Is a Baby Name App Worth It?

We Compared Spreadsheets, Free Apps, and NameHatch (With Real Numbers)

Choosing a baby name should feel exciting.

Instead, for most couples, it turns into:

• 37 open browser tabs
• A chaotic Notes app list
• A shared spreadsheet
• “Wait… didn’t we already talk about this one?”
• And at least one mini argument

So the big question is:

Is paying for a baby name app (like NameHatch) actually worth it?
Or should you just use a spreadsheet or one of the many free baby name apps?

We broke it down honestly — time, stress, and real value included.

The Hidden Cost of “Free” Baby Name Tools

Most couples assume:

“It’s just names. We can do this ourselves.”

But here’s what actually happens.

The Manual Workflow (What Most Couples Do)

1. Google “unique baby boy names”
2. Open 6–10 blog posts
3. Copy favorites into Notes
4. Eventually move everything into a spreadsheet
5. Text screenshots back and forth
6. Debate duplicates
7. Forget which names were already rejected
8. Repeat next weekend

It feels free.

But it costs time. And mental energy.

How Long Do Couples Spend Choosing a Baby Name?

Based on real user behavior patterns, most couples spend:

• 15–30 total hours
• Over 4–8 weeks
• Across multiple disconnected tools

That’s:

• Searching
• Filtering
• Organizing
• Debating
• Reconciling lists

And that’s before actually agreeing.

Spreadsheet vs Free Apps vs Big Baby Sites vs NameHatch

Here’s the honest comparison.

The Big Difference

Spreadsheets and large baby sites are information tools.

NameHatch is a decision engine for couples.

That difference is what reduces time by up to 80–90%.

Real Numbers: How Much Time Do You Actually Save?

Let’s use realistic assumptions:

• 2 parents
• 3 name sessions per week
• 6 weeks of searching
• 25 names reviewed per session

Manual Spreadsheet Approach

~30 total hours spent researching, organizing, and reconciling.

Swipe-to-Match Approach (NameHatch)

~2–4 total hours to build a meaningful shortlist together.

Time Saved

~25+ hours

If you value your time at even $30/hour, that’s:

$750+ worth of time saved.

And that doesn’t include reduced frustration or avoided arguments.

Why Free Baby Name Apps Feel Frustrating

Many “free” apps monetize through:

• Heavy advertising
• Coin systems
• Premium feature paywalls
• Interruptive popups
• Poor UX design

They’re optimized for ad revenue — not for helping couples decide faster.

That leads to:

• Slower browsing
• Less personalization
• Disconnected experiences
• More decision fatigue

The Emotional Cost No One Talks About

Choosing a name isn’t just logistics.

It’s deeply emotional.

Common friction points:

• “You hate all my names.”
• One person researching way more than the other
• Long lists with zero overlap
• Repeated discussions about rejected names
• Analysis paralysis

The longer the process drags on, the more tension builds.

NameHatch reduces this by:

• Making both parents swipe independently
• Revealing mutual matches automatically
• Removing negotiation from the discovery phase
• Turning it into something fun instead of exhausting

When Is a Baby Name App Actually Worth Paying For?

A baby name app is worth it if:

• You value your time
• You want a collaborative experience
• You don’t want to manage spreadsheets
• You want faster clarity
• You’re overwhelmed by thousands of names
• You want fewer arguments, not more

It may not be worth it if:

• You already agree on 2–3 names
• You love manual research
• You have unlimited time

For most modern couples juggling work, life, and pregnancy?

It’s absolutely worth it.

Why NameHatch Is Different

NameHatch wasn’t built as a name database.

It was built as a modern, ad-free, couple-first experience.

What makes it different:

• Swipe-to-match design
• Real-time mutual matches
• Clean, intuitive interface
• No ads
• No gimmicky coin systems
• Focused on decision clarity

You’re not paying for access to names.

You’re paying to:

• Save 20+ hours
• Reduce decision fatigue
• Avoid spreadsheet chaos
• Enjoy the process together

The Bottom Line

You can choose a baby name using:

• 10 blog posts
• A spreadsheet
• A free app full of ads

Or you can choose one in a fraction of the time with a purpose-built tool.

“Free” tools cost you hours.

NameHatch costs less than a dinner out.

But it might save you 25+ hours — and make the experience actually enjoyable.

Try NameHatch for free

Frequently Asked Questions

Is there a completely free way to choose a baby name?

Yes. Spreadsheets, blogs, and free apps exist. They require significantly more time and manual organization.

How much time does NameHatch save?

Most couples reduce the process from 20–30 hours to just 2–4 hours of intentional swiping and reviewing matches.

Why not just use a baby name website?

Large sites provide lists, not personalized matching or couple synchronization.

Is NameHatch better than free baby name apps?

If you value:

• No ads
• A modern interface
• Built-for-couples matching
• Faster decisions

Then yes.