Blog instalments have been on a bit of a hiatus of late due primarily to a hectic academic schedule. Apologies for the dry spell. I’m breaking the drought now to say a big, big thanks to everyone who took the time to answer our survey questions on baby naming preferences. The response was truly overwhelming and has been invaluable in helping to guide the development of the Brainstormer: Mach 2 (development of which continues unabated).

In the meantime, I thought I would make available some results from the survey which may have broader public-interest.

Our survey asked, among other things, which of 15 name attributes most influenced preferences in choosing a name. According to readers of this blog, the most influential decision factors are:

• Sounds (68%)
  
• Feelings and associations (53%)
  
• Style (49%)
  
• Popularity / originality (47%); and
  
• Honouring of family members (45%)

The middle ranks are made up of more special interest factors such as meanings (43%), origins (27%) and spellings (39%). Rhythm is also a popular consideration at 43%.

Compatibility with siblings names was a consideration for only 26% of respondents, but this number might be skewed because less than half of the respondents admitted to having had children.

Historical and literary references are favoured by a relatively small minority; while the least important factor for respondents was association with a prominent namesake (only 16%); a result consistent with an earlier survey I ran on the subject: Namesakes where voted least popular feature request in an earlier poll. Okay—I get the message.

Perhaps most interesting of all is how diverse preferences are with regard to these categories. Only two categories received more than 50% of the vote with the remainder fairly equally represented. And perhaps it’s not surprising. You can’t get much more personal than in choosing a name, and these numbers reflect that.

In our last instalment I promised some more brainstormer goodness was on it’s way. Time for an update. But first: a question for you.

What’s the biggest problem with baby name search engines?

Is it…

a) they’re no fun

b) they’re not helpful

c) they’re all the same

d) all of the above

If the threat of immanent parenthood has suddenly flung you, wide eyed into the spellbinding world of baby name websites, chances are you answered… D. The more seasoned and enthusiastic among you, on the other hand may have found passion and euphoria have gradually dulled your sense of agony at the unfortunate dearth of beneficial tools in this area.

But whatever your circumstance, If you’ve ever found yourself asking for a better way, allow me to let you in on a little secret: there is a better way. We’re making it.

Work is underway on secret weapon which we’re optimistic will revolutionise the way you search for name ideas from now on. And the best part is that you get to help design it.

If you’re a baby name addict, or an expectant parent in search of baby name inspiration, please take 2 minutes to answer 10 quick questions about your baby name preferences.

Your feedback will help us design a baby name search and suggestion engine which best suits your needs and interests.

And watch this space for more exciting updates on our progress.

Tally ho.