Why do we call them "baby names"?

Good question!

Sometimes I've used the term "baby names" to make it clear I'm talking about names for a real person (instead of a pet, a car, or a fictional character). I suppose we could also ask, "Can anyone help me think of a good human name?" but that sounds a little strange!

Some parents do tend to think of their "baby names" as only needing to suit their children for the first ten years of life. I think parents who give their children nicknames for their legal birth-certificate names (like Danny or Abby) aren't really thinking about finding a name that will suit their children through all phases of life. We hear all sorts of comments on hear like, "I couldn't imagine that name on a little girl," or, "That sounds like an old lady name." Most people who say things like that are taking a very short-sighted approach to choosing a name for their child.

An "adult name" could mean one of two things. It could mean a name that had its peak of popularity in the 40's or 50's and is thus most common on people my parents' generation. Names like Harold, Patricia, Donna, Roger, and Carol come to mind. No, I probably wouldn't give one of those names to my child, just because they DO sound a little outdated.

An "adult name" could also just mean one that is sophisticated enough to work on a grown-up as well as on a child. Some examples are Katherine, Clara, Lydia, Julian, and Kenneth. I would DEFINITELY want to name my child something that could work well into adulthood. Then if I wanted a more cutesy "baby name" for my darling toddler, I could always use a nickname, like Katie or Kenny.

Well said ... and that's exactly why I avoid the term whenever possible. After all, simply asking about or commenting on a name -- sans "baby" -- should be sufficient enough. ;)

To take your thought a step further, I've noticed that books and sites who buy into this and place the phrase "baby name" right in their title are often the least accurate by far. Listing obviously incorrect origins and meanings and any and all possible (mis)spellings, likely in an attempt to up their numbers. After all, if given the choice between "899 Names for Baby" and "1,002 Wonderful Baby Names," which would you likely pick up? LOL

Conversely, if a book or site is truly dedicated to accuracy, you won't likely find "baby" anywhere in the name. Behind the Name, for example, is certainly the best site I've found for researching the etymology of given names (not "baby names"). ;)

I'd avoid anyone or anything that infantilizes the whole process, frankly. As you said, just because the names are given at birth shouldn't negate the reality that they will one day be "adult names." :)

Wrong. Not all names are given at birth. Some people wait for a while to name their babies. It is not a law requirement that you fill out that section at birth. In fact, it is not even required that there be a birth certificate at birth. It makes more sense to do so, but it is not the law.

Also, many people change their names. If you are adopting, especially. My cousin is adopting twin girls from Russia. Their names right now are something like Olga and Helga. It's awful. By the time they arrive in the USA, they will be about 2 years old (hopefully, they will come very soon!) and their names will change at that time. So, she has been pouring over good names for months, even though her children are not babies anymore.

As for adult names, I think William is a very adult name... That's why they get called Billy when they're little. Or Arthur. Or Sven. Okay, now I'm jerking your chain! I agree that it seems superfluous to call it "baby names" since it seems so obvious, but in my experience, moms-to-be can't resist using the word "baby" at any given time.... which must be why the taboo word game (where you can't say baby, mommy, due date, etc) is so popular at baby showers....

:-P

I agree! Its not like the name will change when the person is no longer a baby. . .

It also bothers me because the internet filters at work block most things having to do with babies so I cant browse names because every website lists them as BABY names.

Also, people shouldnt worry about names sounding "old". Names should be strong and respectable especially once the kid reaches adulthood. I feel bad for some of the kids these days with goofy names, its not gonna sound as cute when you are introducing yourself to a potential employer as Coco-Blu-Deizel-Pixie-Princess-Heavenly-Diva-Pilot-Saffron, etc.

IDK. that is weird isn't it? I have actually met people named "Baby". Weird but. I'd give my child just a name that I like. And think would fit in with the world of all these new names that I've never heard of. I get alot of slack about my naming ideas. But I think that you grow into it and I love my name that suits me. Just because I'm Joshilan dn't mean I'm not capable of anything tho right? Stupid answer I'll quit writing.

Well by the time they are an adult they were given a "baby" name so you would not have ever say adult names... they are babies when we name them

I kinda actually like it when a guy calls me babe or baby but after a while if he didn't even use my real name it would get annoying.

you have a very amazing question i never thought abotu anythign liek that but everything is done because of technical bul.. liek yea technically when your born you get a name so thats why they call it baby names we should make our own name sites and stuff liekadult names or namesworld.com instead of babynameworld.com l0l..

Gosh, I wish SOME people would recognize that - then they might give practical names to their children.

They won't be little forever - give them a name that will last them their lifetime!

Maybe because you only give names to babies, never to adults. So we think of them as "baby" names.