When I was pregnant, I was determined to think of a rare baby name for my son. Names like Anthony, Brandon, or Josh just didn't seem "special" enough. So in the end, I named him after one of my favorite things...no, I didn't name him Cash :-), but he does have a sorta rare name that I hope he will like when he's older.

If you're also set on finding a rare name of your child, here are a few suggestions for getting your creative juices flowing:

• Close your eyes and think of a place

  Is there a place that has special meaning to you? The island you honeymooned on? A little town you visited on a cross-country trip? How would it sound as a name for your child?

• Put last names first

  You hear so many last names as you meet people, flip through magazines, watch TV... Start paying attention. Maybe you'll hear a last name that would make a rare and lovely first name.

• Find it in translation

  If you would like your child's name to mean something special like hope or peace, find out how these words are translated in other languages. Maybe you'll come across a word in another language that would work well as a first name.

• Change a letter, make it better

  Say you like the name Devin but a friend's daughter has that name. If you change the D to an L, you'll have Levin, a less common name that sounds just as good.

Whether you choose a rare or popular baby name, have fun with it! Happy baby naming!