If you're expecting in 2023 or want to get a gift for someone who is, there are lots of books available to help you find the perfect name for a new baby. Whether you're seeking unusual names, gender-neutral names, girl names, or boy names, moms and dads can use these books for help deciding what to call their new child.
When considering which book to purchase, look for options that hold your priorities. Are you interested in the history or origin of names? Are you interested in current or past trends? Are you more interested in a unique name that is less popular? All of the choices below contain these, and more! Prepare to be flooded with ideas as you choose the best name for your baby!
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We've come up with a list of the best baby name books with tons of name suggestions, including some with a 2023 publication date and others that are classic reads that came out within the last decade but remain popular standbys. From new editions of bestsellers to original non-fiction and fiction, there are many sources for brainstorming baby names this year.
More: 10 Fascinating Baby Name Traditions From Around The World
Best Baby Names 2022
By Siobhan Thomas
The latest edition of this favorite from Siobhan Thomas provides new parents with an easy-to-browse paperback (or ebook). Featuring more than 9,000 names, there's a good selection of names that won't leave new parents feeling overwhelmed.
100,000+ Baby Names
By Bruce Lansky
Seeking something more traditional? Or do you want to call your baby something trendy? Bruce Lansky's 100,000+ Baby Names leaves nothing out, so if you love doing research, you can find the perfect name for your boy or girl in this book.
"If you want a book full of baby names and meanings then this is the book for you."
The Complete Book of Baby Names
By: Lesley Bolton
Another large reference book, The Complete Book of Baby Names is a best-seller comprised of 600 different name lists to help you narrow your choices down based on your preferences.
"I love the intro in this book! So helpful for first-time parents. Interesting lists to check out and full girl/boy sections."
The Baby Name Wizard (4th edition)
By: Laura Wattenberg
The newest edition of Laura Wattenberg's popular book, The Baby Name Wizard provides a unique method to help you select a name for your pending bundle of joy.
"Naming a baby is hard. This book was fun because it looks at the various cultural/regional differences in the US (northeastern names very different from southern, for example) and it tells you what celebrity/popular character/politician, etc that the name you pick out might be connected to."
Inspired Baby Names From Around The World
By Neala Shane
Baby Names 2021
By: Eleanor Turner
If you're curious about the most popular name in your state or want to choose a name based on potential nicknames, the latest edition of this book by Eleanor Turner can help you find the best baby names 2021 brought.
The Penguin Book of Baby Names
By David Pickering
