"So. What are you going to name your baby?" is the question every relative, friend, colleague will ask you, whilst marveling at your bump. It is what you will hear every single day for 9 months. It is all you'll think about.
Do you go for a vintage name like Martha? A hipster name like Blaire? A popular name like Olivia? You want it to be safe, but not too safe. Unusual, but so they can actually write it in school without having a meltdown because it has three e's and a rogue 'q' in it. It's also the politics of what their siblings are called. Sam and ella are both lovely sweet names, but when said together sound like the illness that will give you a very bad tummy. Not ideal!
With that in mind, here are plenty of baby name tips, tricks and ideas which we insist you swot up on. Bookmark this page. A baby's name is for life you know.
These names sound great, until you hear their terrible meanings...
Did you know that Lola actually means 'Lady of sorrows'? Read our full list of names that have the WORST meanings ever.
Here are all the baby names that are ACTUALLY illegal
Okay, so 100% check that your little ones name doesn't appear on this illegal baby names list, eh. You want to be creative but not a criminal.
A list of the 33 worst baby names of all time (according to Reddit)
To start your quest for the perfect moniker, it is wise to avoid any name that is on this list. You may be confident that your five names you are toying between definitely won't be on it, but it's probably best to check.
Spoiler: someone has named their baby 'Little Sweatmeat'. Here are the worst baby names according to Reddit.
Now on to some (much-needed) positivity...
36 baby names which are so rare they may soon be EXTINCT
If you're looking for an unusual name for your baby, we might be able to help, as these 36 names are so rare they're headed for EXTINCTION!
But while you might assume the names are all weird or ridiculous, the opposite is in fact true. All of the names on the list are totally normal. In fact you - yes YOU - probably no people with most of them.
See if one of these 36 rare baby names could work for your little one.
121 unique baby names and their meanings
It’s always tough picking out the perfect name for your little bundle of joy because choosing their name is probably one of the biggest decision you'll ever make. They have to live with it for the rest of their lives and you have to call them it forever. But if you're determined to pick something unique, check out one of these totally unique baby names.
75 perfectly matched names for girl twins, boy twins AND boy/girl twins!
Congratulations, you’re expecting TWO bundles of joy! You officially have at least one thing in common with Beyonce - which is more than most of us can say.
All jokes aside, it’s hard enough coming up with one baby name and you’ve gone and found yourself in a spot of double trouble. But don't panic, just check out these 75 perfectly matched twins names - you're sure to find a combo you love!
Top 52 Harry Potter baby names - and their magical meanings
Not a Slytherin in sight, you'll be glad to know! These magical names created by J.K Rowling could be the perfect name for your little one... especially if you plan for them to be as Harry-Potter obsessed as their parents! Here is your complete guide to choosing a Harry Potter inspired name.
40 baby names inspired by Roald Dahl books
Here are all the names and meanings from Roald Dahl's most delightful books. And yes, there is Matilda, which means 'battle-mighty'!
51 beautiful wintry baby names - and their meanings
Check out these beautiful wintry baby names, perfect if your little one is due between November to Feb!
40 boy and girl names for spring babies - and their meanings
These spring names are a breath of fresh air for a baby born between March and May.
42 beautiful autumnal baby names… and their meanings
These fall-inspired monikers are perfect if your little one is born in Autumn.
Baby names that mean ‘miracle’, ‘hope’, or ‘blessing’
If your pregnancy was particularly miraculous, you might want to check out thesebaby names that all have gorgeous sentiment. Though, of course, every pregnancy is a miracle!
60 cool superhero baby names - and their meanings
Give your newborn a name that is super in every sense with these superhero baby names!
20 of the top names from 2016 (and their meanings!)
Here is the list of all the most popular 2016 names, with some very surprising entries...
The 100 most unusual baby names of the year
Or why not choose something a little more unique and creative? Show off with these very unusual names for your one-of-a-kind baby.
20 cool Star Wars baby names for both boys and girls
If you are a huge fan of the franchise, you need to have a look at our top Star Wars names and meanings - they are so barmy but oh-so brilliant.
128 Walking Dead baby names and their meanings
Over 100 names inspired by the cult TV show for powerful, no-nonsense moniker for your newborn. Here are all the names and meanings from The Walking Deadthat you should most definitely browse through.
40 amazing unisex baby names and their meanings
Not sure if you're having a boy or a girl? You're on to a sure winner by picking one of these adorable gender-neutral names...
Top 20 baby names that spell success
A study in which people were asked their perception of names and what they meant to them... here are the top names which were linked with success. Ooh so tempting.
The Hollywood baby names making a BIG comeback
Your Grandad and Grandmother's names are now the height of cool again, with people opting to name their child 'Mabel' and 'Frederick'. #Grannychic? Here is a list of all the vintage names which are all the range right now.
The 6 baby name rules you need to follow when naming your children
It's not just the individual name you have to focus on, oh no, it's all your brood's names. Check out the rules you need to follow when choosing a baby name.
What name have you chosen for your little one? Tweet us at @CloserOnline!