When Baby’s Name Doesn’t Feel Right: Trusting Your Instincts as a Parent
I was so glad I was able to share my personal experience in an article on baby name regret, by Family Education— this is a topic that touches more parents than we often realize. Naming your baby is such a tender, meaningful decision—and sometimes, once your baby is here, the name you thought was perfect no longer feels like the right fit.
Why This Happens
It’s nothing to feel ashamed or worried about. Names are often chosen and shared long before birth, but meeting your baby for the first time is an intuitive, powerful experience. The little one in your arms might not seem to “fit” the name you had imagined, and that shift can feel both surprising and emotional.
Names carry so much weight—they can reflect culture, family history, legacy, or even hopes and dreams for your child. But at the core, naming is deeply instinctual. As mothers and parents, we’ve known this baby the longest. Trusting those instincts matters.
My Own Experience
This was actually my own story, too. With one of my babies, we had chosen and announced a name well before birth. But once I held him, it just didn’t feel right. After giving myself space and sharing openly with family and friends, we revisited names—including ones we had once set aside—and even discovered a new option.
In the end, we chose the name that felt like it truly belonged to him. Fourteen years later, he has grown into that name in ways that continually affirm the decision. And now, this “naming story” has become a part of our family’s story, retold with love each year. ❤️
What I Tell Moms
If you’re feeling unsure, give yourself grace. You’re not alone. The name you eventually choose—whether it’s the original one or a new one—will carry your love, your thoughtfulness, and the story of how you welcomed your baby into the world. That is what matters most.
Final Thought
Being quoted in Family Education on this topic was an honor, because it gave me the chance to remind new parents that their intuition deserves to be trusted. Baby names aren’t just words; they are living parts of your family’s story. And sometimes, the bravest and most beautiful choice is listening to that inner voice telling you to pause, reflect, and choose again.
By your side,
