What do we often do with the things we love?

One of the first questions anybody asks about a newborn is, "What is the baby’s name?" Faced with this tiny pink newborn, we want to put a name to it; as if by doing so, we welcome it to this world of individuals. We always name the things we love; a small child will give names to even his tiniest toys, or his well-chewed blanket. And the difference between "Blankie" and the blanket is an entire personality.
     There are many ways to choose a name for a baby. One of the most common is to use an old family name. If the family tie is strong enough, parents are often willing to overlook an unpleasant feeling or meaning. If all the men for five generations have been named Brendan, who are you to complain that the name means "smelly hair?"
     But inspiration need not be limited to the family tree. Pick an attribute; pick the name of the Italian city where the baby was born. Name the baby after your favorite poet, or an interesting saint.
     It can be difficult to find the perfect name for your baby, but the beauty of the process is this: by the time the baby is a few months old, his personality erases all other associations the name may hold. The evil snake, or the much loved poet, fades away; and the name becomes quite simply the name of your child; and you will have made the right choice.