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.
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by Jennifer Cram, Civil Marriage, Naming & General Celebrant, Brisbane

A civil naming ceremony and a christening in a church are not mutually exclusive ceremonies, although a civil naming ceremony is often characterised as a “secular” christening. Many families are now opting to have both.

Both types of ceremonies are very joyful occasions that formally recognise the special responsibilities of parents to their child; and provide the opportunity for others to make a public commitment to the child. At both the child’s names are formally announced. A Christian baptism symbolises the moment the child becomes a member of the body of Christ, part of a particular denomination, and parents and godparents pledge themselves to bring up the child in a godly and upright way.

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Finding the right baby name for your little bundle of joy can be quite the task. You want to find something that will be original, but also attractive. And, of course you want to make sure the name suits the child. Most people find that having a few names on their list helps them find the right fit when the time comes to pick one. Your child’s name will be with them throughout their life, so choosing the right one is important.

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By: GranMamma Smith

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.

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