Keeping names in the family can be a wonderful way to keep a sense of continuity between the generations. Many parents are now finding beautiful and interesting baby names with ethnic and historical origins. The right name from your own heritage can provide an added source of identity and pride for your child.

This doesn't mean that you need to name your child after dear Aunt Mildred or limit yourself to Bob, Jr., however. Here are some ideas to consider when looking for a baby name with a sense of tradition and heritage:

CREATE A FAMILY TREE
Many people name their children in honor of parents, grandparents, aunts and uncles or siblings. But with the current trend toward more unique naming practices, consider looking a little further back in your family. This can bestow a sense of continuity and heritage, while still giving your child a special name, one he or she doesn't need to share with another living relative. It can even help you find extremely unusual baby names if that is what you are looking for. I have a lot of ancestors named Dempsey in one branch of my family tree, for example, but that name no longer appears in baby name lists or books... If you don't know your family tree going back more than a few generations, then a family tree research project can be a great way to pass the time while waiting for your baby to make her arrival!

Genealogy 101 - Where Do I Begin?
Everything you need to know to get started researching your family tree


CONSIDER MIDDLE NAMES
The custom of using a child's middle name to honor a family surname, especially a mother's maiden name was widespread in the United States in the mid-nineteenth century. Following this example, and giving your child the middle name of an ancestor or the surname of a grandparent can be a great way to maintain a family connection without saddling the child with a name which may not follow current trends. Again, looking at your family tree can provide you with many middle and surnames which you may not otherwise have considered.

Learn More About Your Family Tree on the Internet
Don't have a lot of research time?  Learn how to find out more about your family's history right on the Internet!


REMEMBER THE RELATIVES
Many parents like to name babies in honor of living relatives. Maybe you love your Aunt Mildred - but you just can't saddle your saddle your adorable baby with such an old-fashioned name. Consider things like where she lived or what she liked to do. There are many beautiful baby names that come from place names, occupations etc.

Specialty Names
Place names, color names, occupation names and more!

Next page > Unique Ways to Include Family Names