Trying to name your baby can be a difficult task. Thankfully we have plenty of book options to help us find just the right name. Start early in your pregnancy and read names often, narrowing your list. These books will help you find names you didn't know existed or find the meaning of names you didn't understand. I still pour over baby name books on a regular basis. (And don't forget to visit the Baby Names Forum.)
1. The Baby Name Wizard
Photo (c) Price Grabber
This book is a unique look at baby names. It tracks how a name has ranked over the years as well as the usual host of meanings, origins, etc. A very refreshing addition to the baby name world. I really like that each name has it's own chart to give you a quick view of where the name has been.
2. Cool Names for Babies
Photo (c) Price Grabber
Cool Names for Babies is a great book from Pamela Redmond Satran and Linda Rosenkrantz, authors of Beyond Jennifer, Jason, Madison and Montana. These baby name gurus have done it again with hip lists of baby names sorted by theme. This helps you cut through the chase of looking through literally every name in the book!
3. Beyond Jennifer, Jason, Madison & Montana
Photo (c) Price Grabber
This baby name book by Pamela Redmond Satran, Linda Rosenkrantz is one of my favorites. Not only does it go beyond your typical baby naming book, it's got some great stories and awesome lists. Why pour through 200,000 when you don't have to? The humor and wit kept my husband and reading, even after we found some name ideas.
4. Puffy, Xena, Quentin, Uma
Photo (c) Price Grabber
Joal Ryan wrote this hip baby name book. Are you looking for something flashy and fun? This baby name book has names from stars (both celestial and Hollywood) and tips on giving your baby a less than usual name, including dealing with the birth certificate registrar who stares at you like you're mad for choosing that name.
5. Baby Names Now
Pamela Redmond Satran and Linda Rosenkrantz also wrote this book on names. While it is very different from their first book of names, it is still a fun read. Again, the humor and sarcasm are so wonderfully refreshing. There are fewer names in this book, but more running, hilarious, commentaries. Perhaps it's supposed to be serious, but it really does make you look at names you choose.6. 15,000 Baby Names
And for those of you who want the traditional baby name book with thousands of choices and straight forward names, Bruce Lansky has compiled these names for you in an easy to read format.7. Baby Name Survey Book
Bruce Lansky and Barry Sinrod have compiled a fabulous book of baby names. Not only does it share what the names mean, but what, according to opinion polls, do people think of the names. The original book was one of my first baby name books. It was handy to know who had the name I was thinking about using and what first grade teachers would think.8. O'Baby: The Irish Baby Names Book
Looking for a book of Irish baby names? Look no further than Geoffrey Johnson's complete guide to naming your baby with lots of great Irish names.9. Pick a Pretty Indian Name for Your Baby
Looking for an Indian name? This book offers many names not found in your average baby name book. Including pronunciation guides and options.10. Saint's Names for Your Baby
Fiona MacMath offers you a complete listing of Saint names for your baby, including history, definition or more.11. The African-American Baby Name Book
Teresa Norman has compiled more than 10,000 names from African and Muslim heritages. It includes the origin and meanings of the names and suggestions on choosing a name for your baby.12. Bible Names for Your Baby
Joy and Paul Gardner give you a biblical tour of names from both the old and new testaments. The history and the backgrounds and common usages of the names. A definite must for the person who is leaning towards a biblical name. It includes names that you won't find in other books.