A baby's first name is often referred to as "given name". As opposed to a family name which one inherits, this name is given to them, usually by their parents. In most of the world ones given name is generally used before their last or family name, but in some countries like Japan, Hungary, China and others - the family name is used prior to the given name. In some cultures even the first name might have a part which is shared among all family members.

Where do first names originate from?

The most elaborate and extensive source of names has always been the Bible. Sara, David and Samuel are a few examples, while many other names originate in the New Testament. Hebrew names, coming from the Old Testament are often containing the element "el" meaning god. For example - Michael (Who is like god), Azriel (The lord is my help)

Some baby names are derived from Aramic, such as Batholomew, Thomas and more.

Another common source are names of occupations, which the person or their ancestors possessed. For example - George means farmer, Kaufmann means a man who handles money.

Personal traits - names like Hope, Faith, and others. The Hebrew name "Eitan" means strong and solid. The name "Hiroshi" means generous in Japanese. The name Linda means beautiful in Spanish.

Names of places - Paris, London, Brittany and Florence are good examples.

Names stemming in literature / fictional characters - The name Wendy was first used and also created in "Peter pan" by J..M. Barrie.

Names from nature - Lilly, Rose and more.

Greek names - From Greek mythology or history. Some but not all names from the Greek culture have been modified into the English language - Jason, Lucas, Marina, Katherine are examples.

Names which are words in the English language - some times in a varied way of spelling - Coral, Brooke, Scarlet.

Male names made feminine - For example Charlotte, Stephanie and Michaela

Names for twins. The name Thomas means twin. When twins are born they will often e given similar sounding names or names with a common source like names of flower, or biblical names.

Names influenced by modern culture - Today many names are given to babies after a famous person's choice for their baby - For example the name Kayla, which was one of the characters in a famous soap opera became very popular with the show's success.

Another growing trend today is naming a child originally, by combining two names together or choosing a nice sounding name without a specific origin to it, in order to be unique.

Other sources: Surnames made into given names, Names of months (April, August etc.), names of objects - for example - the name Peter means rock. European names such as Albert, Norbert, Henry (German). Many names have an unknown source.

It is a good idea to use the internet as a source of ideas for baby names. The site Baby Names Meanings contains many tools that will assist you in choosing the right name for your baby and lists the most popular baby names by year, and also offers many ideas for unique baby names, baby names from different origins, baby names by country ( i.e. American baby names, Italian baby names etc) and many baby names lists organized by category. You can also try the baby name list tool, offering a different short baby names list each time, for you to get ideas and inspiration.