Many people begin their baby name search by flipping through books and clicking through websites, scanning long, alphabetical lists of names. This method works for some, but makes others feel confused and overwhelmed. (Those hundreds and thousands of names start blending together after a while, don't they?)

If you're in the latter group and you dread diving back into that sea of names, try asking yourself some of the questions below. If you can identify the types of names you gravitate toward before you start searching, you should have an easier time staying focused and optimistic.

In terms of names, do you prefer...

Classic or Quixotic?

Do you like the staples, or do you want your child's name to stand out? Classic names like Mary, James, Emma and Charles never seem to go out of style. On the other hand, quixotic names (like Liberty, Ogden, Saskia and Taliesin) never seem to be in style -- they've never been very popular and likely never will be. The classics are safe, solid choices, but some view them as boring. Quixotic names can be seen as artsy and individualistic... or just plain weird.

Old-fashioned or Of-the-moment?

Do you like names that are associated with a particular time period? For instance, names like Viola and Lester were popular around the turn of the 20th century, names like Donna and Susan ranked high mid-century, and names like Jadyn and Kylie have probably popped up recently on your local newspaper's birth announcement page. For old-fashioned names, check out your family tree, or browse through the names of actors, musicians, authors and politicians of particular past eras. If 'now' names are more to your liking, try going online and chatting with other modern mommies-to-be.

Foreign or Domestic?

This one isn't about popularity, but about locality. Do you like names that sound exotic, or do you like names that are well-grounded in the place you live? Would you take a chance with Johannes, Gunnar or Dimitri -- or would you rather play it safe with John, Gary or Daniel? Foreign names can be a fun way to express your heritage, but keep in mind that some prove difficult to pronounce.

Formal or Familiar?

What sort of image do you want your child's name to project? Names like Zoe, Leah, Wyatt, and Chase can be punchy and fun, but they may not sound very professional or impressive to certain people. Conversely, names like Sebastian, Annabella, Nathaniel and Olivia sound prestigious to some -- pretentious to others. Though most names fall in between these two extremes, it will help you to know at least which side you lean toward.