The male name Diederick is the Dutch form of the Germanic name Theodoric. Both mean "ruler of the people". Theodoric is completely different than the similar sounding Greek name Theodore which means "gift of God".
There was a Theodoric the Great in the 6th-century who became the ruler of Italy. He was also called Theodoricus but the original Gothic version of the name may have been Þiudreiks which is where Diederick comes from.
Pronounced DEE-də-rik, this cool and unusual Dutch name has some equally cool counterparts in other languages like Theoderich, Derek, Derrick, Dirk, Thierry, Tiede, Dierk, Dietrich, Thilo, Tielo and Tudor.
However, as a baby name in the USA, Diederick is unexplored territory. There are zero births on record since records were first kept in 1880. Since the Social Security Administration does not report births for a name unless there was at least 5 in one year, it's possible that there have been a few boys named Diederick born in the US at some point, but they weren't recorded officially. This means that if you were to use this name, your son would nearly be one of a kind!
In the Netherlands, I could not find an official ranking for the popularity of Diederick there, but I did find out that it didn't rank within the Top 500 or so names in 2013. Today's Dutch parents highly favor short names. Diederick is rather long is it may be rather rare and unusual everywhere which makes it all the more fun, especially with a nickname like Dee, Derick, Rick or Ricky.
What do you think of the name Diederick? Is it cool that it's so rare or do you think it deserves to remain in obscurity? Share your thoughts in the comments below! Also, what would you pair with it? Here are some ideas:
Sibling Name Ideas:
Sisters: Anneke, Caroline, Fenna, Leonie, Madelief, Sanne, Thera
Brothers: Constantine, Lieven, Milan, Nicolas, Pieter, Sem, Willem
Middle Name Ideas:
Diederick Finn
Diederick Lucas
Diederick Pim
Diederick Ruben
As a Middle Name:
Bram Diederick
Jesse Diederick
Levi Diederick
Noah Diederick
Find your perfect baby name! The Art of Naming offers expert consultation, name trends, and data to inspire your choice.
Monday, October 13, 2014
Wednesday, October 8, 2014
Top Vintage Names for Girls from 1920
Just like last week's post about boy names from 1920, here are some wonderful vintage classics for girls as well as some names that are no longer very fashionable. It is interesting to see how many names remain popular over time and how many have returned to the limelight after a vacation from the Top 1000. Which of these do you like most?
Elizabeth
#8 in 1920
#10 in 2013
Anna
#10 in 1920
#35 in 2013
Evelyn
#12 in 1920
#20 in 2013
Lillian
#18 in 1920
#26 in 2013
Ruby
#26 in 1920
#93 in 2013
Grace
#37 in 1920
#22 in 2013
Katherine
#45 in 1920
#77 in 2013
Emma
#46 in 1920
#2 in 2013
Sarah
#50 in 1920
#48 in 2013
Julia
#55 in 1920
#75 in 2013
Eva
#58 in 1920
#88 in 2013
Charlotte
#79 in 1920
#11 in 2013
Lucy
#94 in 1920
#66 in 2013
Violet
#77 in 1920
#69 in 2013
Stella
#82 in 1920
#70 in 2013
Ella
#88 in 1920
#15 in 2013
Sophie
#129 in 1920
#76 in 2013
Sadie
#174 in 1920
#50 in 2013
Mildred
Betty
Doris
Florence
Louise
Gladys
Edna
Ethel
Thelma
Jean
Pauline
Lois
Bernice
Gertrude
Marion
Rita
Agnes
Shirley
Bertha
Viola
Geraldine
Juanita
Ida
Myrtle
Norma
Lorraine
Bessie
Phyllis
Marian
Willie
Nellie
Wilma
Maxine
Minnie
Marguerite
Mattie
Jennie
So many of these scream "old fashioned!" to me. My great grandmother's name was Thelma. Most of these fit right in the "still too musty" category, but do you think any will make a comeback? I think Louise has the best chance of any of them; Viola could potentially ride Violet's coattails back up the charts too. What do you think?
Enduring Classics
Names that are in the Top 100 for both 1920 and 2013 and have always been within the Top 1000:
#8 in 1920
#10 in 2013
Anna
#10 in 1920
#35 in 2013
Evelyn
#12 in 1920
#20 in 2013
Lillian
#18 in 1920
#26 in 2013
Ruby
#26 in 1920
#93 in 2013
Grace
#37 in 1920
#22 in 2013
Katherine
#45 in 1920
#77 in 2013
Emma
#46 in 1920
#2 in 2013
Sarah
#50 in 1920
#48 in 2013
Julia
#55 in 1920
#75 in 2013
Eva
#58 in 1920
#88 in 2013
Charlotte
#79 in 1920
#11 in 2013
Lucy
#94 in 1920
#66 in 2013
Returning Vintage Faves
Names that were within the Top 200 in 1920 but fell out of the Top 1000 over the years only to return to 2013's Top 100 again!Violet
#77 in 1920
#69 in 2013
Stella
#82 in 1920
#70 in 2013
Ella
#88 in 1920
#15 in 2013
Sophie
#129 in 1920
#76 in 2013
Sadie
#174 in 1920
#50 in 2013
Faded Memories
Names that were in the Top 100 in 1920 but have fallen from the Top 1000 in 2013:Mildred
Betty
Doris
Florence
Louise
Gladys
Edna
Ethel
Thelma
Jean
Pauline
Lois
Bernice
Gertrude
Marion
Rita
Agnes
Shirley
Bertha
Viola
Geraldine
Juanita
Ida
Myrtle
Norma
Lorraine
Bessie
Phyllis
Marian
Willie
Nellie
Wilma
Maxine
Minnie
Marguerite
Mattie
Jennie
So many of these scream "old fashioned!" to me. My great grandmother's name was Thelma. Most of these fit right in the "still too musty" category, but do you think any will make a comeback? I think Louise has the best chance of any of them; Viola could potentially ride Violet's coattails back up the charts too. What do you think?
Wednesday, October 1, 2014
Boy Names from 1920 vs 2013
The year 1920 was big and booming for many baby names. I thought it would be fun to take a look at a few different categories of names from 1920 and see how they compare to the recent 2013 list.
John
#1 in 1920
#27 in 2013
William
#2 in 1920
#5 in 2013
Robert
#3 in 1920
#62 in 2013
James
#4 in 1920
#13 in 2013
Charles
#5 in 1920
#57 in 2013
Joseph
#7 in 1920
#20 in 2013
Thomas
#11 in 1920
#61 in 2013
Henry
#17 in 1920
#37 in 2013
Jack
#20 in 1920
#40 in 2013
David
#25 in 1920
#18 in 2013
Anthony
#43 in 1920
#19 in 2013
Samuel
#44 in 1920
#25 in 2013
Andrew
#49 in 1920
#22 in 2013
Michael
#50 in 1920
#7 in 2013
Daniel
#52 in 1920
#10 in 2013
Benjamin
#83 in 1920
#14 in 2013
These names just keep hanging in there as the years pass by. Other names have not been so lucky.
Ralph
Howard
Clarence
Earl
Fred
Herbert
Elmer
Bernard
Norman
Chester
Lloyd
Clifford
Floyd
Vernon
Herman
Lester
Milton
Cecil
Glenn
Gordon
Willard
Arnold
Claude
Wallace
Wilbur
Johnnie
Homer
Imagine how many more names have fallen off the Top 1000 chart since then too, but I can't list all of them. Do you think any of these will ever make a comeback?
Enduring Classics
Names in the Top 100 both in 1920 and 2013:
#1 in 1920
#27 in 2013
William
#2 in 1920
#5 in 2013
Robert
#3 in 1920
#62 in 2013
James
#4 in 1920
#13 in 2013
Charles
#5 in 1920
#57 in 2013
Joseph
#7 in 1920
#20 in 2013
Thomas
#11 in 1920
#61 in 2013
Henry
#17 in 1920
#37 in 2013
Jack
#20 in 1920
#40 in 2013
David
#25 in 1920
#18 in 2013
Anthony
#43 in 1920
#19 in 2013
Samuel
#44 in 1920
#25 in 2013
Andrew
#49 in 1920
#22 in 2013
Michael
#50 in 1920
#7 in 2013
Daniel
#52 in 1920
#10 in 2013
Benjamin
#83 in 1920
#14 in 2013
These names just keep hanging in there as the years pass by. Other names have not been so lucky.
Faded Memories
Names in the Top 100 in 1920 that are no longer in the Top 1000 in 2013:Ralph
Howard
Clarence
Earl
Fred
Herbert
Elmer
Bernard
Norman
Chester
Lloyd
Clifford
Floyd
Vernon
Herman
Lester
Milton
Cecil
Glenn
Gordon
Willard
Arnold
Claude
Wallace
Wilbur
Johnnie
Homer
Imagine how many more names have fallen off the Top 1000 chart since then too, but I can't list all of them. Do you think any of these will ever make a comeback?
Team Switchers
Names that were used more for boys in 1920 but are now used more for girls in 2013:
Sidney
Leslie
Aubrey
Lynn
Clair
Emory
Emery
Alva
Emerson
Sydney
McKinley
Shelby
Raleigh
Kelly
Avery
Arden
Lacy
Meredith
Dana
Blair
Ivory
Lauren
Elza
Stacy
Tracy
Whitney
Lindsay
Allison
Lindsey
Lesley
Bailey
Courtney
Note: Some of these were rather unisex in 1920 and/or are still rather unisex today, but I based it on the number of births in 1920 and 2013 to compile the list: i.e. more boy births in 1920 and more girl births in 2013. The middle-ground was all over the place.
What do you think of these lists? Will any of the Team Switchers ever switch back to the opposite gender? Let me know your thoughts in the comment section below or on Facebook!
Sunday, September 28, 2014
Double Letter Names for Girls
If you are expecting a child and dreaming of a name with double letters within it, this is your ultimate resource. This list contains baby girl names that contain the letter sequences "ee", "ll", "nn", "rr", "ss", and "tt". You're sure to find a great double-lettered name here but keep in mind that this list doesn't feature every possible name out there, just some of the best options available! Which do you like most?
Double-E Names:
Aberdeen, Absidee, Adalee, Adlee, Aileen, Aimee, Ainslee, Aleena, Aleesha, Alizee, Amalee, Amberlee, Ameera, Amelee, Analee, Andree, Andreea, Annalee, Anslee, Arleen, Ashlee, Aubree, Audree, Avalee, Aylee, Bailee, Baylee, Beverlee, Brailee, Brandee, Braylee, Bree, Breeanna, Breena, Breezy, Brilee, Brinlee, Brittnee, Brooklee, Brylee, Brynnlee, Cailee, Caitee, Cambree, Carlee, Carolee, Cassadee, Cathleen, Caylee, Ceegan, Charlee, Charleen, Chelsee, Colleen, Coralee, Cree, Creeda, Cydnee, Daphnee, Davinee, Dee, Deena, Desiree, Destinee, Doreen, Eileen, Eleena, Emalee, Emberlee, Emilee, Emmalee, Esmee, Estee, Evanee, Everlee, Freeda, Geena, Genavee, Genesee, Gracee, Greenlee, Greer, Hadlee, Hailee, Harlee, Haylee, Ilee, Jackleen, Jaimee, Jaleesa, Jasleen, Jaycee, Jaylee, Jayleen, Jenilee, Jodee, Jolee, Joleen, Journee, Jubilee,
Kaidee, Kailee, Kambree, Karalee, Kareena, Karlee, Kathleen, Kaycee, Kaylee, Keegan, Keeley, Keersten, Keesha, Keeva, Kelcee, Kellee, Kenadee, Khaleesi, Khloee, Kimberlee, Kinlee, Kinslee, Kree, Kylee, Landree, Laureen, Lee, Leeanne, Leela, Leelou, Leena, Leesa, Leslee, Kinzee, Loreena, Lucee, Lyndee, Mareesa, Marlee, Marleen, Maureen, Maylee, Meera, Merrilee, Mylee, Nancee, Natalee, Naveena, Neena, Noralee, Noreen, Novalee, Oaklee, Paislee, Preslee, Queenie, Quinlee, Randee, Rasheeda, Raylee, Reece, Reegan, Reena, Reese, Reeva, Renee, Renesmee, Rosalee, Rylee, Saydee, Seersha, Sereen, Sharlee, Shawnee, Shaylee, Sheena, Shelbee, Shirlee, Shylee, Siddalee, Steele, Sydnee, Tawnee, Taylee, Teegan, Tracee, Treena, Veera, Whitlee, Yasmeen, Zaidee, Zaylee, Zeely
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Double-L Names:
Abriella, Adabelle, Adell, Adella, Adrielle, Aldabella, Alla, Allaire, Allayna, Allegra, Alleta, Allie, Allison, Allure, Ally, Allyssa, Amaryllis, Amorelle, Anabella, Anabelle, Aniella, Annabelle, Antonella, Apolline, Apollonia, Arabella, Arabelle, Ardelle, Arella, Ariella, Astella, Aubriella, Audrielle, Aurielle, Averill, Axelle, Bella, Bellamy, Bellarosa, Belle, Bellefleur, Bellerose, Billie, Birdelle, Bluebell, Bonelle, Briallen, Briella, Brielle, Calla, Callalily, Calleigh, Callie, Calliope, Callista, Camellia, Camilla, Camille, Camillia, Campbell, Carabelle, Carroll, Chanelle, Chantelle, Chantilly, Cheryll, Christabella, Christabelle, Christella, Cielle, Cilla, Clarabella, Clarabelle, Clotille, Colleen, Collette, Collins, Corabelle, Cordella, Cyrille,
Dallas, Daniella, Danielle, Dashielle, Della, Dolly, Donatella, Donella, Drusilla, Dulcibella, Elisabelle, Elizabella, Ella, Elle, Elleanor, Ellen, Ellena, Ellery, Ellia, Elliana, Ellie, Elliette, Ellina, Ellinette, Ellinor, Elliott, Ellis, Ellison, Elloise, Ellora, Ellowyn, Emmanuelle, Eriella, Esabella, Estella, Estelle, Estrella, Evabelle, Fallon, Fenella, Fiorella, Gabriella, Gabrielle, Gaelle, Gianella, Gillian, Gisella, Giselle, Graciella, Guillermina, Halle, Halley, Hallie, Hazelle, Hellen, Hillary, Holland, Holliday, Hollis, Holly, Idabelle, Illyana, Isabella, Isabelle, Isabelline, Isobella, Israella, Izabelle, Jaelle, Janelle, Jazelle, Jenelle, Jill, Jillian, Jillianne, Joelle, Joellen, Josielle, Junella, Kallie, Kalliope, Kallista, Kamilla, Keller, Kelley, Kellie, Kelly, Kendall, Kyrielle,Killia,
Lillian, Lilliana, Lillibet, Lillith, Lilly, Lillyana, Lionella, Liselle, Llewella, Louella, Lucille, Luella, Lynnelle, Mabelle, Mallory, Manuella, Marabella, Marciella, Maribelle, Maybelle, Maybelline, Mayella, Mellie, Mellissa, Miabella, Michelle, Milla, Millicent, Millie, Mirabella, Mireille, Molly, Nayelli, Nell, Nellie, Nelly, Nialla, Nicolle, Noella, Noelle, Novella, Odell, Orabella, Pella, Perenelle, Petronella, Phillipa, Phyllis, Polly, Priscilla, Prunella, Quelle, Rachelle, Rafaella, Raphaella, Raquelle, Rashelle, Reilly, Rochelle, Romilly, Rosabella, Sabella, Sally, Sevilla, Shanelle, Shantelle, Shelley, Sibella, Stella, Sybill, Talullah, Tennille, Tillie, Tilly, Trillian, Tullia, Tully, Tulla, Vallie, Vanellope, Vella, Willa, Willamina, Willia, Willow, Xabelle, Ysabella, Zella, Zoelle
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Double-N Names:
Abrianna, Acelynn, Adalynn, Adelynn, Adrianna, Adrianne, Adrienne, Aislinn, Aiyanna, Alanna, Alianna, Amberlynn, Ann, Anna, Annabel, Annabella, Annabelle, Annabeth, Annalee, Annaliese, Annalina, Annalise, Annamaria, Annastasia, Anne, Anne-Marie, Anneka, Anneke, Annelie, Anneliese, Annelise, Annella, Annelore, Annemarie, Annessa, Anneth, Annetta, Annette, Annica, Annie, Annika, Annise, Annissa, Anniston, Annona, Annora, Aoibhinn, Aquinnah, Arianna, Arianne, Ashlynn, Aubrianna, Aubrynn, Audrianna, Avalynn, Avianna, Ayanna, Azlynn, Belladonna, Bellanne, Bethannie, Bianna, Bonnie, Braelynn, Breann, Breanna, Breanne, Brenna, Brianna, Brianne, Brienne, Brinn, Brooklynn, Brynn, Brynna,
Caitlynn, Caoilainn, Carlynn, Carolynn, Catelynn, Cayenne, Channing, Chardonnay, Charlianne, Chevonne, Cheyenne,Christianna, Christianne, Cianna, Connie, Corinna, Corinne, Courtlynn, Cynthianna, Dannie, Dannielle, Dannika, Deann, Deanna, Dennise, Devonne, Dianna, Dianne, Donna, Dorianne, Elanna, Elianna, Elynn, Emberlynn, Emmalynn, Enna, Erianna, Erinna, Evalynn, Evanna, Evienne, Evonne, Fabienne, Faelynn, Fannie, Felienne, Fianna, Finnley, Finnula, Fionna, Fionnuala, Franny, Gabrianna, Gennifer, Genny, Georgianna, Georgianne, Gianna, Giannetta, Giavanna, Ginnie, Ginnifer, Ginny, Giovanna, Giulianna, Gracelynn, Gwendalynn, Gwenn, Gwynneth, Hanna, Hannah, Hannalore, Hannelore, Hannie, Havannah, Henrienna, Hosanna, Ianna, Ioanna, Irelynn, Ivanna,
Ivonne, Jacelynn, Jacquelynn, Jaelynn, Janna, Jannelle, Jannette, Jannie, Jasmynn, Jaylynn, Jazlynn, Jeanna, Jeanne, Jeannette, Jeannie, Jeannine, Jenna, Jennie, Jennifer, Jenny, Jessalynn, Jillianne, Jinny, Joanna, Joanne, Joannie, Jocelynn, Johanna, Johannah, Johnna, Jonna, Jordanna, Jordanne, Jordynn, Josslynn, Jovanna, Jovienne, Joyanna, Julianna, Julianne, Julienne, Kailynn, Kaitlynn, Kamrynn, Karenna, Karianne, Katelynn, Katianna, Kellyanne, Kenna, Kennadie, Kennedy, Kianna, Kimberlynn, Kinnia, Korinna, Korinne, Lakelynn, Lanna, Lauralynn, Laurianna, Lavonne, Leanna, Leanne, Lenna, Lennon, Lianna, Lilianna, Lilianne, Lilyanna, Linnae, Linnea, Lisanne, Livianna, Lizanne, Lorianne, Louanne, Lowenna, Luanne, Lucienne, Luvianna, Lynne, Lynnette, Mackenna,
Madalynn, Madelynn, Maiwenn, Makenna, Marianna, Marianne, Marilynn, Maryanna, Maximilienne, Mckinnley, Meghann, Michonne, Minnie, Morwenna, Nannette, Oceanna, Oceanne, Olivienne, Onnika, Orianna, Orianne, Pavanne, Penna, Pennilyn, Pennington, Penny, Pollyanna, Prianna, Prynne, Quinn, Quinna, Quinnie, Raeanne, Raelynn, Rainn, Rainna, Ravenna, Rayanna, Reanna, Reilynn, Reyanne, Rheanna, Rhianna, Rhiannon, Rianna, Rihanna, Roanne, Ronnie, Rosalynn, Rosanna, Rosanne, Roseanna, Roseanne, Roselynn, Roxanna, Roxanne, Rozanne, Rozlynn, Rubianna, Ruthanne, Ryanne, Sanna, Sarianne, Savanna, Savannah, Seanna, Senna,
Sevanne, Shaelynn, Shanna, Shannelle, Shannon, Shaunna, Shavonne, Sheyenne, Shonna, Shosanna, Shoshanna, Shoshannah, Shyanne, Sianna, Sienna, Simonne, Sonnett, Sunniva, Sunny, Susanna, Susannah, Susanne, Suzannah, Suzanne, Synnove, Taralynn, Tarynn, Tatianna, Tennille, Texanna, Tianna, Torianna, Trianna, Tyanna, Vanna, Vianna, Vianne, Vienna, Vienne, Vinnie, Vivianna, Vivianne, Vivienna, Vivienne, Winnie, Winnifred, Wrenna, Wynna, Wynne, Savianna, Yannah, Yianna, Yohanna, Yulianna, Yvonna, Yvonne, Zanna, Zenna, Zinnia, Zuzanna
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Double-R Names
Arriane, Arrietty, Arrow, Azurra, Carrabelle, Carreen, Carrie, Carrigan, Carrington, Carrol, Carroll, Carryn, Cherry, Ciarra, Ciarran, Cierra, Corran, Corrie, Corrigan, Corrine, Corryn, Darrah, Dorrie, Dorris, Errika, Errin, Farrah, Farrow, Ferrin, Florrie, Gerri, Gerrianne, Harriet, Harriett, Harriette, Jerri, Jerrica, Jerrie, Karren, Karri, Karrigan, Karrington, Karrisa, Kerra, Kerri, Kerrigan, Kerrstin, Kerry, Kierra, Kirra, Kirrily, Kirryn, Korra, Korrelia, Korrie, Lorraine, Lorrie, Marryn, Merran, Merridan, Merrie, Merrigan, Merrilee, Merrilyn, Merry, Merryn, Mirra, Mirren, Moirrey, Monserrat, Montserrat, Morrigan, Perri, Quorra, Serra, Sharron, Sherri, Sherry, Sherryl, Sierra, Socorro, Sorrel, Sparrow, Starr, Surrey, Tarra, Tarren, Terra, Terri, Tiarra, Torrie, Vierra
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Double-S Names
Alessa, Alessandra, Alessia, Alissa, Alyssa, Alyssandra, Anastassia, Anissa, Annessa, Annissa, Arissa, Assisi, Basilissa, Bess, Bessa, Bessie, Blessing, Bliss, Blossom, Calissa, Caressa, Carissa, Cass, Cassandra, Cassara, Cassia, Cassidy, Cassie, Cassiopeia, Charissa, Chrissa, Chrissy, Clarissa, Clarisse, Contessa, Cordessa, Corissa, Corliss, Cressa, Cressida, Cypress, Denisse, Dessa, Elissa, Elyssa, Elysse, Essence, Essie, Essra, Flossie, Gessica, Gisselle, Hadassah, Ilyssa, Iridessa, Ivelisse, Jalissa, Janessa, Jenessa, Jess, Jessa, Jessalyn, Jessamine, Jessamy, Jessany, Jessenia, Jessica, Jessie,
Joss, Josseline, Jossie, Josslynn, Julissa, Kalissa, Karessa, Krissa, Kassady, Kassandra, Kassia, Kassidy, Kassie, Katniss, Kessie, Kesslee, Klarissa, Krissy, Larissa, Laurissa, Lissa, Lissette, Lissy, Lyssa, Marissa, Matisse, Melissa, Missie, Missy, Morissa, Narcissa, Nerissa, Nessa, Nessie, Odessa, Olyssia, Princess, Quintessa, Rossana, Rosslyn, Sessilee, Sissy, Soliesse, Taissa, Teressa, Tess, Tessa, Tessara, Tessie, Thalassa, Thessaly, Tressa, Tressie, Trissa, Ulyssa, Vanessa, Yassamin, Yessenia, Yessica, Yulissa
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Double-T Names
Aletta, Alette, Alouette, Ammorette, Anetta, Anette, Annetta, Annette, Antoinette, Antonetta, Arietta, Arlette, Arrietty, Audette, Aurorette, Babette, Benedetta, Bernadette, Bette, Bettina, Betty, Birgitta, Birgitte, Bretta, Bridgette, Brietta, Brigitta, Britta, Brittany, Britton, Carlotta, Charlotta, Charlotte, Claudette, Colette, Concetta, Coretta, Cosette, Cozette, Danette, Dottie, Eliette, Elisabetta, Ellinette, Elliott, Etta, Ette, Evette, Fiammetta, Fleurette, Garnett, Georgette, Gianetta, Guiletta, Harriett, Hattie, Henrietta, Hetty, Isabetta, Islette, Ivette, Jacquetta, Janette, Jeanette, Jetta, Jette, Joetta,
Jolette, Josette, Julietta, Juliette, Junette, Kenyatta, Kitty, Lanette, Lauretta, Lettice, Letty, Lieselotte, Linette, Lisette, Lorelotte, Loretta, Lottie, Lovette, Lucetta, Lunette, Lynnette, Margaretta, Marietta, Martta, Mattea, Mattie, Michellette, Mietta, Minette, Mittie, Nannette, Nettie, Nicolette, Odette, Olivette, Orietta, Ottaline, Ottavia, Ottilie, Ottoline, Patty, Paulette, Renatta, Retta, Rosetta, Roxette, Scarlett, Scarlette, Simonetta, Sutton, Suzette, Tattina, Valetta, Villette, Violetta, Violette, Vittoria, Vivetta, Wynette, Ygritte, Yvette, Zetta
Double-E Names:
Aberdeen, Absidee, Adalee, Adlee, Aileen, Aimee, Ainslee, Aleena, Aleesha, Alizee, Amalee, Amberlee, Ameera, Amelee, Analee, Andree, Andreea, Annalee, Anslee, Arleen, Ashlee, Aubree, Audree, Avalee, Aylee, Bailee, Baylee, Beverlee, Brailee, Brandee, Braylee, Bree, Breeanna, Breena, Breezy, Brilee, Brinlee, Brittnee, Brooklee, Brylee, Brynnlee, Cailee, Caitee, Cambree, Carlee, Carolee, Cassadee, Cathleen, Caylee, Ceegan, Charlee, Charleen, Chelsee, Colleen, Coralee, Cree, Creeda, Cydnee, Daphnee, Davinee, Dee, Deena, Desiree, Destinee, Doreen, Eileen, Eleena, Emalee, Emberlee, Emilee, Emmalee, Esmee, Estee, Evanee, Everlee, Freeda, Geena, Genavee, Genesee, Gracee, Greenlee, Greer, Hadlee, Hailee, Harlee, Haylee, Ilee, Jackleen, Jaimee, Jaleesa, Jasleen, Jaycee, Jaylee, Jayleen, Jenilee, Jodee, Jolee, Joleen, Journee, Jubilee,
Kaidee, Kailee, Kambree, Karalee, Kareena, Karlee, Kathleen, Kaycee, Kaylee, Keegan, Keeley, Keersten, Keesha, Keeva, Kelcee, Kellee, Kenadee, Khaleesi, Khloee, Kimberlee, Kinlee, Kinslee, Kree, Kylee, Landree, Laureen, Lee, Leeanne, Leela, Leelou, Leena, Leesa, Leslee, Kinzee, Loreena, Lucee, Lyndee, Mareesa, Marlee, Marleen, Maureen, Maylee, Meera, Merrilee, Mylee, Nancee, Natalee, Naveena, Neena, Noralee, Noreen, Novalee, Oaklee, Paislee, Preslee, Queenie, Quinlee, Randee, Rasheeda, Raylee, Reece, Reegan, Reena, Reese, Reeva, Renee, Renesmee, Rosalee, Rylee, Saydee, Seersha, Sereen, Sharlee, Shawnee, Shaylee, Sheena, Shelbee, Shirlee, Shylee, Siddalee, Steele, Sydnee, Tawnee, Taylee, Teegan, Tracee, Treena, Veera, Whitlee, Yasmeen, Zaidee, Zaylee, Zeely
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Double-L Names:
Abriella, Adabelle, Adell, Adella, Adrielle, Aldabella, Alla, Allaire, Allayna, Allegra, Alleta, Allie, Allison, Allure, Ally, Allyssa, Amaryllis, Amorelle, Anabella, Anabelle, Aniella, Annabelle, Antonella, Apolline, Apollonia, Arabella, Arabelle, Ardelle, Arella, Ariella, Astella, Aubriella, Audrielle, Aurielle, Averill, Axelle, Bella, Bellamy, Bellarosa, Belle, Bellefleur, Bellerose, Billie, Birdelle, Bluebell, Bonelle, Briallen, Briella, Brielle, Calla, Callalily, Calleigh, Callie, Calliope, Callista, Camellia, Camilla, Camille, Camillia, Campbell, Carabelle, Carroll, Chanelle, Chantelle, Chantilly, Cheryll, Christabella, Christabelle, Christella, Cielle, Cilla, Clarabella, Clarabelle, Clotille, Colleen, Collette, Collins, Corabelle, Cordella, Cyrille,
Dallas, Daniella, Danielle, Dashielle, Della, Dolly, Donatella, Donella, Drusilla, Dulcibella, Elisabelle, Elizabella, Ella, Elle, Elleanor, Ellen, Ellena, Ellery, Ellia, Elliana, Ellie, Elliette, Ellina, Ellinette, Ellinor, Elliott, Ellis, Ellison, Elloise, Ellora, Ellowyn, Emmanuelle, Eriella, Esabella, Estella, Estelle, Estrella, Evabelle, Fallon, Fenella, Fiorella, Gabriella, Gabrielle, Gaelle, Gianella, Gillian, Gisella, Giselle, Graciella, Guillermina, Halle, Halley, Hallie, Hazelle, Hellen, Hillary, Holland, Holliday, Hollis, Holly, Idabelle, Illyana, Isabella, Isabelle, Isabelline, Isobella, Israella, Izabelle, Jaelle, Janelle, Jazelle, Jenelle, Jill, Jillian, Jillianne, Joelle, Joellen, Josielle, Junella, Kallie, Kalliope, Kallista, Kamilla, Keller, Kelley, Kellie, Kelly, Kendall, Kyrielle,Killia,
Lillian, Lilliana, Lillibet, Lillith, Lilly, Lillyana, Lionella, Liselle, Llewella, Louella, Lucille, Luella, Lynnelle, Mabelle, Mallory, Manuella, Marabella, Marciella, Maribelle, Maybelle, Maybelline, Mayella, Mellie, Mellissa, Miabella, Michelle, Milla, Millicent, Millie, Mirabella, Mireille, Molly, Nayelli, Nell, Nellie, Nelly, Nialla, Nicolle, Noella, Noelle, Novella, Odell, Orabella, Pella, Perenelle, Petronella, Phillipa, Phyllis, Polly, Priscilla, Prunella, Quelle, Rachelle, Rafaella, Raphaella, Raquelle, Rashelle, Reilly, Rochelle, Romilly, Rosabella, Sabella, Sally, Sevilla, Shanelle, Shantelle, Shelley, Sibella, Stella, Sybill, Talullah, Tennille, Tillie, Tilly, Trillian, Tullia, Tully, Tulla, Vallie, Vanellope, Vella, Willa, Willamina, Willia, Willow, Xabelle, Ysabella, Zella, Zoelle
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Double-N Names:
Abrianna, Acelynn, Adalynn, Adelynn, Adrianna, Adrianne, Adrienne, Aislinn, Aiyanna, Alanna, Alianna, Amberlynn, Ann, Anna, Annabel, Annabella, Annabelle, Annabeth, Annalee, Annaliese, Annalina, Annalise, Annamaria, Annastasia, Anne, Anne-Marie, Anneka, Anneke, Annelie, Anneliese, Annelise, Annella, Annelore, Annemarie, Annessa, Anneth, Annetta, Annette, Annica, Annie, Annika, Annise, Annissa, Anniston, Annona, Annora, Aoibhinn, Aquinnah, Arianna, Arianne, Ashlynn, Aubrianna, Aubrynn, Audrianna, Avalynn, Avianna, Ayanna, Azlynn, Belladonna, Bellanne, Bethannie, Bianna, Bonnie, Braelynn, Breann, Breanna, Breanne, Brenna, Brianna, Brianne, Brienne, Brinn, Brooklynn, Brynn, Brynna,
Caitlynn, Caoilainn, Carlynn, Carolynn, Catelynn, Cayenne, Channing, Chardonnay, Charlianne, Chevonne, Cheyenne,Christianna, Christianne, Cianna, Connie, Corinna, Corinne, Courtlynn, Cynthianna, Dannie, Dannielle, Dannika, Deann, Deanna, Dennise, Devonne, Dianna, Dianne, Donna, Dorianne, Elanna, Elianna, Elynn, Emberlynn, Emmalynn, Enna, Erianna, Erinna, Evalynn, Evanna, Evienne, Evonne, Fabienne, Faelynn, Fannie, Felienne, Fianna, Finnley, Finnula, Fionna, Fionnuala, Franny, Gabrianna, Gennifer, Genny, Georgianna, Georgianne, Gianna, Giannetta, Giavanna, Ginnie, Ginnifer, Ginny, Giovanna, Giulianna, Gracelynn, Gwendalynn, Gwenn, Gwynneth, Hanna, Hannah, Hannalore, Hannelore, Hannie, Havannah, Henrienna, Hosanna, Ianna, Ioanna, Irelynn, Ivanna,
Ivonne, Jacelynn, Jacquelynn, Jaelynn, Janna, Jannelle, Jannette, Jannie, Jasmynn, Jaylynn, Jazlynn, Jeanna, Jeanne, Jeannette, Jeannie, Jeannine, Jenna, Jennie, Jennifer, Jenny, Jessalynn, Jillianne, Jinny, Joanna, Joanne, Joannie, Jocelynn, Johanna, Johannah, Johnna, Jonna, Jordanna, Jordanne, Jordynn, Josslynn, Jovanna, Jovienne, Joyanna, Julianna, Julianne, Julienne, Kailynn, Kaitlynn, Kamrynn, Karenna, Karianne, Katelynn, Katianna, Kellyanne, Kenna, Kennadie, Kennedy, Kianna, Kimberlynn, Kinnia, Korinna, Korinne, Lakelynn, Lanna, Lauralynn, Laurianna, Lavonne, Leanna, Leanne, Lenna, Lennon, Lianna, Lilianna, Lilianne, Lilyanna, Linnae, Linnea, Lisanne, Livianna, Lizanne, Lorianne, Louanne, Lowenna, Luanne, Lucienne, Luvianna, Lynne, Lynnette, Mackenna,
Madalynn, Madelynn, Maiwenn, Makenna, Marianna, Marianne, Marilynn, Maryanna, Maximilienne, Mckinnley, Meghann, Michonne, Minnie, Morwenna, Nannette, Oceanna, Oceanne, Olivienne, Onnika, Orianna, Orianne, Pavanne, Penna, Pennilyn, Pennington, Penny, Pollyanna, Prianna, Prynne, Quinn, Quinna, Quinnie, Raeanne, Raelynn, Rainn, Rainna, Ravenna, Rayanna, Reanna, Reilynn, Reyanne, Rheanna, Rhianna, Rhiannon, Rianna, Rihanna, Roanne, Ronnie, Rosalynn, Rosanna, Rosanne, Roseanna, Roseanne, Roselynn, Roxanna, Roxanne, Rozanne, Rozlynn, Rubianna, Ruthanne, Ryanne, Sanna, Sarianne, Savanna, Savannah, Seanna, Senna,
Sevanne, Shaelynn, Shanna, Shannelle, Shannon, Shaunna, Shavonne, Sheyenne, Shonna, Shosanna, Shoshanna, Shoshannah, Shyanne, Sianna, Sienna, Simonne, Sonnett, Sunniva, Sunny, Susanna, Susannah, Susanne, Suzannah, Suzanne, Synnove, Taralynn, Tarynn, Tatianna, Tennille, Texanna, Tianna, Torianna, Trianna, Tyanna, Vanna, Vianna, Vianne, Vienna, Vienne, Vinnie, Vivianna, Vivianne, Vivienna, Vivienne, Winnie, Winnifred, Wrenna, Wynna, Wynne, Savianna, Yannah, Yianna, Yohanna, Yulianna, Yvonna, Yvonne, Zanna, Zenna, Zinnia, Zuzanna
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Double-R Names
Arriane, Arrietty, Arrow, Azurra, Carrabelle, Carreen, Carrie, Carrigan, Carrington, Carrol, Carroll, Carryn, Cherry, Ciarra, Ciarran, Cierra, Corran, Corrie, Corrigan, Corrine, Corryn, Darrah, Dorrie, Dorris, Errika, Errin, Farrah, Farrow, Ferrin, Florrie, Gerri, Gerrianne, Harriet, Harriett, Harriette, Jerri, Jerrica, Jerrie, Karren, Karri, Karrigan, Karrington, Karrisa, Kerra, Kerri, Kerrigan, Kerrstin, Kerry, Kierra, Kirra, Kirrily, Kirryn, Korra, Korrelia, Korrie, Lorraine, Lorrie, Marryn, Merran, Merridan, Merrie, Merrigan, Merrilee, Merrilyn, Merry, Merryn, Mirra, Mirren, Moirrey, Monserrat, Montserrat, Morrigan, Perri, Quorra, Serra, Sharron, Sherri, Sherry, Sherryl, Sierra, Socorro, Sorrel, Sparrow, Starr, Surrey, Tarra, Tarren, Terra, Terri, Tiarra, Torrie, Vierra
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Double-S Names
Alessa, Alessandra, Alessia, Alissa, Alyssa, Alyssandra, Anastassia, Anissa, Annessa, Annissa, Arissa, Assisi, Basilissa, Bess, Bessa, Bessie, Blessing, Bliss, Blossom, Calissa, Caressa, Carissa, Cass, Cassandra, Cassara, Cassia, Cassidy, Cassie, Cassiopeia, Charissa, Chrissa, Chrissy, Clarissa, Clarisse, Contessa, Cordessa, Corissa, Corliss, Cressa, Cressida, Cypress, Denisse, Dessa, Elissa, Elyssa, Elysse, Essence, Essie, Essra, Flossie, Gessica, Gisselle, Hadassah, Ilyssa, Iridessa, Ivelisse, Jalissa, Janessa, Jenessa, Jess, Jessa, Jessalyn, Jessamine, Jessamy, Jessany, Jessenia, Jessica, Jessie,
Joss, Josseline, Jossie, Josslynn, Julissa, Kalissa, Karessa, Krissa, Kassady, Kassandra, Kassia, Kassidy, Kassie, Katniss, Kessie, Kesslee, Klarissa, Krissy, Larissa, Laurissa, Lissa, Lissette, Lissy, Lyssa, Marissa, Matisse, Melissa, Missie, Missy, Morissa, Narcissa, Nerissa, Nessa, Nessie, Odessa, Olyssia, Princess, Quintessa, Rossana, Rosslyn, Sessilee, Sissy, Soliesse, Taissa, Teressa, Tess, Tessa, Tessara, Tessie, Thalassa, Thessaly, Tressa, Tressie, Trissa, Ulyssa, Vanessa, Yassamin, Yessenia, Yessica, Yulissa
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Double-T Names
Aletta, Alette, Alouette, Ammorette, Anetta, Anette, Annetta, Annette, Antoinette, Antonetta, Arietta, Arlette, Arrietty, Audette, Aurorette, Babette, Benedetta, Bernadette, Bette, Bettina, Betty, Birgitta, Birgitte, Bretta, Bridgette, Brietta, Brigitta, Britta, Brittany, Britton, Carlotta, Charlotta, Charlotte, Claudette, Colette, Concetta, Coretta, Cosette, Cozette, Danette, Dottie, Eliette, Elisabetta, Ellinette, Elliott, Etta, Ette, Evette, Fiammetta, Fleurette, Garnett, Georgette, Gianetta, Guiletta, Harriett, Hattie, Henrietta, Hetty, Isabetta, Islette, Ivette, Jacquetta, Janette, Jeanette, Jetta, Jette, Joetta,
Jolette, Josette, Julietta, Juliette, Junette, Kenyatta, Kitty, Lanette, Lauretta, Lettice, Letty, Lieselotte, Linette, Lisette, Lorelotte, Loretta, Lottie, Lovette, Lucetta, Lunette, Lynnette, Margaretta, Marietta, Martta, Mattea, Mattie, Michellette, Mietta, Minette, Mittie, Nannette, Nettie, Nicolette, Odette, Olivette, Orietta, Ottaline, Ottavia, Ottilie, Ottoline, Patty, Paulette, Renatta, Retta, Rosetta, Roxette, Scarlett, Scarlette, Simonetta, Sutton, Suzette, Tattina, Valetta, Villette, Violetta, Violette, Vittoria, Vivetta, Wynette, Ygritte, Yvette, Zetta
Saturday, September 27, 2014
Double Letter Names for Boys
An easy resource for parents in search of a specific name. This post features double-letter names, specifically boy names that contain the repetitive letter sequences "ll", "nn", "rr", "ss", "tt". If you're trying to fit a sib-set that consists of names with double-letters in them, here are some of the best options:
Double-L Boy Names:
Achilles, Allen, Allison, Antonello, Apollo, Ardell, Averill, Ballard, Bellamy, Billy, Bramwell, Caldwell, Callahan, Callan, Callaway, Callisto, Callum, Campbell, Cavell, Cillian, Clellan, Collin, Connell, Cullen, Cyrill, Dallas, Dashiell, Darnell, Darrell, Dillion, Donatello, Donnell, Ellery, Elliott, Ellis, Ellison, Farrell, Fitzwilliam, Gallagher, Guillermo, Gulliver, Haskell, Holland, Hollis, Howell, Jarrell, Kellan, Kellen, Keller, Kelly, Kendall, Killian, Llewellyn, Lloyd, Lowell, Lyall, Macallister, Marcell, Marshall, Maximillian, Maxwell, Merrill, Millan, Miller, Mitchell, Neill, Niall, Ollie, Othello, Pellegrino, Pharell, Phillip, Powell, Quill, Quillan, Raffaello, Randall, Reilly, Rockwell, Rolland, Rollin, Rollo, Romilly, Russell, Stellan, Sullivan, Terrell, Tolliver, Tyrell, Wallace, Wendell, Willard, William, Willis, Willoughby
Double-N Boy Names:
Banner, Bannon, Bennett, Benno, Benny, Brannock, Brannon, Brennan, Brenner, Cannon, Channing, Connell, Connor, Danny, Dennis, Denny, Donnell, Donny, Etienne, Finn, Finneas, Finnegan, Finnian, Finnick, Finnigan, Fionn, Flynn, Gannon, Gianni, Giovanni, Glenn, Gunnar, Hennessy, Jenner, Johannes, Johnny, Jonny, Jovanni, Kennedy, Kenneth, Kenny, Kinnon, Konnor, Lann, Lanny, Lennon, Lennox, Lenny, Linnaeus, Lynn, MacKinnon, Manning, Manny, Penn, Quinn, Renner, Ronny, Sonny, Tanner, Tennessee, Tennyson, Vinny, Wynn, Yannick
Double-R Boy Names:
Arrow, Barrett, Barry, Carrington, Carroll, Corrin, Darragh, Darrell, Darren, Darrius, Darryl, Derrek, Derrick, Errol, Farrell, Ferris, Forrest, Forrester, Garrett, Garrison, Harrington, Harris, Harrison, Harry, Huckleberry, Jarred, Jarrell, Jarrett, Jerricho, Jerrod, Jerry, Kerry, Larry, Merrick, Merrill, Merritt, Morris, Morrison, Morrissey, Murray, Navarro, Norris, Orrin, Perry, Pharrell, Pierre, Sparrow, Terrell, Terrence, Terry, Thierry, Warren, Warrick
Double-S Boy Names:
Alessandro, Alessio, Arliss, Burgess, Cassander, Cassel, Cassian, Cassidy, Cassiel, Cassio, Cassius, Corliss, Cresson, Cypress, Douglass, Hassan, Hennessy, Jesse, Joss, Massimiliano, Massimo, Messiah, Morrissey, Mossimo, Odysseus, Ossian, Ross, Russ, Russell, Tennessee, Ulysses, Vassily, Wesson
Double-T Boy Names:
Abbott, Atticus, Averett, Avett, Barrett, Beckett, Bennett, Brett, Corbett, Crockett, Elliott, Emmett, Everett, Garnett, Garrett, Hewitt, Hutton, Jarrett, Jett, Leverett, Matt, Matteo, Matthew, Matthias, Mattox, Merritt, Mitt, Ottavio, Otto, Patton, Potter, Prescott, Rhett, Ritter, Ryatt, Scott, Scotty, Sutton, Truett, Vittorio, Whittaker, Wyatt
Stay tuned for a list of the best double-lettered names for every letter!
Double-L Boy Names:
Achilles, Allen, Allison, Antonello, Apollo, Ardell, Averill, Ballard, Bellamy, Billy, Bramwell, Caldwell, Callahan, Callan, Callaway, Callisto, Callum, Campbell, Cavell, Cillian, Clellan, Collin, Connell, Cullen, Cyrill, Dallas, Dashiell, Darnell, Darrell, Dillion, Donatello, Donnell, Ellery, Elliott, Ellis, Ellison, Farrell, Fitzwilliam, Gallagher, Guillermo, Gulliver, Haskell, Holland, Hollis, Howell, Jarrell, Kellan, Kellen, Keller, Kelly, Kendall, Killian, Llewellyn, Lloyd, Lowell, Lyall, Macallister, Marcell, Marshall, Maximillian, Maxwell, Merrill, Millan, Miller, Mitchell, Neill, Niall, Ollie, Othello, Pellegrino, Pharell, Phillip, Powell, Quill, Quillan, Raffaello, Randall, Reilly, Rockwell, Rolland, Rollin, Rollo, Romilly, Russell, Stellan, Sullivan, Terrell, Tolliver, Tyrell, Wallace, Wendell, Willard, William, Willis, Willoughby
Double-N Boy Names:
Banner, Bannon, Bennett, Benno, Benny, Brannock, Brannon, Brennan, Brenner, Cannon, Channing, Connell, Connor, Danny, Dennis, Denny, Donnell, Donny, Etienne, Finn, Finneas, Finnegan, Finnian, Finnick, Finnigan, Fionn, Flynn, Gannon, Gianni, Giovanni, Glenn, Gunnar, Hennessy, Jenner, Johannes, Johnny, Jonny, Jovanni, Kennedy, Kenneth, Kenny, Kinnon, Konnor, Lann, Lanny, Lennon, Lennox, Lenny, Linnaeus, Lynn, MacKinnon, Manning, Manny, Penn, Quinn, Renner, Ronny, Sonny, Tanner, Tennessee, Tennyson, Vinny, Wynn, Yannick
Double-R Boy Names:
Arrow, Barrett, Barry, Carrington, Carroll, Corrin, Darragh, Darrell, Darren, Darrius, Darryl, Derrek, Derrick, Errol, Farrell, Ferris, Forrest, Forrester, Garrett, Garrison, Harrington, Harris, Harrison, Harry, Huckleberry, Jarred, Jarrell, Jarrett, Jerricho, Jerrod, Jerry, Kerry, Larry, Merrick, Merrill, Merritt, Morris, Morrison, Morrissey, Murray, Navarro, Norris, Orrin, Perry, Pharrell, Pierre, Sparrow, Terrell, Terrence, Terry, Thierry, Warren, Warrick
Double-S Boy Names:
Alessandro, Alessio, Arliss, Burgess, Cassander, Cassel, Cassian, Cassidy, Cassiel, Cassio, Cassius, Corliss, Cresson, Cypress, Douglass, Hassan, Hennessy, Jesse, Joss, Massimiliano, Massimo, Messiah, Morrissey, Mossimo, Odysseus, Ossian, Ross, Russ, Russell, Tennessee, Ulysses, Vassily, Wesson
Double-T Boy Names:
Abbott, Atticus, Averett, Avett, Barrett, Beckett, Bennett, Brett, Corbett, Crockett, Elliott, Emmett, Everett, Garnett, Garrett, Hewitt, Hutton, Jarrett, Jett, Leverett, Matt, Matteo, Matthew, Matthias, Mattox, Merritt, Mitt, Ottavio, Otto, Patton, Potter, Prescott, Rhett, Ritter, Ryatt, Scott, Scotty, Sutton, Truett, Vittorio, Whittaker, Wyatt
Stay tuned for a list of the best double-lettered names for every letter!
Thursday, September 25, 2014
Lily Raphaella - (Birth Announcements!)
Birth announcements can be even more telling of what names are actually being used than even the most official lists of statistics and data. The US Top 1000 chart may show the most popular names, one spelling of that name at at time, but it does not make any mention of middle names. I like to see name combinations: firsts and middles put together.
Like I mentioned in last month's birth announcement list, the middle names that many people seem to use are rather common or "filler". I'd like to do another quick tally of the repeated middle names on today's list:
Girls:
Ann: 2
Elizabeth: 3
Louise: 2
Lynn: 2
Marie: 3
Rose: 8
Did you see all those Roses? It seems to be a very popular choice! And then there's the adorable and old-fashioned middles like Sue, Joan, and Mae. Which of the following names do you like best?
Girls:
Aerabella Lee
Adley Ann
Anastasia Rose
Aniyah Rose
Aria Rose
Aubrey Virginia
Brynn Renee
Carly Rae
Catherin Marceline
Elaina Sue
Emily Joan
Evolet Arletha Ann
Gracelyn Rose
Harley Daidre
Hayden Elizabeth
Haylee Rose
Karly Mae
Katelyn Marie
Lanah Reyn
Leah Marie
Lillyann Faith
Lilyanna Christine
Lily Raphaella
Lyla Maelee
Madelynn Marie
Maia Lillian
Marissa Nicole
Mayliana Brielle
Natalie Rose
Olivia Rose
Paislee Lane
Penelope Louise
Rachel Lilly
Rori Rayne
Roslyn Louise
Sarah Elizabeth
Skylar Lynn
Sofia Elizabeth
Summer Taylor
Taylor Rose
Zoe Lynn
Zophiah Aurora
For the boys, I was surprised to see so many "proper old man" type names in the middle spot: Edsel, Edward, Richard, Gerald, Kenneth, Harold, John, and so on. There are actually 3 Geralds on the list! What do you think of the boy names? Like any?
Boys:
Andrew Harrison
Anthony Chase
Ayden Edsel
Caiden Lee
Declan Edward
Denim Richard
Eli Matthew
Ethan Riley
Gadsden Lee
Gage Gerald
Gavin James
Gerald Alexander
Harper
Hayden Allen
Hendrix John
Hnter Andrew
Isaac Jay
Jace Kenneth
Kyloe Gary David
Jameson Jake
Landon Edward
Landon Scott
Lane Andrew
Lane Harold
Lincoln Gerald
Logan Hunter
Marcus Mathias
Merritt John
Miles River
Owen Lucas
Remington Levi
Sawyer Edward
Thomas Hugh
Warryn Paul
William Patrick
Wyatt Arthur James
Twins:
Ezra John & Elsa Diann
What do you think of matchy names for twins? Are Ezra and Elsa a little too similar or do they work well? What do you think? Tell me your favorites by leaving your thoughts in the comment section below or on our Facebook page!
Like I mentioned in last month's birth announcement list, the middle names that many people seem to use are rather common or "filler". I'd like to do another quick tally of the repeated middle names on today's list:
Girls:
Ann: 2
Elizabeth: 3
Louise: 2
Lynn: 2
Marie: 3
Rose: 8
Did you see all those Roses? It seems to be a very popular choice! And then there's the adorable and old-fashioned middles like Sue, Joan, and Mae. Which of the following names do you like best?
Girls:
Aerabella Lee
Adley Ann
Anastasia Rose
Aniyah Rose
Aria Rose
Aubrey Virginia
Brynn Renee
Carly Rae
Catherin Marceline
Elaina Sue
Emily Joan
Evolet Arletha Ann
Gracelyn Rose
Harley Daidre
Hayden Elizabeth
Haylee Rose
Karly Mae
Katelyn Marie
Lanah Reyn
Leah Marie
Lillyann Faith
Lilyanna Christine
Lily Raphaella
Lyla Maelee
Madelynn Marie
Maia Lillian
Marissa Nicole
Mayliana Brielle
Natalie Rose
Olivia Rose
Paislee Lane
Penelope Louise
Rachel Lilly
Rori Rayne
Roslyn Louise
Sarah Elizabeth
Skylar Lynn
Sofia Elizabeth
Summer Taylor
Taylor Rose
Zoe Lynn
Zophiah Aurora
For the boys, I was surprised to see so many "proper old man" type names in the middle spot: Edsel, Edward, Richard, Gerald, Kenneth, Harold, John, and so on. There are actually 3 Geralds on the list! What do you think of the boy names? Like any?
Boys:
Andrew Harrison
Anthony Chase
Ayden Edsel
Caiden Lee
Declan Edward
Denim Richard
Eli Matthew
Ethan Riley
Gadsden Lee
Gage Gerald
Gavin James
Gerald Alexander
Harper
Hayden Allen
Hendrix John
Hnter Andrew
Isaac Jay
Jace Kenneth
Kyloe Gary David
Jameson Jake
Landon Edward
Landon Scott
Lane Andrew
Lane Harold
Lincoln Gerald
Logan Hunter
Marcus Mathias
Merritt John
Miles River
Owen Lucas
Remington Levi
Sawyer Edward
Thomas Hugh
Warryn Paul
William Patrick
Wyatt Arthur James
Twins:
Ezra John & Elsa Diann
What do you think of matchy names for twins? Are Ezra and Elsa a little too similar or do they work well? What do you think? Tell me your favorites by leaving your thoughts in the comment section below or on our Facebook page!
Friday, September 19, 2014
Luciana
To round out Italian Week, let's take a look at a lovely Italian girl name: Luciana.
This name not only has Italian usage, but also Spanish, Portuguese and Ancient Roman. It is the feminine form of the Latin Lucianus which is a Roman family name. It is derived from Lucius which comes from the Latin word lux meaning "light".
For girls, names like Lucia, Lucilla, Lucetta, Lucinda, Lucienne and Lucy are all related to Luciana. Male variations include Luciano, Lucianus, Lucius, Lucio and Lucian. Of these, Lucia is hot in Spain.
Luciana has a couple different pronunciations. The Italians say loo-CHAH-nah and the Spanish will say loo-THYAH-nah or loo-SYAH-nah. You'll probably hear the last one most in the US.
In the US, Luciana has occasionally been used since 1897. It was very sporadic and with only a handful of births per year until there was a sudden boost from 1974-1977. 1976 was the biggest year with 317 births and a ranking of #546.
Luciana has only ranked in the Top 1000 from 1974-1976 and from 2006 -2013. Most recently, there were 572 births in 2013 for a ranking of #515. This is the most the name has ever been used! With Lucy being an appealing nickname, Lucia (#241) and Luciana will probably continue to gain usage in the near future.
What do you think of the lovely Luciana? Do you prefer Lucia or just Lucy instead? What would you name her siblings? What middle names might you give her? Here are a few ideas:
Sibling Name Ideas:
Sisters: Alessandra, Bianca, Constance, Graciela, Magdalena, Noelle, Serena
Brothers: Antonio, Constantine, Leonardo, Matteo, Raul, Teodoro, Victor
Middle Name Ideas:
Luciana Claire
Luciana Pearl
Luciana Rose
Luciana Violet
As a Middle Name:
Ada Luciana
Emma Luciana
Maren Luciana
Vivian Luciana
This name not only has Italian usage, but also Spanish, Portuguese and Ancient Roman. It is the feminine form of the Latin Lucianus which is a Roman family name. It is derived from Lucius which comes from the Latin word lux meaning "light".
For girls, names like Lucia, Lucilla, Lucetta, Lucinda, Lucienne and Lucy are all related to Luciana. Male variations include Luciano, Lucianus, Lucius, Lucio and Lucian. Of these, Lucia is hot in Spain.
Luciana has a couple different pronunciations. The Italians say loo-CHAH-nah and the Spanish will say loo-THYAH-nah or loo-SYAH-nah. You'll probably hear the last one most in the US.
In the US, Luciana has occasionally been used since 1897. It was very sporadic and with only a handful of births per year until there was a sudden boost from 1974-1977. 1976 was the biggest year with 317 births and a ranking of #546.
Luciana has only ranked in the Top 1000 from 1974-1976 and from 2006 -2013. Most recently, there were 572 births in 2013 for a ranking of #515. This is the most the name has ever been used! With Lucy being an appealing nickname, Lucia (#241) and Luciana will probably continue to gain usage in the near future.
What do you think of the lovely Luciana? Do you prefer Lucia or just Lucy instead? What would you name her siblings? What middle names might you give her? Here are a few ideas:
Sibling Name Ideas:
Sisters: Alessandra, Bianca, Constance, Graciela, Magdalena, Noelle, Serena
Brothers: Antonio, Constantine, Leonardo, Matteo, Raul, Teodoro, Victor
Middle Name Ideas:
Luciana Claire
Luciana Pearl
Luciana Rose
Luciana Violet
As a Middle Name:
Ada Luciana
Emma Luciana
Maren Luciana
Vivian Luciana
Wednesday, September 17, 2014
World-Wide Wednesday: Italian Baby Names
Family is very important in Italy. So much so that there has been a very strong custom in place for how parents are expected to name their children.
Any further children would then be named either for their parents, for a favorite aunt or uncle, for a saint, or for a deceased relative. There are always exceptions to this custom but this is typically the pattern that has been traditionally in use. If there was a child who died at a young age, for instance the first born son Emilio, his name would probably be reused for the next boy that was born in order to honor his paternal grandfather Emilio again.
Sometimes if the first born was a girl, they'd use a female variation of the paternal grandfather's name. The pattern wasn't always followed in the exact same way from family to family. This makes predicting ancestry records a bit more complicated than you may expect.
These traditions could be confusing when more than one of a man's sons named their first born sons after him. Then you'd have cousins with the same name. This happened frequently so to distinguish the boys from one another, nicknames were used. In some small towns where naming traditions are still upheld, the nickname trend is still in use. These nicknames tend to come from some kind of personal characteristic among other things.
If the above traditions weren't followed for some reason, you could probably bet money that the children all had a saint's name, especially if the family was Italian Catholic.
The majority of typical male Italian names end in -o but there are some that also end in -e, -a or -i like Salvatore, Luca or Giovanni. If it ever ends with a consonant, the origin is probably foreign such as Cristian or Oscar. Female names mostly end with -a but there are also some that end with -e or -i. Often, names will have a diminutive ending on them such as -ino/-ina, -etto/-etta, -ello/-ella, or -uccio/-uccia. Many male names have the prefix Gian- (John) or Pier- (Peter) in names like Gianluca or Giancarlo and Pierpaolo or Pierangelo. The feminine name Maria was also occasionally given to boys like Gianmaria or Anton Maria.
Over time, the most common given names have been the following:
As far as surnames go, Italians actually have the largest collection of surnames in the world. There are over 350,000 surnames in use. Men in ancient Rome began to inherit a specific surname around the year 1450. In 1564, it became mandatory to register baptismal names and marriages in parishes.
A very large amount of Italian surnames end with the letter -i. This is said to have started as a medieval habit of identifying a whole family by pluralizing their name with the letter -i on the end. Even if the family name was Ormanno, they were known as the Ormanni. So Lorenzo from the Ormanno family would be known as Lorenzo degli Ormanni which means "Lorenzo of the Ormannos". Eventually, the possessive portion of the name phrase that was used to identify someone ("of the") was dropped. They just remained pluralized: Lorenzo of the Ormannos was just Lorenzo Ormanni. Many of these family names were originally rather patronymic indicating ancestry through the paternal line such as Francesco de Bernardo meaning "Francis the son of Bernard". He would later just be known as Francesco Bernardi.
Some surnames originated as place names. People would only have first names and they'd be known by where they lived, whether it was a town, a geographical marker like a mountain or some other landmark like a tower. For example, the Rosa who lived in the town of Vinci would eventually be named Rosa da Vinci. Sometimes, ancestors' occupations determined a surname: Contadino which means "farmer" or Marin which means "sea" and indicates a fisherman. Other times, physical characteristics gave rise to surnames: Rossi comes from rosso which means "redhead". Occasionally, you'll find an Italian family surname that has preserved its Medieval Latin form such as De Laurentiis.
Now, as for modern baby names, here are the current Top 10 names per gender in Italy:
What do you think of these Italian baby names? For an even more extensive list of traditional name ideas, be sure to look at Behind The Name's wonderful list.
[Note:] As far as I know, I am not Italian. I have never had the pleasure of visiting Italy and I unfortunately have never learned the language. If any of this information is incorrect or lacking, please let me know so corrections can be made.
- The first male is named after his paternal grandfather.
- The second male is named after his maternal grandfather.
- The first female is named after her paternal grandmother.
- The second female is named after her maternal grandmother.
Any further children would then be named either for their parents, for a favorite aunt or uncle, for a saint, or for a deceased relative. There are always exceptions to this custom but this is typically the pattern that has been traditionally in use. If there was a child who died at a young age, for instance the first born son Emilio, his name would probably be reused for the next boy that was born in order to honor his paternal grandfather Emilio again.
Sometimes if the first born was a girl, they'd use a female variation of the paternal grandfather's name. The pattern wasn't always followed in the exact same way from family to family. This makes predicting ancestry records a bit more complicated than you may expect.
These traditions could be confusing when more than one of a man's sons named their first born sons after him. Then you'd have cousins with the same name. This happened frequently so to distinguish the boys from one another, nicknames were used. In some small towns where naming traditions are still upheld, the nickname trend is still in use. These nicknames tend to come from some kind of personal characteristic among other things.
If the above traditions weren't followed for some reason, you could probably bet money that the children all had a saint's name, especially if the family was Italian Catholic.
The majority of typical male Italian names end in -o but there are some that also end in -e, -a or -i like Salvatore, Luca or Giovanni. If it ever ends with a consonant, the origin is probably foreign such as Cristian or Oscar. Female names mostly end with -a but there are also some that end with -e or -i. Often, names will have a diminutive ending on them such as -ino/-ina, -etto/-etta, -ello/-ella, or -uccio/-uccia. Many male names have the prefix Gian- (John) or Pier- (Peter) in names like Gianluca or Giancarlo and Pierpaolo or Pierangelo. The feminine name Maria was also occasionally given to boys like Gianmaria or Anton Maria.
Over time, the most common given names have been the following:
- For males: Marco, Giuseppe, Antonio, Luca, Alessandro, Giovanni, Roberto, Andrea, Stefano, Francesco, Mario, Luigi.
- For females: Anna, Maria, Sara, Laura, Valentina, Giulia, Rosa, Giuseppina, Angela, Giovanna.
As far as surnames go, Italians actually have the largest collection of surnames in the world. There are over 350,000 surnames in use. Men in ancient Rome began to inherit a specific surname around the year 1450. In 1564, it became mandatory to register baptismal names and marriages in parishes.
A very large amount of Italian surnames end with the letter -i. This is said to have started as a medieval habit of identifying a whole family by pluralizing their name with the letter -i on the end. Even if the family name was Ormanno, they were known as the Ormanni. So Lorenzo from the Ormanno family would be known as Lorenzo degli Ormanni which means "Lorenzo of the Ormannos". Eventually, the possessive portion of the name phrase that was used to identify someone ("of the") was dropped. They just remained pluralized: Lorenzo of the Ormannos was just Lorenzo Ormanni. Many of these family names were originally rather patronymic indicating ancestry through the paternal line such as Francesco de Bernardo meaning "Francis the son of Bernard". He would later just be known as Francesco Bernardi.
Some surnames originated as place names. People would only have first names and they'd be known by where they lived, whether it was a town, a geographical marker like a mountain or some other landmark like a tower. For example, the Rosa who lived in the town of Vinci would eventually be named Rosa da Vinci. Sometimes, ancestors' occupations determined a surname: Contadino which means "farmer" or Marin which means "sea" and indicates a fisherman. Other times, physical characteristics gave rise to surnames: Rossi comes from rosso which means "redhead". Occasionally, you'll find an Italian family surname that has preserved its Medieval Latin form such as De Laurentiis.
Now, as for modern baby names, here are the current Top 10 names per gender in Italy:
Girls 1 Sofia 2 Giulia 3 Giorgia 4 Martina 5 Emma 6 Aurora 7 Sara 8 Chiara 9 Gaia 10 Alice | Boys 1 Francesco 2 Alessandro 3 Andrea 4 Lorenzo 5 Matteo 6 Mattia 7 Gabriele 8 Leonardo 9 Riccardo 10 Davide |
[Note:] As far as I know, I am not Italian. I have never had the pleasure of visiting Italy and I unfortunately have never learned the language. If any of this information is incorrect or lacking, please let me know so corrections can be made.
Monday, September 15, 2014
Lorenzo
Welcome to Italian week! On Wednesday, we'll look at Italian baby naming traditions, and Friday will bring a lovely girls name. Today, we're looking at the Italian boy name Lorenzo.
Lorenzo is actually both the Italian and Spanish form of the Latin Laurentius or Laurence. This name means "from Laurentum" which is a city in ancient Italy probably derived the Latin word laurus meaning "laurel".
In history, Lorenzo de Medici was the ruler of Florence during the Renaissance. He was known as the Magnificent and was a patron of the arts. He actually employed great artists such as Leonardo da Vinci, Michelangelo, Botticelli and others. Click here to view other namesakes in history.
Lorenzo currently ranks #4 in Italy and short-form Enzo ranks at #4 in France. Renzo is another nickname option or even Leo.
This name has always done fairly well in the US too! It is one of those exotic but not too exotic choices that parents love. Since 1880, Lorenzo has consistently ranked in the 200-400 range. As of 2013, it ranked at #237 representing 1,498 total male births.
What do you think of Lorenzo? Which nicknames would you use? What middle name might you pair with it? What would his siblings be named? Here are a few ideas that I came up with:
Sibling Name Ideas:
Sisters: Cristina, Emilia, Isabella, Juliana, Marina, Sophia, Viviana
Brothers: Antonio, Dominic, Francisco, Julian, Luca, Reuben, Vincent
Middle Name Ideas:
Lorenzo Daniel
Lorenzo Elliott
Lorenzo Marcus
Lorenzo Raphael
As a Middle Name:
Felix Lorenzo
Nathan Lorenzo
Peter Lorenzo
Victor Lorenzo
Lorenzo is actually both the Italian and Spanish form of the Latin Laurentius or Laurence. This name means "from Laurentum" which is a city in ancient Italy probably derived the Latin word laurus meaning "laurel".
In history, Lorenzo de Medici was the ruler of Florence during the Renaissance. He was known as the Magnificent and was a patron of the arts. He actually employed great artists such as Leonardo da Vinci, Michelangelo, Botticelli and others. Click here to view other namesakes in history.
Lorenzo currently ranks #4 in Italy and short-form Enzo ranks at #4 in France. Renzo is another nickname option or even Leo.
This name has always done fairly well in the US too! It is one of those exotic but not too exotic choices that parents love. Since 1880, Lorenzo has consistently ranked in the 200-400 range. As of 2013, it ranked at #237 representing 1,498 total male births.
What do you think of Lorenzo? Which nicknames would you use? What middle name might you pair with it? What would his siblings be named? Here are a few ideas that I came up with:
Sibling Name Ideas:
Sisters: Cristina, Emilia, Isabella, Juliana, Marina, Sophia, Viviana
Brothers: Antonio, Dominic, Francisco, Julian, Luca, Reuben, Vincent
Middle Name Ideas:
Lorenzo Daniel
Lorenzo Elliott
Lorenzo Marcus
Lorenzo Raphael
As a Middle Name:
Felix Lorenzo
Nathan Lorenzo
Peter Lorenzo
Victor Lorenzo
Wednesday, September 10, 2014
Autumn Names for Baby Girls
With crisp air, colorful leaves, bonfires and pumpkins in your mind, look no further than this list for some unique fall-inspired baby name ideas! Even though the first day of Autumn is still a couple weeks away on September 23rd, I thought we'd start pondering it as cooler weather approaches.
If you're due with an Autumn baby in the next couple months and find yourself in need of the perfect name, perhaps you'll "fall" for one of these ideas!
Amber Anise Annona Apple Aster Aurelia Autumn Baize Berry Carmine Celeste Ceres Charde Cinnamon Crysanthemum Coral Crimson Crisanta Emerald Eve Fira Gaia Ginger Goldie Hazel Ivy Jade Jora Juniper Keziah Laurel Lavender Libra Lily | Maize Maple Marigold Mauve Moon November Octavia Olive Opal Orla Paisley Persephone Rain Raven Rhea Roux Rowan Ruby Saffron Sage Sapphire Scarlet September Sienna Sorrel Sparrow Tabitha Tawny Topaz Velvet Willow Windy Xanthe Zarina |
Wednesday, September 3, 2014
Autumn Names for Baby Boys
The first day of Autumn doesn't officially begin until September 23rd in the Northern Hemisphere this year, but I thought we'd start pondering it as cooler weather approaches. Perhaps you're due with an Autumn baby in the next couple months and find yourself in need of the perfect name.
With crisp air, colorful leaves, bonfires and pumpkins in your mind, look no further than this list for some unique fall-inspired baby name ideas!
Adam Ash Asher Auburn Azure Bacchus Barley Blaze Birch Branch Bronze Browning Bruno Cedar Chard Chestnut Copper Cormac Crispin Demeter Dionysus Farmer Finley Finn Flint Forrest Frost Garner Garnet Gerald Gold Harkin | Harvest Hawke Hay Hue Hunter Jasper Jet Kale Leaf Linden Mica Mountain Oak Octavius October Oliver Radley Red Reed Rory Roux Rowan Russet Rusty Rye Sawyer Scorpio Septimus Sorrel Storm Wheatley Woody |
Thursday, August 28, 2014
Caius Michael - (Birth Announcements!)
In this set of birth announcements from a hospital in Pennsylvania, I found myself more fascinated by all the middle names than anything. Count with me.
Ann/Anne: 5
Marie: 4
Jane/Jayne: 2
Noel/Noelle: 2
Rayne: 2
Rose: 4
Alan/Allan: 3
Andrew: 3
James: 3
Johnathan/Jonathan: 2
Joseph/Joesph: 3
Michael: 4
I started to think about middle names and how often a more common or "filler" name is chosen. I wish there was an official SSA-style list for just middle names so we could calculate the most popular ones. However, it would make a difference if these were family names or used for sentimental reasons as opposed to just filling a space.
Beyond just finding repeating middle names, so many of these are classic or traditional names. I do like seeing the more unique options like Patience and Raven, Axel and Dash. However, I used Alexander for my own son's middle name and Sophia for my daughter so I understand the thought process. What are your kids' middle names?
Girls:
Adalynn Ann
Alaina Anne
Allis
Amber
Annabelle Rose
Arianna Gail
Ariya Noel
Aurora Kapri
Avary Noelle
Averi Ann
Belle Madelyn
Brogan Laural
Cara-Ann Nichole
Delainey Jayne
Desirae
Ella Jane
Emily Rose
Esmae Renee
Faith Sophia
Harper Marie
Isabelle Loren
Isla Rose
Kailey Ann Marie
Kaylee Marie
Lillian Mae
Lucy Arlene
Lyla Dawn
Madison Rayne
Maelyn Elizabeth
Makayla Jo
Morgan Rose
Paisley Lynn
Rowan
Raelyn Grace
Rosie Patience
Ryleigh Marie
Taylor Kay
Taylor Morgan
Sydney Joy
Willow
Wynter Raven
Zoey Rayne
Boys:
Alex Johnathan
Anthony Alan
Arlo Jonathan
Ashton
Axile Joseph
Blake Paul
Blaze Steven Lee
Braxton Joesph
Brayden Andrew
Caius Michael
Camden Jacob
Carter Ryan
Chase Matthew
Chester Wayne
Christopher Xavier
Colby Alan
Cole Stephen
Colten Lucas
Cooper Axel
Dante
Eliott
Ethan Michael
Eugene Richard
Gavin
Grant Joseph
Iden
Jack Andrew
Jacob Adam
Jake Harold Arthur
Jeremiah Ray
Joseph Michael
Kaden Andrew
Lennon Dash
Lincoln Grant
Logan Patrick
Lucas Allan
Lukka Tomilliam
Mark Edward
Neko Alexander
Nolan Brady
Nolan Robert
Owen James
Parker James
Parker Mitchell
Riley Michael
Samuel Anthony
Seth James
Trystan
Watson Gabriel
Wyatt Scott
Twins:
Christopher & Samuel
Richard & Ryan
What do you think of this list? Did any of these names stand out to you? Could you pick a favorite?
Ann/Anne: 5
Marie: 4
Jane/Jayne: 2
Noel/Noelle: 2
Rayne: 2
Rose: 4
Alan/Allan: 3
Andrew: 3
James: 3
Johnathan/Jonathan: 2
Joseph/Joesph: 3
Michael: 4
I started to think about middle names and how often a more common or "filler" name is chosen. I wish there was an official SSA-style list for just middle names so we could calculate the most popular ones. However, it would make a difference if these were family names or used for sentimental reasons as opposed to just filling a space.
Beyond just finding repeating middle names, so many of these are classic or traditional names. I do like seeing the more unique options like Patience and Raven, Axel and Dash. However, I used Alexander for my own son's middle name and Sophia for my daughter so I understand the thought process. What are your kids' middle names?
Girls:
Adalynn Ann
Alaina Anne
Allis
Amber
Annabelle Rose
Arianna Gail
Ariya Noel
Aurora Kapri
Avary Noelle
Averi Ann
Belle Madelyn
Brogan Laural
Cara-Ann Nichole
Delainey Jayne
Desirae
Ella Jane
Emily Rose
Esmae Renee
Faith Sophia
Harper Marie
Isabelle Loren
Isla Rose
Kailey Ann Marie
Kaylee Marie
Lillian Mae
Lucy Arlene
Lyla Dawn
Madison Rayne
Maelyn Elizabeth
Makayla Jo
Morgan Rose
Paisley Lynn
Rowan
Raelyn Grace
Rosie Patience
Ryleigh Marie
Taylor Kay
Taylor Morgan
Sydney Joy
Willow
Wynter Raven
Zoey Rayne
Boys:
Alex Johnathan
Anthony Alan
Arlo Jonathan
Ashton
Axile Joseph
Blake Paul
Blaze Steven Lee
Braxton Joesph
Brayden Andrew
Caius Michael
Camden Jacob
Carter Ryan
Chase Matthew
Chester Wayne
Christopher Xavier
Colby Alan
Cole Stephen
Colten Lucas
Cooper Axel
Dante
Eliott
Ethan Michael
Eugene Richard
Gavin
Grant Joseph
Iden
Jack Andrew
Jacob Adam
Jake Harold Arthur
Jeremiah Ray
Joseph Michael
Kaden Andrew
Lennon Dash
Lincoln Grant
Logan Patrick
Lucas Allan
Lukka Tomilliam
Mark Edward
Neko Alexander
Nolan Brady
Nolan Robert
Owen James
Parker James
Parker Mitchell
Riley Michael
Samuel Anthony
Seth James
Trystan
Watson Gabriel
Wyatt Scott
Twins:
Christopher & Samuel
Richard & Ryan
What do you think of this list? Did any of these names stand out to you? Could you pick a favorite?
Friday, August 22, 2014
Caoimhe
Closing out Irish Week, I present to you a very Irish girl name.
The name Caoimhe is pronounced KWEE-va and sometimes just KEE-va is accepted. It has been anglicized to produce the variants Keeva and Keavy. It comes from the Gaelic caomh which means "beautiful, gentle, kind". So while it may be difficult for the non-Irish to know how to pronounce, it definitely has a lovely meaning! It is also used in Scotland with the same spelling, meaning and pronunciations.
According to the most recent stats on BehindTheName, Caoimhe ranks at #16 in Ireland and #35 in Northern Ireland. Nameberry confirms that this name has been consistently popular for quite a while, usually ranking in the Top 20 or so.
In the US, Caoimhe is definitely hindered by pronunciation issues. It has only been given to girls since 1996 but it has never had more than 19 births in a single year. In 2013, there were 18 births for a ranking of #6734. Revision: As of 2016, the name only had 11 births. This indicates that it won't be common any time soon.
Meanwhile, the anglicized spelling Keeva has been in use since 1968. It hasn't had regular usage though and it is by no means popular. Its biggest year was 2013 with 43 births for a ranking of #3580. It does a bit better than its Irish form but Keeva is still very rare.
Even if you're not Irish, what do you think of this name? Did you know how to pronounce it before reading this? Have you ever known someone with this name?
Here are some sibling and middle name ideas for Caoimhe:
Sibling Name Ideas:
Sisters: Aoife (EE-fa), Caitriona (kah-TREE-na), Niamh (NEEV), Orla, Roisin (ROH-sheen), Saoirse (SEER-sha),
Brothers: Aodhan (Aidan), Ciaran (KEER-awn), Finnegan, Lochlainn (LOCK-lin), Oisin (OSH-een), Ronan
Middle Name Ideas:
Caoimhe Aisling
Caoimhe Erin
Caoimhe Maeve
Caoimhe Sheridan
As a Middle Name:
Bridget Caoimhe
Riley Caoimhe
Siobhan Caoimhe
Tierney Caoimhe
I stuck to using plenty of original Irish spellings, but it isn't necessary. Caoimhe could also pair with anglicized Irish names or those of an English origin. What would you pair with Caoimhe?
Original post: 8/22/14
Revision: 5/14/17
The name Caoimhe is pronounced KWEE-va and sometimes just KEE-va is accepted. It has been anglicized to produce the variants Keeva and Keavy. It comes from the Gaelic caomh which means "beautiful, gentle, kind". So while it may be difficult for the non-Irish to know how to pronounce, it definitely has a lovely meaning! It is also used in Scotland with the same spelling, meaning and pronunciations.
According to the most recent stats on BehindTheName, Caoimhe ranks at #16 in Ireland and #35 in Northern Ireland. Nameberry confirms that this name has been consistently popular for quite a while, usually ranking in the Top 20 or so.
In the US, Caoimhe is definitely hindered by pronunciation issues. It has only been given to girls since 1996 but it has never had more than 19 births in a single year. In 2013, there were 18 births for a ranking of #6734. Revision: As of 2016, the name only had 11 births. This indicates that it won't be common any time soon.
Meanwhile, the anglicized spelling Keeva has been in use since 1968. It hasn't had regular usage though and it is by no means popular. Its biggest year was 2013 with 43 births for a ranking of #3580. It does a bit better than its Irish form but Keeva is still very rare.
Even if you're not Irish, what do you think of this name? Did you know how to pronounce it before reading this? Have you ever known someone with this name?
Here are some sibling and middle name ideas for Caoimhe:
Sibling Name Ideas:
Sisters: Aoife (EE-fa), Caitriona (kah-TREE-na), Niamh (NEEV), Orla, Roisin (ROH-sheen), Saoirse (SEER-sha),
Brothers: Aodhan (Aidan), Ciaran (KEER-awn), Finnegan, Lochlainn (LOCK-lin), Oisin (OSH-een), Ronan
Middle Name Ideas:
Caoimhe Aisling
Caoimhe Erin
Caoimhe Maeve
Caoimhe Sheridan
As a Middle Name:
Bridget Caoimhe
Riley Caoimhe
Siobhan Caoimhe
Tierney Caoimhe
I stuck to using plenty of original Irish spellings, but it isn't necessary. Caoimhe could also pair with anglicized Irish names or those of an English origin. What would you pair with Caoimhe?
Original post: 8/22/14
Revision: 5/14/17
Wednesday, August 20, 2014
World-Wide Wednesday: Irish Baby Names
Welcome to World-Wide Wednesday! Today we'll take a look at Irish baby names and naming traditions!
First, let's start with a bit of trivia. Irish babies are typically named for their relatives, especially in the past. This trend may not be as prominent today as it once was, but there is a pattern that Irish families tended to follow:
The father's have traditions too. One called "Wetting the Baby's Head" is essentially a toast for the newborn's health and happiness. Traditionally, whiskey is used to commemorate the moment and is usually enjoyed by the father and his friends.
Other traditions may include placing a silver coin in the baby's hand during his Christening to ensure a prosperous life; and tying a red ribbon to the baby's cradle until their first birthday to keep away mischievous, baby-napping fairies. Of course, there's always plenty of Irish proverbs and blessings associated with pregnancy, childbirth and all the milestones a child will reach.
As far as actual baby names are concerned, a formal Irish personal name will consist of a given name and a surname. Irish surnames are rather patronymic and include O' meaning "grandson of" or Mac meaning "son of". A boy will usually have the same surname as his father. A girl's surname will replace the O' with Ni which indicates "daughter of the grandson of" or Nic which means "daughter of the son of". A son of a man named Ó Dónaill would keep that surname, a daughter would be known as Ní Dhónaill. However, when it is anglicized, she would revert to the same name as her father and brother: Ó Dónaill. There are other rules pertaining to a surname that begins with a vowel too; and sometimes the Normanic prefix Fitz will be used.
When a woman marries, she can opt to take her husband's surname but instead of keeping his O', she would replace it with Bean Uí which indicates "wife of the grandson of". Instead of Mac, she'd use Bean Mhic or "wife of the son of". Bean may be omitted in certain cases allowing her to simply use Uí or Mhic. A woman marrying a man named Ó Dónaill may choose to be use Bean Uí Dhónaill or Uí Dhónaill as her surname.
Typically, a family would look something like this:
Mac:
Husband: Seán Mac Mathúna
Wife: Máire Mhic Mhathúna
Son: Cillian Mac Mathúna
Daughter: Aoife Nic Mhathúna
Ó/Ua:
Husband: Pól Ó Murchú
Wife: Mairéad Uí Mhurchú
Son: Eoin Ó Murchú
Daughter: Gráinne Ní Mhurchú
In the case of first names, sometimes an adjective will be added to distinguish, for example, a son from his father like the English junior and senior. Mór ("big") and Óg ("young") are typically used in this case but instead of being placed at the end of a name, they'll be inserted between the given name and surname. So Seán Óg Ó Súilleabháin would be anglicized to "John O'Sullivan Jr." Sometimes the O' is dropped when it's been anglicized. Other adjectives that could be applied to a person may simply indicate their hair color, but these are always informal like a nickname: Pádraig Rua ("red-haired Patrick"), Máire Bhán ("fair-haired Mary").
One more interesting possibility that I'll mention involves traditional Gaeltacht names in Irish-speaking areas. They still customarily give a child a given name followed by his father's name and sometimes followed again by the paternal grandfather's name. For example: Seán Ó Cathasaigh (Sean O'Casey), son of Pól, son of Séamus, would be known as Seán Phóil Shéamuis. Sometimes a mother's name or a maternal grandfather's name could be substituted in there if they are well-known in the area. These types of names are not official but used more for distinguishing people who share a name and are living in the same area.
While most Irish people have a traditional Irish spelling for their name, many also opt to anglicize it, especially if they are somewhat famous. A fun example is that of former US President John Fitzgerald Kennedy. If he ever used it, his Irish name would be Seán Mac Gearailt Ó Cinnéide. He was born in the US but all four of his grandparents were the children of immigrants from Ireland.
Today, it isn't very clear how many people still strictly follow the familial naming patterns. The top names used on Irish babies in recent years seem to indicate that more parents prefer choosing a name that they love instead of adhering to traditions.
Names in 1963 were very traditional in an English sense. They're not traditional Irish names. The Top 5 looked like this:
Boys:
John (3,892 births)
Patrick (2,302 births)
Michael (2,010 births)
Paul (1,867 births)
James (1,575 births)
Girls:
Mary (3,721 births)
Margaret (1,526 births)
Catherine (1,387 births)
Ann (927 births)
Anne (824 births)
Here is the current list of the Top baby names in Ireland for 2013:
Boys:
Jack (764 births)
James (746 births)
Daniel (678 births)
Conor (610 births)
Sean (609 births)
Girls:
Emily (625 births)
Emma (499 births)
Sophie (497 births)
Ella (478 births)
Amelia (429 births)
Notice how many of the Top names were given to babies in 1963 compared to the number of births for each Top name in 2013. This indicates an increase in the pool of names being used in general. I imagine there has been a lot of influence from England and the US. To view the entire Top 100 names, visit this page and view the tables at the very bottom.
There are still some traditional Irish names being given today, even though some of them are in forms that are a bit more anglicized than their original counterparts. Here are the ones within the Top 100:
What do you think of Irish traditions of the past? Are you familiar with more modern traditions in baby naming? If so, please share your insight in the comment section! Which of the above names is your favorite?
[Note:] My paternal ancestors come from Ireland but I have never been there. I have, however, learned quite a bit of the language. If any of this information seems incorrect, please let me know!
Source | Source | Source | Source
First, let's start with a bit of trivia. Irish babies are typically named for their relatives, especially in the past. This trend may not be as prominent today as it once was, but there is a pattern that Irish families tended to follow:
- First born son named after his father's father
- Second born son named after his mother's father
- Third born son named after his father
- Fourth born son named after his father's oldest brother
- Fifth born son named after his father's 2nd oldest brother or his mother's oldest brother
- First born daughter named after her mother's mother
- Second born daughter named after her father's mother
- Third born daughter named after her mother
- Fourth born daughter named after her mother's oldest sister
- Fifth born daughter named after her mother's 2nd oldest sister or her father's oldest sister
The father's have traditions too. One called "Wetting the Baby's Head" is essentially a toast for the newborn's health and happiness. Traditionally, whiskey is used to commemorate the moment and is usually enjoyed by the father and his friends.
Other traditions may include placing a silver coin in the baby's hand during his Christening to ensure a prosperous life; and tying a red ribbon to the baby's cradle until their first birthday to keep away mischievous, baby-napping fairies. Of course, there's always plenty of Irish proverbs and blessings associated with pregnancy, childbirth and all the milestones a child will reach.
As far as actual baby names are concerned, a formal Irish personal name will consist of a given name and a surname. Irish surnames are rather patronymic and include O' meaning "grandson of" or Mac meaning "son of". A boy will usually have the same surname as his father. A girl's surname will replace the O' with Ni which indicates "daughter of the grandson of" or Nic which means "daughter of the son of". A son of a man named Ó Dónaill would keep that surname, a daughter would be known as Ní Dhónaill. However, when it is anglicized, she would revert to the same name as her father and brother: Ó Dónaill. There are other rules pertaining to a surname that begins with a vowel too; and sometimes the Normanic prefix Fitz will be used.
When a woman marries, she can opt to take her husband's surname but instead of keeping his O', she would replace it with Bean Uí which indicates "wife of the grandson of". Instead of Mac, she'd use Bean Mhic or "wife of the son of". Bean may be omitted in certain cases allowing her to simply use Uí or Mhic. A woman marrying a man named Ó Dónaill may choose to be use Bean Uí Dhónaill or Uí Dhónaill as her surname.
Typically, a family would look something like this:
Mac:
Husband: Seán Mac Mathúna
Wife: Máire Mhic Mhathúna
Son: Cillian Mac Mathúna
Daughter: Aoife Nic Mhathúna
Ó/Ua:
Husband: Pól Ó Murchú
Wife: Mairéad Uí Mhurchú
Son: Eoin Ó Murchú
Daughter: Gráinne Ní Mhurchú
In the case of first names, sometimes an adjective will be added to distinguish, for example, a son from his father like the English junior and senior. Mór ("big") and Óg ("young") are typically used in this case but instead of being placed at the end of a name, they'll be inserted between the given name and surname. So Seán Óg Ó Súilleabháin would be anglicized to "John O'Sullivan Jr." Sometimes the O' is dropped when it's been anglicized. Other adjectives that could be applied to a person may simply indicate their hair color, but these are always informal like a nickname: Pádraig Rua ("red-haired Patrick"), Máire Bhán ("fair-haired Mary").
One more interesting possibility that I'll mention involves traditional Gaeltacht names in Irish-speaking areas. They still customarily give a child a given name followed by his father's name and sometimes followed again by the paternal grandfather's name. For example: Seán Ó Cathasaigh (Sean O'Casey), son of Pól, son of Séamus, would be known as Seán Phóil Shéamuis. Sometimes a mother's name or a maternal grandfather's name could be substituted in there if they are well-known in the area. These types of names are not official but used more for distinguishing people who share a name and are living in the same area.
While most Irish people have a traditional Irish spelling for their name, many also opt to anglicize it, especially if they are somewhat famous. A fun example is that of former US President John Fitzgerald Kennedy. If he ever used it, his Irish name would be Seán Mac Gearailt Ó Cinnéide. He was born in the US but all four of his grandparents were the children of immigrants from Ireland.
Today, it isn't very clear how many people still strictly follow the familial naming patterns. The top names used on Irish babies in recent years seem to indicate that more parents prefer choosing a name that they love instead of adhering to traditions.
Names in 1963 were very traditional in an English sense. They're not traditional Irish names. The Top 5 looked like this:
Boys:
John (3,892 births)
Patrick (2,302 births)
Michael (2,010 births)
Paul (1,867 births)
James (1,575 births)
Girls:
Mary (3,721 births)
Margaret (1,526 births)
Catherine (1,387 births)
Ann (927 births)
Anne (824 births)
Here is the current list of the Top baby names in Ireland for 2013:
Boys:
Jack (764 births)
James (746 births)
Daniel (678 births)
Conor (610 births)
Sean (609 births)
Girls:
Emily (625 births)
Emma (499 births)
Sophie (497 births)
Ella (478 births)
Amelia (429 births)
Notice how many of the Top names were given to babies in 1963 compared to the number of births for each Top name in 2013. This indicates an increase in the pool of names being used in general. I imagine there has been a lot of influence from England and the US. To view the entire Top 100 names, visit this page and view the tables at the very bottom.
There are still some traditional Irish names being given today, even though some of them are in forms that are a bit more anglicized than their original counterparts. Here are the ones within the Top 100:
Boys: Oisin Cian Darragh Cillian Fionn Eoin Tadhg Cathal Senan Eoghan Odhran Ciaran Dara Donnacha Niall Ruairi | Girls: Aoife Caoimhe Saoirse Ciara Niamh Roisin Clodagh Aisling Eabha Aoibhinn Aine Sadhbh Aoibheann Fiadh Aoibhe Laoise |
[Note:] My paternal ancestors come from Ireland but I have never been there. I have, however, learned quite a bit of the language. If any of this information seems incorrect, please let me know!
Source | Source | Source | Source
Monday, August 18, 2014
Cillian
Today is the start of Irish week! We'll explore Irish baby naming traditions on my World-Wide Wednesday segment and learn more about an Irish girl name on Friday. Right now, let's investigate one of my favorite Irish boy names: Cillian.
Cillian is pronounced KILL-ee-an which is made more evident with the alternate spelling Killian. Both names are said to come from the Gaelic ceall meaning "church". Other sources suggest that its meaning has something to do with war or a warrior and strife based on the Irish ceallach instead. The name Kelly also comes from the ceallach family tree. Despite sometimes being considered a softer name in Ireland, Americans tend to view Cillian as a tougher name with its meaning and that harsh first syllable.
As far as associations go, there was an Irish saint who was known as Cillian in the 7th-century. A modern namesake is that of actor Cillian Murphy today. There is also the association with the brand of beer known as George Killian's Irish Red. And on television, Captain Hook is also known as Killian Jones on Once Upon A Time.
Cillian is doing rather well in popularity on native soil, ranking at #23 in Ireland and #60 in Northern Ireland according to the most recent data on Behind the Name. However, in the US, Cillian isn't faring as well as the more obviously pronounced Killian.
In 2013, there were 77 boys named Cillian in the US for a ranking of #1836. Killian has been in the Top 1000 since 2007. In 2013, there were 292 boys given the name for a rank of #766. Cillian has only been in use in the US since 1995; males named Killian have been around since 1982 and females since 1986. Nicknames could include Killy, Lian or Ian.
Which spelling do you prefer, traditional or anglicized? I'm a fan of Killian, myself. I thought I'd try to come up with a few sibling and middle name ideas. Since they're pronounced the same, I'll just use the one spelling in my examples, but these should work for either spelling if you're in need of ideas:
Sibling Name Ideas:
Sisters: Aisling, Ciara, Fiona, Isla, Maeve, Niamh, Saoirse
Brothers: Aiden, Brennan, Declan, Ewan, Finnegan, Lorcan, Ronan
Middle Name Ideas:
Cillian Edward
Cillian Jack
Cillian Rhys
Cillian Reilly
As a Middle Name:
Findlay Cillian
Henry Cillian
James Cillian
Milo Cillian
What would you pair with Cillian?
Cillian is pronounced KILL-ee-an which is made more evident with the alternate spelling Killian. Both names are said to come from the Gaelic ceall meaning "church". Other sources suggest that its meaning has something to do with war or a warrior and strife based on the Irish ceallach instead. The name Kelly also comes from the ceallach family tree. Despite sometimes being considered a softer name in Ireland, Americans tend to view Cillian as a tougher name with its meaning and that harsh first syllable.
As far as associations go, there was an Irish saint who was known as Cillian in the 7th-century. A modern namesake is that of actor Cillian Murphy today. There is also the association with the brand of beer known as George Killian's Irish Red. And on television, Captain Hook is also known as Killian Jones on Once Upon A Time.
Cillian is doing rather well in popularity on native soil, ranking at #23 in Ireland and #60 in Northern Ireland according to the most recent data on Behind the Name. However, in the US, Cillian isn't faring as well as the more obviously pronounced Killian.
In 2013, there were 77 boys named Cillian in the US for a ranking of #1836. Killian has been in the Top 1000 since 2007. In 2013, there were 292 boys given the name for a rank of #766. Cillian has only been in use in the US since 1995; males named Killian have been around since 1982 and females since 1986. Nicknames could include Killy, Lian or Ian.
Which spelling do you prefer, traditional or anglicized? I'm a fan of Killian, myself. I thought I'd try to come up with a few sibling and middle name ideas. Since they're pronounced the same, I'll just use the one spelling in my examples, but these should work for either spelling if you're in need of ideas:
Sibling Name Ideas:
Sisters: Aisling, Ciara, Fiona, Isla, Maeve, Niamh, Saoirse
Brothers: Aiden, Brennan, Declan, Ewan, Finnegan, Lorcan, Ronan
Middle Name Ideas:
Cillian Edward
Cillian Jack
Cillian Rhys
Cillian Reilly
As a Middle Name:
Findlay Cillian
Henry Cillian
James Cillian
Milo Cillian
What would you pair with Cillian?
Saturday, August 16, 2014
Baby Naming Challenge - Celestial Edition
To conclude this starry, starry couple of weeks we've had, I propose a little baby naming challenge. It is a simple initial related game that should bring about a good variety of name options and fun combinations. Take a look at the three sibling sets below and decide for yourself which names you'd choose. I added my choices at the bottom. Have fun!
Set of Twins: STAR
Boy's initials are ST
Girl's initials are AR
What are their names?
Set of Twins: MOON
Girl's initials are MO
Girl's initials are ON
What are their names?
Set of Triplets: PLANET
Boy's initials are PL
Boy's initials are AN
Girl's initials are ET
What are their names?
My choices:
Set 1: Sebastian Theodore & Aveline Ramona
Set 2: Mabel Olivia & Odette Nova
Set 3: Philip Lucas, Arthur Nathaniel & Ella Tamsin
Which names would you go with? Share your choices in the comment section or join the chatter on Facebook!
Set of Twins: STAR
Boy's initials are ST
Girl's initials are AR
What are their names?
Set of Twins: MOON
Girl's initials are MO
Girl's initials are ON
What are their names?
Set of Triplets: PLANET
Boy's initials are PL
Boy's initials are AN
Girl's initials are ET
What are their names?
My choices:
Set 1: Sebastian Theodore & Aveline Ramona
Set 2: Mabel Olivia & Odette Nova
Set 3: Philip Lucas, Arthur Nathaniel & Ella Tamsin
Which names would you go with? Share your choices in the comment section or join the chatter on Facebook!
Thursday, August 14, 2014
Portia
Our celestial girl name of the week is the underrated Portia. This is the name of one of the moons of Uranus which was named after a Shakespearean character.
The play "The Merchant of Venice" was written by William Shakespeare in 1596 and it involved a woman named Portia who disguised herself as a man so she could defend a man named Antonio in court. There was also another Portia in Shakespeare's Julius Caesar who was based on a historical character, the wife of Brutus. The name Portia is a variant of Porcia which comes from the Roman family name Porcius.
I was a little surprised when I realized the meaning of the name, although it makes total sense based on the root of it. It has always been a somewhat classy and sophisticated name to me. As a member of the Porcius family, Portia does indeed mean "pig" from the Latin porcus. Can you see it now? If you know any other Latin-based languages, it's probably pretty obvious to you.
Nevertheless, Portia is a lovely name despite its meaning, but it has never found solid ground to stand on in the baby naming world. Portia has been used in the US since 1882 but it didn't gain regularity until 1898. It received the most usage in the year 1989 when 259 baby girls were born. The 80s and 90s weren't bad for this name. It ranked in the #700-#900 range for 9 years. Before that, it fared similarly from 1941-1967.
Today Portia isn't receiving all that much love. Usage has tapered off since around 1995. In 2013, there were only 55 Portias born for a ranking of #3019. However, this isn't necessarily bad news. This means that the name is in the sweet spot between familiar and unusual. People have heard of it but it isn't popular so your daughter would most likely be the only Portia around. Many parents like to find rare gems like this.
The most well-known namesake today is actress Portia de Rossi, the wife of Ellen DeGeneres. She was actually born as Amanda Lee Rogers but is now legally named Portia Lee James DeGeneres despite maintaining her stage name. There is also a fictional character in The Hunger Games trilogy known as Portia.
Remember, the name Portia is not the same as the car Porsche even if they sound the same: POR-shuh. They are not related. That could be part of the reason that Portia isn't more popular since parents may not want their daughter to be associated with the posh brand. However, there are plenty of children with names of other cars like Bentley and Lexus so that may not be a valid assumption.
What do you think of the name Portia? Does the meaning of the name ruin it for you? Does the Shakespeare association make it more appealing or less? Here are some sibling and middle name ideas:
Sibling Name Ideas:
Sisters: Alexis, Bianca, Cecily, Lilah, Michaela, Rosalind, Simone
Brothers: Austin, Jackson, Lorenzo, Nathaniel, Orlando, Sebastian, Xavier
Middle Name Ideas:
Portia Clementine
Portia Grace
Portia Juliet
Portia Maren
Portia Violet
As a Middle Name:
Adeline Portia
Elizabeth Portia
Evelyn Portia
Julianne Portia
Rosamund Portia
That was a bit tricky! What would you pair with Portia?
The play "The Merchant of Venice" was written by William Shakespeare in 1596 and it involved a woman named Portia who disguised herself as a man so she could defend a man named Antonio in court. There was also another Portia in Shakespeare's Julius Caesar who was based on a historical character, the wife of Brutus. The name Portia is a variant of Porcia which comes from the Roman family name Porcius.
I was a little surprised when I realized the meaning of the name, although it makes total sense based on the root of it. It has always been a somewhat classy and sophisticated name to me. As a member of the Porcius family, Portia does indeed mean "pig" from the Latin porcus. Can you see it now? If you know any other Latin-based languages, it's probably pretty obvious to you.
Nevertheless, Portia is a lovely name despite its meaning, but it has never found solid ground to stand on in the baby naming world. Portia has been used in the US since 1882 but it didn't gain regularity until 1898. It received the most usage in the year 1989 when 259 baby girls were born. The 80s and 90s weren't bad for this name. It ranked in the #700-#900 range for 9 years. Before that, it fared similarly from 1941-1967.
Today Portia isn't receiving all that much love. Usage has tapered off since around 1995. In 2013, there were only 55 Portias born for a ranking of #3019. However, this isn't necessarily bad news. This means that the name is in the sweet spot between familiar and unusual. People have heard of it but it isn't popular so your daughter would most likely be the only Portia around. Many parents like to find rare gems like this.
The most well-known namesake today is actress Portia de Rossi, the wife of Ellen DeGeneres. She was actually born as Amanda Lee Rogers but is now legally named Portia Lee James DeGeneres despite maintaining her stage name. There is also a fictional character in The Hunger Games trilogy known as Portia.
Remember, the name Portia is not the same as the car Porsche even if they sound the same: POR-shuh. They are not related. That could be part of the reason that Portia isn't more popular since parents may not want their daughter to be associated with the posh brand. However, there are plenty of children with names of other cars like Bentley and Lexus so that may not be a valid assumption.
What do you think of the name Portia? Does the meaning of the name ruin it for you? Does the Shakespeare association make it more appealing or less? Here are some sibling and middle name ideas:
Sibling Name Ideas:
Sisters: Alexis, Bianca, Cecily, Lilah, Michaela, Rosalind, Simone
Brothers: Austin, Jackson, Lorenzo, Nathaniel, Orlando, Sebastian, Xavier
Middle Name Ideas:
Portia Clementine
Portia Grace
Portia Juliet
Portia Maren
Portia Violet
As a Middle Name:
Adeline Portia
Elizabeth Portia
Evelyn Portia
Julianne Portia
Rosamund Portia
That was a bit tricky! What would you pair with Portia?
Monday, August 11, 2014
Celestial Girl Names
Last week we saw a great selection of celestial names for baby boys. Now it is the girls' turn! If you're looking for the perfect name for the little star in your life, perhaps you'll find it on this list! Included in the list are names of stars, constellations, planets, moons, satellites and more! It covers all things space-related. So if you're a fan of astronomy or astrology or you simply find yourself gazing up into the cosmos often, I think you'll love this list!
If you're unfamiliar with any of these names, I suggest doing some research before committing to it, as with any baby name. Which of these lovely choices do you like best? What would you pair with it?
If you're unfamiliar with any of these names, I suggest doing some research before committing to it, as with any baby name. Which of these lovely choices do you like best? What would you pair with it?
Adara Adhara Adrastea Agena Alula Alya Andromeda Aquila Alhena Amalthea Ara Ariel Aries Aster Asterope Astra Atria Auriga Aurora Austrina Auva Belinda Bellatrix Betria Bianca Callirrhoe Callisto Calypso Capella Carina Cassiopeia Catalina Celeste Chara Columba Cordelia Corona Cressida Cyllene Delphin Desdemona Despina Dione Eartha Elara Electra Eris Eugenia Europa Euanthe Evanthe | Faye Galatea Gemini Gemma Halley Helene Helia Ida Io Juliet Lacerta Larissa Leda Libra Luna Lynx Lyra Maia Margaret Meissa Mensa Merope Metis Mimosa Mira Miranda Nebula Norma Nova Ophelia Pandora Perdita Phoebe Phoenix Portia Rhea Rosalind Sadira Shaula Sidra Sylvia Talitha Tania Thalassa Thebe Titania Vega Vela Venus Zaniah Zosma |
Sunday, August 10, 2014
Learn More About Me!
I was recently asked to do an interview on another name blog, Waltzing More Than Matilda, and it was just published today! Here's a couple of the questions that I answered, but you'll have to visit their site to view the whole interview! This is a chance to get to know a little more about me!
What inspired you to begin a name blog?
Once I discovered that I was somewhat good at forming first and middle name combinations, (or I at least really liked doing so), I began frequenting forums to help parents find the perfect name. Then I decided to focus all of that into one place and help people on my own turf. It’s been over a year since I started the blog and I’ve helped many people, which is why I started it to begin with.
What are some of your favourite names?
Some of my favourites that I won’t be using include girly names like Magnolia, Freya, Coraline, Esme, Lavinia, Aveline, and Amara. For boys, I like August/Augustus, Benedict, Caspian, Constantine, Dante, Jack,Rafferty, and Silas. I can’t help but love unexpected middle names like Essence, Wintress, Frost, or Marvel.
What are your favourite names that have never charted in the US?
Girls: Amabel.
Boys: Caius?
Boys: Caius?
Friday, August 8, 2014
Atlas
As we look at celestial names this week, there's no better name to look at than Atlas.
Atlas was the titan of astronomy and navigation in Greek mythology. After the Titans were defeated in war with the Olympians, Zeus condemned him to the western edge of Gaia, or the Earth, where he was then forced to hold the celestial spheres on his shoulders. There are many depictions of Atlas "carrying the weight of the world on his shoulders". There's plenty of history that can be learned about Atlas, but we're here to talk about the name itself. You can read more about the mythological figure here.
As a name, some of the etymology is uncertain, however, the ancient Roman poet named Virgil was the one who defined Atlas. He regularly translated etymologies of Greek names and combined them with appropriate adjectives. In the case of Atlas, he was given the adjective durus which means "hard, enduring". Therefore, the name Atlas has come to mean "to endure", however Behind the Name says that it has a Greek negative prefix α combined with τλαω (tlao) "to endure" that suggests a meaning of "not enduring". It makes more sense to me that it would mean "to endure" though, since Atlas must endure the weight of the sky. Other sources say that it means "to uphold, support" or simply say that it means "a titan". Take from all of that what you will.
This name has been considered too powerful of a name in the past, but I've seen it floating around the baby naming community quite a lot recently. It seems to have become a viable option along with many other strong Greek and Roman names. It even has a little bit of star-power behind it from Hollywood. Anne Heche and James Tupper named their son Atlas Heche Tupper in 2009.
Atlas has had quite a boost of popularity in the past few years! It was first used in 1883 but it wasn't until 1913 that it gained a bit of regularity, albeit very sporadic and in small numbers per year. Once the mid 2000s came around, births per year increased. 2010 saw 100 births, and by 2013, Atlas took a big leap onto the US Top 1000 chart, debuting at #789 with 282 births. It has been one of the fastest-rising names of 2013 and I'm sure it is still on its way up this year.
What do you think of the name Atlas? If you're looking for a strong, unique name with plenty of history, this is it! When I think about what other names to pair with it for middle names and sibling names, I can't help but want to stay in the realm of Greek and/or god and goddess names. Here are some ideas:
Sibling Name Ideas:
Sisters: Athena, Aurora, Cosima, Gaia, Luna, Nova, Phoebe, Thisbe
Brothers: Achilles, Evander, Hermes, Jupiter, Leander, Orion, Perseus, Sirius
Middle Name Ideas:
Atlas Christopher
Atlas Indigo
Atlas Percival
Atlas Sebastian
Atlas Theodore
As a Middle Name:
Damon Atlas
George Atlas
Jason Atlas
Phillip Atlas
Tristan Atlas
So what would you pair with Atlas? Leave your thoughts in the comment section below or on Facebook!
Atlas was the titan of astronomy and navigation in Greek mythology. After the Titans were defeated in war with the Olympians, Zeus condemned him to the western edge of Gaia, or the Earth, where he was then forced to hold the celestial spheres on his shoulders. There are many depictions of Atlas "carrying the weight of the world on his shoulders". There's plenty of history that can be learned about Atlas, but we're here to talk about the name itself. You can read more about the mythological figure here.
![]() |
A golden statue of Atlas |
This name has been considered too powerful of a name in the past, but I've seen it floating around the baby naming community quite a lot recently. It seems to have become a viable option along with many other strong Greek and Roman names. It even has a little bit of star-power behind it from Hollywood. Anne Heche and James Tupper named their son Atlas Heche Tupper in 2009.
Atlas has had quite a boost of popularity in the past few years! It was first used in 1883 but it wasn't until 1913 that it gained a bit of regularity, albeit very sporadic and in small numbers per year. Once the mid 2000s came around, births per year increased. 2010 saw 100 births, and by 2013, Atlas took a big leap onto the US Top 1000 chart, debuting at #789 with 282 births. It has been one of the fastest-rising names of 2013 and I'm sure it is still on its way up this year.
What do you think of the name Atlas? If you're looking for a strong, unique name with plenty of history, this is it! When I think about what other names to pair with it for middle names and sibling names, I can't help but want to stay in the realm of Greek and/or god and goddess names. Here are some ideas:
Sibling Name Ideas:
Sisters: Athena, Aurora, Cosima, Gaia, Luna, Nova, Phoebe, Thisbe
Brothers: Achilles, Evander, Hermes, Jupiter, Leander, Orion, Perseus, Sirius
Middle Name Ideas:
Atlas Christopher
Atlas Indigo
Atlas Percival
Atlas Sebastian
Atlas Theodore
As a Middle Name:
Damon Atlas
George Atlas
Jason Atlas
Phillip Atlas
Tristan Atlas
So what would you pair with Atlas? Leave your thoughts in the comment section below or on Facebook!
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