Deciding on a name for a new baby is an exciting and daunting process for many parents. Exciting, because it brings up memories of names we’ve loved and admired, or even secretly wished were our own. Daunting, because a name carries immense significance–it’s tied to meanings, namesakes, pronunciations, and spellings. And let’s not forget the big question: will our child grow up to love their name or resent it?
This challenge seems to ring true even for celebrity couple Megan Young and Mikael Daez. In a video posted on Instagram, the soon-to-be parents playfully discussed their name ideas for their first baby boy. The caption read, “The search for the baby name is starting strong.”
Megan and Mikael’s Name Choices
Mikael’s list is heavily influenced by his love for basketball, as he drew inspiration from talented and popular NBA players–something many dads might relate to. His picks include:
- Giannis (after Giannis Antetokounmpo)
- Westbrook (after Russell Westbrook) – Mikael prefers Westbrook over Russell for its “fashionable” and “strong” appeal.
- Jordan (after Jordan Clarkson)
Meanwhile, Megan’s list reflects her love for Korean pop culture, with names inspired by Korean celebrities:
- Jin (after Jin of BTS)
- Hoshi (after Kwon Soon-young, a South Korean singer and dancer)
Megan’s ultimate favorite, though, which she says “pinanggigigilan at pinaglilihian niya”: Mikael Junior.
View this post on Instagram
“Player 3” Joins the Family
The couple revealed their pregnancy last December with a creative Super Mario-themed Instagram Reel. Megan was “Player 1,” Mikael was “Player 2,” and the announcement of “Player 3” came through their baby’s ultrasound. The caption read: “A new beginning for us. Boez & Fofo & Baby Daez.”
In January, during a cozy DIY gender reveal party attended by family and friends, Megan and Mikael announced that their firstborn is a baby boy.
Name Hunting
Parents are known to get creative with their baby’s names. From athletes and popular music stars, to superhero characters, the Bible, real-life royal personalities, or even the Holidays, the sources of inspiration are endless. Lately, more parents are also embracing Filipino-themed (or Bisaya-themed) names, such as Alon, Mithi, or Kahayag. Of course, parents can always go down the mommy’s name + daddy’s name route, which often results in a unique and memorable name.
Granted, personal preferences and considerations, plus the pressure to come up with the “best” name for our child might also lead to misunderstandings between parents. Here are a few tips to make the naming journey smoother:
Communicate early and often
Start discussing names as early as possible. Share your preferences and the reasons behind them to understand each other’s priorities.
Consider the meaning and significance
Try to look into the cultural, historical, or personal meaning of the name. Names with stories often become more special.
Test for practicality
Try saying the name out loud how many times, spell it out, and imagine how it will sound in different situations–like in a classroom, or a job interview. You can also consider the space in official forms or possible nicknames.
Compromise when necessary
If disagreements do arise over a name, find a middle ground. Experiment with combinations of your name preferences, or agreeing on a mutual theme can also work wonders.
Think long-term
Always remember that your child will carry this name for life. Consider how it will grow with them and whether it will suit them in adulthood.
Judy Aladin, Smart Parenting’s section editor, who also recently gave birth to her second child, shared her own baby-naming experience with her husband, Kevin. “Even before we got married, my husband Kevin wanted our children to carry his first name but have their own unique names, too. So I let him be, after all, I want our kids to take after their dad who is responsible, kind, and our family's leader. Naming our son Titus Kevin was a go,” she said. “But when I suggested adding the third name Amari, he obliged because I said it sounded like an NBA player's name--Amare Stoudemire. Truth is - it's because I was worried it will be our last child so I wanted him to carry my name, Marie, too! Quits!”
If you’re still looking for the perfect name, check out some of our favorite baby name roundups:
- Unique Baby Names Inspired By Your Favorite K-Dramas
- Tagalog Baby Boy Names: A List And Their Meanings
- Tagalog Baby Girl Names: A List And Their Meanings
- Kaalam, Kahayag, And Other Unique Bisaya Baby Names
- 140 Rainbow baby names That Capture Love, Faith, and Strength
Discover the surprising source where this pregnant mom found inspiration for her baby’s name.
What other parents are reading
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipisicing elit, sed do eiusmod
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipisicing elit, sed do eiusmod
