In short
- Pick a name whose meaning you are happy to say aloud.
- Check the spelling, the initials and the nicknames before you register it.
- Treat nakshatra and numerology as optional extras.
Choosing a name is one of the first big decisions you make for your child, and it is one they will carry for life. Most families have a long list of names, a lot of opinions from relatives, and very little time. This guide gives you a simple way to narrow the list and feel sure about the final choice.
1Start with the meaning
A name is something your child will be asked about for years, so it helps if the meaning is one you are happy to say out loud. Check the meaning and the language it comes from before you fall in love with the sound. Many modern names have more than one claimed origin, so look at two or three sources. Where the sources disagree, the meaning is a matter of tradition and not fact, and our name pages say so by listing the most commonly given meaning.
You can browse by religion, gender and first letter in our baby names directory, or search by meaning, for example "light" or "brave".
2Say it with the surname
Say the full name aloud, and write it down. Some first names run into the surname and sound odd together, and a few combinations are easy to tease. Also write the initials. Three initials can spell a word you did not intend, and they will appear on school books, forms and email addresses.
3Think about spelling before the birth certificate
Spelling matters more than most parents expect. The same name can be written Aarav, Arav or Aaravv, and the spelling you choose will appear on the birth certificate, Aadhaar, school records and, later, a passport. Documents that do not match cause trouble years later. Decide on one English spelling, and if your family uses a regional script, check that the English version reads naturally from it.
Tip. Write the spelling you choose on a piece of paper and keep it with the hospital papers, so every form uses the same one.
4Check how it sounds in more than one language
In India a name is often said in Telugu, Hindi, Tamil, English and more at the same time. Ask a few relatives who speak different languages to read it out. A name that is easy for everyone to say tends to stay as it was given, and does not get shortened into something you did not choose.
5Think about nicknames
Every name gets a nickname sooner or later. Say the nicknames out loud, including the ones your relatives will invent. If you do not like what a name can turn into, it is better to know now.
6Consider family customs
Many families have customs for naming. Some name a child after a grandparent, some use a letter or syllable from a family tradition, and some follow the nakshatra, the lunar mansion the moon was in at birth, which suggests a starting sound for the name. These are customs and families differ in how they use them. If this matters to you, read our guide on finding a name by nakshatra.
7Use numerology as a bonus, not the rule
Some parents also look at the name number from numerology. It is a tradition that adds a number to the letters of a name, and it is not science. If it is fun for your family, it is a harmless extra. See how the name number is worked out. We would not choose a name only because of its number.
8Do not chase trends too hard
A name that is at the top of every list this year may be shared by half the class in a few years. That is not a problem for everyone, but if you want a name that stands out, look a little beyond the first page of popular names. Our popular names list is a good place to see what is common, and the directory by letter is a good place to find what is less so.
9Make a short list and live with it
Shortlist five or six names. Save them with the heart button on each name page, and share the list with your family on WhatsApp. Then use the names for a few days, as if the baby already had them. The name that still feels right after a week is usually the one.
10Register the name
In India a birth should be registered within 21 days. The name can usually be added later, but the rules and time limits for adding it vary by state, so check with your local registrar. Get the spelling right the first time, because changing a name later is slower and more costly than choosing carefully now.
Common questions
How many names should we shortlist?
Five or six is enough. A longer list makes the decision harder, not easier.
Is it fine to choose a name that is not on any list?
Yes. The only checks that matter are that you like the meaning, it is easy to say and spell, and it works with your surname.
Can we change a name after the birth certificate is made?
It is possible in many cases, but it takes paperwork and the process differs between states. It is much easier to decide before you register.