What is more important: the sound of the name, or the meaning behind it?

Question

My husband and I have chosen some pretty unique names for our future kids. For us we really have stressed the meaning behind the names, not the names themselves.

Answer 1

For most parents, it's pretty much a combo. However, it's no sense having a name with lots of meaning behind it if it's way too odd a name, with unusual spelling which will plague the baby through his or her childhood. Ethnic names are different, though, if they are meaningful and are unusual - because they are important because of the family heritage.
Several things to try:
1. Picture the name printed on a business card 25 years in the future.
2. Go to your front door and yell the first name out really loudly, like you were calling your child. Over and over until you are hoarse. Repeat in 15 minutes. This is truly the best test!

Answer 2

The meaning of the name is important, but people don't immediately think of the meaning, especially kids. Kids are cruel, and if your child has a unique name the kids will most likely be vicious. Your child might grow to hate their name because of it too.

Answer 3

The meaning is important, you have to decide how important. I've eliminated names because of their meaning even though they sounded okay. The sounds sours when the meaning is objectionable in any way Edit: for momma Jackie - The meaning of Mary is not known for certain, but there are several theories including "sea of bitterness", "rebelliousness", and "wished for child". However it was most likely originally an Egyptian name, perhaps derived in part from mry "beloved" or mr "love".

Answer 4

The sound.
There are even studies that show that people who will greatly impact your child's life, including teachers and employers, will be influenced by your child's name. It's the first impression before the first impression. Before people meet your child, they will read their name on a roster or schedule or resume, and they will get an impression of what that child is like. That's why so many baby name books now survey people on the impressions they get just by reading names and then list those results beside the name in the book.

Answer 5

I think both are important but the meaning being more so. I haven't meet anyone yet that the meaning of their name didn't go with their personalities.

But either way you can pick out all the names you want but when it comes down to it the perfect name for your unborn miracle will most likely be anything but the names you just picked.

Answer 6

Most people don't know the meanings behind names, or do they care. I think a lot just like/dislike a name by how it sounds.

Answer 7

you dont want to have emotionally scarred kids from all the teasing they get about their names. As long as the names have a good meaning, and are not inappropriate sounding your kids can develope a nickname if he has to, and your the one deciding anyways. Or if you give the child a more 'normal' middle name they can informally develope that as their first name

Answer 8

I think the meaning being the name means alot but the sound of the names can mean something too.

Answer 9

I vote for the sound of the name being more important. If it sounds funny, chances are your child will have to endure the laughter for years to come.

People are cruel. They dont care that Bello means handsome in Italian. They just know it ryhmes with jello, hello, and smello.

Answer 10

You have to take into consideration the kids because they will be the ones stuck with the name.... they may write their names on the blackboard, have to get up in class and say their names, put their names on their desks, etc.... think of how you would feel in those situations....