Whether you’re searching for baby names for boys or girls, consider four questions to find the perfect moniker for your newborn.

1. Do you want a baby name with family significance?

Many people like to honor family members – especially those who are deceased – by giving those names to a newborn child. For instance, if you’re searching for baby boy names, consider using the name of the baby’s grandfather or uncle. For baby girl names, seek inspiration in grandmothers’ or aunts’ names. You can still honor a relative by using a middle name if you’re not crazy about the first name. Another alternative: Consider a derivative of the original name – for example, you could name a boy “Bernie” after his grandmother “Bernadette.”

2. How much does meaning matter?

For many parents, the symbolism of the child’s name is more important than the baby name itself. For example, many people like to use Christian baby names, such as Joseph, Isaac, or Mary. Others like to portray principles such as truth, strength or beauty in their baby’s chosen name. Of course, all names have an origin and meaning. You can search for baby names and meanings by using one of the many baby name websites, such as http://www.thinkbabynames.com.

3. Do you want a popular baby name?

You’ll want to consider if a trendy or an original name will suit your baby the best. Some parents think the most popular names are the best names, while others prize uniqueness before anything else. Check out this helpful tool from the Social Security Administration to gauge how popular your chosen names are: http://www.ssa.gov/oact/babynames. I discovered by searching the SSA database that my son Jackson carries the 25th most popular boy’s name for his birth year.

4. What baby names please both you and your partner?

In the end, most couples settle on children’s names through mutual agreement – or at least bargain for who gets the final decision. (Of course, as a mother, I lean toward giving the woman the final vote!) I suggest each parent prepare a short list and see where your favorites intersect. If you can’t agree on a name, you may need to keep looking until you find the one that clicks for both of you.

My mother gave me one of the best ideas I’ve heard for quickly and easily scanning baby names. Read the credits of the movies and television shows you watch! Using this technique allows you to scan lots of random names in a matter of minutes.

One last word of advice: If you really love your baby name but are sensitive to others’ criticisms, keep the name to yourself until after the baby is born. People are quick to offer negative opinions of names while the child is still in utero – but less likely to criticize a name once it’s been inked on the birth certificate.

Don’t fret if it takes a long time to decide on a baby name – just try to have fun while doing it! After all, you only get to name a few people in your life – and what a great honor it is!