Introduction Picking a name for your baby is one of the most enjoyable activities for a new parent, but it's also one of the most daunting. Sometimes choosing the right name is simply a case of hearing one you like and knowing instantly that you've chosen correctly. But, for the vast majority of parents the naming game gets far more complicated when you start trying to please parents, grandparents, friends, and siblings, while trying to avoid names that could be shortened into ridiculous nicknames or would make for funny initials. You'll also probably want to choose something unique, but not too unique, or something common, but not too common. A name could be inspired by an admired celebrity, a sports star, or an influential historical or political figure. It could also come from the family tree, or follow a current baby naming trend. You also need to make sure you love it - you'll have to live with it forever! The possibilities are endless so it's understandable that it can set some parents into panic mode. Well, never fear.

Baby Names 2013 is here to take you through your options and solve your baby-naming dilemmas. It's updated annually, is it always includes the year's most popular names, celebrity choices, and names making a comeback. We've included dozens of lists to provide you with inspiration, and, of course, some downright weird names children have been given over the years (usually by celebs). Take a peek at the most up-to-date trends in baby-naming, from the backlash against quirky names to the return of the traditional, and some recent celebrity trends. Read about how the latest developments in the Space Race could impact baby names, what movie characters you'll want to name your baby after, and what names make for the cleverest kids. Be sure to also keep an eye out for all the facts and figures we've got for you - including what names are most popular around the world - so you can either go with the flow. or deliberately against it. The average length of a baby names is six letters.

This book is broken into two sections: the first deals with how to figure out what to name your child through a series of questions and suggestions, and the second gives you a meaning for each name you're considering. There's no right or wrong way to use this book, just as there's no right or wrong way to make your baby naming decision. Remember, picking a baby name should be fun - so dip in, find some names you like, and use the suggestions we've given you to work out if one of them is a winner!.