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Consider what the baby's surname will be. Does the first name you have chosen go well with the surname? Do the names sound good together when said out loud? Start your own favorites list here at Baby Names Now.
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Consider what the initials will spell out when first, middle and surname are initialized and avoid unpleasant initials. For example, Robert Allen Thomas when initialized spells RAT. Think about possible teasing from other children as your child grows up.
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Some expectant parents feel the need and/or pressure from family members to use precedent family names. Family names are great and give your baby a rich heritage, but if you do not care for the name and the name is not what you want to call the child, consider using the family name as a middle name, or plan to call the child by the middle name of your choice.
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Remember that children must live with the name you choose for them the rest of their lives, so while unique names and spellings are very interesting and favorable, consider the fact that the child could always have their name mispronounced or misspelled. This can be very frustrating for a child.
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Consider names that are of ethnic origin. They don't even have to be your own ethnic origin. Ethnic names sound beautiful and are very unique.
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Choose a name based upon it's meaning. Sometimes the meaning of a name can steer you away from the name, or draw you closer to it. Positive meanings are your best guide.
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Consider the possible nicknames that could arise from your baby's name. Do you like the nicknames that could possibly be derived from it?
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Say the entire name out loud many times. Does it sound right? Does it rhyme? If it rhymes, does the rhyme sound good?
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Consider popularity. Names that are popular today, may not be popular 20 years from now when your child is 20. Consider the trendiness of the name today.
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If you are stuck on 2 names, consider combining the two. An example: If you are stuck on Carla and Leigh, consider combining the two names to form Carly (or Carleigh)
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If you are going to use a suffix, for example, John Charles Carter, III, you may want to consider calling the baby by his middle name (Charles) if there are other family members already being called John, or consider calling the baby by his initials, such as J.C. This will help to avoid confusion.