Naming Their Baby

Rahul and Priya sit together with a list of names, discussing meanings and family traditions before deciding on a name for their newborn.

Meanings in Rahul, Priya, Grandmother (on call)

Key words and phrases

meaningfulhaving a significant or deep meaningThey wanted a meaningful name for their child.

family traditioncustoms passed down within a familyNaming after grandparents is a family tradition.

shortlista reduced list of the best optionsThey made a shortlist of five names.

nicknamean informal, often shorter name used affectionatelyHis nickname at home is Chintu.

initialthe first letter of a nameThe astrologer suggested a name starting with a specific initial.

pronunciationthe way a word or name is spokenWe checked the pronunciation before finalising the name.

astrologera person who studies stars and planets to give adviceThe astrologer suggested letters based on his birth star.

finaliseto make a final decisionThey finally finalised the name after a week.

suggestionan idea or recommendation offeredGrandmother had a lovely suggestion for the name.

uniquebeing the only one of its kindThey wanted a name that felt unique.

birth certificatean official document that records a baby's birth detailsWe need the name for the birth certificate.

middle namea name placed between the first and last nameThey decided to skip a middle name.

surnamea family name shared by relativesTheir surname is Sharma.

numerologythe belief that numbers influence a person's lifeShe checked the name's numerology before deciding.

horoscopea forecast based on a person's birth detailsThe horoscope suggested a name starting with 'A.'

spellingthe way letters are arranged to form a wordThey debated the correct spelling of the name.

registerto officially record a name with authoritiesThey will register the name at the municipal office.

pet namean affectionate informal name used at homeHis pet name is different from his official name.

legal namethe official name used in documentsAarav will be his legal name on all documents.

relativesfamily members other than parents and siblingsThey informed all their relatives about the baby's name.

Useful sentences

Ask Have you thought of any names for the baby?
Answer Yes, I have a shortlist of five names.
Ask What does this name mean?
Answer It means 'one who brings joy.'
Ask Should we follow a family tradition for the name?
Answer Let's ask grandmother for her suggestion too.
Ask Does the astrologer suggest a particular initial?
Answer Yes, he suggested a name starting with 'R.'
Ask Have we finalised the name yet?
Answer Yes, we've decided to name him Aarav.
Ask Do we need the name for the birth certificate?
Answer Yes, we should register it soon.
Ask Are you giving him a middle name?
Answer No, we decided to keep it simple with just one name.
Ask What is your surname going to be for him?
Answer He will use his father's surname, Sharma.
Ask Did you check the name's numerology?
Answer Yes, the numerologist approved of Aarav.
Ask Have you told all the relatives the name yet?
Answer Not yet, we'll announce it this weekend.

Dialogue

PriyaI've made a shortlist of names. Can we go through them?

RahulSure. What does the name Aarav mean?

PriyaIt means 'peaceful' or 'calm.'

GrandmotherThat's a lovely meaning, and it starts with the right initial too.

RahulI really like it. Let's finalise this name.

PriyaAarav it is, then!

RahulNow we need to register this name for the birth certificate.

GrandmotherDon't forget to check the spelling carefully before you submit it.

PriyaI'll call the relatives tonight and share the good news.

RahulPerfect. Aarav Sharma — it has a nice ring to it.

Common mistakes

Saying "give a name" instead of "choose a name" or "decide on a name."
Saying "the name mean" instead of "the name means."
Saying "finalise on the name" instead of "finalise the name."
Saying "What is meaning of this name?" instead of "What is the meaning of this name?"
Saying "register the name in the birth certificate" instead of "register the name for the birth certificate."
Saying "his good name is Aarav" instead of "his name is Aarav."

Quick quiz

1. What is a "shortlist"?

2. An informal, affectionate short name is called a ___.

3. Complete: "They finally ___ the name after a week."

4. What is a "surname"?

5. Complete: "They will ___ the name at the municipal office."

6. An affectionate informal name used at home is called a ___.

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