Name My Baby -- How Parents Choose Baby Names

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Maxanne, Maribelle, Kirem and Carson: Our Favorite "How I Named My Baby" Stories

From Avital to Harrison to Doran, get inspired by the stories behind these baby names (21 Photos)

Raven Snook on Oct 14, 2011 at 4:31PM

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Cool Baby Name Stories: Wild, Wacky and Moving Tales of How Real Parents Named Their Kids

Courtesy of Gino

a Raven Snook on Oct 10, 2011 at 3:28PM

Deciding what to name your baby is the first (of many!) possibly agonizing decisions you make as a parent. Should you go traditional or unique? Name her after great aunt Martha or your favorite rock band? Whatever you do, remember that inspiration can literally come from anywhere -- movies, music, nature, geography, even lunch. ("Campbell" has a nice ring to it, doesn't it?) We asked parents how they made the big decision. Let their inspiring baby name stories get you excited about the process -- and then check out our BabyNamer for even more fresh ideas!

Harrison
“My wife and I couldn’t agree on a name. We discussed, argued and pleaded with each other. I’m a huge Star Wars fan but she didn't want Lucas (after director George Lucas), and I didn’t want a boring name. We borrowed at least 20 books from the library and I bought five more. We watched our favorite movies and listened to our favorite songs. Finally, we had a business meeting and we wrote out names. I liked Harrison (Star Wars again), but she was on the fence. Her labor was induced and she ended up having a c-section. Post-birth, I wheeled our son over and she asked, ‘What's your name little guy?’ And I said, ‘Harrison, babe. He’s Harry,’ and she agreed...in her drug-induced state.” -- Gino