This is the best baby name book I've seen. It doesn't focus on meanings and etymology, but that isn't the point of the book. I loved the Name Spotlights, especially the girls section (that's probably because I'm really picky on boys' names).

I did notice a few pronunciation errors, however. The correct pronunciation of Briony is BRIE-ən-ee, not BREE-ən-ee. Blythe is BLIEDH, not BLIETH.

This was cute!

and I read about 75% of it.... (I didn't read every single name... just ones I liked and their "brother and sister" names that I liked)

It was fun seeing how her idea worked. When I get preggers and Austin and I start considering names, I will buy this.

It is a fun naming book.

However... I do have a little disagreement with one thing... the FIRST COME FIRST SERVE RULE she talks about.

I understand her theory... but it shouldn't be a race to have babies so you can name your baby what you want.

Personally... If you tell someone close to you, a name that you have had your heart set on for a REALLY long time... and that person gets pregnant before you and then USES your name... I think that is messed up. Because I shouldn't be rushing to pop out babies that that I can use my names first. That isn't the purpose of having babies.

BUT the rest of it.. I liked it. :) I just got to the point where I don't tell anyone my names...

I like that the author discussed possible sister/brother names for each name entry. I discovered that the names I like kept coming up, again and again, as siblings under other name entries I like. The book is a tad bit out of date for its popularity rankings, so consult the website - it is much better http://www.babynamewizard.com/voyager

Best baby name book I've seen. A unique concept that actually tailors your search to names you like, not just alphabetical lists. It's accuracy in this respect in uncanny. It could be a little more comprehensive. Occasionally you look for a name without finding it.

More than just lists of names. This book categorizes names in interesting ways, and uncannily suggests "families" of names (if you like a, you'll also like b, c and d).

IMHO, this is the best baby name book I've ever seen, and it was exactly what I was needing. I really like the way the names are categorized and organized. And, the best part of the book, I thought, was the sibling coorelation. For each name, there are suggestions of possible sibling names. So, you can see trends and links between the names you like. I could look at the corresponding names to those for my current kids and go from there. Made the whole process feel not quite so "hunt and peck."

Of the hundreds of baby name books available at the bookstore, this one stood out as the most modern and helpful. Wattenberg's thorough research is revealed in the name entries that set her book apart because the subtly provide her expert opinion - something parents want when they're feeling undecided.

Jackpot.

Best baby name book I've encountered. I especially like the sibling suggestions, which groups names with a similar feel.

The lists at the back of the book are fun too. I found some great names under Exotic Tradionals, Saints, Why Not?, Androgynous, and Mythological.

Overall there seems to be a focus on unique and unusual names which is important to me.

Tells what's really going on with a name, not just what the technical meaning of a name, but how popular, suggested sibling names,etc.

Wizards take input. This doesn't.

I was disappointed that it's not a real wizard taking input from the reader which a digital book could do. It's really nothing more than a regular name book organized differently with more analytics.

The author's descriptions of names are quick and witty giving the reader an idea of how his/her chosen name might sound to others. She also provides popularity year and ratings, the style of the name (ie charms and grace, solid citizen, Biblical, surfer sixties...) , possible nicknames, and brother/sister names (if you like this one, you'll like these). It's on my "must" list every time I'm expecting.

I really like the way this book categorizes names and suggests sibling names. It's much less overwhelming and more helpful than many other baby name books. That being said, I still have no idea what we're going to name this baby.