Parents say simple 'porch rule' can help choose baby name and avoid lifetime of regret

Parents have shared a smart trick for naming babies, unveiling the so-called 'porch rule'. After an uncertain mother considered calling her girl 'Cutie' causing a collective virtual gasp across social media .

In response, one clever adviser suggested: "Go to your front door and open it. Pretend your daughter is playing outside but you can't see her from where you stand. Yell her name as loudly as you can."

They went on: "Shout, 'Cutie, time to come home', or 'Cutie, dinner's ready'. Now the whole full entire name including your surname. 'Cutie Smith get in here right now'. Does it sound like you want to name your daughter Cutie? " The advice was hailed online with many sharing their porch rule successes.

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One commenter revealed: "My parents used the 'Porch Rule' as well. It was how they decided against my little sister's middle name. She was going to be named 'FaeRose', after two of our great-grandmothers. However, that sounded too much like 'Pharaoh,' so they changed it. The 'Porch Rule,' although seemingly silly, could help save your child from a lifetime of embarrassment."

One person quipped: "The porch rule sounds like the peak of the scientific method." Another offered some sage advice: "When my daughter was pregnant with her first she asked for advice. She had a boy and I said to choose a name that would suit a man. Imagine him as a strapping 21-year-old and be careful. A lot of names will suit a baby or young boy but not a grown man."

Some even admitted to using the 'porch rule' when naming their pets. One pet owner shared: "This is the method I use for naming pets! The pets don't seem to care how ridiculous their names are - but sometimes I have to decide if I really want to have to shout "Professor Fluffenstien! Where are you?"

Another animal lover added: "Exactly this! ! When I was younger we got a cocker spaniel that was black and white - she looked like a scoop of cookies and cream. As we were driving home we excitedly decided to name her Oreo. Then my dad paused while driving...and said nope, he could not stand at the front door yelling out into the neighbourhood "Hey Oreo! We decided to name her Cookie instead."

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