The top ten baby names of 2006

Choosing a name for your newborn is a challenging task for any parent. There are just so many options out there, and more being created every year. Do you want a popular and very traditional name? Or maybe a newer, less common one? A good place to start is to first see what everyone else is naming their children. Then you can either join the crowd, or head off in your own direction. Below is a list of the top ten baby names for the year 2006 (updated July 15, 2006).

Continue reading after the top ten baby names list for some helpful tips to consider when naming your baby. You sure don't want to be the parents who unknowingly give their child a name that gets them teased and made fun of throughout their childhood :)

Girls' Names Emily Emma Madison Olivia Hannah Abigail Isabella Ashley Samantha Elizabeth

Boys' Names Jacob Michael Joshua Matthew Ethan Andrew Daniel William Joseph Christopher

Naming Tips Choosing a name for your new baby can be challenging. There are definitely some pitfalls you might want to consider before choosing. First, ask yourself these questions:

What are the initials? Caitlin Olivia Wells, for example, would probably never monogram her towels.

Does it rhyme? Just imagine what kids could do with a name like Randal Crandall.

Have you spell-checked it? Remember that an original spelling of an old standard (Catherine as Kathourynne, for example) can look ditzy or pretentious to outsiders. Also, do you really want to burden your child with correcting everyone she meets?

What's the nickname? Everyone's going to want to shorten Bartholomew or Branbas. So if you're not wild about Bart or Barney, keep looking.

Does it have a rhythm? Name experts contend that short first names tend to go well with longer last names, and vice versa.

Does it offer flexibility? Will the name work if she wants to be a lawyer? A rock star?

Can you sing to it? Kids love to come up with songs making fun of name. Stay away from a name that could easily be plopped right into a song in place of "Winnie the Pooh" or "Old McDonald."

You maybe safer selecting off the list of the top ten baby names, but if not, just give careful consideration to any long term unexpected consequences your name choice might have.