When I was first pregnant, in 2007, the best of TV seemed to include Grey's Anatomy and Ugly Betty. My choices for inspiration to name my baby were slim. Add to that, I was a teacher at the time, which historically tends to rule out half the names on your radar, because some little bugger in Year 9 ruined the name for everyone on staff.
But for those pregnant mummas who are looking for name inspo these days - you have cult shows like Game of Thrones and Outlander to inspire you! If Tyrion doesn't tickle your fancy, there is such a wealth of characters, names and places to inspire. Think Fraser, Bonnie, Ned, Brienne, Bran or Arya to start.
Here are just a couple of tips to consider when choosing a name:
1. Say it aloud. It will sound funny at first, like you're making up something, but eventually it may start to sound familiar, and might resonate with you.
2. Sit with one name at a time. Practise saying the name, in conjunction with your surname and in the list of family members to see if it fits.
3. Say the name in full - first name, middle name, surname - to make sure there isn't an accidental word that's created when the sounds run together. Make sure the initials work, too.
4. Is it easy for people to pronounce or spell? You might like your child to have a name that is as unique as they are, but also think about practicality in the future.
Take it from someone who's had to not only spell her name her entire life, but often correct people about the pronunciation; it can be annoying! I have often wished for a simpler name. Well, my coffee name is Anna ;)
For more on Game of Thrones names, check out these two articles, here and here.
If Outlander's more your style, check out these Scottish-inspired names. Or, we've stumbled across a comprehensive listing of Outlander names, characters, places and even herbs here.
And if something more main-stream is your style, this list shows top 100 names in Australia for boys and girls, as well as what's trending in baby names in each state.
What do you look for in a name?