Many parents want a distinctive, appropriate, special-but-not-too-special name for their children, and 58 percent believe the right name contributes to success. Some would even pay people to help find a name.

Even with all the thinking that often goes into the decision, 3 percent of parents regret the names they chose and would change it if they could, according to a survey by BabyCenter.

They often said they would make a switch because a name has become too popular or gets mispronounced. A few parents felt that the name just doesn't seem to fit their child, the company said.

"Many parents view selecting a name for their baby as one of the most important and most difficult decisions they've ever made," said BabyCenter editor-in-chief Linda Murray. "Parents want to find a name that conveys their child's unique identity and will suit their personality throughout their lifetime."

Parents of boys said they wanted to convey strength and individuality, while femininity was the top concern for parents of girls.

Other findings included:

9 percent of new and expectant parents would pay someone to help them pick a name

48 said celebrities don't influence baby naming trends

26 percent said mom's vote has more weight than dad's when it comes to baby naming

People also said they look for different things in a first and middle name. The most important thing for a first name is sounding good, parents said. For a middle name, it was honoring a family member or carrying on a naming tradition.

However, 57 percent of parents said their kids are not named after anyone or anything in particular.

In December, BabyCenter released lists of the top 10 names for boys and girls.