During pregnancy, most expectant parents ask themselves a basic question: “ What shall we call our son? ” A decision that, between us, is not one of the easiest to make! Whether you're looking for a girl's or a boy's name, we've gathered 9 tips to help you make the right choice.
Because while some parents easily agree on a name, for others it can become a real headache!

We at LILLYDOO wanted to give you a hand. Thanks to our app LILLYDOO , available on Apple iOS and Android, you can now find more than 13,000 names. The app and the 9 tips below will surely help you find the name that will steal your heart!

1. TAKE YOUR TIME AND DON'T MAKE A HASTY DECISION

The number one rule when choosing a name for your baby is to take your time—no rush! Choose a name you’re proud of and that you’ll still love in 20 years. After all, your child will carry it for a lifetime! By choosing a name, you give your child part of their identity, which deserves careful consideration.

2. CHOOSE THE APPROPRIATE NUMBER OF NAMES

In Italy, at the registry a child can be given a maximum of tre names, while on baptism registration you can indicate even more , but they will not be valid for the Italian State. However, remember that too many names could be a nuisance for your little one: every time they have to sign an important document, they will have to do so with their full name. Often, those who choose multiple names want to pass down a family name and pay tribute to their loved ones.

3. CONSIDER THE ADVANTAGES AND DISADVANTAGES OF A TRENDY OR ORIGINAL NAME

In Italy, there are restrictions on the names to give to children : for example, you cannot give names considered ridiculous (for example, the name of a day of the week). You also cannot add Junior or Jr to a first name (but you can give the father's name as a middle name), use names of negative historical figures , or give male names to females and vice versa , except for Andrea.
It’s up to you to decide how original you want your little one’s name to be, keeping in mind that, like all things, this choice has advantages and disadvantages.

4. ASSOCIATE THE NAME (I) WITH THE SURNAME

In general, if the surname your little one will have is long, it’s better to choose a short name. Conversely, if the surname is short, you can use a longer name. So, find the perfect balance . It’s always a good idea to write the first name(s) next to the last name and say them out loud to see if they sound good together. Also try the reverse: say the last name followed by the first name.

5. CHOOSE A SIMPLE ORTHOGRAPHY

With a name, anything is possible! You can unleash your imagination—there are no limits and no rules regarding spelling. However, keep in mind that original names must then be written out. Sometimes, you’ll even need to spell certain names. Keep this in mind when making your choice.

6. TAKE A LOOK AT THE MEANING OF THE NAME

If you don't know what name to choose, you can draw inspiration from its meaning. The meaning of a name is a true message, and it can say a lot about your little one. Think of Vittoria as a good omen for your girl, or Francesco, which means "" the one who is frank ”—so sincere!

7. CONSIDER THE PROS AND CONS OF ABBREVIATED NAMES

In recent years, the trend of abbreviated names has really taken off: think of an Alex or a Jenny... short and convenient. However, if you choose a diminutive, your child will likely have to regularly answer the following question: “ Is this your real name or a nickname? ”.

8. CHECK THE TRANSLATION AND THE MEANING OF NAMES IN FOREIGN LANGUAGES

If you or your family do not live abroad, this aspect might initially seem unnecessary. However, keep in mind that later on, your child might want to study or move to another country. In fact, abroad, some first names can raise questions or even sneers. For example, the female name Mona means “ monkey " in Spanish, and Anne (with the final e) is the Turkish translation of " mom ". So, if you expect your child to become a bit cosmopolitan, consider looking into translations and meanings in other languages. The same goes for pronunciation!

Who better than your little one to suggest the perfect name? If you really can't decide and the big day is almost here, choose two or three names together with your partner and wait until you can hold your little bundle in your arms. Just one look... and you’ll know!

Whatever name you choose, the most important thing is that you and your partner are happy! You can share it with your loved ones from the very beginning if you wish, but try not to pay too much attention to their advice. Someone will always oppose your favorite name, but the choice is yours—only yours!

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