Last Word on First Names

I own 7 baby name books, and this is by far my favourite. If you're interested in baby naming trends (and want to avoid a trendy name), this is the book for you. No doubt about it: this book is very judgemental (but people are judged by their names whether we like it or not). However, the writers seem to be well-rounded and intelligent so I often agree with their comments. The best thing about this book is how the writers discuss the names in current cultural context. I find this much more useful than a list of names with their obscure definition (who cares that Calvin means bald?). This book is useful especially for first time parents who may not realize that Brittany, Emma and Tyler are not original. I'd like to see an updated version of this book (even though I probably won't have any more children, I just find this book so fun to read)

I can't tell you how many baby name books I read before I found this. I didn't just want a list of names, I wanted help chosing, and this was the only book that was useful. It helped us avoid names about to be too popular and gave us interesting alternatives. Really, don't waste your money, buy this one first.

A very opinionated, very fun to read book. Does not give many meanings of names, rather the authors concentrate on how the names are perceived today. Has a lot of unusual choices - not for you if you love very popular names. Could stand to be updated now, but still my favorite baby name book ever!

Unlike boring name books with tons of lists, this one actually picks the best and worst names out there and gives you the authors personal opinions of them. And they have excellent taste! If you can't bear the thought of naming your baby Ashley or Brandon, this is the book for you.

I thought that the book was a very helpful tool in picking out my baby's name. When you give a baby a name it is going to last forever so choose it wisely. I recommend this book in doing so.