Choosing a baby name is one of the most important decisions you’ll make come the arrival of your bundle of joy. Whether you prefer a classic name, or something a little more unique, there are an infinite number of possibilities to choose from. However, having so many name options can easily become overwhelming and stressful, exactly what you don’t want your baby naming journey to be. Luckily, there are numerous resources that not only share a myriad of baby name options, but also the meaning, origin, and additional pertinent information behind every name. These books take into account your background as well as your personal tastes to suggest names that actually fit you and your baby.
Table of Contents
7 Best Baby Name Books for Girls & Boys (2025 Reviews)
Best Baby Name Books
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1. The Name Book: Over 10,000 Names – Their Meanings, Origins, and Spiritual Significance
(Best for learning the full background of names — $)
Why it’s great: More than just a list of names, The Name Book provides a holistic view of the literal meaning, background, cultural origin and spiritual significance of over 10,000 names. If you’re feeling stuck and overwhelmed with an abundance of names, this book also provides helpful hints to support you in choosing the perfect name for your little being.
Keep in mind: This book is not separated into male and female lists so you cannot search based on the gender you are looking for.
Good for: Parents who want the whole story behind a name.
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2. 100,000+ Baby Names: The Most Helpful, Complete, & Up-to-Date Name Book
(Book with the most name variety — $)
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Keep in mind: these only work on cabinets with handles.
Good for: keeping curious babies and toddlers safe.
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3. The Baby Name Wizard, 2019 Revised 4th Edition: A Magical Method for Finding the Perfect Name for Your Baby
(Best book for finding a name that matches your taste — $$)
Why it’s great: Using ground-breaking research along with computer-generated models in order to create visual images of various names, The Baby Name Wizard goes above and beyond providing a list of names. Their unique portrait of “name snapshots” ensures you have the full picture of your selected name, including variations, nickname options, and even prominent examples.
Keep in mind: The “name snapshots” are only included for a portion of the names, rather than all of them.
Good for: Parents looking for well-researched names that fit their interests.
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4. The Complete Book of Baby Names: The #1 Baby Names Book with the Most Unique Baby Girl and Boy Names
(Best collection of unique names — $)
Why it’s great: This #1 bestseller is one of the most complete companions for unique and creative names. The Complete Book of Baby Names includes over 600 fun lists to guide you in choosing the best name for you based on name meaning, various spellings, and more. This book also provides guidance on coordinating sibling names, the rules of middle names, as well as ideal gender-neutral names.
Keep in mind: Some of the names, such as “Bourbon” and “Dog”, are a bit too unique according to some readers, making the lists overwhelming and not as useful.
Good for: Parents looking outside of the box for unique and creative names.
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5. Best Baby Names 2021
(Most up-to-date name suggestions — $$)
Why it’s great: Released in 2020, the Best Baby Names 2021 has the most up-to-date information and trends following baby naming. With advice and guidance on how to select the perfect baby name, this book provides tips on how to navigate agreeing on a name with your partner as well as handling other people’s opinions. With over 9,000 names included, you’ll be privy to the most modern and classic names of this time.
Keep in mind: Many of these names are international names, rather than restricted to the names popular in one country.
Good for: Parents looking for the most up-to-date naming lists and information.
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6. The Big Book of 60,000 Baby Names
(Most giftable option — $)
Why it’s great: Despite its title, The Big Book of 60,000 Baby Names is the perfect travel-size book for parents to review anywhere and everywhere. An ideal gift for parents-to-be, this book has over 150 lists of both unique and classic baby names along with their meanings and countries of origin.
Keep in mind: Some of the names are based off of everyday objects, such as fruit names or types of animal, which is not everyone’s cup of tea.
Good for: Relatives looking to gift a name book to parents-to-be.
![The Big Book of 60,000]()
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7. Inspired Baby Names from Around the World: 6,000 International Names and the Meaning Behind Them
(Best international name options — $$)
Why it’s great: Rather than restricted to one country, Inspired Baby Names from Around the World is a beautiful, unique guide offering names from all over the globe. In addition to a pronunciation guide, the book also provides each name’s distinctive historical, spiritual, and cultural background.
Keep in mind: With so much information on each name, it can be a lot of information at once when determining which name fits your child best.
Good for: Parents not limited to their country’s popular choices when looking for a beautiful name.
![Inspired Baby Names from Around the World]()
Best Overall
The Name Book: Over 10,000 Names – Their Meanings, Origins, and Spiritual Significance
The The Name Book: Over 10,000 Names – Their Meanings, Origins, and Spiritual Significance is our overall top recommendation. It's the highest quality product we have found with the most affordable price making it the best value on our list..
FAQs about Best Baby Name Books
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1. What factors should I consider when naming my child?
There are numerous factors to consider when naming your child. Be sure to pair your chosen name with your last name to see if it fits. You’ll also want to look into if there are various spellings and what choice you like best. Most importantly, make sure you choose a name you’ll love for years to come.
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2. What resources can I use to help me choose a baby name?
An updated baby name book is the ideal resource to use when looking for a baby name. Since the popularity of names ebbs and flows over time, it’s a good idea to have an updated book that offers current information on a certain name. New connotations for names can occur over time and it’s best to be aware of any topical meanings that arise. A book can also provide the background of a name, as well as the root of where it came from.
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3. How early should I decide on a name?
There’s no reason to rush the decision on what you’ll name your child. Though, there’s no harm if you’ve had a name picked out for years. That being said, having a couple of ideas to bring with you to the birth will be less overwhelming than starting with a blank slate once your little one finally makes his or her appearance. Some people find they need to meet their child before selecting a name, so make sure you have your name book with you at the hospital to narrow down your choices.
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4. What if my partner and I don’t agree on a name?
Finding a name both you and your partner like is most likely the first of many, many joint decisions you will make raising your little one. If you can’t seem to agree on a name, consider having the opposing partner choose the middle name. You can also come up with nicknames that balance both of your tastes in names. Make sure to give yourselves plenty of time to find a name that suits both of you.
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5. How should I spell the name I choose?
Once you choose a name, the decision on how to spell it can be the next big decision. A baby name book is an ideal resource to learn about the various spellings of the names you love. Learn about the history of each spelling, as well as the ease with which others will be able to spell it. Select the spelling that fits your tastes best.
Conclusion
The birth of a little one is one of the most exciting moments of one’s life. Not only do you get to meet the newest member of your family, but you get to choose a name that fits this tiny being. Whether you simply like the way a name sounds, or adore the meaning behind it, there are numerous factors to consider when picking a name. It’s important to be sure you understand the background of a name as well as any topical meanings so there aren’t any unwanted connotations for your little one. These baby naming resources provide all the information you need to know about your name choice so you’re sure to love your selection now and forever.
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