Finding a suitable baby name isn’t always easy. We’ll share tips for choosing a name, introduce some especially popular and rare girl and boy names, and highlight the latest naming trends.
Your child’s name is a lifelong companion. For many expectant parents, searching for the perfect name is one of the most exciting parts of pregnancy. For some, the decision comes quickly; others only choose once their little miracle is already in the world. New parents have up to seven days to officially register the final name at the registry office—provided it hasn’t already been listed in the birth announcement at the hospital. However, for many, the path to a final decision is a long one. Parents often weigh very different aspects: Does the first name match the last name? Should it be long or short? Does the name have a special meaning? Or should your little explorer, for example, be named after their great-grandfather? All of these questions can play a role in choosing a name, and every couple answers them differently.
Here are some tips to help you with the naming process:
Write down lovely names you come across in everyday life. A name list may not be groundbreaking, but there’s a good reason so many expectant parents make one.
Say the names on your list out loud—also together with your baby’s last name. How does it sound to you?
Cross off names you’re not 100% sure about right away. After all, your child will carry this name for life, so you shouldn’t talk yourself into it.
Make sure the name doesn’t only suit a small child. After all, your child will carry this name into adulthood.
Also consider what nicknames a name might lead to, and whether pronunciation or spelling could cause issues.
Be cautious with humor when choosing a name: your child may not share your sense of humor ;-)
Listen to your gut feeling. If a name immediately makes you uneasy—and your partner loves it—trust your intuition.
Once you’ve found a great name, stop looking. Really!
Reveal the baby name – or keep it to yourself?
Have you found a beautiful name for your baby? Great! Now you have to decide: Do you want to share it before the birth, or keep it to yourself? Because “beautiful” is in the eye of the beholder—and as we all know, tastes vary. If you share your naming ideas with friends and relatives, you may be met with completely different opinions. "Really? Cornelia/ Samuel/… you think that’s beautiful?!" Sometimes Grandma , your best friend, or Dad simply has a very different taste—or knows someone with that exact name whom they find terribly unpleasant. In that case, it can be better to keep the name for your unborn baby to yourself.
If you and your partner have already chosen a name with all your hearts and still want to share it with others, the key—especially if the reaction is less enthusiastic—is to stay confident and stand by your decision. After all, it’s your child, not Aunt Hiltrud’s. And in time, she’ll surely get used to even the most unusual names, or connect wonderful new memories with a name she once disliked. One thing is certain: your friends and family will love your baby—no matter what you call them.
Popular names – from the past to today
Names that once make it into the Top Ten often stay there for several years. As true evergreen names, they’re not uncommon—and they can come to represent an entire generation. In the 1920s in Germany, names like Ilse and Ursula, or Hans and Günther/Günter, were popular. Forty years later, Sabine and Claudia, or Thomas and Michael, topped the charts for many years. That hasn’t changed at all: from 2011 to 2019, Ben was always number one, and for the past two years, Paul has led the list. Most of the time, Mia has been the most chosen girl’s name—except in 2014, when Emma overtook Mia. In 2021, Emma is again at the top—let’s see for how many more years.
But don’t worry: even if you choose a popular name, it doesn’t mean every other child will have the same first name. Statisticians have found that extreme clusters are quite rare. You may, however, have to do without reactions like “Oh, that’s an exceptionally beautiful name!” with a choice like this. ;-)
Trends in naming
Overall, even in our , a trend toward short names has been noticeable in recent years. For example, in 2021, Emma, Lia, and Clara were very popular for girls. The trend is also clear in boys’ names like Paul, Finn, and Leo. Another trend is names from TV series—no surprise, considering series are more popular than they’ve been in a long time. Especially in the , names like Castiel and Arya/Aria are on the fast track. If you’re not familiar with these names: Castiel is a male angel from the successful mystery series "Supernatural." Arya is, on the one hand, the daughter of one of the main characters in "Game of Thrones," and on the other hand, one of the main roles in the American mystery series "Pretty Little Liars."
In the German-speaking region, these names are still rather unusual. However, even here, the move toward extraordinary names has become a trend. At LILLYDOO, we’ve repeatedly heard very special names we had never come across before. Here is a small selection: Kiana, Thorin, Ivy Tallulah, and Dero. But Livia, Kenji, Yayera, Balam, and Junis are also likely among the rarer boys’ and girls’ names in this country!
There is no single "correct" name for your baby!
We’re confident you’ll choose your baby’s name with lots of love and care. Are you enjoying the search? Even better! If, on the other hand, you’re feeling discouraged because you can’t find the right name, we hope we can reassure you: there is no single “correct” name for your baby. Your child will bring their name to life—not the other way around. Whether you name your baby Ben, Barbie, Bernd, or Balam, they’ll definitely become a little superhero! :-)
