The Art of Naming

Old Hollywood was such a glamorous time! The female celebrities from "the golden era" are still admired for their beauty, grace, elegance, and poise. Even after all these years have gone by, somehow these celebrities still remain relevant and interesting in everything from their fashion sense to the classic films they starred in to their lovely names that continue to inspire parents to this very day! There were so many beautiful celebrities with amazing names that I just listed the first one I came across with that first name, even though I know there are many more that may have also had that name. I hope I did not forget anyone but if I did, please let me know in the comments below! Which of these Old Hollywood names are your favorites? Would you ever use one of them for a daughter? Have you already? Do share! These are listed by first (and last) name. AGNES  (Moorehead)                         ANNE  (Baxter) ANITA  (Page) AUDREY  (Hepburn) AVA  (Gardner)

The late Hollywood film actor Cary Grant was actually born as Archibald Alexander Leach in 1904. He was best known for his dashing good looks and his transatlantic accent. As one of classic Hollywood's leading men, he had many roles over his 34 year acting career. It is worth noting that since his career spanned from 1932 to 1966, many of these names are rather traditional to the era but they are fun to browse nonetheless! First and last names will be listed but occasionally they could make for nice first and middle name combos! Which of the following character names is your favorite? STEPHEN Mathewson                           CHARLIE Baxter NICK Townsend ROMER Sheffield JEFFREY Baxter HENRY  Cocker ACE Corbin JACK Clayton MALCOLM  Trevor PORTER Madison III MAURICE  Lamar JULIAN  De Lussac GERALD  Fitzgerald KEN  Gordon MICHAEL  Andrews ANDRE Charville ERNEST  Bliss CHARLIE  Mason JIMMY Hudson GEORGE  Kerby JERRY Warriner JOHNNY Case

The masculine name Clark originally comes from the Old English word clerec which actually referred to a priest. Later it became an English surname that means "cleric" or "scribe". It could also refer to a clerk and is associated with the occupational name for a clergyman cleric in a religious setting. Because of these meanings, the name gives the impression of a good and intelligent man. Famous Clarks include Superman's iconic alias Clark Kent who has been personified by numerous actors and voice talents since its comic book days. There's also Old Hollywood actor Clark Gable best known for his role as Rhett Butler in 1939's  Gone with the Wind opposite Viven Leigh. Another association is the American explorer William Clark who helped lead the Lewis and Clark Expedition across America in the early 1800s. Between these three strong, handsome and adventurous namesakes, modern parents are starting to see the appeal of this short but powerful name.

Old Hollywood is sometimes referred to as the golden age. It ranged from about 1927 to the early 1960s. In regards to cinema in particular, Hollywood had its own very specific style that produced some of the greatest films ever! True classics! There was such a glamorous vibe in those days that is still admired even today. The celebrities of that time are well known for their elegance, style, poise and even their amazing names! If you are a fan of this time in our history, I'm sure you will love this list of celebrity baby names for boys! The girl's list will be posted next week! First (Last) ANTHONY (Quinn)                           BASIL (Rathbone) BUSTER  (Keaton) CARY  (Grant) CHARLIE  (Chaplin) CHARLTON  (Heston) CLARK  (Gable) CLAUDE  (Rains) DAVID  (Niven) ELVIS  (Presley) ERROL  (Flynn) FRANK  (Sinatra) FRED  (Astaire) FREDRIC  (March) GARY  (Cooper) GENE  (Kelly) GLENN  (Ford) GREGORY  (Peck) HAROLD  (Lloyd) HENRY  (Fonda) HUMPHREY