Make sure the name brings positive associations to both parents. Avoid old love interests, unliked relatives and bad characters from your favorite sitcoms.

Current popular names are great, but 15 Jennifer's in one first grade class can be too much. Try going to a playground and yelling out some of your ideas. See how many children turn to look. That will give you an idea of the popularity in your area.

Your baby's name should sound just as good for an adult at the age of 35 as it does for a baby at the age of 2.

Unusual sounding names are wonderful, until other people destroy the pronunciation. Ask friends and relatives to try to say the name, to determine if it is too unique.

Consider how the name goes with your last name. The first and last name together should have a good tempo. Will your child run out of breath reciting their full name? Also, look at initials. For example: Hannah Olivia Goldman spells HOG!!

Consider honoring a member of the family by using their name. Look through your family tree for wonderful old names long forgotten.