A successful name must be easy to pronounce. It must roll off the tongue so when people, inevitably, talk about your child, it sounds beautiful and natural – something they want to say.

The name must also sound good in relation to your family name. So, before you settle on a name for your child, try the phone call test – pick up a phone and pretend to answer with the first name and surname together. See how well they blend.

You should also think about how your child’s name fits alongside yours, or those of their siblings. An important part of growing up with confidence and success is feeling as though you belong, and this could be hard when your name sets you apart from the pack.

Avoid any words that already exist, but aren’t names. People will already have forged associations with these words, and these attitudes may not be conducive to success. For example, avoid brand names at all costs.

A name that brings success should work equally well for your child at any time throughout their life. They should not be given a baby name just because they are a baby, because they will be stuck with it forever. Ensure you choose an adult name for your child, and shorten it when they are younger if you wish.

You must feel good about the name, and comfortable with your choice. If you have doubts about the name, so will your child. Try to ensure that their name is free from any negative connotation – be this through word association, links to negative individuals, or rhyme.

Your child’s name should fit the cultural background of your family. It is much harder to be successful and establish yourself in a particular area when you are constantly fighting to escape a name-imposed preconception.

Keep it short and simple. A name should not feel crowded, or be difficult to spell or pronounce. It must be striking, yes, but also sound natural – and not a word that you have simply created to be different.