Finding the Perfect Name: How We Let Fate Choose Our Baby's Name

When our daughter arrived on September 30th, life took on a whole new meaning. Those first days were a mix of joy, exhaustion, and disbelief that we were actually parents now.

And in the middle of all that chaos, one question kept popping up: what should we name her? It wasn’t just about finding something that sounded nice; we wanted a name that truly felt right for her, something meaningful that she could grow up with.

Why It Had to Be Special

From the start, we knew there was a deeper connection at play. Our daughter was born on the first day of Navaratri, a time that holds special significance for us. Rajashree is a devoted follower of Goddess Durga, and with our daughter making her entrance on such an auspicious day, it felt natural to choose a name related to Maa Durga.

We wanted it to symbolize strength and grace, something that would carry a piece of the divine with it. But as we started exploring names, we realized we didn’t want to force it. The name didn’t have to fit into any strict mold; it just needed to feel right.

So, we decided to start with names beginning with "A." It felt like a fresh start, and honestly, we just liked the sound of it. It seemed like a good place to start the journey.

The Hunt for “The One”

We didn’t rush it. We took our time, sifting through baby name lists, chatting about different options over chai, and even listening to some well-meaning suggestions from friends and family. (Yes, there were a few hilarious ones in there too!) But in the end, we knew it had to be a decision we made ourselves. We came up with a shortlist, names that seemed to fit her in our minds. But none of them gave us that “aha!” moment. It was a bit like trying to find a missing puzzle piece, where nothing quite seemed to snap into place. That’s when we decided to leave it to a bit of fate.

The Moment of Destiny

We thought, why not let her be a part of choosing her own name? So, we wrote our top picks on separate chits, placed them in front of her, and waited to see which one she’d reach for.

There was this tiny moment of suspense as we watched her little hand move, and when she touched one of the chits, we both just looked at each other and smiled. It felt like she had chosen her own name, as if she was already telling us, "This is who I am." When we unfolded the chit and read the name, it just felt right. Simple, timeless, and meaningful, everything we were looking for. It wasn’t one of those dramatic “this is it!” moments you see in movies, just a quiet certainty that we had found her name. Or rather, she had found it for herself.

Keeping It Close (For Now)

We’re keeping the name to ourselves for a little while longer. It’s our little secret, something we’re holding close as we get used to calling her by it at home. We promise we’ll share it soon.

For now, all we can say is that it’s a name that connects her to something bigger while still letting her carve her own path.

A Lesson in Letting Go

This whole experience wasn’t just about picking a name; it was about learning what it means to be parents. Sometimes, it’s okay to let go of logic, tradition, or what others think you should do.

Sometimes, you just have to trust your instincts and go with what feels right. Letting her be a part of the decision, even in this small way, felt like a reminder that parenting isn’t just about guiding and teaching, it’s about listening and trusting the journey as it unfolds. If this is any indication of how we’ll navigate the many choices ahead, I think we’ll be okay. We’ll take it step by step, with a bit of faith and a lot of heart. Because if there’s one thing I’ve learned already, it’s that some of the best moments in life happen when you just let them.