[Momtothe6thpower]

Do you have certain "guidelines" that a name has to meet before it will make your final list. Did you do this on purpose or is it something that kind of happened?

For me.....
Girls names-Must have 3 syllables w/ a two syllable nickname.
Ex. Alyssa=Lyssa

Boys names-Must have 2 syllables w/ a one syllable, four letter nickname
Ex. Coleman=Cole

Both-Can't start w/ B and I try to stir clear of repeating first initials.

Just wanted to add that this wasn't something I really thought about until after my third. I saw that my girls names matched (syllable wise) and wanted that for my boys. I tried to break away from it but couldn't, LOL!

How do you get Luke from Coleman? lol I don't follow that one at all.

For me.. hm. I try to steer away from names that have really common nick names (i.e. I LOVE Madeline, but probably won't use it because I'd want her called Madeline, NOT Maddie).

I think that might be it.

[Momtothe6thpower]

Sorry! My other son is Lucas/Luke, LOL!! Can you tell I have 5 kiddos

I changed it! I cannot believe I confuse there names when typing too, LOL!!

Haha, I figured that was the case.

[Bedazzled]

I try to steer clear of any names that are too popular.

[Londa]

I don't have many set in stone rules. I try not to look at popular names (top 50 or so) but I can't say I DEFINITELY wouldn't use one.

I probably wouldn't use a name that is over 3 syllables or too long to write. I have a long first name and I get tired of writing it sometimes. I do have exceptions though....I love the name Corinthia and she never leaves my list.

Can't think of anything else right now.

[Mama.Angie]

I stick away from popular/ common names. We've lately been talking about sticking to two syllables, since myself, DH, and Kairi are all two... but that's not something we've got set in stone as of yet.

[ImagineOctober]

Plain and simple...gotta LOVE it.

[Gaby&Emmy'sMama]

Hmm I'm not sure I have any definate guidelines, but I try to stay away from old fashioned names.....

Girls - generally 2 syllables, quite like place names, a lot of my faves end in -AH or -ON
Boys - generally 2 syllables, with an 'A' sound somewhere in the name, a lot of my faves end in an -IN sound (Jackson, Kaidyn, Bryndon)

[Mom2Froggy]

I usually look for names that aren't that common, or spellings that are different. For example, Lilys full name, Lilyin. I've never seen anyone with that spelling.

[babydahl]

Not too popular (though Layla became quite popular after we'd already had her).

No negative associations (I teach grades 6-8 so sometimes it's tough, especially with boys!)

Middle name after family member (Danielle - after my deceased dad Daniel, Makenna - after DH's deceased dad Ken and Liam - after maiden name of Williams of DH's deceased mom).

Can't start with the same letter as another one of the kids names.

Can't start with a D because of our last name.

[kristi714]

I have an alphabetical fascination. The name has to have some alphabetical order or meaning. I came from a family of all K's except my Dads a J then us 3 girls MN's went Lynn, Marie, Nicole....so JKLMN.... Having the same initial strangely made me feel more bonded with my fam.
I married a J also. Seriously pondered doing J's & K's but decided since my husband and I both have L middle names I will go that route. So we are Justin, Kristi, Layla (JKL) and i am not quite sure if I will go all L names or if i will go in aphabetical order and do an M name for my 2nd child, N for my 3rd...

It's weird i admit, but it's my thing & i can't stray away.
Other than that I just gotta love the name!

[carlyheartsphil]

For girls they have to have a nickname that I like.
No names in the top 100.
Trying to not repeat first initials.