Best Baby Names

If you are hoping to raise your little boy to be a plumber, electrician or truck driver, you can start him on the road to success with a traditionally masculine name like Howard, Harry or Bruno. Conversely, steering clear of traditionally feminine names, like Linda, Susan and Jessica, might give your little girl the competitive edge as a prospective fire fighter, police officer or welder.

Try our twin baby names for 2004 for the best twins baby name ideas.

In a study at Ohio University, young adults were asked to predict the success of people entering new careers, based on information provided about those job applicants.

The results suggest that people subconsciously predict career success for those with names that more closely match the gender stereotype associated with a profession. Those whose names didn't fit the occupation stereotypes might have a harder time landing particular jobs.

In an earlier project, Bruning, who has spent 20 years studying the psychology of names, found that these types of name stereotypes begin as early as kindergarten age. The new study suggests those assumptions follow children into adulthood.

View our tips on how to name your baby

All this shows how difficult it can be to choose the best baby name for your child. There is so much to consider it can be very difficult to decide. Try out our baby name search tool, popular names lists, Top baby names in US for 2005 or cool baby names to help you find the perfect name.