Inventing new baby names.

There are many ways to arrive at the perfect name for your baby. While some parents may opt for a classic name like Eleanor or Matthew, others may prefer something slightly more distinctive and quirky like Lola or Montgomery. Or perhaps you know someone who's been inspired by their favourite celebrity and decided to call their baby after them?

If you're expecting a baby, you might think that classic, quirky and cool names are all very well, but maybe you want to choose something that you're sure noone else will have thought of. Even with a quirky name, however edgy and off-beat it is, there's a danger someone else will have chosen it for their child too. Therefore one of the only ways to really ensure that your baby's name is unique is by making it up altogether; indeed there are many parents who choose to do just this.

Take gurgle editor Nifa Mclaughlin for example. Her mum's name is Janifa and she decided to call her daughter Nifa, which was in fact her nickname. Although Nifa loves her name, she admits it's somewhat confusing having the same name as her mum! Her twin sister also has an unconventional name - Nisharn - which is actually an Indian boys' name! These names are great examples of how to invent baby names that are distinctive yet not too whacky.

There are pros and cons of inventing your baby's name. Although you'll be giving your child a name that's individual and unorthodox, which will ensure that he or she stands out from the crowd, it's important to remember that, as with outlandish, quirky and celebrity names, your child may be more susceptible to taunting and jibes as they grow up.

Choose wisely, therefore, and opt for something which, although individual and unusual, isn't too outlandish or crazy. You might decide to combine two names that you love, for example you might combine Lily and Mae to make Lily-Mae. Or you could merge two names completely by taking Carrie and Anna and making Carrianna or Hannah and Lara and creating Hannahlara.  Alternatively, you may be inspired to invent your baby's name after a place or thing that's meaningful or special to you. It's really up to you; that's part of the joy of inventing your own baby name.

However, when creating your baby's name, don't go for anything too farcical such as Lala or Oobi-joobie - remember your child will have to live with this name for the rest of his life. Similarly, if you're tempted to go for a name like Chardonnay, Apple or Honey, remember that it may soon go out of fashion.

Celebrities often opt to invent names for their babies; Jordan and Peter Andre called their little girl Princess Tiaamii, which is a combination of their mothers' names Thea and Amy. You may decide to follow their lead and combine your parents' names, or perhaps you might choose to merge your and your partners' first names, or middle names. If your name is Sara and your partner is James, you might call your baby Jara, for example.

Other celebrities have invented baby names like Moon Unit, Moxie CrimeFighter, Pilot Inspektor and Jermajesty! But these children may find themselves at a distinct disadvantage if they try to pursue a career in law or medicine...As with any name you choose for your child, use your common sense and think of your child's future.

For more inspiration on how to choose the perfect baby name for your child, visit our babynamer.