Baby Name Battle
Twelve pairs of Yoruba, Igbo, Hausa and other names. Each of you picks one name from every pair. Then you see the names you both chose and the ones to argue about.
When to see a doctor now
This game is about names and fun, not your health. Any bleeding, or a change in your baby's movements, means you contact your doctor or maternity unit straight away. Also go in for severe pain or a fall or blow to your bump.
How Baby Name Battle works
You choose which names to pick from: girl names, boy names or all names. You then see twelve pairs and pick one name from each. When you finish, you get a link to send to your partner on WhatsApp. They pick from the same twelve pairs, and then you both see the result.
- Choose the names you want to pick from.
- Pick one name from each of the twelve pairs.
- Send the link to your partner.
- They pick, and you both see the names you chose and the names to argue about.
What to do with your result
The names you both chose are a good place to start your shortlist. The names to argue about are worth a proper talk. Read the meaning of each one aloud, and say why it matters to you: a grandparent, a language, a sound you like. Naming can carry family history, so give it time.
Want to look up other names? The Baby Name Explorer lists meanings and origins.
What the link carries
The link carries your 12 picks (one tap each), the name set you chose, and your first name if you type one. It carries nothing else: no dates, no health details and no results from other tools. It sits after the # in the address, so it is never sent to our server or to analytics, and we store nothing. Anyone you give the link to can read your picks.
Common questions
Does this tell me what my baby will be?
What if we choose different names every time?
Where do the meanings come from?
Is my partner's phone number or name saved?
Where this comes from
- Yoruba names. Wikipedia.
- Igbo names. Wikipedia.
- The compelling power of naming in Igbo culture. Catholics and Cultures.
- Naming ceremony. Wikipedia.
Name meanings are the same list as the Baby Name Explorer. Naming traditions differ between families, so check with an elder. Read this page alongside our editorial policy.
Go further
The First Pregnancy Plan
A community for all pregnant women, week-by-week support, and a midwife or doctor to ask.
See the program →