London, 9 June 2009

There are many pitfalls that new parents should be aware of when naming their baby. BabyNames.co.uk has found over 20 real life examples of how failing to consider baby name initials can foster undesired nicknames - just ask Nigel Dowd (N. Dowd) and Ian Candy (I. Candy). When read in full, names Nigel Dowd and Ian Candy are hardly head-turners. However, when the first name is shortened to an initial, a whole new meaning becomes clear. Nigel becomes 'endowed', and Ian becomes 'eye candy'.

Other less fortunate examples include Catherine Nile (senile) and Emma Zee (easy). Rachel Sole didn't get off lightly, either. Friends of P. Yew might pinch their noses; W. Money may boast a great Les Dennis impression, and a certain M. People might feel "proud".

All these names have featured on the UK births, marriages and deaths census register in recent years.

"Picking a name for your newborn requires that a parent considers many different factors," said a representative of BabyNames.co.uk. "As well as the obvious factors such as name meaning and origin, there is what we like to call the 'playground factor' - any way in which names can be used negatively and for teasing. These should be avoided where possible."

Here is the full alphabetical list of the best initial surname examples: (* X and Z were too obscure, so BabyNames.co.uk staff used their imaginations)

A. Nuss
B. Hives
C. Nile
D. Coy
E. Zee
F. Ert
G. Suss
H. Apple
I. Candy
J. Walker
K. Man
L. Bow
M. People
N. Dowd
O. Please
P. Yew (pinch nose while saying)
Q. Boyd
R. Sole
S. Tury
T. Pott
U. Pratt
V. Coll
W. Money (Les Dennis)
X. Con *
Y. Der
Z. Bara *

About BabyNames.co.uk

BabyNames.co.uk is the UK's most visited website dedicated to baby names. Established in early 2007, the site has been designed to help expectant parents uncover the perfect name for their new arrival. We feature the latest UK data on the top 100 boys and girls names, plus hundreds of name meanings, origins and additional information. Other tools available for users include discussion forums, a name generator, and favourite baby name lists.