5. Look through them for baby name news. Often a baby name dictionary will show examples of unusual celebrity’s baby names. They have directories of new baby names and articles about trends in naming babies. There may be no reason to know these things other than: it is interesting to find out about them.

6. Find out ways to spell names. Certainly, any parent can choose to change the spelling of any name to suit their preferences. You can use a baby name dictionary to get an idea of how names are spelled, though. This is especially helpful for foreign-origin names. Some baby name dictionaries even have pronunciation guides, although these too are limited because of parental changes.

7. Pick out names for characters in a work of fiction. A baby name dictionary can be indispensable when selecting character names for a short story, novel, or screenplay. Names impart a lot of subtle meaning in fiction. Having the right name can have a great impact on the success of your work.

You can use a baby name dictionary for fun and practical purposes. There are many to choose, both in the bookstores and online. The next time you are looking for something interesting to do, think of looking at a baby name dictionary.