Choosing a name for a new baby is always an important yet tricky decision for parents — even for those of the monkey variety.

In a world first, Izumi the snow monkey made the tough choice by selecting a name for its one-month-old baby using touch-screen technology at Lincoln Park Zoo in Chicago.

Izumi, one of the fastest and most accurate touch-screen problem-solvers at the zoo, was given two names to choose from — Ikoma and Iwaki — both cities in Japan to pay homage to the macaque's country of origin.

Baby Iwaki clinging to mum Izumi. ( Facebook: Lincoln Park Zoo )

The first-time mum looked down at the baby, seemingly thinking about the best-suited name and then selected the name Iwaki.

Izumi selected the name twice in a row, indicating confidence in the decision.

It is likely the naming process was made a bit easier by the fact the decision was Izumi's alone because Iwaki's father will not be known until DNA testing is complete.

The two-name choices, both staring with the letter I like mum Izumi, were significant in demonstrating the prominent matrilines in the species.

For the "naming ceremony" to take place, Izumi used a state-of-the-art cognition cube.

The snow monkeys often voluntarily enter the cube and operate touch-screen computers so researchers can study their cognitive abilities.

Amazingly, Izumi returned to the touch-screen booth just 10 days after giving birth to Iwaki, demonstrating an interest in learning.

Some time soon, playful Iwaki will have a chance to use the touch-screens too.

In 2014 researchers found that macaques become relaxed and friendlier when they use touch-screen computers.