How to choose sibling names

If you thought it was difficult choosing a name for your first-born, wait until the second one comes along – never mind the third or fourth. Chances are you've already used up the only ones you both agreed on. And then there's the small matter of getting them to match – unless of course you are happy with a Balthazar and a Bob. Here are a few things to consider when choosing names for a new brother or sister. * Many parents take the alphabet route, sticking firmly to the same initials for each child. Ok, so it's clear which family they belong to, but it can get confusing for the postman – and who wants a name chosen so carefully it just has to begin with 'A?' * Think about the meaning behind the name if you want to avoid a bad case of sibling rivalry. Imagine being little brother Fabian (one who grows beans) to Fitzgerald (son of the mighty spearholder). Or how big sister Anabel (graceful, beautiful) might be resented by poor Aithley (born in the garden). * There will be times you need to holler out all their names in quick succession in public. “Tom, Dicken, Harry, your dinner's ready..." * It might sound obvious but how about giving them a name each? Something Michael Jackson overlooked when he named both his sons 'Prince Michael.' * Resist the lure of the rhyme. Ok, so Tilly and Milly sound cute to you, but it's a slippery slope – next step Huey, Dewie and Louie... Naming a baby