How to combine baby names

Parenting is all about decisions. Long before you even give birth, you must decide about tests, family finances and other important matters. Then there is birth planning and baby gear. But one of the most lasting and somewhat stressful decisions is what to name the baby. Between traditions and likes/dislikes and personalities, naming a baby is just plain tough business.

If you are looking for a very special and unique name for your baby, then combining baby names is a great way to go. There are several techniques that you can use, and they all produce different results.
So, what do you do? Here's how to combine baby names for your baby.

Baby name combining technique #1: Hyphenate

Have two baby names that you like, but aren't sure which to choose? Don't! One of the simplest ways of combining baby names is to link them with a hyphen. This allows both names to retain their individual meaning while creating a very special name that will be unique to your child.

How to use this: This technique is great if both parents have separate ideas of what the child's name should be. Use both names in the order that sounds most natural, placing a hyphen between the two. For instance, Robyn and Ava can become Robyn-Ava. John and David can become John-David. The key to successfully combining two names is to use two short names. Browse our lists of one syllable names and two syllable names for inspiration.

Baby name combining technique #2: Joining names

Looking for a unique baby name? Take two names and make a new one! Start with two names that you like and consider how you can piece them together to form a special, new combined baby name.

How to use this: To join two names, start with the two names and then look at different ways to combine them into one. Techniques can include dropping portions of each name, interweaving the names or rearranging names. For instance, Audrey and Melissa could become Audlissa or Melrey. Samantha and Isabella could become Samisa or Anthabella. Get creative and be open to the possibilities!

You may also like: Baby names with unique spellings

Baby name combining technique #3: Using prefixes

One big ongoing trend for combining names is to take a relatively simple or common name and add a prefix to it. This gives the name a more unique and personalized feel.

How to use this: First, choose to the name that you want to start with. Then, try it with a few prefixes such as De-, Ke-, La-, Le- or Ra-. For instance, Anne could become Deanne or Luca could become Keluca. Be sure to keep the name that you start with short though. Longer names could get too long and lose the interest (wouldn't Ralexander be a mouthful?)

Baby name combining technique #4: Combining parent names

Want to give your child a sense of family and history with their name? Then combine parent names to form a very special, very sacred name. This concept is similar to Technique #2, except it uses truly meanful names.

How to use this: Use Mom and Dad's first names to create an all-new name. You can also use a combo of grandparent names or godparent names. Mix and match the syllables to create a special new name. For instance, Silvia and Paul could become Silpa or Pauvia or Pausil. Daniel and Jessica could become Danica or Jessiel or even Daness.

More baby name ideas

Modern names for boys

Quirky girl names

Does your baby name Google well?