Baby Names For Dummies [Paperback]

Margaret Rose (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: April 25, 2005

The fun and easy way to name the new bundle of joy
Brimming with over 5,000 names, from traditional to unique, this is the perfect reference for parents-to-be looking for naming guidance. It features a an impressive assemblage of options for both boys and girls-from Biblical, medieval, and Shakespearean names to musical and international names-along with a list of today's most popular names and the favorite names of previous decades. Each entry contains variant spellings as well as the name's meaning, history, and derivations. Plus, fun sidebars offer examples of celebrities who chose unique names for their little ones and perfect suggestions for future political leaders, artists, and movie stars.

Editorial Reviews

From the Back Cover

Features classic to cool names from A-Z

Pick the perfect name for your little bundle of joy

Jennifer or Jason? Colton or Casey? Choosing the right name for your baby is an important decision, and this fun, friendly guide makes it easy! From traditional to the unique, you get name origins, meanings, and spellings, as well as guidance navigating all the factors involved in selecting a name that will make you — and your child! — happy.

Discover how to

• Choose a name from around the globe
• Select a name from a popular decade
• Find out fascinating facts of historical interest
• Put a name together
• Decide on a name from the most popular names

About the Author

Margaret Rose, PhD is a freelance writer and an authority on baby naming practices. She's authored journal articles on the art of historic names and historic name communities.

Product Details

• Paperback: 380 pages
• Publisher: For Dummies; 1 edition (April 25, 2005)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0764543407
• ISBN-13: 978-0764543401
• Product Dimensions: 9.2 x 7.4 x 0.8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.2 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 3.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (6 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #457,618 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars More fun and interesting than you might imagine, August 22, 2006

By 

J. Dupuy "7-layer dezigns" (Birmingham, AL United States) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Baby Names For Dummies (Paperback)

When I first saw this book, I thought to myself "yeah, right" who needs more than a simple list-type of book with--what--like 10,000 names. This author does a great job of explaining various tips, techniques and historical background that should go into choosing a name. I found it fascinating to read about the origins of her name selections--some listed chronologically like "building empires: classical names" to "romanticizing Victorian ideas". I loved the chapter titled "ten practices to avoid." This book offered very creative suggestions without being too wild and out there! I never even pictured myself to be the type that would buy a baby naming book, but I loved this one!

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Informative and very entertaining!, July 8, 2008

By 

J. Arena (Williamsburg, VA) - See all my reviews
(TOP 500 REVIEWER)    (VINE VOICE)   

This review is from: Baby Names For Dummies (Paperback)

This is a very well researched and fascinating book about the pitfalls of naming your family member. Wildly creative isn't always better! The book will help you see life from the viewpoint of your child in later life, and imagine just what it might be like to be named Formica Dinette or Zip Code. Choosing from one of those alphabetical lists that go on endlessly can be a mistake as well. You just might fix on something early on in the alphabet and be too exhausted to keep on going, missing out on some wonderful names!

The book also encourages you to carefully research the name that you pick, because it might have an origin or history that might later turn out to be a problem. Furthermore, if you pick one of the top most popular names the year your baby is born, you might just find yourself in a difficult situation when school starts. You want your child to have his own identity, yet have a name that society considers acceptable. Teasing can be an awful part of the school experience.

No matter what your own attitudes are, society has a set of standards -- right or wrong -- and names can cuase your child to be judged unfairly by that standard. Will a certain choice make teachers think he is "dumber" and grade him accordingly? Yep -- it's a disgrace -- but research has stated that such things take place.

Clearly, it's important to make a good choice, and Baby Names For Dummies will help you make the perfect choice for your own wonderful child.

Well recommended!

1.0 out of 5 stars Not worth the money, January 24, 2012

By 

Lori L. - See all my reviews

This review is from: Baby Names For Dummies®, Mini Edition (Kindle Edition)

This book has very few names. I would pay more and get a book that actually has some insight, or more names. It's one of those you get what you pay for type of minibooks. I found it useless.