When a happy couple is looking for a name for their baby that will soon arrive, it brings them joy to think about a variety of names and each name’s history. It is such an important responsibility because their child will be called whatever they choose for a very long time!

In the United States it is common for someone to have:

First name+Middle name+Last name

The last name is the family name that everyone shares.

How do parents choose their child’s name in the United States?

1. They buy a book.

This is the most common way! Almost every couple will buy a book of baby names and read through them, pondering over how each name sounds.

2. They keep their eyes and ears open 👀 👂

They look around for inspiration from movies, books, television, an advertisements.

3. They ask family and friends for help.

They ask their family and friends for recommendations, and let them know what they like and don’t like in a name.

4. They name their child after someone.

They use a family member or friend’s name. It can be used for the first name or middle name.

What about nicknames? And, are middle names ever used? Until next time!

-You Are Learning English Team

A group of experienced and certified ESL and English as a Foreign Language teachers.