invented names, which are also in wide use today. Remember that kids can sometimes be cruel and a highly unusual name could be fodder for playground teasing.

As an adult, just think how many times during an average week you give and spell your name. Do you want to give your child a name that he or she could really resent later?

If you absolutely love a name, but can’t tolerate the nickname that often goes with it, then think twice.

For example, I have a friend who named her son Michael, even though she hates the nickname, ‘Mikey’. Now the mom spends far too much time and energy correcting kids, teachers and other parents who refer to him by the dreaded nickname. It’s just not worth it.

Since ultrasound tests are not always interpreted correctly, All About Baby recommends choosing names for both sexes. Even when you think the gender is a certainty, it is still a good idea to have a back up name. Why? Sometimes the name that seemed perfect during your pregnancy just isn’t the right match when the new baby finally arrives.

This actually happened to another mom that I know, who was having her second son, a boy. They learned the sex of the baby during pregnancy and planned for months to name their new son, Cameron Michael.

However, when I visited their home a few days after the baby's birth, I learned the parents had named him Matthew John. His mother’s explanation was that after his birth, they all realized ‘he just didn’t look like a Cameron.' And you know, she was right, he looked like a Matthew John!

Everyone seems to have an opinion when it comes to baby names, and family members can be especially outspoken. While it’s fun to hear suggestions, especially during the first part of your name search, keep in mind that ultimately your child’s name is your decision. It is impossible to make everyone happy.

Naming your infant is one of the most important tasks you will ever undertake. A person’s name is truly a lifetime gift, and it helps define your child -- within the family, to friends, at school and to the outside world. If you consider the options carefully and select with love, you really can’t go wrong.

For a complete list of 20 Helpful Baby-Naming Tips as well as a wide variety of other interesting child-related content, visit http://www.allbaby.com.

About The Author

Nancy Wurtzel is the owner and founder of All About Baby, an ecommerce site located at http://www.allbaby.com. All About Baby specializes in personalized and memorable gifts for children as well as interesting and helpful child-related site content. Ms. Wurtzel has over 20 years of marketing and communications experience. She consults with small businesses seeking to enter the marketplace or grow their existing ecommerce business.

For a complete list of 20 Helpful Baby-Naming Tips as well as a wide variety of other interesting child-related content, visit http://www.allbaby.com.

nancy@allbaby.com

Baby Name Trends: From Classic to Hip

2005-10-28T20:32:00.000-07:00

Baby Name Trends: From Classic to Hip

By Alli Ross

Goodbye Bertha, Hello Kaitlyn! The top baby names of today break with tradition and follow-up on new trends. Because choosing the perfect name can be a daunting task, many informative web sites have been launched with parents in mind.

A name is central to a child's earliest sense of identity. It's often the first word he or she learns to read and write. Naming trends of today are defined by celebrities, literary classics, and even name brands. Look no further than your favorite book, car, or brand for baby name ideas. Names like "Armani", "Del Monte", "Infiniti", "Celica", "Chevy", and "Lexus" are increasing in popularity.

Unisex names are another trend that is gaining steam. Parents are using names such as Jordan, Madison, Devon, Bailey, Parker, and Logan on boys and girls. However, when naming a baby, parents must consider if it invites potential teasing. Boys are often targeted more heavily than girls.

Want to add a twist to your baby's name? Another naming trend includes spelling classical names untraditionally. There are usually at least five different ways to spell any name. This way, you can add variety to a classical favorite.

You could also use a name inspired by nature. Examples for boys include Ashton, Avery, Birch, Bradley, Grant, Holden, Landon, Logan, or Wesley. For girls you could use Beverly, Brooke, Erica, Hayley, Lauren, Lillian, or Olivia.

Want a crafty name? Bailey, Baker, Carter, Cooper, Foster, Mason, Porter, and Turner may be more your style. However, you can’t go wrong with the following chart-topping baby names, whether you prefer the 1900's or the 1990's.

Names of the 1900's:

Boys: John, William, James, Charles and Robert

Girls: Mary, Helen, Elizabeth, Marie, and Alice

Names of the 1990's:

Boys: Michael, Christopher, Joshua, Jacob, Andrew, David, and Tyler

Girls: Ahley, Emily, Sarah, Amanda, Taylor, Megan, Kayla, and Nicole

Best of luck!

GranMamma is the webmaster at the Baby Names Box - http://www.babynamebox.com - Where you can explore over 6,000 baby names and their meanings. Read articles on parenting, family, home and gardening. Be sure to say hi to GranMamma!

Baby Names - Unique or Common?

2005-10-19T15:31:00.000-07:00

Baby Names - Unique or Common?

By Ian Byrd

When it comes to naming their baby, people tend to fall into two broad categories: those who want a unique name for their child and those who feel fine selecting a common name. Naturally, there are pros and cons to both choices. Let's first look at unique names.

An uncommon baby name will give your child a unique stamp for the rest of his or her life. People will be certain to remember the moment they met your child. An unconventional name will make a wonderful conversation starter, especially if there is an interesting story behind it. Your child may even grow to take great pride in their unique and thoughtful name.

On the other hand, this unique name may be the cause of ridicule, especially as your baby goes through school. Not all people will appreciate the individuality of an uncommon name. Perhaps your child will rue the lifelong attention directed at them at every introduction. Your child may even chose to go by another name to blend in with their peers.

Now, a common name by no means results in a common child. Every John and Jane is a unique person and certainly very few would ever judge someone for having a conventional name. Think of your friends. Many of them have common first names, but have you ever considered them boring or average because of it? Of course not. We love people because of who they are, not because of their name.

Perhaps the best place for a fun, unique name is your child's middle name. You can feel free to be as creative and meaningful as possible with a middle name, for your child only has to reveal it when they feel comfortable. They may love their middle name and tell everyone about it or they may hate it, in which case they never have to use it.

When selecting your child's name, be sure to balance the desire for a creative name with the reality of actually living with the name. Feel free, however, to express your child's uniqueness with a meaningful middle name. And above all, it's just a name and people will quickly get used to it as they grow closer to your child's wonderful personality.

Ian Byrd has years of experience working with children and understands the immense impact a name has on their identity. For more from Ian on baby names, visit his website: Top 100 Baby Names.

Unusual Baby Boy Names

2005-10-10T20:17:00.000-07:00

Unusual Baby Boy Names - Finding Exotic and Unique Baby Names

By David Buster

Unusual baby boy names and finding exotic and unique baby names can be loads of fun! Rather than giving your baby boy a name like Jacob, John or Harry -- you'd prefer him have one of the more exotic and unique baby names.

There are several ways to find unusual baby boy names. Here are some suggestions:

1. Start with the most popular names being given to baby boys. For parents living in the USA, you can easily find this kind of information by visiting the Social Security Administration's website (click on the link at the bottom of this page to go to the direct link to the SSA baby names search). See which names that are popular are also unusual baby boy names. You can view the most popular names for the past year, boy names given since the year 2000 or by decade in the previous century. It may surprise you how many exotic and unique baby names you can find this way.

2. Look at your own family names and see if using any name combinations create unusual baby names you like. Ask other family members for their suggestions, even invite your friends to give you their opinions. Does a relative have names you like? Do be careful if the names are already used. Ask other family members to be sure your favorite unusual baby names are not given to relatives. It can become confusing in families when two people have the same names.

3. Consider the unusual baby boy names used in the classics. Literary classics are a great source of exotic and unique baby names. Be careful when considering modern names used by this year's top male movie stars. Will that popular actor still be in the headlines 3, 5, 10 or more years from now? By using the classics for possible names, you know that these names have withstood the test of time.

4. Visit your local library or bookstore and browse the pregnancy and parenting sections. You will likely find several books in various price ranges that provide you with many unusual baby boy names to consider.

5. Search for exotic and unique baby names online. There are many baby websites with listings and resources for baby names.

Remember, your child's names will be used their entire life, so think how their names will sound and feel once they are grown. Don't let the joy of their infancy cause you to give them a name that they won't be proud of once they are older. Stay away from funny names. Choose his name carefully, a name that will have meaning and significance to you and your child.

Have fun and enjoy viewing and choosing your child's names. Provide them with unusual baby boy names that will add to their success and happiness in life. Take your time and find names you truly love. You will find at some point, there is no doubt about what your new baby boy names will be. When it happens -- congratulations! Enjoy and celebrate the moment. You'll know it was worth every minute spent looking for unusual baby boy names for that unique and very special person.

See the Top 100 Baby Names and access the Social Security baby names listings. David Buster is VP of InfoSearch Publishing and the webmaster of http://www.yourdreamloghome.com - visit the website for nursery ideas, decorating ideas in kids bedrooms, playroom design ideas, playroom storage ideas and more.

Top List of Baby Girls Names

2005-10-09T15:20:00.000-07:00

Top List of Baby Girls Names - Choosing Perfect Baby Names for Girls

By Olinda Rola

The list of baby girls names that are the most popular can help you when considering which names are the best baby names for girls. Choosing her name is fun for the parents, family and friends, and her name will be something she will live with the rest of her life. Keep these tips in mind when looking at the list of baby girls names and selecting baby names for girls:

1. Select names based on their meanings -- a positive meaning adds to the enjoyment of her name both now and later in life.

2. Decide if you prefer popular names or unique names. The list of baby girls names below are the most popular names in the USA since the year 2000. If you choose a unique name, be careful. Constantly having her name mispelled or mispronounced can be frustrating for her and everyone else.

3. Practice saying names for baby girls aloud. How do they sound? Say the entire name -- first, middle and last. Do they rhyme? If your last name is complicated, a simpler first name may work best. If your last name is simple, try simple first names and try first names that are more complicated.

4. Do the baby names for girls initials you are considering form any kind of word? The list of baby girls names that are most popular only provide the first name. Add your last name and middle names you are considering. If a word is formed, is it OK? For example, you will not want to create a name combination that results in initials such as BAD, NOT, WUS, FAT and so on.

5. Are there common nicknames that are associated with the names? Are the nicknames acceptable to you? Will the nicknames be acceptable to her?

Looking at the list of baby girls names that are the most popular is a fun and practical way to see what girls names are frequently used. Here is the top list of baby girls names given to girls in the USA since the year 2000.

1. Emily
2. Madison
3. Hannah
4. Emma
5. Ashley
6. Alexis
7. Samantha
8. Sarah
9. Abigail
10. Olivia
11. Elizabeth
12. Alyssa
13. Jessica
14. Grace
15. Lauren
16. Taylor
17. Kayla
18. Brianna
19. Isabella
20. Anna
21. Victoria
22. Sydney
23. Megan
24. Rachel
25. Jasmine

When selecting baby names for girls, remember that your girl's name will always be part of her identity. Stay away from funny names -- your child or her friends may not think it is funny. Have fun with the list of baby girls names. Choose her name carefully, a name that will have genuine meaning to you and your child. She and others will be using and living with her names for her lifetime. And since you know she's going to be a star, help her on that journey by giving her the perfect girls names that she truly deserves.

Olinda Rola is President of InfoSearch Publishing and the webmaster of http://www.yourdreamloghome.com - visit the website to see the Top 100 Baby Name List and to learn more about decorating ideas for kids bedrooms, toy chests, nursery bedding, playroom design ideas and more.

Baby’s Teething Process

2005-10-08T15:00:00.000-07:00

Everything You Need To Know About Your Baby’s Teething Process

by keziah

The teething process can be a difficult period for both the baby and the parents. The process starts at different ages depending on each baby but usually by age of 3 most infants have their primary teeth in place. If by one year your baby still has not got his first tooth it would be wise to see your doctor and dentist.

There are 20 primary or “baby” teeth that every child has during their lifetime, with ten in the upper jaw and ten in the lower. Usually, the appearance of baby teeth is as follows: the upper and lower incisors come first, then the upper lateral incisors come in a few months later, followed shortly thereafter with the bottom lateral incisors. The top and bottom molars are the next set to come through, usually right around 18 months. The cuspids, or eyeteeth, usually follow soon after the molars. At approximately two, to two and a half years, the second set of molars will appear.

Usually there is no set order in which baby teeth appear – again this depends on the individual baby. It is unusual for a child not to get all twenty teeth.

Some babies can be born with a front tooth (this happens in about 1 in every 2000 cases). In this even it is wise to consult a paediatric dentist. This situation can affect the breastfeeding process so a paediatric dentist should be consulted as soon as possible, especially if you intend to breastfeed.

Here are the signs that your baby may be teething:

Bulging gums – you’ll be able to see the outline of the teeth as they try and push through his gums.
Nighttime crying and walking.
More fuss than normal.
“Clingy" behaviour.
An increase in the amount of drooling seen.
Chewing on fingers, teething rings, and other objects.
Swollen, red, inflamed gums.
Poor appetite.
Interrupted sleep.

There is some debate about this, but it is now generally accepted that teething will not cause fever, sleep issues or lower immunity to infection.

Teething is very painful – if you have ever bitten the inside of your cheek you know how painful this can be – now imagine a baby that is used to a soft smooth surface (gums) and suddenly she has a hard and sharp tooth pushing through her swollen gums. Generally it’s the first tooth that will cause the most discomfort.

When babies are going through the teething process they sometimes bring their hands to their mouths – this brings some relief when the gums have pressure applied to them. You can gently massage your baby to reduce the discomfort of teething – clean your fingers and rub the gums firmly – this may be uncomfortable for your baby initially but she will get used to, and appreciate, the massage the more you do it.

Give your baby something cool to chew on – this again provides relief for a little time. Wet washcloths (you can soak this in apple juice if you wish) that have been left in the freezer for 30 minutes or so – can be given to your baby to chew. Just remember, whatever you use make sure that your baby cannot choke on it. Other things that your baby can chew on include a chilled banana or an iced Popsicle. An old wives tale remedy recommends that you dab some alcohol on your baby’s gums – it is strongly recommended that you do NOT do this.

While primary teeth will at one stage be replaced by the permanent teeth, they are very important for several reasons – including chewing and speech. Once these teeth are in, you can clean them with a special baby toothbrush.

Be sure to never allow your baby to fall asleep with a bottle. This will lead to tooth decay. Whether a baby is bottle fed or nursed, he will be vulnerable to “baby bottle tooth decay”. Such decay occurs when freshly sprouted baby teeth are exposed to liquids containing sugars (basically, anything other than water) for long periods of time. Bacteria in the mouth will grow in the sugar, which attack the tooth enamel and cause cavities. The best treatment for “baby bottle tooth decay” is prevention. Don't let your baby use a bottle as a pacifier or fall asleep with a bottle containing anything but water. Also, be sure to gently clean his teeth and gums after each feeding.

You may also see some teething symptoms – on the whole these are fairly harmless. For example, drool rash where a red rash can be seen on the face, lips, chin and chest. This can be washed with warm water and a cloth and your doctor may prescribe a lanolin ointment as treatment for this. Sometimes other symptoms can include mild diarrhoea and a cough caused by excess saliva dripping down the baby’s throat.

Here are some good tips to use to care for your baby’s teeth:

Clean your baby’s mouth before the teething process. You can wipe the gums after each feeding with a warm, wet washcloth.
Take good care of the teeth once they start to come in. Some parents wrongly believe that because primary teeth are eventually replaced they are not that important – this is false as they preserve the space for the permanent teeth, not to mention help with chewing and talking.
Actively watch for cavities – if you spot any discolouration or pitting then they could be signs of cavities. Try and avoid putting your baby to sleep with milk (or even worse sweet juice) as it could lead to cavities. In addition follow up meals with water as this helps to wash off most infant foods quite easily.
Introduce a toothbrush as soon as possible. In addition you should monitor your baby’s fluoride intake as this can help prevent tooth decay. It’s also important to schedule a dental check up for your baby – shortly after the first year is a good time for the first visit.

Creating good dental practice from the start will help ensure that you baby continues good dental hygiene for years into the future.

Keziah Engineer is the author of the best selling ebook “THE BABY CARE BOOK” – a resource that teaches new parents absolutely everything they need to know about their newborn babies: http://www.global-ebooks.com/babybook.htm

Choosing Baby Names for Twins

2005-10-07T17:17:00.000-07:00

Choosing Baby Names for Twins

By Sarah Mitchell

Choosing a baby name for your new born can be quite a stressful decision. With thousands upon thousands of names at your disposal, you may begin to feel a little over whelmed. Well, for twins, you can double the trouble! This article is aimed at helping soon to be moms and dads of twins to choose those perfect baby names.

Using anagrams for naming twins One way of choosing baby names for twins is to take one name that you like and rearrange the letters to make another name. A few examples of this are:

Reva & Vera
Ira & Ria
Mary & Myra

If you are a fan of traditional baby names, then your choices are slightly limited with this option. But, if you don't mind bending the rules a little, then you can play around with this idea forever.

Using synonyms for naming twins

Another idea for choosing baby names for twins is synonyms! A synonym is a word (or a baby name in our case) that has a similar or exact meaning of another word. So, you might want your twins to both have names that mean 'flower'. An example of this would be:

Eve & Zoe
Yasmin & Lala
Dahlia & Daisy
Camellia & Heather

All of these names refer to a flower in general or a particular flower, although they are all quite unique from one another. For example, Heather is an English name, whereas Camellia is a Latin name. If you would like to experiment with this idea some more, visit http://www.namestobe.com/searchmeaning.html Simply type in a meaning or part of a meaning and a list of names that corespond to that meaning will appear.

Reversing names for twins

Choosing baby names for twins can sometimes be as easy as spelling a name you like, backwards! As you can imagine, this will only work for a small selection of names, but if you have the time to sit down with a pen, paper and some patients then you will eventually find some that you are fond of. An example of this would be:

Aiden & Nadia

Other tips for naming twins

Some other tips for naming twins are to use names beginning with the same letter, use names that rhyme, or even use names that have no connection between them what so ever. Sometimes parents get so wrapped up in trying to choose the perfect names for their twins that they forget the fact they have the option of choosing two names that have no connection at all. Regardless of what option you choose to name your twins, you should take the time to sit down and put some serious thought into your decision. Best of luck to you!

Article written by Sarah Mitchell of NamesToBe.com. Article free for reprint as long as this info box is present and all hyperlinks remain active. Baby names and meanings at http://www.namestobe.com/
Baby naming tips for twins at http://www.namestobe.com/twins-article.html

How To Talk To Your Baby

2005-10-06T14:56:00.000-07:00

How To Talk To Your Baby – And Understand What She’s Saying Back

by keziah

It is incredible, but within a years time your baby will progress from random crying to talking. This is quite an achievement for your baby and in a very short period of time. In this chapter we will look at your baby’s development when it comes to language. You’ll also discover what you can expect to see every month but it’s important to remember that these stages of your baby’s development are broad and because every baby is different these are not meant as exact milestones.

One month. Your baby will be able to understand speech long before actually talking. From birth he will look at your face and listen to your voice. He may make a small range of noises that will start to mean something to you - these may be made when he experiences feelings of hunger or pain (such as crying and certain sounds while he is breathing). When your baby is eating, you may notice him making sucking type noises and sounds of contentment. The way that your baby cries is an important communication method while he is actually unable to talk. Crying lays the foundation for speech as your baby learns to control his vocal cords. Crying is also a baby’s way of indicating hunger, discontentment, or general discomfort. Through responding to this crying you let your baby know that she is important to you – and this can really be reassuring for a young infant.

Two months. As a child enters his second month he is far more aware of the world – things such as sounds, even that of your voice, will amuse and fascinate your child. Change the tone of your voice and this will keep him amused. Your baby will respond with a variety of cooing sounds, vowel-like sounds, and sometimes some consonant sounds such as a “k”. You will find that your baby has quite a collection of cooing sounds that she uses to communicate with you as well as discover how to use the sound of her own voice. During this time, try and talk with your baby – this will encourage her response and help in the development process. By looking into your baby’s eyes you are communicating an important thing to her – that you are listening.

Three months. By now you will find that your baby is able to recognize your voice and may come to you or face you when your voice is heard. You may notice him laugh out aloud and may even scare himself by doing this (as he does not initially know that he is the one making the sounds). Your baby will be making sounds such as “ahhhh gooo”. He will squeal when he is happy and content, again often startling himself as he learns his own abilities.

At this stage you should not only talk to your baby but also introduce other communication forms such as singing and story telling. The greater your effort in trying to talk with him, the better his response is likely to be.

Four months. By now more and more communication should be taking place with your baby. You may notice a greater amount of smiling – while his babbling may have a noticeably singsong quality to it, often ranging into a high pitch that delights him as he learns to like the sound of his own voice. There will be lots of repetition to the sounds that your baby makes.

It is important that you always respond to your baby’s “oohs” and “ahhs” and whatever other communication methods she is using - respond with your own voice tones. This is your chance to have a “chat time” with your baby and you should take advantage of these times – you are helping him to discover the art of conversation. There will also be certain times when your baby may also not be in the mood for talking. He will turn his head in the other direction and may put his arm over his face. He may be showing signs of anger or frustration by crying out, especially if something is taken away from him.

Five months. As each month progresses you will find that your baby is becoming better at communicating. It’s possible that you will notice him imitate some sounds and gestures. By now he’ll most likely be able to let you know if he’s happy or sad. When attention is wanted your baby will babble until he is given the attention he feels he deserves. Interestingly, if you always respond to his communication efforts (whatever these may be) he’ll repeat them whenever he wants your attention this way.

During this month it’s likely that your baby will be looking at your mouth moving while you talk. Talk to him from across the room and he’ll be able to find you with ease. He is learning to control his vocal sounds as he watches your response to his sounds.

Six months. Your baby may now be using consonant-vowel combinations. It’s quite possible that he has discovered his mirror reflection and is probably having conversations with himself. Your baby’s language is becoming much more precise.

Here are some ways that you can help your baby develop her language skills:

Speak very slowly and clearly.
Identify and point out items, objects and people as you talk about them.
Use shorter sentences sentences.
Using repetition when singing songs and nursery rhymes helps the learning process.
Reading to your baby is a good idea and should be done as often as possible – ask your baby questions and point things out to make the process as interactive as possible.
Let your baby respond in his own way when communicating with her.

Seven months. Your baby is now continuing to learn how to use his newfound language skills. He may be able to do things such as wave goodbye and may accompany his wave with babbling sounds. He can say “mama” or “dada”.

Eight months. Your baby is playing games such as pat a cake and peek-a-boo. Even though he can’t speak the words that belong to these games, he can babble and talk to himself. It’s likely that your baby knows what the word “No” means by now as well.

Nine to twelve months. It’s possible that by now your baby understands requests and commands such as “give it” or “don’t touch that”. Similarly, she may understand simple questions such as “where’s your rattle?” At this time you should be encouraging your baby to use gestures (and you should respond to them). For example if your baby indicates she wants to be picked up then say “you want to be picked up?” while picking her up. This helps the learning process. You should also talk about everything that you do, and use gestures (and short sentences) as you’re doing them.

Here are some ways to help your baby with the learning process:

Look at books and talk about the pictures in simple languages. Where possible try and use books that your baby is able to hold.
Talk often to your baby using simple words to identify objects in his life. Name trees, numbers, colours, and animals as you take your baby for a walk. You should also use your baby’s name often – this way she will be able to recognise it.
Talk back to your child when she talks with you.
Introduce concepts to your baby, such as the “big” dog or the “little” mouse.
Give your baby time to get his words out; don’t be tempted to complete sentences for him.
Continue to read to your baby as much as possible. Reading should be part of your daily routine.
From day one start to talk in a simple, short and uncomplicated way with your baby – even though she will not understand what you are saying this is laying the foundations for learning language.

Twelve months. After one year babies are generally able to say one or two words and are able to understand 25 words or more. For example if a person in the room asks, “where is daddy?” your baby will look for you. Your baby is also able to point at things (and ask for things in this way).

Keziah Engineer is the author of the best selling ebook “THE BABY CARE BOOK” – a resource that teaches new parents absolutely everything they need to know about their newborn babies: http://www.global-ebooks.com/babybook.htm

What to Name Your Baby

2005-10-05T17:14:00.000-07:00

Most Important Decision of a Lifetime - What to Name Your Baby

By S. Denise Hoyle

Most people don't know the meaning of their name, but most names do have meanings. You should at least find out the meanings of your favorite choices before giving one of them to your child. The meaning of your child's name probably won't greatly affect his or her life, but may help you to make a decision between your favorites.

Many names are shortened to nicknames during childhood, or other stages of life, so be sure to think about what shortened forms of your child's name may be. Also consider that names we might think are cute for a child could be embarrassing later in life, before giving your child a nickname as their legal name. For instance - shortening Samantha to Sam or Sammy while your daughter is young may be fine, but will she mind having to put Sam on her business cards or college application later in life if its her legal name?

No one likes having their name constantly misspelled or mispronounced, so keep this in mind before choosing a unique pronunciation or spelling of a common name. Remember that your child will spend his or her lifetime explaining to others how the name is really spelled or pronounced.

Unisex names, like Chris, Robin or Terry, may make it easier for you to choose your child's name before you know their sex, but others argue that it can be unfair and psychologically harmful to a child, especially to boys who may feel more insulted when presumed to be girls, than girls do when they're mistaken for boys.

Namesakes, or exact reproductions of a person's name, even if followed by II or Jr., are quite often confusing to everyone involved. Worse yet, the child never gets the satisfaction of having a clear identity or name of his own. Although namesakes can be complimentary to the original owner of the name, consider the impact to your child, and how you plan to differentiate between the people who share the name before you choose to name your child after someone else.

Remember, the name you choose for your child will be a lifetime decision, so take your time and enjoy the process!

About The Author

S. Denise Hoyle serves as the webmaster of both http://nurseryroomprojects.com and http://fertility-facts.com. To find the meanings and origins of thousands of popular names, take a look at our lists of boy's names and girl's names at http://nurseryroomprojects.com/baby_names.htm

Oh Baby! Choosing the Right Baby Name

2005-10-04T03:13:00.000-07:00

Oh Baby! Choosing the Right Baby Name

By Alli Ross

Naming a baby is no easy task. However, the following tips will help you give your baby his or her very first gift.

1. Religion. For some parents, religion plays a major role in choosing a baby name. Roman Catholics traditionally choose saints names. Jews traditionally choose Old Testament names. Names of deceased relatives are often chosen. Protestants often choose both Old and New Testament names.

Interesting Fact! : The majority of the people in the Western hemisphere have names from the Bible. The New Testament is a more popular source of names than the Old Testament.

2. Number of Names. You have many options when it comes to the number of names you choose for your baby. It is very common for a baby to be given three names, however, this is not mandatory. You may choose a first and last name; a first and last name and only a middle initial; initials for both first and middle names; or several middle names. Keep in mind, though, that several middle names will cause space problems for your child any time he or she fills out a form.

3. Sounds. Names are easy or hard to say depending upon the combination of letters used. A name such as Harry Berry invites potential teasing. Try this to create a nice effect: choose a first name that has the same amount of syllables as the last name. Whoopi Goldberg is a good example.

Interesting Fact! : Whoopi Goldbergâ€™s original name is Caryn Johnson.

4. Pronunciation. Nobody likes to have their name mis-pronounced. This is an important factor to keep in mind with unique names.

5. Popularity. Choosing a popular name increases the likelihood that there will be other children in your childâ€™s school with the same name. This may make him or her not feel as unique. However, a child with a popular name may be perceived better by peers than a child with a unique name.

6. Stereotypes. Many names create a positive or negative image. A name is often a personâ€™s first introduction to others. Therefore, you must make careful considerations when choosing a name to fit your new baby.

7. Initials. Initials of a personâ€™s name often spell words. If you choose to take this route, be sure that it will be a word you son or daughter will be happy with.

8. Meanings. Almost every name has a meaning. However, most people donâ€™t know the meaning of their names. This may help in deciding between some of your favorite baby name choices.

9. Family History. Family History often comes into play when naming a baby. If you have to use a family name that you aren't happy with, consider using it as a middle name.

10. Celebrity Names. A common source of today's baby names comes from the names of celebrities and from the names that celebrities choose for their children. Characters from TV and movies are another popular source.

11. Make sure that the name you choose is one that your child will be able to grow with. Keep in mind that it should be applicable for all ages. Many names come with stereotypes.

12. It is important for both parents to compromise when selecting a name for your baby. However, keep in mind that you can always use two names, using one as a middle name.

Good Luck! A new baby is one of the most rewarding experiences of a lifetime.

Alli Ross is the webmaster at the Baby Names Box - Where you can explore over 6,000 baby names and their meanings. Sub-categories include Disney ,J.R. Tolkien names, Fantasy and Folklore names, and many names from the literary classics. Read articles ranging from parenting and family to home and gardening. Be sure to say hi to GranMamma!

Breast Feeding Basics For Your Newborn Baby

2005-10-03T16:52:00.000-07:00

by keziah

It is a myth that bottle-feeds and breast-feeding is equally good. Mother’s milk is the best for proper growth of the child. There are certain nutrients in the mother’s milk that helps the baby fight illnesses while also promoting brain development. As compared to breast fed babies, the formula-fed babies are more prone to illnesses.

Ideally you should start breast feeding the child within 2 hours of its birth, but do not worry if for some reason you are not able to do so - many mothers feed their children after a few days because of some medical reasons and they turn out to be just fine. Apart from milk avoid giving the child any water or pacifier because the child is still learning to breast-feed and things like the bottle nipple and pacifiers can confuse the baby while nursing because milk doesn’t flow as fast as it does through bottles.

Do give the child enough time to breast-feed. Don’t limit the time. It could frustrate the baby. An average of about 10 to 45 minutes can be taken by the baby to completely satisfy itself.

So how should you hold your baby during breast feeding? The answer to this is that see to it that the gums of the baby are on top of the areola because there is a chance of nipples becoming sore if the baby just chews on the nipple instead of taking in the areola. You can hold the baby in a cuddling position and feed it or you can lie on your side placing your baby facing you. Usually when the baby has had enough milk it will let go of the nipple on its own, but the baby takes usually half an hour on each side.

We’ll now move on to another critical issue which every breast-feeding mother needs to know about – what to eat during the process of breast feeding. It is very important for a breastfeeding mother to have a healthy and balanced diet. A variety of foods are required during this period including:
· Get lots of vegetables and fruits – try and have an intake of 5 portions a day of fruit and veg.

· For additional energy try and take in starch rich foods such as bread, pasta, potatoes, pulses and rice – this will provide a good source of energy.

· Foods such as wholemeal bread, vegetables, pulses, cereals and pastas will provide fibre – women occasionally experience bowel problems after childbirth and an intake of fibre on a daily basis will help with this.

· Proteins such as lean meat, fish, eggs and poultry.

· Try and get two portions of fish per week (including some oily fish). Do not exceed 2 portions of oily fish per week.

· Dairies such as cheese, milk and yoghurt are an excellent source of calcium and should be included in a breast feeding mother’s diet.

· Some doctors advise taking vitamin supplements such as Vitamin D (10 mcg per day). Your doctor will be able to advise which supplements will be right for you.

In addition to the foods that you should eat above there are certain food types that you should steer clear of at this time. As above you should restrict your intake of oily fish to two portions per week but you should also avoid eating more than one portion of swordfish, marlin or shark per week as these fish contain high levels of mercury. You should also be careful with your intake of caffeine and alcohol. It is true that some breast feeding babies react to the foods that their mother has consumed. Some doctors believe that it is wise to lay off peanuts during this stage as well – approximately 2% of the population is allergic to peanuts – however your baby may have a higher chance of being allergic if the mother/father/brothers/sisters have problems such as asthma, eczema or hayfever. If you believe your baby may be at risk due to these factors it is worth consulting your doctor.

Keziah Engineer is the author of the best selling ebook “THE BABY CARE BOOK” – a resource that teaches new parents absolutely everything they need to know about their newborn babies: http://www.global-ebooks.com/babybook.htm

Celebrity Baby Names?

2005-10-01T17:18:00.000-07:00

What's With Celebrity Baby Names?

By Sarah Mitchell

It seems that the days of naming your son or daughter with your own name and adding a second, third or a fourth sign in roman numerals at the end are fading away. This seems to be especially the case with celebrities. The more unique, the better! As to whether celebrities are simply a little loopy, or whether they simply like the attention that a unique baby name will bring, we do not know. What we do know is that the names just keep getting crazier and crazier. Below is a list of some of our favorite celebrity baby names over the years.

Banjo - Patrick & Rachel Griffiths. This choice of name was based on the main character from 'The man who came to dinner'.

Apple - Gwyneth Paltrow & Chris Martin. We don't even think the parents understand why they chose this name!

Heavenly Hiraani Tiger Lilly, Fifi Trixibelle, Peaches Honeyblossom - Paula Yates. Definetely three of the most 'out there' names in the history of baby names!

Jett - John Travolta & Kelly Preston. Well, John has always loved airplanes, so we'll let them get away with this one.

Zowie - David Bowie. Doesn't seem that bad, until you realise that with the last name it makes "Zowie Bowie".

Rumer Glenn, Tallulah Belle, Scout LaRue - Bruce Willis & Demi Moore. At least there are some normal names mixed in there, but still among our craziest!

Daisey Boo - Jamie Oliver. Typical celebrity, had to chuck in the "Boo" at the end.

Pilot Inspektor - Scott Lee & Beth Riesgrat. This kid is going to have a hard time at school.

Milo - Ricky Lake. This is okay, just so long as she doesn't name her second child "Otis".

Elijah Bob Patricius Guggi Q - Bono. Bono had definetely put some thought into this one!

Prince Michael, Prince Michael II, Paris Michael - Michael Jackson. We think this is just too many Michaels for one house hold.

Dexter, Diane Keaton. Only just acceptable for a boy, but would you believe this is her daughters name?

Moon Unit, Ahmet Emuukha Roden, Dreezil, Diva - Frank Zappa. Once again, among the craziest baby names in history.

Ocean, True, Sonnet - Forest Whitaker. We dont't mind the name Sonnet, but you can make your own mind up on the other two.

Betty Kitten, Honey Kinney, Harvey Kirby - Jane Goldman & Jonathan Ross. We wouldn't name our kids these names, but they do have a nice ring to them.

Article written by Sarah Mitchell of NamesToBe.com. Article free for reprint as long as this info box is present and all hyperlinks remain active. Browse over 10,000 baby names and meanings at NamesToBe.com.

Celebrity baby names

Baby names and meanings

More celebrity baby names at NamesToBe.com

Baby Expense: What To Do When Baby

2005-10-01T15:16:00.000-07:00

Baby Expense: What To Do When Baby

By Adriana Copaceanu

As you probably know, baby expense should be high on your list of things to plan for, before the baby comes. There is no cheap way to have and raise a baby: it takes sweat, work, lots of cash, patience, and more to have a happy, healthy baby. Some studies suggest that you will spend anywhere between $150,000 and $200,000 for your kids by the time they are 18 years old, not including private schools, special lessons, or college.

But if you waited until you had enough money, time and energy to have your baby, you would probably end up without any children. Here you*ll find a few ways to ease the finances, so that you can enjoy your new bundle of joy.

1. Get health assistance - if you don*t have health insurance, and can*t afford it, doctor*s bills can ad up really easy. But there are options out there for people just like you. This baby expense will probably be one of your biggest, so don*t be afraid to ask for assistance if your family needs it.

2. Breastfeed your baby, if possible. It*s free, it*s convenient, and it might help against breast cancer. It*s recommended as being the best form of nutrition for baby.

If you can*t breastfeed, don*t feel guilty. Try to apply for WIC (Women , Infants, and Children): http://www.fns.usda.gov/wic , a program designed to help middle and low income families with educational resources and food. You can also save money by buying formula in bulk, clipping coupons, and accepting free samples whenever they are offered. This is a baby expense you can*t do without.

3. Diapers - Some diapers are better than others, but most are basically the same. Store brand disposable diapers can be just as good as the name brand, for several dollars less than their name brand counterparts. You can save even more, if you use cloth diapers instead of disposable. As with breastfeeding, it*s a little more work involved, but well worth it.

4. Diaper Rash Prevention - instead of taking action after your baby got a diaper rash, prevent it with a drop of olive oil applied to their bottom every time you change their diaper: it works wonders (you should check with your doctor first).

5. Baby food - When it comes to baby food, a blender is your best friend: it will help you keep this baby expense at its lowest. Not only is it much cheaper, but it*s so much healthier! Save the little baby food jars for quick trips, or special occasions, and give your baby pureed food made by you. You can cook a week*s supply on the weekend, put the blended vegetables in the ice cube tray, for a few hours, and then place them in a freezer bag. Depending on your baby*s appetite and age, you can microwave one, two or three cubes before meal time. It*s quick, healthy and inexpensive.

6. Clothing - There is no need to buy expensive designer clothing for you little one. Do you think anyone will really notice that your baby is wearing Tommy Hilfiger? Babies look cute in anything: don*t waste your money! You can get most of your baby clothing at yard sales or second-hand stores.

7. Toys - they are big business, but you don*t have to feel pressured to get the latest and most expensive models. My kids were happy with everyday items as their toys: empty shampoo bottles (make sure they are cleaned and rinsed very well before handing them to your baby), plastic bowls, plastic containers from food products (margarine, sour cream , etc.) that they could stack up, etc. Also, buy some toys that will help with your baby*s development, are durable, and are age appropriate: a baby expense worth the money.

8. Wills - Get a will or update your old will. Name a guardian for your child and the trustee of your child*s inheritance (often but not always the same person). Without a will, the court will name these individuals and also split up your assets in accordance with state law which may not be the way you would wish. Please don*t try to avoid this baby expense: your kid*s future might depend on it. A simple will that includes a trust for minor children costs between $150 and $250.

Here are links to some great baby resources:

- generic brand wholesale diapers

( http://www.diapers-4-less.com/private-label-diapers.htm )

- baby formula: free samples and coupons

( http://www.freestuff-for-babies.com/babyformula.html )

About The Author

Adriana Copaceanu is a work at home mom of 2, and the publisher of Baby*s First Year Companion http://www.babys-first-year.com, an online resource for new parents.

Unique and Unusual Baby Names

2005-09-30T17:19:00.000-07:00

Unique and Unusual Baby Names

By Maribeth Doerr

Today one of the biggest trends in naming is choosing a unique name. Those of us who grew up in the 70's and 80's undoubtedly knew multiple Jennifers, Amys, Michaels and Johns, and many parents want their child to have a more unusual name. Parents have dusted off old classics, combined names and altered spellings in the hopes of saving their child from the fate of being known throughout their school years as "Amy with a Y" or "Michael R, the one with brown hair." So how do you find a name that is unique and unusual? Here are some suggestions, along with a few warnings.

1. If you live in the US, look through the top 100 names from the Social Security lists for the past few years to get a sense of what names are currently popular. You may be surprised at just how many children share a name that sounds fresh and unusual to you.

2. Look for unused classics. Literature is a great source of names that were once popular but have since fallen down the charts. Read the names in your family tree or look at Social Security lists from the early 1900's and you may just fall in love with a forgotten classic.

3. Anticipate the trends. Right now, names from the 1900's-1930's are very hot for girls. In another decade, that will probably move forward to names from the 1940's and 1950's. Look at those names now and see if any appeal to you.

4. Create your own name by combining two family names or altering a name that you love. Be cautious in this, however, as not all created names sound appealing. You may want to ask family and friends for opinions before committing to an invented name.

And now for the warnings:

1. Keep in mind that names used in popular television series or films are likely to skyrocket in popularity, as are names of celebrity children. For example, the name Ella and its variants have become extremely popular since a few celebrities used it and it appeared as a baby's name on the show ER.

2. Beware of creative spellings. While it's true that Keightl'nne looks very different from Caitlin or Katelyn, it is still pronounced the same way and is still ultimately the same name. You may be causing your child a lifetime of confusion as she attempts to spell her name over the phone, while she is still one of five or six Caitlins in her class. 3. Beware of punctuation in names, which could cause problems when filling out computerized forms.

4. Be careful not to take the hunt for creative names too far. Imagine the name as your own, or try the "profession test". Would you wish to be known forever as Egwene? Can you picture The Honorable Judge Tequila Mad'y'syn being called to the bench?

5. Above all, remember that what really matters is finding a name you love, one that grows well with your child. Even the top names are being given to fewer and fewer children these days, so if you fall in love with Emma or Jacob, don't let fears of popularity force you to use another name you don't really care for.

Written by Susan Harkavy for StorkNet's Baby Names Cubby (http://www.storknet.com/babynames), a one-stop shop for all things baby names. Visit StorkNet for support and information related to preconception, pregnancy, and parenting including childbirth, breastfeeding, pregnancy loss and more.

http://www.storknet.com

Popular Baby Names

2005-09-30T15:24:00.000-07:00

Popular Baby Names

By Monica Nelson

Are you looking for cute baby names? This article explains the meaning and history of the 50 most popular baby names in the United States this year.

25 Most Popular Names for BOYS

1 (most popular). Jacob is a biblical name, which has its origins in the Hebrew language.

Jacob means 'supplanter' or 'one who grasps the heel;' this is because the biblical Jacob was born holding his twin brother's heel.

2. Michael is a biblical name, which means 'who is like God.' The bearer of this name in the bible is the leader of heaven's armies, and so is considered the patron saint of soldiers.

3. Joshua is from the Hebrew language, and means 'savior.' In the bible Joshua was chosen to lead the Isrealites as the successor to Moses.

4. Matthew is a biblical name, meaning 'given,' or 'reward.' Matthew was one of the 12 apostles, and wrote the first Gospel in the New Testament regarding the life of Jesus.

5. Andrew is a biblical name which means 'manly' and 'brave.' In the bible Andrew was the first apostle, and is the patron saint of Scotland and of Russia.

6. Joseph is a biblical name meaning 'addition,' or 'increase.'

7. Ethan is the name from the Old Testament. It means 'solid, strong,' and 'constancy, enduring.'

8. Daniel means 'God is my judge.' In the Old Testament Daniel was a prophet.

9. Christopher is a Latin name, and it means 'bearing Christ,' or 'he who holds Christ in his heart.' When Jesus was a child, Saint Christopher is believed to have carried him across a river.

10. Anthony is a Latin name which means 'flower,' from the Greek word anthos, or 'priceless.'

11. William has its origins in the German language, and means 'helmet, protection.' This is also the first name of Mr. Shakespeare.

12. Ryan is an Irish name in origin, which means 'little king

13. Nicholas is a Greek name which means 'the people's victory.' St. Nicholas, better known as Santa Claus, is the patron saint of children and merchants.

14. David is a Hebrew name meaning 'beloved,' or 'dear.' In the Old Testament David was the second king of Israel.

15. Tyler is derived from an Old English surname which was used to denote one's occupation as a 'tile layer.'

16. Alexander is derived from the Greek. It means 'defender of men.'

17. John is a biblical name; owned by John the Baptist and John the apostle. John means 'gracious,' or 'mercy of the Lord.'

18. James is a Hebrew name, and a derivative of the common name Jacob. James means 'to supplant.'

19. Dylan is a Welsh name and means 'sea,' or 'Son of the wave.'

20. Zachary is an English variant on the Hebrew name Zachariah, which means 'remembered by God.'

21. Brandon is an English name of a place, which meant 'hill covered with broom;' broom is a weed. Brandon is also a variant of the Irish name Brendan, which either means 'prince,' or 'stinking hair.'

22. Jonathan is a biblical name which means 'given of God.'

23. Samuel is a Hebrew name, held by a prophet in the Old Testament. It means 'God has heard.'

24. Christian meand 'follower of Christ,' and has origins in many languages and cultures.

25. Benjamin is a Hebrew name appearing in the Old Testament; it means 'son of the right hand.'

25 Most Popular Names for GIRLS

1. Emily has its origins in Latin, and means 'industrious' in French and German as well.

2. Emma has German and English origins, and means 'whole,' or 'universal' in both languages.

3. Madison is an English surname derived either from the name Matthew, meaning 'gift,' or is derived from the name Matilda, meaning 'strong fighter.'

4. Hannah is a Hebrew name which means 'gracious,' and 'merciful.'

5. Olivia is a derivative of the Latin word 'olive,' which is a symbol of peace.

6. Abigail is a Hebrew name meaning 'Father's joy.'

7. Alexis is from the Greek; it means 'helper,' or 'defender.'

8. Ashley is an English name that means 'she dwells in the ash tree grove.'

9. Elizabeth is a biblical name; the mother of John the Baptist in the New Testament. Elizabeth means 'oath of God.'

10. Samantha is a feminine form of the name Samuel. Samantha means 'listener.'

11. Isabella means 'devoted to God' in Hebrew. It is also supposed to be a Spanish variant on the name Elizabeth.

12. Sarah is the biblical wife of Abraham and mother Issac, the name Sarah means 'princess.'

13. Grace is an English name meaning 'God's favor.'

14. Alyssa, according to the Greek tradition, means rational.

15. Lauren means 'from the place of Laurel trees,' which in Greek culture are symbols of honor and victory.

16. Kayla means 'keeper of the keys,' or 'pure' in both English and Greek.

17. Brianna is from Celtic, meaning 'she who ascends,' or 'strong.'

18. Jessica has Shakespearean origins, first appearing in its modern form in the play 'The Merchant of Venice.'

19. Taylor was an English surname denoting the occupation of tailor.

20. Sophia is from the Greek, and means 'wise.'

21. Anna was used in the Native American Algonquin tribe to mean 'mother,' and also holds the meaning 'grace' in many languages, including Russian.

22. Victoria was the Roman goddess of victory, and the name consequently means 'victorious.'

23. Natalie is derived from the Latin, and means 'born at Christmas.'

24. Chloe means 'green shoot' in Greek. The name also appears in the bible.

25. Sydney means 'from Saint-Denis,' or 'wide-island.' The name has traceable origins in French and in English.

Monica Nelson writes articles that answer womens health questions such as what are common pregnancy symptoms, which pregnancy tests are more accurate, what are popular baby names which weightloss programs really work, and other topics of interest to women.

3 Simple Steps In Searching For A Baby Name

2005-09-29T15:22:00.000-07:00

3 Simple Steps In Searching For A Baby Name

By Joy Oneisis

1) BRAINSTORM

It is a good idea to pick a baby boy, girl, or a unisex baby name, even if the sonogram has already shown you the sex of your baby, after all, surprises do happen. Set aside time with no interruptions to clear your mind and brainstorm names that appeal to you and write them on a piece of paper. You may want to honor an endeared relative, or choose a name with religious meaning. Or perhaps you have heard a name before and said to yourself ‘Hey, that’s a cool baby name’. If you want the name to have a specific meaning, for example ‘strong’, do an internet search, or look it up in a book. Check out the most popular baby names list for the last few years. It is surprising how many names you thought were unique are actually very popular. If you want an unusual baby name, skim the dictionary or a favorite book to see what pops out at you. Surf the internet for sites with free or paid baby name wizards, usually you answer a few questions and the wizard suggests possible baby names, for more ideas.

2) ELIMINATE

Hopefully you have a good-sized list of possible baby names by now. Takes a few days break after your brainstorming session to clear your mind. Then, write your names neatly on another sheet of paper, including all combinations of possible first and middle names with your last name. You may be able to automatically eliminate a few that may have sounded appealing when you were brainstorming, but now you wonder ‘what was I thinking?’

Now, eliminate names in which the last letter of either the first or middle name ends with the first letter of the last name, for example Allison Newman, or Allison Ann Newman (makes pronunciation difficult because there is no clear distinction where the last name begins and the first name ends). Eliminate names whose initials spell undesired acronyms, for example Richard Arthur Turner = RAT, unless you want to make it as easy as possible for other children to poke fun at your child in school (yes kids can be cruel). Do some internet or book research to find out the meanings of remaining names. You may want to eliminate names with undesired meanings, for example ‘naïve’, while you may discover others that are definitely keepers, for example ‘brave’.

3) DECIDE

I know, deciding on a baby name is easier said than done. Give yourself a few days break again, and then reassess your list. You should be able to eliminate a few more. Ask friends and family for their opinions, or post your finalists on an internet poll. You can do this for free on many sites nowadays.

And you also have to decide how you want to spell it! Many people nowadays are creating exotic ways to spell traditional names for example Kaysey or Caisee, and like most things, this has pros and cons. It gives originality and uniqueness to your childs name, however your child will go through life constantly correcting the spelling of his or her name.

And remember, the most important thing is that YOU are happy with whatever baby name you choose. Happy Hunting!

Joy is the webmaster at http://www.babynamesetc.com – home of the free and unique baby name generator.

Your Newborn Baby’s First Few Days at Home – What You Should Expect

2005-09-28T14:44:00.000-07:00

Your Newborn Baby’s First Few Days at Home – What You Should Expect

by keziah

The first few days home from the hospital are important for both baby and parents. As parents you will have gone through intense birth process that is unlike anything else you have ever experienced. As a new mother you will be drained - both emotionally and physically. The father can often have feelings of being overwhelmed by the huge responsibility he now faces. There probably is not much anyone can say or do to help you to fully prepare for what you are about to experience.

During your first days at home it may be wise to limit the amount of visitors that you welcome into your home because you’ll need a lot of time to recover from the birth process. Other than your immediate family and good friends you might want to ask other friends to wait a week or two before they descend on you with gifts and wanting to hold the new baby.

New mothers will want to pay attention to the way that they feel so that those “baby blues” don’t creep up and surprise you unexpectedly. It is normal to feel a bit out of sorts and sad for the first couple of weeks after giving birth. Your body is going through some major physical changes after the birth of your baby. Your hormones will be changing and you likely will be feeling a lack of sleep. It is important to remember that this is natural and to allow yourself a good amount of time to recover from this. If you find yourself feeling more and more depressed it is advised that you should discuss it with your doctor to see if you are suffering from “postpartum depression”. Symptoms of postpartum depression include:

Overwhelming feelings of sadness and depression accompanied by crying.
Having little or no energy.
Feelings of guilt and worthlessness.
Having no interest in your baby or being overly concerned and worried about your baby.
Weight gain accompanied with overeating or Weight loss accompanied by not eating.
Insomnia or oversleeping.

If you do have postpartum depression then there are a few ways that you can try to beat it:

Try and get as much rest and relaxation as possible. When the baby is asleep use this quiet time to get some rest yourself.
Be more understanding with yourself and do not put yourself under too much pressure to “get back to normal”. Ensure that your family is aware that you need help with housework and so on.
Try to limit the time that you spend just alone – keep your mind and body relatively active (for example by taking short pleasant walks).
Get professional help if the depression seems to be ongoing.
Discuss with other mothers their experiences after birth. You may find that your friends and family members also went through the same issues as you.

During the first few days at home your family will be adjusting to the additional member of your family. If you have other children at home you may be dealing with feelings of jealousy as the new baby takes centre stage. Make sure that you include your other children in the day-to-day activities that are part of the new baby’s routine. Remember that you are trying to adjust to some huge changes in your life so allow yourself the understanding and care that you would give to family and friends in your situation.

Keziah Engineer is the author of the best selling ebook “THE BABY CARE BOOK” – a resource that teaches new parents absolutely everything they need to know about their newborn babies: http://www.global-ebooks.com/babybook.htm

Baby Names - Choosing Trendy or Traditional

2005-09-27T19:42:00.000-07:00

by Barbara Freedman-De Vito

Lists of baby names are always fun to look at, whether you're seeking a name for your soon-to-be-born baby boy or baby girl, wondering about the popularity of your own first name, or just curious about what baby names are currently hot.

What I find particularly interesting is tracking the popularity of baby names over the decades. In looking through U.S. government baby name lists from 1880 to the present, some amusing patterns emerge, particularly in regards to baby names for girls.

For example, in Victorian times Biblical names, such as Mary, Sarah and Ruth were very popular for baby girls. There were also many baby names that sounded very old-fashioned to me, as a kid growing up in the 1960s, including names like Martha, Alice, Bertha and Minnie.

From the 1920s to the 1950s certain baby names rose in popularity. For example, I went to school with many Susans, Debbies, Patricias, and Lindas. All of these baby names have since waned, to be replaced, by the 1980s, with fancier names such as Jennifer, Jessica and Nicole. When I was a children's librarian in the 1980s my preschool storyhours were populated with little girls named Lauren and Jenny, and little boys named Alex and Matthew.

More recently there's been a lot of renewed interest in more "old-fashioned" baby names like Hannah, Abigail and Ethan, plus many Biblical names such as Sarah, Rachel, Joshua, Jacob, and Samuel. There's also been a surge in nontraditional baby names including Madison, Ashley and Brianna for baby girls, and Brandon and Logan for baby boys.

It's interesting to consider the whys and wherefores of such developments. Sometimes, I suspect, the popularity of a specific actor or fictional character might result in many babies with a particular name. For example, were some of the Lauras born in the 1970s and 1980s given a name suggested by older brothers and sisters who were growing up watching "Little House on the Prairie ?" Were some attributable to the super popular Laura of "General Hospital" fame ?

Today Madison is a very highly ranked baby name for girls (ranking number 3 in 2003) but, when the film "Splash" came out in 1984, Tom Hanks' character told Daryl Hannah's character that Madison was not a bona fide first name.

While baby girls' names seem quite subject to the whims of fashion and the top ten lists can change radically over time, I've noticed that, in general, the top baby names for boys remain far more stable. Names like John, William and James are perennials, perhaps because baby boys are often named for their fathers, perpetuating the popularity of certain baby names from generation to generation. The "Junior" factor aside, baby boys are also less apt to be given fanciful names.

When naming a baby there are, of course, many other points to consider besides how popular or unique a name is. Here are some helpful tips that you can use with your other children to get them involved in choosing a name for the new baby and to make the process fun:

1. Baby names need to go nicely with the sound of your last name. Also, pick a first name and a middle name that go together well. (So maybe not something like Erasmus Beelzebub Smith !)

2. When your family finds a name you all like, look at the initials to be sure that you don't give the new baby a name with initials that will make people laugh. (So maybe not Pamela Iris Green, which equals P.I.G. !)

3. You might not want a baby name that is so unusual that the other kids will make fun of your little brother or sister as he or she grows up. (So maybe not Rosebud or Molasses !)

4. You also might not want a baby name that is so trendy that it will sound funny by the time the baby is ten years old. (So maybe not Sunshine !)

5. You probably shouldn't pick a name that's really cute for an adorable little baby but will sound silly when the baby grows up. (So maybe not Dimples !)

6. Avoid baby names that might produce insulting nicknames when people shorten them. (So maybe not Smellonius, or Smelly for short !)

7. You and your family might not want a name that is so hard to spell or to pronounce that people will always get it wrong and your poor little brother or sister will have to go through life correcting people. (So maybe not something like Incandescence, or is it Incandessints ? )

8. You and your family might want to pick baby names in honor of favorite relatives or ancestors, or special names that show your family's ethnic roots. You might even find a special name from a book or movie that you love. (Like Harry ?)

9. You might want to look through books of baby names and pick one that has a special meaning that you like - maybe something that means "sweet" or "kind" or "brave." (So maybe not wimp !)

10. You might want to think about names that will go nicely with your name and your other brothers' and sisters' names, so that if mom or dad are calling you all for dinner or signing a birthday card to grandma it won't sound too crazy.
(So maybe not "Happy Birthday, Grandma ! Love, Joey, Cindy and Dweevo !")

There are hundreds of names waiting for you out there, so good luck on your search for the perfect name !

Visit Barbara Freedman-DeVito's website at http://www.childrensclothingbabyclothes.com for baby clothes, children's clothing and gift items decorated with her colorful and amusing artwork for kids. Barbara is a professional storyteller, teacher and artist.

Let Your Children Name the New Baby

2005-09-26T14:40:00.000-07:00

by Barbara Freedman-De Vito
September 06, 2005

Choosing a baby name is an important job, so make your children feel important by letting them help you name the new baby. After all, you're not the only one who's having a baby - your whole family is ! Use the process of naming the baby as an opportunity to get your other children involved in and excited about their new brother or sister, and make the process fun. Try a little humor, with wild list-making sessions that may eventually lead you to the perfect baby name that will fill that vacant space on your family tree.

Here are some of the points, both serious and silly, that you can encourage your children to consider when sifting through the thousands of possible baby names that are floating around out there. I've added a few sample names, from appropriate to absurd, to make your children laugh and enjoy the name choosing process, and to get your whole family thinking.

First of all, don't choose a first name that is SO odd and unusual that, as your child grows up, his or her friends will endlessly make fun of it. Perhaps "Sassafras" or "Tintinabulation" are not the best name choices. On the other hand, you may not want a name that is SO common that every third child in the playground has it, too. Of course, what is "too common" changes every few years. When I was a child in the early 1960s, every other kid answered if someone called out "Bobby" or "Joey."

You might also want to avoid a baby name that is so up-to-the-minute and trendy that it may sound ridiculous by the time your child hits kindergarten. I'd think twice before naming a baby "Megabyte" or "Bloggy." Then again, if the name is VERY old fashioned, that can also lead to taunting by other children. How would you like to be in the third grade and be named "Horatio Cornelius" ? Other old fashioned names, though, such as Rachel and Sarah, never seem to go out of style.

Sometimes a name sounds really cute on a tiny baby, but inappropriate on a mature adult. Should anyone have to go through life as "Dimples" or "Pinky" or "Bitsy" ? Still, there are other names that may suit a serious bank executive, but sound too somber for a toddler - take "Harold Thaddeus" or "Mildred Hortense," for instance. Shoot for some sort of middle ground between cutesy-pie babyish and dour fuddy-duddy.

You may also want to avoid names, or combinations of first and middle name, that have a very strong negative association with a particular person or event in history, like "John Wilkes" or "Lee Harvey."

Consider the spelling of any baby name that you and your children like. Will it be so difficult to spell or to pronounce that your child will be condemned to a lifetime of seeing and hearing people mangle his or her name and having to endlessly correct them ? As a case in point, I might have been named "Ides" (pronounced "Ee-dess") but, luckily for me, my parents dropped the idea for fear that I might wind up being called "Ides" (as in "Beware the Ides of March").

After all of the "don'ts" I've mentioned, how about some "dos" for your kids to ponder. Maybe you'd like to name the baby in honor of a special relative, past or present, or a close friend of the family. Think about all the people in your life who've been dear to you. You may even choose to show respect for a famous person you really admire.

Another possibility is to celebrate your ethnic roots by choosing a current or traditional name that comes from your family's cultural heritage, or some branch of it, if your lineage blends several different ethnic backgrounds.

How about naming the baby for a book or movie character that you and your children love ? Perhaps a little "Harry" or "Dorothy" is waiting to be born. (Possibly a tiny "Pinocchio" or "Thumbelina," although those may be a bit extreme.)

The meanings of baby names are a popular element to consider. You could begin with a special meaning, like "beloved" or "gentle" or "courageous," and then see what names stem from those words. Different languages and cultures can lead you to various name choices, all with the same specific meanings. If you want to avoid negative meanings, however, I suppose that "Picklepussia" would be out of the running.

You may want to use a particular letter of the alphabet as your starting point. If you're expecting a baby girl you might, for example, list every girl's name that you can think of that begins with the letter V - Valerie, Victoria, Veronica, Violet, and so forth. For a more novel approach, how about drawing from all the first names that contain six letters - Joseph, Daniel, Joshua... or seven - Matthew, Malcolm, William...

If you find a first name that you all like, consider its variant forms, too. For example, Christine might also lead you to Kirsten, Christina, Kristen, or Crystal. A potential baby Mary might wind up being named Miriam, Marion, Maryanne, Marie, Maria, Marilyn, or Marlene.

For any name that you all like, try it on for size and live with it for a while. If you name the baby Melissa, will she end up being called "Missy" or "Mel" ? Think of all the nicknames that any given name might spawn and be sure that you can live with the nicknames, as well as the full version of the name. Avoid inadvertently negative nickname-producing names. Don't name the baby "Smellonius" if you don't want him to be called "Smelly" by his schoolmates.

Once you've arrived at a short list of first names that you, your spouse and your children can all agree upon, look at each name within the context of the full name that it will be a part of. Find a first and middle name that suit and go nicely with each other, and with the sound of your last name. "Ernesto Casimir Jones" might not create the most pleasing effect and "Calliope Bathsheba Schmidt" may not quite roll off the tongue.

Test lots of combinations of your family's favorite name choices until you hit upon the perfect one. Then be sure to examine the resulting set of initials. You don't want to give your baby a beautiful and well thought out full name, only to later discover that the monogrammed handkerchiefs will read "P.I.G" or "Y.U.K." or "D.U.M." So avoid the likes of "Philip Ian Green" (alias "Pig") or "Yelburton Uriah Keep" (commonly called "Yuck") or "Doris Ursulla Martin" (a.k.a. "Dumb").

If your favorite name passes that test, next imagine it as it will be used by different people on different occasions. Using John Q. Public as an example, let's look at all of its forms: John Quincy Public, John Q. Public, John Public, J. Q. Public, Johnny P., J.Q.P., J.Q., and even "J.P. loves S.A." carved on a tree. Explore every possibility for any inadvertent gaffs.

Picture your chosen name as it will appear in various real life situations: how will it look on a school register ? on a diploma ? on a resumé ? in the oval office ? What impression will it create ? Will it sound dignified ? snobbish ? flakey ? classy ? friendly ? pretentious ? dumb ? What would you like to shoot for - interesting and harmonious, but neither too weird nor too dull ?

Once you've found a combination of names that can pass muster and meet every criteria set forth, and that you're all just crazy about, there's one more factor to consider. How does this new name go with those of your other children ? Imagine shouting down the street to call your kids in for dinner, or listing your children's names on a government form, or signing a holiday card. Do you really want that birthday card to your favorite aunt to read "Happy Birthday, Aunt Emma ! Love Terry, Jason and Tondaleo" ?

If you can jump over this final hurdle you've done it ! You've found the perfect baby name for that little someone who's soon to be a part of your family, and your children will be more enthused about the baby's arrival if they've helped you choose that name. It will truly be THEIR baby, too.

Make the process as lively and amusing as you can to get them into the spirit of it. For each point that I've mentioned, encourage your kids to draw up long lists of possibilities, including silly lists. Let them have fun and get all of their wildest name suggestions out of their systems, too. Create your own "name the baby" games, such as "What would we name the baby if we were Martians ?" "What if we'd lived 300 years ago ?" "What if the name had to end with the letter 'a' ?" Use your imagination, and your kids will be sure to use theirs, too. That perfect name is out there somewhere, you just need to find it.

Have fun !

Barbara Freedman-DeVito is an experienced storyteller, English teacher, art teacher, and children's librarian. She has been entertaining kids since 1979, creating storytelling programs, puppet shows and theatrical skits for schools, libraries, museums, parks, and private homes. She now writes, illustrates and publishes childsafe animated stories and fairy tales for children, which are sold through her publishing company, Baby Bird Productions. She also has children's and baby clothes with colorful pictures from her stories.

Top 100 Baby Names 2005

2005-09-25T00:26:00.000-07:00

Rank	Male name	Female name
1	Jacob	Emily
2	Michael	Emma
3	Joshua	Madison
4	Matthew	Olivia
5	Ethan	Hannah
6	Andrew	Abigail
7	Daniel	Isabella
8	William	Ashley
9	Joseph	Samantha
10	Christopher	Elizabeth
11	Anthony	Alexis
12	Ryan	Sarah
13	Nicholas	Grace
14	David	Alyssa
15	Alexander	Sophia
16	Tyler	Lauren
17	James	Brianna
18	John	Kayla
19	Dylan	Natalie
20	Nathan	Anna
21	Jonathan	Jessica
22	Brandon	Taylor
23	Samuel	Chloe
24	Christian	Hailey
25	Benjamin	Ava
26	Zachary	Jasmine
27	Logan	Sydney
28	Jose	Victoria
29	Noah	Ella
30	Justin	Mia
31	Elijah	Morgan
32	Gabriel	Julia
33	Caleb	Kaitlyn
34	Kevin	Rachel
35	Austin	Katherine
36	Robert	Megan
37	Thomas	Alexandra
38	Connor	Jennifer
39	Evan	Destiny
40	Aidan	Allison
41	Jack	Savannah
42	Luke	Haley
43	Jordan	Mackenzie
44	Angel	Brooke
45	Isaiah	Maria
46	Isaac	Nicole
47	Jason	Makayla
48	Jackson	Trinity
49	Hunter	Kylie
50	Cameron	Kaylee
51	Gavin	Paige
52	Mason	Lily
53	Aaron	Faith
54	Juan	Zoe
55	Kyle	Stephanie
56	Charles	Jenna
57	Luis	Andrea
58	Adam	Riley
59	Brian	Katelyn
60	Aiden	Angelina
61	Eric	Kimberly
62	Jayden	Madeline
63	Alex	Mary
64	Bryan	Leah
65	Sean	Lillian
66	Owen	Michelle
67	Lucas	Amanda
68	Nathaniel	Sara
69	Ian	Sofia
70	Jesus	Jordan
71	Carlos	Alexa
72	Adrian	Rebecca
73	Diego	Gabrielle
74	Julian	Caroline
75	Cole	Vanessa
76	Ashton	Gabriella
77	Steven	Avery
78	Jeremiah	Marissa
79	Timothy	Ariana
80	Chase	Audrey
81	Devin	Jada
82	Seth	Autumn
83	Jaden	Evelyn
84	Colin	Jocelyn
85	Cody	Maya
86	Landon	Arianna
87	Carter	Isabel
88	Hayden	Amber
89	Xavier	Melanie
90	Wyatt	Diana
91	Dominic	Danielle
92	Richard	Sierra
93	Antonio	Leslie
94	Jesse	Aaliyah
95	Blake	Erin
96	Sebastian	Amelia
97	Miguel	Molly
98	Jake	Claire
99	Alejandro	Bailey
100	Patrick	Melissa
Note: Rank 1 is the most popular, rank 2 is the next most popular, and so forth.

Source: http://www.ssa.gov/OACT/babynames/

Top 100 Baby Names 2004

2005-09-24T16:19:00.000-07:00

Rank	Male name	Female name
1	Jacob	Emily
2	Michael	Emma
3	Joshua	Madison
4	Matthew	Olivia
5	Ethan	Hannah
6	Andrew	Abigail
7	Daniel	Isabella
8	William	Ashley
9	Joseph	Samantha
10	Christopher	Elizabeth
11	Anthony	Alexis
12	Ryan	Sarah
13	Nicholas	Grace
14	David	Alyssa
15	Alexander	Sophia
16	Tyler	Lauren
17	James	Brianna
18	John	Kayla
19	Dylan	Natalie
20	Nathan	Anna
21	Jonathan	Jessica
22	Brandon	Taylor
23	Samuel	Chloe
24	Christian	Hailey
25	Benjamin	Ava
26	Zachary	Jasmine
27	Logan	Sydney
28	Jose	Victoria
29	Noah	Ella
30	Justin	Mia
31	Elijah	Morgan
32	Gabriel	Julia
33	Caleb	Kaitlyn
34	Kevin	Rachel
35	Austin	Katherine
36	Robert	Megan
37	Thomas	Alexandra
38	Connor	Jennifer
39	Evan	Destiny
40	Aidan	Allison
41	Jack	Savannah
42	Luke	Haley
43	Jordan	Mackenzie
44	Angel	Brooke
45	Isaiah	Maria
46	Isaac	Nicole
47	Jason	Makayla
48	Jackson	Trinity
49	Hunter	Kylie
50	Cameron	Kaylee
51	Gavin	Paige
52	Mason	Lily
53	Aaron	Faith
54	Juan	Zoe
55	Kyle	Stephanie
56	Charles	Jenna
57	Luis	Andrea
58	Adam	Riley
59	Brian	Katelyn
60	Aiden	Angelina
61	Eric	Kimberly
62	Jayden	Madeline
63	Alex	Mary
64	Bryan	Leah
65	Sean	Lillian
66	Owen	Michelle
67	Lucas	Amanda
68	Nathaniel	Sara
69	Ian	Sofia
70	Jesus	Jordan
71	Carlos	Alexa
72	Adrian	Rebecca
73	Diego	Gabrielle
74	Julian	Caroline
75	Cole	Vanessa
76	Ashton	Gabriella
77	Steven	Avery
78	Jeremiah	Marissa
79	Timothy	Ariana
80	Chase	Audrey
81	Devin	Jada
82	Seth	Autumn
83	Jaden	Evelyn
84	Colin	Jocelyn
85	Cody	Maya
86	Landon	Arianna
87	Carter	Isabel
88	Hayden	Amber
89	Xavier	Melanie
90	Wyatt	Diana
91	Dominic	Danielle
92	Richard	Sierra
93	Antonio	Leslie
94	Jesse	Aaliyah
95	Blake	Erin
96	Sebastian	Amelia
97	Miguel	Molly
98	Jake	Claire
99	Alejandro	Bailey
100	Patrick	Melissa
Note: Rank 1 is the most popular, rank 2 is the next most popular, and so forth.

Source: http://www.ssa.gov/OACT/babynames/

Top 100 Baby Names 2003

2005-09-23T13:13:00.000-07:00

Rank	Male name	Female name
1	Jacob	Emily
2	Michael	Emma
3	Joshua	Madison
4	Matthew	Hannah
5	Andrew	Olivia
6	Ethan	Abigail
7	Joseph	Alexis
8	Daniel	Ashley
9	Christopher	Elizabeth
10	Anthony	Samantha
11	William	Isabella
12	Nicholas	Sarah
13	Ryan	Grace
14	David	Alyssa
15	Tyler	Lauren
16	Alexander	Kayla
17	John	Brianna
18	James	Jessica
19	Dylan	Taylor
20	Zachary	Sophia
21	Brandon	Anna
22	Jonathan	Victoria
23	Samuel	Natalie
24	Benjamin	Chloe
25	Christian	Sydney
26	Justin	Hailey
27	Nathan	Jasmine
28	Logan	Rachel
29	Gabriel	Morgan
30	Jose	Megan
31	Noah	Jennifer
32	Kevin	Kaitlyn
33	Austin	Julia
34	Caleb	Haley
35	Robert	Katherine
36	Thomas	Mia
37	Elijah	Destiny
38	Jordan	Alexandra
39	Aidan	Ava
40	Cameron	Nicole
41	Hunter	Savannah
42	Jason	Maria
43	Connor	Brooke
44	Evan	Ella
45	Jack	Mackenzie
46	Luke	Allison
47	Angel	Paige
48	Isaac	Jordan
49	Aaron	Stephanie
50	Isaiah	Faith
51	Gavin	Makayla
52	Jackson	Kylie
53	Kyle	Kaylee
54	Mason	Jenna
55	Juan	Amanda
56	Eric	Trinity
57	Charles	Zoe
58	Brian	Katelyn
59	Adam	Mary
60	Luis	Madeline
61	Sean	Andrea
62	Alex	Michelle
63	Nathaniel	Rebecca
64	Bryan	Kimberly
65	Ian	Sara
66	Carlos	Alexa
67	Jesus	Gabrielle
68	Adrian	Caroline
69	Cole	Lily
70	Steven	Vanessa
71	Lucas	Angelina
72	Owen	Riley
73	Aiden	Sierra
74	Devin	Amber
75	Jayden	Autumn
76	Timothy	Lillian
77	Julian	Gabriella
78	Cody	Audrey
79	Blake	Jada
80	Seth	Erin
81	Dominic	Leah
82	Jaden	Danielle
83	Diego	Isabel
84	Hayden	Maya
85	Xavier	Ariana
86	Richard	Arianna
87	Chase	Jocelyn
88	Colin	Evelyn
89	Carson	Avery
90	Jeremiah	Aaliyah
91	Patrick	Leslie
92	Antonio	Claire
93	Sebastian	Melanie
94	Miguel	Shelby
95	Jesse	Marissa
96	Victor	Melissa
97	Landon	Sofia
98	Jake	Bailey
99	Trevor	Jacqueline
100	Alejandro	Molly
Note: Rank 1 is the most popular, rank 2 is the next most popular, and so forth.

Source: http://www.ssa.gov/OACT/babynames/

Top 100 Baby Names 2002

2005-09-22T13:03:00.000-07:00

Rank	Male name	Female name
1	Jacob	Emily
2	Michael	Madison
3	Joshua	Hannah
4	Matthew	Emma
5	Ethan	Alexis
6	Andrew	Ashley
7	Joseph	Abigail
8	Christopher	Sarah
9	Nicholas	Samantha
10	Daniel	Olivia
11	William	Elizabeth
12	Anthony	Alyssa
13	David	Lauren
14	Tyler	Isabella
15	Alexander	Grace
16	Ryan	Jessica
17	John	Brianna
18	James	Taylor
19	Zachary	Kayla
20	Brandon	Anna
21	Jonathan	Victoria
22	Justin	Megan
23	Dylan	Sydney
24	Christian	Rachel
25	Austin	Chloe
26	Samuel	Jasmine
27	Benjamin	Sophia
28	Nathan	Jennifer
29	Logan	Morgan
30	Jose	Natalie
31	Noah	Kaitlyn
32	Gabriel	Hailey
33	Kevin	Julia
34	Robert	Destiny
35	Caleb	Haley
36	Thomas	Katherine
37	Jordan	Nicole
38	Hunter	Alexandra
39	Cameron	Savannah
40	Kyle	Maria
41	Elijah	Mackenzie
42	Jason	Stephanie
43	Jack	Mia
44	Aaron	Allison
45	Isaiah	Jordan
46	Luke	Amanda
47	Connor	Jenna
48	Isaac	Faith
49	Angel	Paige
50	Jackson	Makayla
51	Brian	Mary
52	Eric	Brooke
53	Mason	Katelyn
54	Juan	Rebecca
55	Adam	Andrea
56	Evan	Madeline
57	Luis	Kaylee
58	Charles	Michelle
59	Sean	Sara
60	Aidan	Zoe
61	Gavin	Kylie
62	Alex	Sierra
63	Nathaniel	Kimberly
64	Bryan	Aaliyah
65	Carlos	Amber
66	Jesus	Gabrielle
67	Ian	Caroline
68	Steven	Vanessa
69	Cole	Alexa
70	Timothy	Trinity
71	Cody	Danielle
72	Seth	Erin
73	Adrian	Autumn
74	Devin	Shelby
75	Lucas	Angelina
76	Blake	Riley
77	Richard	Gabriella
78	Julian	Jada
79	Patrick	Lily
80	Sebastian	Jacqueline
81	Trevor	Melissa
82	Chase	Ava
83	Dominic	Angela
84	Jared	Bailey
85	Antonio	Isabel
86	Jeremiah	Jade
87	Jaden	Leah
88	Xavier	Courtney
89	Miguel	Ella
90	Jesse	Maya
91	Garrett	Leslie
92	Alejandro	Jocelyn
93	Mark	Ariana
94	Owen	Melanie
95	Jeremy	Claire
96	Hayden	Lillian
97	Bryce	Christina
98	Diego	Evelyn
99	Riley	Marissa
100	Victor	Audrey
Note: Rank 1 is the most popular, rank 2 is the next most popular, and so forth.

Source: http://www.ssa.gov/OACT/babynames/

Top 100 baby Names 2001

2005-09-21T00:42:00.000-07:00

Rank	Male name	Female name
1	Jacob	Emily
2	Michael	Madison
3	Matthew	Hannah
4	Joshua	Ashley
5	Christopher	Alexis
6	Nicholas	Sarah
7	Andrew	Samantha
8	Joseph	Abigail
9	Daniel	Elizabeth
10	William	Olivia
11	Anthony	Jessica
12	David	Taylor
13	Tyler	Emma
14	John	Alyssa
15	Ryan	Lauren
16	Zachary	Grace
17	Ethan	Kayla
18	Brandon	Brianna
19	James	Anna
20	Alexander	Megan
21	Dylan	Victoria
22	Justin	Destiny
23	Jonathan	Sydney
24	Christian	Rachel
25	Austin	Jasmine
26	Samuel	Jennifer
27	Benjamin	Julia
28	Noah	Isabella
29	Logan	Morgan
30	Robert	Chloe
31	Nathan	Kaitlyn
32	Kevin	Natalie
33	Thomas	Hailey
34	Jose	Haley
35	Cameron	Katherine
36	Hunter	Nicole
37	Caleb	Sophia
38	Gabriel	Alexandra
39	Jordan	Amanda
40	Kyle	Mackenzie
41	Jason	Maria
42	Aaron	Savannah
43	Eric	Stephanie
44	Isaiah	Allison
45	Elijah	Jenna
46	Brian	Rebecca
47	Isaac	Jordan
48	Jack	Andrea
49	Connor	Mary
50	Luke	Gabrielle
51	Adam	Amber
52	Luis	Katelyn
53	Mason	Faith
54	Juan	Makayla
55	Charles	Sierra
56	Evan	Madeline
57	Sean	Brooke
58	Angel	Sara
59	Jackson	Michelle
60	Carlos	Erin
61	Nathaniel	Kimberly
62	Alex	Caroline
63	Steven	Danielle
64	Cody	Vanessa
65	Jared	Zoe
66	Jesus	Kaylee
67	Timothy	Trinity
68	Seth	Shelby
69	Bryan	Bailey
70	Ian	Jacqueline
71	Devin	Paige
72	Patrick	Autumn
73	Richard	Courtney
74	Cole	Melissa
75	Adrian	Jada
76	Trevor	Angela
77	Blake	Mia
78	Gavin	Alexa
79	Chase	Marissa
80	Garrett	Catherine
81	Sebastian	Christina
82	Julian	Claire
83	Lucas	Leslie
84	Mark	Gabriella
85	Antonio	Mariah
86	Aidan	Laura
87	Alejandro	Leah
88	Miguel	Isabel
89	Jeremy	Caitlin
90	Jesse	Alexandria
91	Jeremiah	Molly
92	Bryce	Ariana
93	Xavier	Breanna
94	Dakota	Angelina
95	Carson	Kylie
96	Victor	Aaliyah
97	Kenneth	Kathryn
98	Dalton	Jade
99	Colby	Kelsey
100	Jake	Katie
Note: Rank 1 is the most popular, rank 2 is the next most popular, and so forth.

Source: http://www.ssa.gov/OACT/babynames/

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2005-09-15T14:09:00.000-07:00

Baby Resource

Buy Baby Gift Online
Find your best baby gift at buy-baby-gift.com, offering baby books, gift ideas, personalized baby gifts and more.
Baby Strollers and Car Seats
Reviews, guides and information on a wide variety of baby gear and equipment. Get the information you need about car seats, high chairs, monitors, strollers, and more.
Baby Birth Announcements, Shower Invitations and Favors
Simple, modern and unique birth announcements, baby shower invitations, christening and baptism invitations, thank you cards and baby shower favors.
Baby Shoes
Before You buy baby Shoes, You Should Read our article.
Organic Baby Gifts
The Delightful Child carries organic baby clothes, organic baby bedding, organic gifts for mom, and organic skin care products. They also have baby shower information, parenting information, breastfeeding information, and more.
Baby Gifts and Kids Products
Shopping guide and product reviews of baby and kids gifts, baby strollers, clothes, furniture, toys, breastfeeding and solid feeding tools, diaper changing supplies, computer and video games, books, and children learning softwares.
All sorts of great baby stuff - The blue baby store
Big baby store with thousands of baby books, magazines, toys, and other baby apparel.
Simply Precious Baby specializes in handcrafted baby gifts
Simply Precious Baby specializes in unique baby clothing and baby gifts including burp pads, burp cloths, baby bibs and baby blankets
Baby Pregnancy Exercise Fitness
Baby stuff Pregnancy Advice + Exercise and Fitness for new mums online
Gr84kids
Combining all things great for kids, our site begins with gear for baby and continues with designer clothing, fun and creative bedding and great beds, unique and fun toys, puppets and books to encourage imagination and, lifelong skills for kids 0-12years.
ReciprocalManager.com PHP/MySQL Website Script
Easily Manage Your Reciprocal Links Pages and Increase Your Website Traffic, Search Engine Rankings and Link Popularity!
Online Auction without the Auction Silent Auction Seller Retail Shopping Consignment Thrift Shop
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Bottle Stoppers Wedding Favors
Elegent yet cheap wedding favors. Best price on the net for wedding favors.
Best Gift Basket Tips
Free tips and resources on how making unique Gift Baskets for Birthdays, Anniversaries, Weddings, Valentine Day, Christmas, Easter and many more.
party needs, party-supplies, party novelties, balloons, birthday gifts
The place where you can find all you need and more, to turn your party into an event
Be Romantic -- advice from real people
A large collection of romantic tips, love poems, love letters and a library of articles to help build a solid loving relationship.
All Links Directory
Cool Sites Guide :: Inspired Internet
The Torn Bread network of sites features free & legal MP3 music, shopping, webmaster tools, career advice, great stuff for kids and much more!
Fun Kid Websites: Recommended websites for kids
Selected sites for children. The best of the web for kids!
Children’s Music & Stories, Kids Coloring, Games & Shopping
Quick-reference guide to a suite of web sites for children. Free & legal kids music MP3s, download free coloring printables, classic children's stories in streaming audio and free games to play online.
Odd Baby
Unusual baby names for your newborn
Add your Baby Related site here

Wedding Resource

wedding
Online wedding planner providing free wedding tips wedding gift ideas for bride or mother of the bride on weddings
Wedding Vows
Looking for wedding vows? Whether you need to find original wedding vows, funny wedding vows, free wedding vows, renewal vow samples, or just wedding vows, try one of these ...
Wedding Favors by Escape Concepts
Unique and traditional wedding favors, bridal shower favors, and baby shower favors. We also have a great line of tea party favors. There is also a great line of themed party favors, such as beach wedding favors, garden favors, and holiday party favors.
Wedding Favors
Offers Wedding Favors, wedding party favors and bridal shower favors at discount prices.
Our Wedding Organizer
Keep all your Wedding Planning Details in ONE place. Our organizer is a downloadable file that you print out and place in a 3 ring notebook. This allows you to add everything you need to keep all your planning details in ONE place.
Bridal Jewelry and Bridesmaid Gifts
Unique groomsmen gifts, bridal jewelry and bridesmaid gifts for the important people on your special day.
Unique Engraved Groomsmen Gifts
Unique groomsmen gifts and engraved gifts for weddings, anniversaries, birthdays and more. Groomsmen gifts include flasks, money clips and golf gifts.
Wedding Speeches & Toasts Guide and Resources
A site for those in the uncomfortable position of needing to give a speech or toast at a wedding. A guide and resources to help avoid potential embarrassment and humiliation for the speaker and the wedding party.
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