The easiest way to pick a baby name is to be intentional: decide what matters most to you (meaning, style, uniqueness, family ties), then use that as a filter to narrow a list down together over time. A simple process plus a few “tests” on your shortlist usually makes the right name stand out.

Start with what matters

• Decide your priorities: meaning, cultural or religious significance, honoring someone, uniqueness vs familiarity, ease of spelling/pronunciation, or how gendered/neutral you want it to be.
• Talk about “no-gos” early (names you strongly dislike, exes, negative associations) so you don’t waste energy debating them.

Build a big list

• Collect names from many places: family trees, your cultures and languages, books, movies, nature, places, baby-name sites or apps.
• Let each parent add freely at first; no vetoes yet so you both feel represented.

Narrow it down together

• Go through the list and: cross out hard “no” names, mark “maybes,” and star favorites.
• If you have many favorites, try ranking them or scoring each 1–10, then keep only the top few.

Test how the name works

• Say the full name out loud with your last name; check the rhythm, repeated sounds, and whether it feels comfortable to say often.
• Check initials to avoid accidental words, and think about realistic nicknames (both ones you like and possible teasing versions).

Think about real-life use

• Imagine the name at different ages: a baby, a teenager, an adult on a résumé or in a professional setting.
• Consider how often it might be mispronounced or misspelled where you live, and whether that would bother you or your child.

Use time to your advantage

• “Try on” a name for a few days: refer to the baby by that name and notice how it feels; rotate through your top contenders.
• If you’re stuck between two, you can keep both as first + middle, or wait to see baby and choose once you meet them.

If you share a bit about what you like (classic/modern, cultural background, gendered or neutral, any names you already like), a tailored short list of name ideas can be suggested.