When selecting a baby name book, you will want one that is comprehensive enough to provide you with plenty of ideas and that includes the kinds of names you are looking for. We carefully considered material, comprehensiveness, family significance, and special interests when reviewing products. Here are the best baby name books whether you need an idea or just inspiration. Bruce Lansky’s 100,000+ Baby Names earned our top spot thanks to the book’s sheer volume of choices. The biggest book on this list by far, Lansky’s guide is the most popular baby name book in North America for a reason. Regularly updated to reflect the latest naming trends, the book begins with advice on how to pick a name that both, you and your child will love. If you’re a baby name nerd, you’ll especially appreciate Lansky’s dedication to presenting trends over time and how they’ve shifted historically, so you can get an idea of how your baby’s name will be perceived years later when they’re going to school or (gulp!) applying for jobs. There are also sections on names inspired by literary and historical figures; on “the impressions names make,” which allows you to see how your child’s name might be perceived by others; and on naming (baby) twins or triplets and siblings. If you’re interested, you can also browse through the sections on celebrities’ birth names or fun facts about naming practices and trends. Price at time of publication: $24 A fun read packed with anecdotes and helpful hints, The Baby Name Wizard uses a computer-generated algorithm to guide new parents methodically through names and their cultural origins, meanings, and related names to help you decide if a name is close but not quite right. Wattenberg also includes information on how to approach a name from a community-based, regional, and family perspective, rather than relying only on your personal taste or preferences. Readers call this book paradigm-shifting and life-saving in terms of picking out the perfect name, especially in the last weeks of pregnancy when the last thing you want to be doing is combing through dictionaries and baby name forums in a panic. Price at time of publication: $15 This book is a good choice if you’re a bit of a history buff, as quirky anecdotes from cultural history round out each name description. Muirithe tells a brief story and provides a cultural narrative about each name, rather than merely providing a lexicon to flip through, making for a much more absorbing read than many baby name books on the market. Price at time of publication: $15 The book includes alternative spellings for contemporary takes on biblical names, as well as traditional Muslim names and creative reworkings of the classics. Except for the introduction, which delves into the history of various African (baby names) and African-American naming traditions, Norman’s baby name book is primarily a straightforward tome, providing a truly massive alphabetical listing of names and (briefly) their meanings and origins. Price at time of publication: $14 Astoria’s comprehensive directory of Christian names will teach you about the linguistic and cultural origins of each name, along with its spiritual connotation (Adalia, for example, means “honorable one” and has a spiritual connotation of “courageous”) and an accompanying Scripture verse. The book also includes a section on birthstone and flower-inspired names, hints on how to approach naming your child, and a section on names with a particular cultural heritage. Price at time of publication: $13 Shane’s descriptions of over 6,000 names from around the world are particularly in-depth, delving into what she calls the “poetry” of each name: that is, its cultural backstory and detailed information about its meaning, steeped within mythical traditions, ethnic and national identity, and geographic origins. Each name is also accompanied by alternative spellings and a pronunciation guide. Each name in Shane’s guide also receives its own spiritual affirmation that draws from its deep-rooted meaning. Price at time of publication: $26 Weaver’s ultra-popular book is separated into sections based on origin, with collections devoted to African, Anglo-Saxon, Biblical, Chinese, French, German, Greek, Native American, Spanish, mythological, floral, celebrity, and gender-neutral names. Each name is accompanied by its meaning and regional background. From Augusta to Aisly, from Kosiya to Kokayi, you’ll find what you’re looking for in Weaver’s name almanac whether you want your baby to be known as an “elf ruler” (Avery) or “seacoast” (Ora). Price at time of publication: $3
Family Significance
Many people want to choose a name from their family background. This may be a particular ethnicity or cultural group. You may have grown up with a language and culture that you want to choose a name from, or you may wish to pay homage to your ancestral roots. Either way, choose a baby name book that includes many cultural groups or that specializes in the one you are interested in.
Special Interests
Are you a literature buff? Or maybe you love Roman history? If you have a special interest, look for a baby name book that includes more than just the literal meaning of each name. Many parents want to choose names inspired by categories like mythology, historical figures, the Bible, or more. Baby name books that specialize in these categories or include categorical information can help you find the right name for your baby.
Why Trust Verywell Family
Katrina Cossey has been a digital content producer and news and feature writer for more than six years. She has covered topics local and national news as well as writing and researching parenting topics. Katrina is a parent herself and found baby name books to be extremely helpful when picking out a name for her child. Choose a name that you love and that has meaning for you. Just make sure you take your child’s experience into consideration. After all, they are the one who will be living with the name.
