As a professional nameologist, I see baby naming from a unique perspective. It’s fun to look at baby naming books and baby naming sites that relay the historic meaning of a name. Sarah means “Princess,” Paul means “humble” and Ava means “bird.” But how do those meanings from centuries ago affect personalities today? And while you might like one name because it’s cute or another because it’s popular, how will those names mold your child’s personality characteristics?

Since names carry energy patterns based on their letter structure, they are alive with emotion that has an affect on how we feel. While these patterns are invisible, they still have great impact. So why not name your baby with an understanding of how the name you choose will affect his or her personality through life?

Naming is a science and name patterns create predictable results. So go beyond the meanings of old and study the possible choices from the inside out. That way, your little one will be blessed with a name that has balance and purpose.

George and Imal Clooney are parents, and like all parents of twins, the Clooneys have suddenly found themselves faced with double-duty around everything from diaper changing to choosing baby names. So how did this famous couple fare in the naming department?

Historically, there have been what might be considered “twin trends” when it comes to baby naming. Consider such concepts like rhyming names, names starting with the same letter, names of equal syllable length or even names that are identical except for the final syllable like Andrew and Andra. Yet more and more, parents are realizing that two siblings who share the same birthday may not be keen on feeling like a matched pair around their personal identities throughout life.

In opting for Ella and Alexander as names for their babies, George and Imal have done a wonderful job of picking monikers that are equally classic yet completely unique in look and sound. And behind the scenes, the subliminal influence of these two names will create a duet of light-heartedness and joie de vivre as each quietly stirs a fun-loving, creative attitude.  Ella and Alexander can count on contributing plenty of extra charisma to the Clooney household and while they don’t have “twin names,” they will share unlimited amounts of name synergy!

Uma Thurmond couldn’t decide on a middle name for her daughter, so instead of choosing just one, opted to go with four… Arushka, Arkadina, Atalune, Florence. In addition, she’s not calling her little one by her first name Rosalind. Instead, she’s is calling her Luna, a shortened form of the middle name Atalune. Quite the complicated and potentially confusing name ensemble!

So what to do when no one can decide on a middle name? Is more than one acceptable or advised? Middle names are a fairly new tradition in modern naming, not common until after World War I in the U.S. Initially, a one-size-fits-all concept was followed for girls, with most parents choosing middle names like Ann, Marie and Lynn. For boys, the middle name would often honor dad or a granddad. Many people never even revealed their middle name in public! But more recently, middle names are taking on more unique importance. More and more individuals are referencing their middle names professionally. And there is a trend toward having more concern about how a middle name looks and sounds along with what it means.

With all of that in mind, it follows that multiple middle names are going to cause an issue if someone wishes to have a strong full name. No one is going to favor a signature that requires five minutes to write. And if just one middle name is chosen, which will it be if the legal full name includes multiple middle names? Parents are encouraged to think ahead to their baby’s future. While you may love the idea of many middle names, or while you may wish to honor multiple friends and relatives with a middle name, your child most likely will not appreciate having more than one. Choose a middle name that looks and sounds great with the first and last name, a middle name that carries strong meaning… and one that has an excellent middle initial with regard to the whole full name ensemble. Overall, on the subject of middle names… less is more!