tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-91939061504660153832024-03-13T23:42:53.369-07:00Nothing Like a NameAn adventure in onomastics!
Emhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13061071547309522979noreply@blogger.comBlogger275125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9193906150466015383.post-46769798351076587172018-06-28T08:00:00.000-07:002018-06-28T08:00:02.383-07:00Throwback Thursday: GiselleHello, readers!<br />
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I'm bringing back my Throwback Thursdays series this week with names from <i>Giselle</i>. 177 years ago today, the romantic ballet premiered in Paris and was instantly successful, prompting dozens of revivals across multiple continents. In addition to contributing the art world, <i>Giselle</i> is also chock full of names that haven't quite yet caught on in the US - let's take a look!<br />
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<i>Carlotta Grisi as Giselle, 1841</i></div>
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<b>Giselle </b><br />
Though it sounds like a member of the <b>Isabelle-Gabrielle-Annabel</b> group, <b>Giselle</b> actually comes from the German <i>gisil</i>, or "pledge." According to <a href="http://www.behindthename.com/name/giselle" target="_blank">Behind the Name</a>, the word may have originally referred to "a child given as a pledge to a foreign court." While the French form, <b>Gisèle</b>, has been in use since the Middle Ages, the name didn't garner attention from English speakers until the debut of the ballet. Today, <b>Giselle</b> is more likely to be linked to supermodel Bundchen or <b>Amy</b> Adams' character in <i>Enchanted</i>, but the tragic heroine of the ballet is inspiring in her own right.<br />
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<b>Hilarion</b><br />
One part of the ballet's love triangle is <b>Hilarion</b>, whose passion for our heroine takes a dark turn upon her death. The name is derived from Greek, and means "cheerful" - and bound to be related to "hilarity" in modern English usage. It's an unexpected choice, but I think it could work under the right circumstances - try the mid-century nicknames <b>Hal </b>or <b>Larry</b>, or something more contemporary, like <b>Rio </b>or <b>Rion</b>.<br />
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<b>Myrtha</b><br />
The evil queen of the story, <b>Myrtha</b> leads a group of female spirits called the Wilis, exclusively formed of maidens who have been betrayed by men. The name is an uncommon form of <b>Myrtle</b>, a plant which has long been associated with feminine goddesses <b>Aphrodite</b> and <b>Demeter</b>. While the English form seems unable to be revived, the Spanish <b>Mirta</b> remains quite pretty and usable.<br />
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<b>Théophile</b><br />
One of the librettists of <i>Giselle</i>, <b>Théophile</b> Gautier was a prolific writer in nineteenth-century France, creating volumes of poetry, plays, and art criticism. The name comes from the Greek <b>Theophilus</b>, meaning "friend of God," but in French is pronounced "Tay-oh-feel." This could work as a long form route to the nickname <b>Theo</b>, if <b>Theodore</b> isn't your style.<br />
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<b>Jules</b><br />
The other librettist for <i>Giselle</i> was <b>Jules-Henri</b> Vernoy de Saint-Georges (quite a mouthful), a French author known for dozens of operas and plays. The French form of<b> Julius</b>, <b>Jules</b> has long been a nickname for a number of masculine and feminine English names - <b>Julian</b>, <b>Julie</b>, etc. With short forms back in fashion - think <b>Charlie</b>, <b>Jack</b>, or <b>Leo</b> - <b>Jules</b> might be ripe for a return.<br />
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<b>Carlotta </b><br />
The role of <b>Giselle</b> was created in part for the ballerina <b>Carlotta</b> Grisi, an Italian dancer who often worked with <i>Giselle </i>choreographer <b>Jules</b> Perrot (another <b>Jules</b>!) (Her birth name was <b>Caronna Adela Giuseppina Maria</b> Grisi, and her two daughters were named <b>Marie-Julie</b> and <b>Leontine</b>, for any fans of Italian and French names). The name <b>Carlotta</b> is a form of <b>Charlotte</b>, but with a little extra attitude - and potential for nicknames! <b>Carlotta </b>hasn't been used often in the United States, and could appeal to anyone looking to honor a familial <b>Carl</b> or <b>Carly</b>.<br />
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Which name is your favorite? Tell me in the comments!<br />
<br />Emhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13061071547309522979noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9193906150466015383.post-68836166656384268462018-06-26T12:47:00.003-07:002018-06-26T12:47:17.523-07:00Literary Names: Sharon CreechHello, readers!<br />
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One of my favorite YA fiction authors when I was growing up was <b>Sharon</b> Creech, best known for her novels <i>Walk Two Moons</i> and <i>Love That Dog</i>. In addition to writing fabulous books for tweens and teens, Creech is a master at choosing character names - and definitely one of my early inspirations!<br />
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Here are some particularly memorable character names, organized by each work.<br />
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<i>Absolutely Normal Chaos</i><br />
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<b>Mary Lou</b>, <b>Carl Ray</b>, <b>Beth Ann</b><br />
Double names shine in <i>Absolutely Normal Chaos</i>, with three of the main characters sporting "four-letter, three-letter" names. Names like these were once more common in the middle and southern United States, but are few and far between these days (with one issue being that American name records don't keep track of second or middle names). Still, double names are especially attractive for those who LOVE names or those who want to honor multiple family members in one child's name.<br />
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<i>Walk Two Moons</i><br />
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<b>Salamanca Tree</b> Hiddle (or <b>Sal</b>)<br />
One of my favorite fictional names of all time, <b>Salamanca Tree </b>Hiddle's name is explained early in the novel - her parents wanted to name her after the Seneca tribe, but mixed up the names, and her mother loved trees. <b>Salamanca</b> is actually a city in Spain with an obscure etymology, housing one of the oldest universities in the world. Despite its simplicity, I think <b>Tree </b>would be a great nature option in the middle spot for a real-life kiddo.<br />
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<b>Chanhassen</b> "<b>Sugar</b>" Hiddle<br />
<b>Sal</b>'s mother, a mysterious figure in the novel, is nicknamed <b>Sugar</b> because of the meaning of her true first name - <b>Chanhassen </b>comes from a Dakota word meaning "sugar-maple tree." <b>Chanhassen</b> is also the name of a city in Minnesota, and a nickname for a card game.<br />
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<b>Phoebe </b>Winterbottom, <b>Margaret </b>Cadaver, <b>Ben </b>Finney<br />
I included these three character names because of their fabulous surnames, and overall "vibes": one can tell a lot about <b>Phoebe</b> Winterbottom just by reading her name!<br />
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<i>Chasing Redbird</i><br />
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<b>Zinnia </b>Taylor (or <b>Zinny</b>)<br />
An exquisite flower name that should be used far more frequently, <b>Zinnia</b> is the main character's name in <i>Chasing Redbird</i>. Zinnia flowers are associated with "thoughts of absent friends" in floriography, which is fitting for our heroine - her thoughts often center around lost family members and reappearing friends.<br />
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<i>Bloomability</i><br />
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<b>Domenica Santolina </b>Doone (or <b>Dinnie</b>)<br />
After reading this book, I desperately tried to convince my parents to send me to boarding school in Switzerland - but they wouldn't budge. Shy <b>Dinnie</b> is given this opportunity in <i>Bloomability</i>, and ends up making friends from around the globe (with great names!) <b>Domenica</b> is the Italian feminine form of Dominic, meaning "belonging to the Lord."<br />
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<b>Peter</b> Lombardy Guthrie III (or <b>Guthrie</b>)<br />
While this outgoing friend of <b>Dinnie</b>'s is referred to by his last name, it got me thinking - could <b>Guthrie</b> work as a first? At least one person has proven this: <b>Guthrie</b> Govan, an accomplished guitarist, was born into a musical family in 1971. It's a Scottish surname originally, but could shine in the first spot for fans of <b>Arlo</b>, <b>Woody</b>, or even Govan.<br />
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<b>Stella</b> and <b>Crick</b><br />
<b>Dinnie</b>'s oft-mentioned siblings are <b>Stella</b> and<b> Crick</b>. <b>Stella</b> was given another Italian name like <b>Dinnie</b>, honoring their mother's heritage. <b>Crick</b>, on the other hand, was named by his father "after a clear little crick that ran beside the house they'd lived in at the time." I like that both names are honor choices, in a way, but I can't decide if <b>Crick</b> is too concise to work as a first.<br />
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<i>Ruby Holler</i><br />
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<b>Dallas</b> and <b>Florida</b><br />
The novel centers on troublesome twins <b>Dallas</b> (boy) and <b>Florida</b> (girl), whose names look coordinated on the surface. In fact, <b>Dallas</b> ranks among the top 300 names for boys in the U.S., while <b>Florida</b> hasn't ranked on the top 1000 since the 1930's. Still, with place names popping up from all kinds of sources, it wouldn't surprise me if <b>Dallas</b> rose further and <b>Florida</b> got more attention.<br />
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<b>Tiller </b>and<b> Sairy</b><br />
A kindly old couple who adopts the twins, <b>Tiller </b>and <b>Sairy </b>have names that suit their offbeat, country personalities. While <b>Sairy</b> may be harder to explain - a nickname for <b>Sarah</b>, perhaps? - <b>Tiller </b>seems like an ideal addition to modern occupational names like <b>Tucker </b>or <b>Miller</b>.<br />
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I won't include all of <b>Sharon</b> Creech's books here (just my favorites!) but I would love to hear if any readers are also fans. Which names do you like best?<br />
<br />Emhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13061071547309522979noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9193906150466015383.post-37477056146132217932018-06-14T10:37:00.002-07:002018-06-14T10:37:43.417-07:00Honorific Names: Baby BoomersHello, readers!<br />
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One of my favorite "types" of names is the honor choice - naming one's child after a family member, friend, or personal hero. Being in a close-knit family myself, I love the idea of including a nod to those that matter most when picking a name for my future child (sorry, Mom, not yet).<br />
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Honorific choices used to be fairly straightforward - a father <b>Joseph</b> might have a <b>Joseph Jr</b>, or a mother <b>Nicole</b> might have a son <b>Nicholas</b> - but these days, variety is in demand. Plus, if five cousins want to honor Grandma <b>Mary</b> with the fourth generation, there can be fighting within families (if you don't believe me, <a href="http://www.slate.com/articles/life/dear_prudence/2015/10/dear_prudence_another_couple_gave_their_baby_a_name_close_to_ours.html" target="_blank">read more advice columns</a>).<br />
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This blog post series is designed to spark conversations about honor names - do you think an honor name should be a straightforward Junior or III? What's more important, seeing a familiar name on paper or recreating it altogether? Does naming a child something that <i>means</i> the same thing as another name count? Your answers may vary!<br />
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I've divided the posts by generation - now that Baby Boomers fall closer to the "grandparent" category, they'll be included first. I've listed the top 20 names for each gender during the 1950's (the middle of the generation date range), along with two sets of names: other popular variants of the name, and name variants that aren't in the current US Top 1000.<br />
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Boys:<br />
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1.<b> James</b> - "supplanter" or "holder of the heel"<br />
Current contenders: <b>Jacob, Jake, Jamie, Diego, Jay</b><br />
Below the charts: <b>Giacomo, Akiva, Jago, Seamus, Jem</b><br />
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2.<b> Michael</b> - "who is like God"<br />
Current contenders: <b>Miguel, Mitchell, Micheal, Mikael</b><br />
Below the charts:<b> Misha, Mickey, Mika, Mitch, Mykolas</b><br />
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3. <b>Robert </b>- "bright fame"<br />
Current contenders: <b>Roberto, Bobby</b><br />
Below the charts:<b> Rupert, Robbie, Berto, Hopkin, Robin</b><br />
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4.<b> John</b> - "God is gracious"<br />
Current contenders: <b>Jack, Ian, Juan, Evan, Owen, Sean, Ivan, Giovanni, Shane</b><br />
Below the charts: <b>Jens, Yanick, Keoni, Giannino, Jovan</b><br />
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5. <b>David</b> - "beloved"<br />
Current contenders: None other than <b>David</b>!<br />
Below the charts: <b>Daveth, Dewey</b><br />
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6. <b>William</b> - "resolute protection"<br />
Current contenders: <b>Liam, Billy, Will, Willie, Guillermo</b><br />
Below the charts: <b>Willem, Pim, Gwilym, Vilko, Illiam</b><br />
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7. <b>Richard</b> - "brave ruler"<br />
Current contenders: <b>Ricardo, Ricky</b><br />
Below the charts: <b>Rico, Dickon</b><br />
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8. <b>Thomas</b> - "twin"<br />
Current contenders: <b>Tomas, Tommy</b><br />
Below the charts: <b>Toma, Teoma</b><br />
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9. <b>Mark</b> - "warlike"<br />
Current contenders: <b>Marcus, Marc, Marcelo, Marco, Marcel</b><br />
Below the charts: <b>Marek, Mars</b><br />
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10. <b>Charles </b>- "free man"<br />
Current contenders: <b>Charlie, Carlos, Carl</b><br />
Below the charts: <b>Chaz, Karol, Kalle, Chip, Carlo</b><br />
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11. <b>Steven</b> and 20. <b>Stephen</b> - "garland" or "crown"<br />
Current contenders: <b>Esteban, Stefan</b><br />
Below the charts: <b>Stefanos, Etienne, Stevie</b><br />
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12. <b>Gary</b> - "spearman"<br />
Current contenders: None at all!<br />
Below the charts: <b>Geary, Gearing, Gerrins</b><br />
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13. <b>Joseph</b> - "God increases"<br />
Current contenders: <b>Jose, Joey, Joe, Yosef, Yousef</b><br />
Below the charts: <b>Joss, Giuseppe, Ze</b><br />
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14. <b>Donald</b> - "proud chief"<br />
Current contenders: None at all!<br />
Below the charts: <b>Domnall, Donnie, Donal</b><br />
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15. <b>Ronald</b> - "ruler's counselor"<br />
Current contenders: <b>Ronnie</b><br />
Below the charts: <b>Reginald, Reynaud, Reinhold, Reino</b><br />
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16. <b>Kenneth</b> - "handsome" or "born of fire"<br />
Current contenders: <b>Kenny</b><br />
Below the charts: <b>Kennet, Kenith</b><br />
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17. <b>Paul</b> - "small"<br />
Current contenders: <b>Pablo</b><br />
Below the charts: <b>Paolo, Pavel, Paulus, Pavo</b><br />
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18.<b> Larry</b> - "from Laurentum"<br />
Current contenders:<b> Lawrence, Lorenzo</b><br />
Below the charts: <b>Lars, Larkin, Lorencio, Laurent</b><br />
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19. <b>Daniel</b> - "God is my judge"<br />
Current contenders: <b>Danny</b><br />
Below the charts: <b>Dan, Danko</b><br />
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Girls:<br />
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1. <b>Mary</b> - "bitter"<br />
Current contenders: <b>Mia, Maria, Molly, Miriam, Malia</b><br />
Below the charts: <b>Meike, Mariska, Ria, Marietta, Moira</b><br />
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2. <b>Linda</b> - "beautiful"<br />
Current contenders: None other than <b>Linda</b>!<br />
Below the charts: <b>Lindy, Linette, Lynna</b><br />
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3. <b>Patricia</b> - "nobleman"<br />
Current contenders: None other than <b>Patricia</b>!<br />
Below the charts: <b>Patrice, Patrika, Pattie</b><br />
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4. <b>Susan</b> - "lily"<br />
Current contenders:<b> Lily</b><br />
Below the charts: <b>Susannah, Suzanne, Suzette, Sukie, Shoshana, Zuza</b><br />
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5. <b>Deborah</b> and 7. <b>Debra</b> - "bee"<br />
Current contenders: None other than <b>Deborah</b>!<br />
Below the charts: <b>Devorah</b><br />
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6. <b>Barbara </b>- "foreign woman"<br />
Current contenders: None other than <b>Barbara</b>!<br />
Below the charts: <b>Varvara, Varya, Basia, Bara</b><br />
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8. <b>Karen</b> and 15. <b>Kathleen</b> - "pure"<br />
Current contenders: <b>Katherine, Catherine, Kate, Katie, Katelyn, Catalina, Kaylee, Kailyn, Kaia</b><br />
Below the charts: <b>Katya, Kitty, Ekaterina, Kateri, Catriona</b><br />
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9. <b>Nancy</b> - "grace"<br />
Current contenders: <b>Anna, Hannah, Anika, Anya, Annie, Ana, Grace</b><br />
Below the charts: <b>Anouk, Anais, Ninon, Anita, Annetta</b><br />
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10. <b>Donna</b> - "lady"<br />
Current contenders: None at all!<br />
Below the charts: <b>Donella</b><br />
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11. <b>Cynthia</b> - "woman from Kynthos"<br />
Current contenders: None other than <b>Cynthia</b>!<br />
Below the charts: <b>Kynthia, Cinzia</b><br />
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12. <b>Sandra</b> - "defender of men"<br />
Current contenders: <b>Alexandra, Alexa, Alexia, Lexi, Alessandra, Sasha, Alexis, Alejandra</b><br />
Below the charts: <b>Sandrine, Zandra, Sanya, Aleka, Alexandrine</b><br />
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13.<b> Pamela</b> - invented in the 16th century, "all honey"<br />
Current contenders: None at all!<br />
Below the charts: <b>Pamelia, Pamelina</b><br />
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14. <b>Sharon</b> - "plain, expanse"<br />
Current contenders: None at all!<br />
Below the charts: <b>Sharona</b><br />
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16. <b>Carol</b> - "free man" (see <b>Charles</b>)<br />
Current contenders: <b>Charlotte, Charlie, Caroline, Carly</b><br />
Below the charts: <b>Lottie, Carola, Carlotta</b><br />
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17. <b>Diane</b> - "divine"<br />
Current contenders: <b>Diana, Dayana</b><br />
Below the charts: <b>Dinah</b><br />
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18. <b>Brenda</b> - "sword"<br />
Current contenders: <b>Brenna</b><br />
Below the charts: <b>Brenn</b><br />
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19. <b>Cheryl</b> - invented in the 20th century<br />
Current contenders: None at all!<br />
Below the charts: <b>Cherie, Cherette</b><br />
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20. <b>Janet </b>- "God is gracious" (see <b>John</b>)<br />
Current contenders: <b>Jane, Joanna, Johanna, Gianna, Giovanna</b><br />
Below the charts: <b>Ivanna, Siobhan, Jovana, Jean, Joan</b><br />
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Here are some great articles about honor names from other writers:<br />
<a href="https://tulipbyanyname.com/2018/05/26/named-after-grandma" target="_blank">Named after Grandma</a><br />
<a href="http://www.babynamewizard.com/archives/2017/12/the-namesakes-everyone-is-hunting-for" target="_blank">The Namesakes Everyone is Hunting For</a><br />
<a href="https://appellationmountain.net/6-great-reasons-to-use-family-names/" target="_blank">6 Great Reasons to Use Family Names</a><br />
<a href="https://appellationmountain.net/9-creative-ways-to-honor-loved-ones-with-your-childs-name/" target="_blank">9 Creative Ways to Honor Loved Ones With Your Child’s Name</a><br />
<a href="https://nameberry.com/blog/family-names-why-theyre-most-important-for-parentless-parents" target="_blank">Family Names: Why They’re Most Important for Parentless Parents</a>Emhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13061071547309522979noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9193906150466015383.post-7875951873892632892018-06-07T14:33:00.004-07:002018-06-07T14:33:51.483-07:00Arroyo Grande Cemetery, Part 2Hello, readers!<br />
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Another list of fabulous names collected at the Arroyo Grande Cemetery!<br />
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Word names: <b>Council, Saint, Floss, Squire, Bliss, Constant</b><br />
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Place names: <b>Louisiana, Columbia, Vienna, Nevada</b><br />
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<i>Japanese Names</i><br />
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<b>Chota</b><br />
<b>Eiko</b><br />
<b>Eju</b><br />
<b>Emi</b><br />
<b>Emiko</b><br />
<b>Ippei</b><br />
<b>Ito</b><br />
<b>Jozo</b><br />
<b>Jutaro</b><br />
<b>Juzo</b><br />
<b>Harue</b><br />
<b>Hide</b><br />
<b>Hirojiro</b><br />
<b>Hiroshi</b><br />
<b>Heigo</b><br />
<b>Kaoru</b><br />
<b>Kataro</b><br />
<b>Kazuko</b><br />
<b>Kimiko</b><br />
<b>Kinzo</b><br />
<b>Kumataro</b><br />
<b>Masahichi</b><br />
<b>Masano</b><br />
<b>Momoju</b><br />
<b>Sada</b><br />
<b>Saheji</b><br />
<b>Sanaye</b><br />
<b>Sei</b><br />
<b>Senzo</b><br />
<b>Setsugo</b><br />
<b>Shige</b><br />
<b>Suya</b><br />
<b>Takao</b><br />
<b>Tatsuishi</b><br />
<b>Tsuya</b><br />
<b>Yoshi</b><br />
<b>Yoshie</b><br />
<b>Yoshiko</b><br />
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<i>Non-Japanese Names</i><br />
<i><br /></i>
Adelbert<br />
Alonzo<br />
Alpha<br />
Alzina<br />
Analee<br />
Arah<br />
Arminda<br />
Audie<br />
Avanell<br />
Bento<br />
Biatriz<br />
Birdella<br />
Bliss (M)<br />
Bothilde<br />
Brazzle<br />
Brusie<br />
Burr Zill<br />
Burton<br />
Carroll (M)<br />
Celestia Adella<br />
Clem<br />
Cleon<br />
Clother<br />
Conceicão<br />
Council<br />
Columbia<br />
Constant<br />
Cramer<br />
Cyril<br />
Delcie<br />
Denzell<br />
DeWitt<br />
Elberta<br />
Elby<br />
Elinore<br />
Ellamay<br />
Elov<br />
Elva<br />
Emrine<br />
Ertie<br />
Estaguio<br />
Ester<br />
Ethel Addie<br />
Ethlyn<br />
Eudora "Dodie"<br />
Euphemia<br />
Eugenia<br />
Fanny<br />
Filippo<br />
Filomena<br />
Floss<br />
Gabino<br />
Gwenyth<br />
Hearold<br />
Heladio<br />
Hermine<br />
Inca<br />
Judson<br />
Kennis<br />
Kermit<br />
Lakie<br />
Lemual<br />
Leora<br />
Lestra<br />
Letha<br />
Linnie<br />
Louisiana<br />
Lottie June<br />
Louella<br />
Loyia<br />
Ludi<br />
Lula<br />
Maude Verena<br />
Marieanna<br />
Maybell<br />
Melvina<br />
Metta<br />
Monty<br />
Murrilla<br />
Nasario<br />
Neasley<br />
Nelia<br />
Nevada<br />
Olla<br />
Orval<br />
Purn<br />
Saburt<br />
Saint<br />
Sayde<br />
Serafin<br />
Serren<br />
Sevellon<br />
Sibbie<br />
Socrates<br />
Squire<br />
Tammen<br />
Terraleigh<br />
Thelise<br />
Thome<br />
Thurza<br />
Tillman<br />
Turalee<br />
Ulta<br />
Vernie<br />
Vida Grace<br />
Vie Jane<br />
Vienna<br />
Viola<br />
Weisner<br />
Wencil<br />
Wilmot<br />
Zenith<br />
Zerva<br />
Zola<br />
ZoraEmhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13061071547309522979noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9193906150466015383.post-78855685837586460872018-06-01T08:20:00.001-07:002018-06-01T08:41:54.570-07:00Yet Another Post About Cemeteries - Arroyo Grande CemeteryHello, readers!<br />
<br />
You may have not read <a href="http://nothinglikeaname.blogspot.com/2018/05/so-ive-been-hanging-out-in-cemeteries.html" target="_blank">the first post I made about my new hobby</a> - combing the local cemetery headstones for unexpected names. My first few forays into this world were less fruitful - but today's visit to the Arroyo Grande Cemetery proved to be an amazing look at local history!<br />
<br />
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<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-GWVF-0oIs8M/WxFo46_eomI/AAAAAAAANGE/kjcdBzUFAXsatskbXSUyw8dbTHjcbLbtACLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_6224.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="738" data-original-width="1600" height="147" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-GWVF-0oIs8M/WxFo46_eomI/AAAAAAAANGE/kjcdBzUFAXsatskbXSUyw8dbTHjcbLbtACLcBGAs/s320/IMG_6224.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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I only went through two segments of an incredibly large area, but I found dozens of first names I hadn't seen before, as well as some I rarely see these days. Many Latino, Filipino, Italian, and Portuguese families were represented in this area, from as far back as the late 1800's. My own family emigrated from the Azores (Portugal) around 1900 or so, and I recognized many of the last names as local Portuguese families.<br />
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-gQgKJnuCl4E/WxFo-ohPdMI/AAAAAAAANGI/4_K4tf9q-08zcB9DWmuxYkoVr5JObTRZACLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_6222.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="713" data-original-width="1600" height="142" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-gQgKJnuCl4E/WxFo-ohPdMI/AAAAAAAANGI/4_K4tf9q-08zcB9DWmuxYkoVr5JObTRZACLcBGAs/s320/IMG_6222.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Common themes:<br />
<ul>
<li>Feminizations of traditionally male names: <b>Albertine</b>, <b>Loydene</b>, <b>Haroldeene</b>, <b>Aloisia</b></li>
<li>Unusual Marian names: <b>Purificacion</b>, <b>Encarnacion</b>, <b>Rosarie</b>, <b>Epifinia</b></li>
<li>Double names for women: <b>Della Mae</b>,<b> </b><b>Jimmie Lou</b>,<b> Lindy Lou, Wilda Rose</b></li>
<li>Latinized forms of Greek names: <b>Nemesio</b>, <b>Apolonio</b>, <b>Achille</b>, <b>Tranquillino</b></li>
<li>Spanish virtue names: <b>Esperanza</b>, <b>Felicitas</b>, <b>Modesta</b>, <b>Prudencio</b></li>
</ul>
<br />
What trends of yesteryear can you find?<br />
<b><br /></b>
<b>Achille</b><br />
<b>Albertine</b><br />
<b>Albinia</b><br />
<b>Aloisia</b><br />
<b>Alta</b><br />
<b>Amacias</b><br />
<b>Amelda</b><br />
<b>Anella</b><br />
<b>Anetha</b><br />
<b>Apolonio</b><br />
<b>Aquilina</b><br />
<b>Areli</b><br />
<b>Arminta</b><br />
<b>Arvilla</b><br />
<b>Arza</b><br />
<b>Attilio</b><br />
<b>Balbino</b><br />
<b>Battista</b><br />
<b>Beden</b><br />
<b>Belford</b><br />
<b>Belmeda</b><br />
<b>Belmira</b><br />
<b>Bernabe</b><br />
<b>Bibiano</b><br />
<b>Bridie</b><br />
<b>Brigitte</b><br />
<b>Bulayong</b><br />
<b>Carmina</b><br />
<b>Castor</b><br />
<b>Cataldo</b><br />
<b>Catharina</b><br />
<b>Ceferina</b><br />
<b>Cipriano</b><br />
<b>Cleto</b><br />
<b>Clotilda</b><br />
<b>Cornelio</b><br />
<b>Crispina</b><br />
<b>Crispolo</b><br />
<b>Dalmacio</b><br />
<b>Darlyne</b><br />
<b>Della Mae</b><br />
<b>Delpha</b><br />
<b>Elario</b><br />
<b>Eleuteria</b><br />
<b>Eluira</b><br />
<b>Emeterio</b><br />
<b>Encarnacion</b><br />
<b>Endia</b><br />
<b>Enedina</b><br />
<b>Epifinia</b><br />
<b>Epitacio</b><br />
<b>Erlinda</b><br />
<b>Ernestine</b><br />
<b>Esabelo</b><br />
<b>Esperanza</b><br />
<b>Eugenie</b><br />
<b>Eustaquio</b><br />
<b>Felicitas</b><br />
<b>Fermin</b><br />
<b>Ferminia</b><br />
<b>Fidensio</b><br />
<b>Florencio</b><br />
<b>Fragedio</b><br />
<b>Gean</b><br />
<b>Genoveva</b><br />
<b>Geronimo</b><br />
<b>Glenna</b><br />
<b>Godofredo</b><br />
<b>Goldie</b><br />
<b>Gonzalo</b><br />
<b>Gregoria</b><br />
<b>Hameed</b><br />
<b>Hardie</b><br />
<b>Haroldeene</b><br />
<b>Herminia</b><br />
<b>Herschel</b><br />
<b>Honorio</b><br />
<b>Ildefonso</b><br />
<b>Ita</b><br />
<b>Jermana</b><br />
<b>Jesuina</b><br />
<b>Jimmie Lou</b><br />
<b>Jolynn</b><br />
<b>Jovita</b><br />
<b>Kennan</b><br />
<b>Kerwin</b><br />
<b>Lavonne</b><br />
<b>Lazaro</b><br />
<b>Lenwood</b><br />
<b>Leonardus</b><br />
<b>Leoncia</b><br />
<b>Leone</b><br />
<b>Leonora</b><br />
<b>Lidia</b><br />
<b>Lilla</b><br />
<b>Lindy Lou</b><br />
<b>Lodoska</b><br />
<b>Loramae</b><br />
<b>Loydene </b><br />
<b>Ludovina</b><br />
<b>Maddalena</b><br />
<b>Marcial</b><br />
<b>Mariegold</b><br />
<b>Marquis "Marq"</b><br />
<b>Martiniano</b><br />
<b>Massey</b><br />
<b>Melitona</b><br />
<b>Millian</b><br />
<b>Modesta</b><br />
<b>Nedra</b><br />
<b>Nemesio</b><br />
<b>Nicanor</b><br />
<b>Nicolasa</b><br />
<b>Oda</b><br />
<b>Olegario</b><br />
<b>Oma</b><br />
<b>Ona</b><br />
<b>Oren</b><br />
<b>Orestes</b><br />
<b>Orvill</b><br />
<b>Ottavio</b><br />
<b>Pacifico</b><br />
<b>Pantaleon</b><br />
<b>Pasincia</b><br />
<b>Patrocinia</b><br />
<b>Perfecto</b><br />
<b>Prentiss</b><br />
<b>Primitiva</b><br />
<b>Pructoso</b><br />
<b>Prudencio</b><br />
<b>Purificacion</b><br />
<b>Reanee</b><br />
<b>Rizzie</b><br />
<b>Rodit</b><br />
<b>Roque</b><br />
<b>Rosarie</b><br />
<b>Rosendo</b><br />
<b>Rosina</b><br />
<b>Sabas</b><br />
<b>Saturnino</b><br />
<b>Selderico</b><br />
<b>Senon</b><br />
<b>Severiana</b><br />
<b>Shandon</b><br />
<b>Sidone </b><br />
<b>Telesfora</b><br />
<b>Teodocia</b><br />
<b>Teodorico</b><br />
<b>Teodulo</b><br />
<b>Theophile</b><br />
<b>Tiburcio</b><br />
<b>Tirso</b><br />
<b>Tomasa</b><br />
<b>Tranquillino</b><br />
<b>Trenney</b><br />
<b>Tressia</b><br />
<b>Venancio</b><br />
<b>Umblino</b><br />
<b>Waldo</b><br />
<b>Waldron</b><br />
<b>Wilda Rose</b><br />
<b>Zelma</b><br />
<b>Zelpha</b><br />
<b>Zoilo</b><br />
<b><br /></b>
Tell me your favorites in the comments!<br />
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<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-hNQPDbCmpiw/WxFpFdBcYNI/AAAAAAAANGM/lNFAMCCO1jUDAOtWN2ZEsmn-SDg3SshSgCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_6220.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1323" height="320" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-hNQPDbCmpiw/WxFpFdBcYNI/AAAAAAAANGM/lNFAMCCO1jUDAOtWN2ZEsmn-SDg3SshSgCLcBGAs/s320/IMG_6220.jpg" width="264" /></a></div>
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<i>Somber cemetery selfie</i></div>
Emhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13061071547309522979noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9193906150466015383.post-60147830367328894252018-05-30T06:57:00.003-07:002018-05-30T17:00:05.105-07:00"Hey, Khaleesi" - Are today's parents inspired by the shows of their youth?Hello, readers!<br />
<br />
If your Facebook feed is anything like mine, it's full of engagement announcements and new baby pictures. Of course, this could have something to do with the generations represented; I'm surrounded by younger Gen X and Millennial individuals. Statistically, it's our age group's turn to make those life-changing decisions - and pick the names of the next generation.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://www.npr.org/sections/health-shots/2016/01/14/462816458/average-age-of-first-time-moms-keeps-climbing-in-the-u-s" target="_blank">The average age of a first-time mother in the United States is just over twenty-six years old</a>, but many parents are waiting until their early thirties. It got me thinking - I see a lot of articles in the name community about today's television shows influencing names (<i>Game of Thrones</i> often cited), but very rarely do I find articles mentioning the names these parents grew up with. Alright, so <b>Spongebob</b> is out, but the fact that <b>Ross</b> and <b>Rachel</b> named their daughter <b>Emma</b> as early as 2002 gives some credence to my theory.<br />
<br />
Today, I'll be looking at some of the most popular shows that aired in the decade 2000-2010, and see if there are any correlations in the names of characters and baby names rising through the top 1000.<br />
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<i>The cast of Buffy, 20 years later</i></div>
<br />
*Note: I don't think these parents are naming children <i>after</i> these characters; rather, I think just getting exposure to a name increases the likelihood it could be used. If you have warm memories associated with laughing at TV shows with family and friends, why not pick a name that keeps those memories alive?*<br />
<br />
<i>Friends</i><br />
Though <b>Emma</b> has been the number one girl's name for four years running, it's not necessarily to do with the show - <b>Emma </b>had been rising for years before <b>Rachel</b> took the name from <b>Monica</b>. Still, I think the name's presence in the cultural zeitgeist might have something to do with its continued popularity.<br />
<b>Phoebe</b> gained hundreds of fans in the years after <i>Friends</i> aired - my guess is that many young women were inspired by the funny, offbeat character. It remains in the top 500 but has declined ever-so-slightly over the past two years.<br />
<br />
<i>Malcolm in the Middle</i><br />
Handsome and distinguished <b>Malcolm</b> had a peak in 1992, then declined for about seventeen years, during which the show about wacky family antics aired (2000-2006). After <b>Malcolm</b> had been off the air a few years, suddenly the name started rising again.<br />
The popularity of <b>Reese</b> for girls has something to do with Witherspoon, and the boy's name is in decline. Admittedly, <b>Hal</b>, <b>Lois</b>, <b>Dewey</b>, and <b>Reese</b> (M) don't fit my theory. But <b>Francis</b> began to rise marginally in the year 2009, the same as <b>Malcolm</b>. Since the new pope didn't come on the scene until 2013, those gains can't all be chalked up to him.<br />
<br />
<i>That '70s Show</i><br />
Sure, Mr. Kutcher popularized the name <b>Ashton</b> for years, but remember that his character in the show was named <b>Michael Kelso</b> - not exactly a modern trend in the making. The show purposefully used names common to the era - <b>Eric</b>, <b>Donna</b>, <b>Steven</b>, and <b>Jackie</b> among them - making it a bit difficult to show any meaningful links.<br />
<br />
<i>Scrubs</i><br />
Arguably <a href="http://www.slate.com/articles/arts/culturebox/2009/05/scrubs.html" target="_blank">the most accurate medical show on television</a> - I recently confirmed this with a med student friend - <i>Scrubs</i> is iconic for combining zany fantasies and real-life heartbreak. Another of its major achievements is introducing the character <b>Elliot</b> Reid - just a few years after the show's end in 2010, the name hit the top 1000 for girls and continues to rise.<br />
<br />
<i>Law and Order: Special Victims Unit</i><br />
Like <b>Emma</b>, I'm sure that one of the reasons <b>Olivia</b> continues to rank on the top 10 is due to Detective <b>Olivia</b> Benson, a fictional heroine for many of us. Still, Olivia was already on the rise before <b>Mariska</b> Hartigay originated the role. The name <b>Elliot </b>(M) had also been increasing during the run of the show, and continues to rise after Detective Stabler left.<br />
One note - <b>Benson</b> jumped onto the scene in 2010, and rose about 350 spots in seven years - not bad for a surname pick! Could the TV detective have this kind of influence as well?<br />
<br />
<i>Boy Meets World</i><br />
<b>Topanga</b> was an inspiration in how to own an unusual name and wear it with pride - and after the show's air, the name increased from total obscurity to adorning about 20-30 girls per year. The other prominent names on the show - <b>Cory, Shawn, Morgan</b> - reflect the names of the 90's, and have been declining over the past few years.<br />
<br />
<i>Buffy the Vampire Slayer</i><br />
Before <b>Joss</b> Whedon became a household name, before <i>Twilight </i>ushered in the era of vampire TV, there was <b>Buffy</b>. Granted, the protagonist's name didn't quite catch on - this nickname for <b>Elizabeth</b> is a little too over-the-top, in my opinion - but other names have.<br />
Only two years after <i>Buffy the Vampire Slayer</i> hit the airwaves, the name <b>Willow</b> jumped onto the top 1000 and rose quickly. This sweet nature choice now ranks in the top 1000, and could easily get into the top 50. <b>Xander</b> followed suit in 1999, increasingly annually - it's currently at #163 on the US Top 1000. While <b>Cordelia</b> doesn't currently rank on the list, it did hover in the 900's for two years recently.<br />
The popularity of names like <b>Kendra</b>, <b>Angel</b>, and <b>Faith</b> aren't as clear in their peaks and valleys and can't be tied to the show definitively, but their prominence in the top 500 is noted.<br />
<br />
<i>Gilmore Girls</i><br />
The fast-talking ladies of Stars Hollow are absolutely to blame for the rise of <b>Lorelai </b>(and <b>Lorelei</b>) - both spellings of the name appeared in the top 1000 during the final years of the show's original run, and have continued to rise through today. The show also featured characters named <b>Dean</b>, <b>Luke</b> and <b>Logan</b>, all of which rank in the top 200 today (though <b>Dean</b>'s rise may have something to do with the never-ending show, <i>Supernatural</i>).<br />
The names <b>Sookie</b> and <b>Jess</b> (M) also appeared on the show but have yet to make a splash in the popularity charts. I think <b>Sookie</b>, with its other connection to <i>True Blood</i>, could rise with the current trend towards nickname-names, like <b>Sadie</b> and <b>Charlie</b>.<br />
<br />
I'll stop for now, since I could probably talk about every show of the decade. But this type of amateur study is interesting to me - the names of beloved characters are often wrapped up with positivity in our minds, and therefore make excellent contenders for name inspiration.<br />
<br />
Tell me your favorite TV shows and character names in the comments!Emhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13061071547309522979noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9193906150466015383.post-40133903949153458992018-05-28T07:50:00.004-07:002018-05-28T07:50:59.399-07:00So I've been hanging out in cemeteries...Hello, readers!<br />
<br />
Name inspiration can often be found in odd places - overhearing a conversation at a cafe, noticing an unusual name on a sign-in sheet, or even peeking at local cemeteries! Alright, so the latter activity isn't quite as common, but local cemeteries can offer a host of information about your community's history.<br />
<br />
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2LpON07K8l0/WwwWZEQ7yzI/AAAAAAAAM9c/Ecm34VTCCw4Fe7mWamxd_9ZNWnNyPbpoQCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_6175.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1221" data-original-width="1600" height="244" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2LpON07K8l0/WwwWZEQ7yzI/AAAAAAAAM9c/Ecm34VTCCw4Fe7mWamxd_9ZNWnNyPbpoQCLcBGAs/s320/IMG_6175.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<i>A local cemetery in need of care (and visitors)</i></div>
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I'm from the central coast of California, and I've noticed some patterns in these final resting places: many families emigrated to our area from Mexico, France, Ireland, the Philippines, and Portugal. Granted, I've been wandering through mostly Catholic cemeteries, which in itself adds another dimension to the names on headstones. Overall, it's been a unique way to learn more about my town's humble origins as well as providing new name inspiration!<br />
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<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-AwuSQpTC1zU/WwwW7CwwNfI/AAAAAAAAM-g/RyGaBu8NIVgqgVqMXot_dIh6wGPoGQl3gCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_6195.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1198" height="320" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-AwuSQpTC1zU/WwwW7CwwNfI/AAAAAAAAM-g/RyGaBu8NIVgqgVqMXot_dIh6wGPoGQl3gCLcBGAs/s320/IMG_6195.jpg" width="239" /></a></div>
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<i>Crosses at a Catholic mission cemetery</i></div>
<br />
Here are some of the best names I've found<br />
<br />
<b>Albina </b>- It comes from <b>Albus</b>, meaning "bright" or "white," and <b>Albina</b> is also the name of a third-century saint.<br />
<br />
<b>Amby</b> - Possibly a surname, or a nickname for <b>Ambrose</b>.<br />
<br />
<b>Delfina </b>- It means "of Delphi," and was also used by an early Christian nun.<br />
<br />
<b>Gracia </b>- While <b>Grace</b> has long been an Anglophone classic, this Latin variant adds a little extra attitude and sophistication.<br />
<br />
<b>Laurianno </b>- I haven't found out too much about this name, but I'm guessing that it's a park of the <b>Lauren</b> family - <b>Lawrence</b>, <b>Laura</b>, etc.<br />
<br />
<b>Luiza</b> - I'm looking to honor my Portuguese heritage as well as use a form of <b>Louis</b> in a future child's name, making <b>Luiza</b> particularly attractive to me.<br />
<br />
<b>Maximina</b> - A lovely, feminine option for fans of the nickname <b>Max</b> for girls.<br />
<br />
<b>Pagerio </b>- A surname-name with little information online...<br />
<br />
<b>Petra</b> - I've always wondered why <b>Petra </b>doesn't get more attention in the US - it's so pretty and refined.<br />
<br />
<b>Procopio </b>- Derived from a Greek word meaning "progress," this was my favorite find. It's also an uncommon saint's name option.<br />
<br />
<b>Saloma</b> - A variation of <b>Salome</b>, this sweet name is also reminiscent of <b>Paloma</b>.<br />
<br />
<b>Ymilia </b>- Having never come across this version of my name, I do like an unexpected first initial.<br />
<br />
Have you ever found name inspiration in an unexpected place? Do you also like hanging out in cemeteries? Tell me in the comments!Emhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13061071547309522979noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9193906150466015383.post-73903527706571355602018-05-20T07:58:00.003-07:002018-05-20T07:58:47.924-07:00New Name Trends - Scandals and SuperstarsHello, readers!<br />
<br />
The new name data is in - and the results are astounding. Not only have quite a few new names come onto the scene, some classics have begun to fall: both <b>Michael </b>and <b>Emily</b> left the top 10 this year, the former after about 70 years and the latter after about 25 years.<br />
<br />
With all of this hubbub, let's look at some names that might not have gotten the positive attention they deserved. If you have more ideas on what constitutes a "Scandalous Name," tell me in the comments!<br />
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<a href="https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/d/d1/Colorful_2017_sticker_sign.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="561" data-original-width="800" height="224" src="https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/d/d1/Colorful_2017_sticker_sign.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<i>Scandalous Names:</i><br />
These names were in the news, for rather complicated reasons. How did they fare on the charts?<br />
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<b>Harvey</b> - <a href="http://www.babynamewizard.com/archives/2017/12/the-2017-name-of-the-year-is-harvey" target="_blank">Baby Name Wizard's Name of the Year</a> jumped from #412 to #382! I'm shocked!!! I was always a fan of the name, but last year's events certainly colored my perception of it.<br />
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<b>Syria</b> - Though this name had been rising through the early 2000's, the violence and turmoil plaguing the region have affected the name - only 9 girls last year were named <b>Syria</b>. <i>Consider helping the victims of this tragedy through organizations like <a href="https://www.unicef.org/" target="_blank">UNICEF</a>. </i><br />
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<b>Russia</b> - Too complex to sum up in a sentence, the events surrounding <b>Russia</b> haven't really affected the name's use in the United States - about 5-10 girls every year are given the name.<br />
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<b>Melania</b> - While the president's name is dropping, the First Lady's name entered the Top 1000 for the first time this year, coming in at #930. <b>Melania</b> vibes with raindrop names and cross-cultural picks, but I'll admit I'm surprised at its popularity.<br />
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<b>Griffin</b> - Though <b>Kathy Griffin</b>'s comedic choices didn't quite hit the mark, the personality's last name wasn't affected too badly. <b>Griffin</b> fell from #229 to #243, but it's well within normal use.<br />
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<b>Tomi</b> - The first name of "white power Barbie," <b>Tomi</b> Lahren's public comments gained more attention for her first name, too - 24 baby girls were named <b>Tomi</b>, the highest number since 2003.<br />
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<b>Milo</b> - I've loved this name for a long time, but recent events make me want to bury it underground for ten years then re-release it. What do you think, readers? Can <b>Milo</b>'s image be saved?<br />
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<i>Kardashian Family Names:</i><br />
Almost American royalty, this family has incredible potential to change the name landscape.<br />
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<b>Saint</b> - A celebrity favorite - for <b>Kanye</b> West and <b>Pete</b> Wentz, at least - moved from 115 to 138 boys born. Similar in style to<b> Royal</b> or <b>King</b>, this is a title name to watch.<br />
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<b>Dream</b> - It's the name's first time in the US Top 1000, coming in at #828. I guess <b>Rob</b> and Blac Chyna are true (forgive the joke) trendsetters!<br />
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<b>North </b>- This iconic choice is still too close to Kimye for parents to consider, in my opinion. It's also been more commonly used for boys throughout history.<br />
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<b>Mason </b>- Still in the top 10, <b>Mason</b> has become a quintessential 2010's name - will it stay in the top 10 through 2020? My guess is that <b>Mason</b> is on its way out.<br />
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<b>Reign</b> - A great mix of modern influences - royal names, word names, and simple sounds - <b>Reign</b> is rising for both boys and girls. It would make a fabulous choice in the middle spot!<br />
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<b>Penelope</b> - This Greek choice continues to rise - could <b>Penelope</b> make it into the top 10? Next to classics like <b>Amelia</b>, <b>Charlotte</b>, and <b>Abigail</b>, I believe so.<br />
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<b>Jenner</b> - On the decline, this name might have worked as an update to <b>Jennifer</b> or <b>Connor</b>, but the many "scandals" surrounding the family have certainly hurt <b>Jenner</b>'s style.<br />
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<i>Pop Star Picks:</i><br />
If you've got a catchy tune stuck in your head, you might associate it with one of these names.<br />
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<b>Kehlani</b> - Thanks to rising star <b>Kehlani</b> Parrish, this beautiful Hawaiian name that entered the top 1000 in 2016 has nearly doubled in use in just a year. A great successor to <b>Melanie</b> or <b>Leilani</b>, <b>Kehlani</b>'s wagon may be hitched to Parrish's star, to use an old phrase.<br />
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<b>Alessia</b> - A euphonic name and a style sister to <b>Alyssa </b>and <b>Alexis</b>, <b>Alessia</b> moved up over 200 places this year. Singer <b>Alessia </b>Cara has help popularize the name, but it's less associated with the individual than current trends as a whole.<br />
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<b>Maren </b>- Moving up over 300 places, this Dutch variant of <b>Marina</b> has attracted a lot of attention in the United States. Singer <b>Maren </b>Morris currently has a song in the Billboard Top 10 - might she influence the name for next year?<br />
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<b>Camila</b> - A favorite in Spanish-speaking communities, <b>Camila</b> has that cross-cultural appeal so crucial for modern families - it's no wonder the name made it into the top 25 this year.<br />
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<b>Malone </b>- Though the name is admittedly rare - only 17 boys given it last year, and 22 girls - it did technically double in use for boys since Post Malone came onto the scene.<br />
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<b>Kane</b> - Moving up 50 places, Kane may partially owe its rise to country musician <b>Kane</b> Brown. Related to the Biblical <b>Cain</b> and the Gaelic <b>Cathan</b>, it's got a macho image that's here to stay.<br />
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<i>Bonus - Names from Hamilton:</i><br />
Now that this musical is thoroughly embedded in the zeitgeist, let's "look around at how lucky we are to be alive right now," and give <b>Theodosia</b> the attention it deserves.<br />
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<b>Theodosia</b> - Alright, so the name moved from 6 girls born in 2016 to 11 girls born in 2017. Not quite the influx I expected, but hey - maybe I'll be able to use it someday!<br />
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<b>Hamilton</b> - Somewhere between 80 and 100 boys are given this name every year. The musical didn't influence <b>Hamilton</b>'s usage too much, but it ought to be recommended as an alternative to <b>Jackson, Jefferson, Franklin</b>....<br />
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<b>Eliza </b>- Moving up about 30 places, sweet and vintage <b>Eliza</b> has a lot going for it - the <i>Hamilton </i>connection, the popularity in other Anglophone countries, and the many lovely literary characters with the name.Emhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13061071547309522979noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9193906150466015383.post-22501928254598581442018-05-10T08:32:00.001-07:002018-05-10T08:32:43.228-07:00Uncommon Names from Ancient PersiaHello, readers!<br />
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Along with at least 40 million other fans, I've become a <i>Civilization</i> player. For those who don't know, this game allows you to create your own country and expand throughout the globe - power IS intoxicating. With dozens of world leaders to choose from - Queen <b>Victoria</b>, <b>Gandhi</b>, <b>Gilgamesh</b> - I recently picked <b>Cyrus</b> and was thrust into Ancient Persia.<br />
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<a href="https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/3/3f/Jean_Charles_Nicaise_Perrin_-_Cyrus_and_Astyages_-_WGA17209.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="678" data-original-width="800" height="271" src="https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/3/3f/Jean_Charles_Nicaise_Perrin_-_Cyrus_and_Astyages_-_WGA17209.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<i>Jean-Charles Nicaise Perrin, "Cyrus and Astyages," 18th century</i></div>
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One cool aspect of <i>Civilization VI</i> is the amount of named individuals with whom players can interact; as <b>Cyrus</b>, I have a number of spies, delegates, and allies reporting to me with names like <b>Amytis</b>, <b>Drypetis</b>, and <b>Laleh</b>. I'm taking this opportunity to research these awesome names and perhaps find something usable for today!<br />
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Male Names:<br />
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<b>Ariomardus</b> - A son of King <b>Darius</b> I and his wife <b>Parmys</b><br />
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<b>Arsames</b> - "strength of a hero"<br />
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<b>Arsites </b>- "the best"<br />
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<b>Bardiya</b> - "highest"<br />
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<b>Cambyses</b> - The name of two kings of Persia<br />
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<b>Gaumata</b> - A usurper to the crown who may or may not have existed<br />
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<b>Hydarnes</b> - Form of the name <b>Vidarna</b><br />
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<b>Otanes</b> - "having good descendents"<br />
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<b>Oxyathres</b> - "of a good reign"<br />
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<b>Sogdianus</b> - A brief king of Persia who died by "suffocating in ash." Yikes.<br />
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<b>Arash</b> - An heroic archer<br />
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<b>Dariush</b> - "to possess goodness," a form of<b> Darius</b><br />
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<b>Firdaus</b> - "paradise"<br />
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<b>Jalal </b>- "greatness"<br />
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<b>Kianoush</b> - "royal"<br />
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<b>Rostam</b> - Unclear etymology, but a possible route to the nickname Ross?<br />
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<b>Saam</b> - "dark," unrelated to <b>Sam</b><br />
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<b>Soheil </b>- "level, even"<br />
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<b>Vahid</b> - "unique"<br />
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<b>Zubin</b> - "spear" - one of my favorites from the boys' list!<br />
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Female Names:<br />
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<b>Artistun</b> - "pillar of <b>Arta</b>," also spelled <b>Artystone</b><br />
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<b>Cassandane</b> - Wife of Cyrus the Great<br />
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<b>Drypetis</b> - Daughter of<b> Darius</b> III and <b>Stateira</b> (below)<br />
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<b>Parmida</b> - Form of <b>Parmys</b><br />
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<b>Parysatis</b> - Possibly related to "swallow (bird)"<br />
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<b>Phaedymia</b> - Daughter of <b>Otanes</b><br />
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<b>Roxana</b> - "dawn," a lovely choice for a modern girl!<br />
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<b>Sisygambis</b> - Mother of Darius III<br />
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<b>Stateira </b>- Three major <b>Stateira</b>s rank in world history, but the etymology of the name is unclear.<br />
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<b>Amytis </b>- "having good thought"<br />
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<b>Banu </b>- "lady"<br />
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<b>Darya </b>- Form of <b>Darius</b>; another contender for today and a personal favorite.<br />
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<b>Firuzeh</b> - "turquoise"<br />
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<b>Golnar</b> - "pomegranate flower"<br />
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<b>Laleh</b> - "tulip." Just a mite too breathy, but very sweet.<br />
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<b>Niusha</b> - "good listener," also a contemporary Russian pop star<br />
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<b>Roghayeh</b> - Two possible meanings of "ascent" or "incantation"<br />
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<b>Simin</b> - "silvery," serene but a bit too close to <b>Simon</b><br />
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<b>Yasamin</b> - "jasmine flower"<br />
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<b>Zareen</b> - "golden" - Oh my gosh, <b>Simin</b> and <b>Zareen</b> would make a great sibset!<br />
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Which is your favorite? What Persian names do you find particularly attractive? Tell me in the comments!Emhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13061071547309522979noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9193906150466015383.post-84419523222952620942018-04-26T12:44:00.000-07:002018-04-26T12:44:06.862-07:00Names from Paul Simon SongsHello, readers!<br />
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Alright, so I'm a little young to be a <b>Paul Simon</b> fan, but this is what happens when your parents play a little too much 70's and 80's music in your childhood. (If anyone out there knows of a support group for <b>James Taylor</b> fans, let me know).<br />
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Mr. Simon included tons of names in his lyrics, and was definitely ahead of the game when he and his wife named their son <b>Harper James</b> in 1972. (His other kids are <b>Adrian Edward</b>, <b>Lulu Belle</b>, and <b>Gabriel Elijah</b>). I've also included names inspired by his music.<br />
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<b>Simon</b><br />
This classic Biblical choice increased in use right along with <b>Paul</b> Simon's career, from the late 1960's onward. With this attractive surname in the zeitgeist, it's no wonder that <b>Simon</b> hit all the right notes for so many boys.<br />
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<i>50 Ways to Leave Your Lover</i><br />
These are simple names with single syllables and rhythmic sounds - <b>Jack, Stan, Roy, Gus, Lee</b>. While <b>Jack</b> is the current favorite, I think <b>Gus</b> will rise in popularity over the next few years. Personally, I'm a big fan of <b>Stan</b> :)<br />
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<i>Me and <b>Julio</b> Down by the Schoolyard</i><br />
As a Californian, I've met quite a few <b>Julio</b>'s in my day - and this handsome Latin name is sure to endure. The song also includes "<b>Rosie</b>, the queen of Corona" - but I'm sure I don't need to tell Anglophone readers how sweet the name <b>Rosie</b> is!<br />
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<i><b>Graceland</b></i><br />
I've been listening to this song for the last few days - <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OKqLQcIfgvI" target="_blank">check out this amazing cover by The Tallest Man on Earth</a> - and I'm now convinced that <b>Graceland</b> would make a great name. <b>Memphis</b> is the other wearable city name in the song, and it toes that line between Southern and ancient.<br />
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<i>You Can Call Me <b>Al</b></i><br />
<a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/You_Can_Call_Me_Al" target="_blank">According to Wikipedia</a>, the famous line "I can call you <b>Betty</b> / And <b>Betty</b> when you call me / You can call me <b>Al</b>" came from a mishearing of the names <b>Paul</b> (as in Simon) and his first wife <b>Peggy</b>. I'm a proponent of bringing sassy <b>Betty</b> back - but should it return on its own or as a nickname for <b>Elizabeth</b> again?<br />
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<i>The Obvious Child</i><br />
<b>Sonny</b> is a rare example of a 70's name that would wear very well today - it has that cute nickname sound, it works as a short form for a bunch of longer "-son" options, and it's not too attached to any one individual (anymore.... Some of us remember <b>Sonny</b> Bono, but many do not).<br />
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<b><i>Duncan</i></b><br />
"<b>Lincoln Duncan</b> is my name / And here's my song" - I'll give $20 to anyone who names their son <b>Lincoln Duncan</b> X, just send me a copy of the birth certificate. <b>Duncan</b> is used far too infrequently, and makes a fabulous alternative to <b>Dylan</b> or <b>Declan</b>.<br />
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<i><b>Kathy</b>'s Song</i><br />
A lovely romantic ballad, this song helps us forget the unfortunate dated qualities that <b>Kathy</b> still has. Now that <b>Katie</b> is also in decline, what's the best option for a <b>Katherine</b>?<b> Kate, Kitty, Kit, Kat, Katya, Rina, Kateri</b>?<br />
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<i>Oh, <b>Marion</b></i><br />
<b>Marion</b> and its many forms - <b>Mary Anne, Marian, Marianne</b> - have been on my mind lately. A classic combo name, <b>Marion</b> et al could honor quite a few family names as well as bringing a vintage vibe to the table.<br />
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There's a few hundred more <b>Paul</b> Simon songs I didn't include - tell me your favorites in the comments!Emhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13061071547309522979noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9193906150466015383.post-60853477831023844222018-03-17T08:00:00.000-07:002018-03-17T08:00:03.823-07:00Lucky NamesHello, readers :)<br />
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It's March 17th, which means it's Saint Patrick's Day! Here in the US, this holiday is often used as an excuse to paint everything green and <a href="http://nothinglikeaname.blogspot.com/2017/04/happy-national-beer-day.html" target="_blank">drink a ton of beer</a> - but that's not what this post is about. (For <a href="http://nothinglikeaname.blogspot.com/2017/04/colorful-names-inspired-by-clue.html" target="_blank">color names</a> or <a href="http://nothinglikeaname.blogspot.com/2016/03/names-on-rocks.html" target="_blank">alcohol names</a>, I have other posts). Today, I'll be looking at lucky names!<br />
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While there aren't any names I'm aware of that bring luck - unless anyone has a great story they want to share in the comments! - here are some choices that embody that sense of excitement and positive feeling.<br />
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<i>Image via Pixabay</i></div>
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<b>Lucky</b><br />
My first association with this name is as a pet name - much to my surprise, the name has been used for human baby boys most often in the past two decades! Perhaps its aural similarities to <b>Luke</b>, and the rise in new virtue names like <b>Destiny</b> and <b>Journey</b>, have helped <b>Lucky</b> gain attention.<br />
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<b>Clover</b><br />
This adorable botanical name deserves more love than it gets - <b>Clover</b> is sweet and natural without feeling dusty or frilly. With <b>Chloe</b> and <b>Clara</b> topping the charts, it's also a great alternative to more popular names, too - <b>Clover</b> is outside the top 1000.<br />
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<b>Seven</b><br />
The Beckhams made waves when they named their daughter <b>Harper</b> <b>Seven</b>, after father <b>David</b>'s jersey number. But <b>Seven</b> seems to fit right in with modern bell-tone choices, as well as similar-sounding names like <b>Evan</b> or <b>Kevin</b>. I'm guessing<b> Seven </b>will be the name to watch!<br />
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<b>Charm</b><br />
This name is quirky and charm-ing as heck, but lacks the X-factor that turns nouns into names, I think. It's been used sporadically for girls since 1937, with the most usage over the past five years. Individuality above all, I suppose!<br />
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<b>Penny</b><br />
Bright and shiny <b>Penny</b> has a lot going for it - its retro sound, simplicity, and femininity lend it modern credibility. Long form <b>Penelope</b> is an option, but short and dynamic <b>Penny</b> stands well on its own. And with <b>Lane</b> as a unisex name, we may be seeing more <a href="http://nothinglikeaname.blogspot.com/2015/09/all-you-need-are-beatles-names-part-one.html" target="_blank">Beatles homages on birth certificates</a>...<br />
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<b>Fortune</b><br />
Latin in origin, <b>Fortune</b> was used more often as a name in ancient Rome. Today, it blends well with virtue names like <b>Patience</b> or <b>Faith</b>, but also jumps out as an unconventional pick. I'm joining the other name writers who recommend <b>Fortune</b> as a middle name, probably because of its uniqueness, and the lack of ready nicknames.<br />
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<b>Chance</b><br />
It briefly joined the top 200 in the 1990's, but that blip made<b> Chance</b> a well-established choice for later generations.<b> Chance</b> is friendly and energetic, but possibly a little too light (or maybe this is just another dog-name association for me).<br />
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<b>Ireland</b><br />
I would never have guessed that this country name would get so popular, but then again about 10% of Americans identify as at least partly Irish (I'm one of them!)<b> Ireland</b> is of course noted as a celebrity baby name, but now that that baby (<b>Ireland</b> Basinger Baldwin) is 22, I think <b>Ireland</b> is officially on the table for everyone else.<br />
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Other names meaning "luck" or "fortune":<br />
<b>Dalia, Felix, Felicity, Gad, Bonaventure, Otto</b><br />
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Any I missed? Tell me in the comments!<br />
<br />Emhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13061071547309522979noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9193906150466015383.post-940400241358635992017-12-21T02:20:00.003-08:002017-12-21T02:20:55.228-08:00Names from William Blake<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 14px;">Hello, readers!</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 14px;"><a href="http://www.babynamewizard.com/archives/2017/12/fearless-names-for-boys" target="_blank">While researching the name <b>Albion</b></a>, I came across this interesting set of names from the mythology of <b>William</b> Blake. This eighteenth-century English writer wrote a series of books advocating for his own political and spiritual ideals through the exploration of invented gods and goddesses. While this series sounds a bit too complex for me, the names themselves are fascinating!</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 14px;">According to <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Albion_(Blake)" target="_blank">Wikipedia</a>, many of these names were taken from writings of <b>Geoffrey</b> of Monmouth and <b>John</b> Milton, as well as individuals involved in Blake's 1803 sedition trial. (I wonder if his books included as disclaimer to avoid further legal action?) While I won't delve into the mythology, here are some of the character names!</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 14px;"><i>The Four Zoas and their Emanations:</i></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 14px;"><b>Tharmas</b> (m) - The name sounds like a combination of <b>Arthur</b> and <b>Thomas</b>, but seems too clinical to have real potential for a modern name. </span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 14px;"><b>Enion</b> (f) - Only one letter off from "onion," so I'm going to pass on reviving this. </span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 14px;"><b>Urthona </b>(m) - Though this character is supposed to represent inspiration, I'm not quite convinced by <b>Urthona</b>...</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 14px;"><b>Enitharmon</b> (f) - Just complex and creative enough to pique my interest. Perhaps <b>Ennis</b> or <b>Enid </b>would be a bit easier to wear daily?</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 14px;"><b>Luvah</b> (m) - The name was supposedly chosen because of its aural similarities to "lover," but <b>Luvah</b> feels a bit excessive. <b>Levi</b> or <b>Love</b>, on the other hand, are fantastic!</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 14px;"><b>Vala </b>(f) - While this name has been recorded regularly since 1921, <b>Vala</b> seems unfinished. I'd recommend alternatives like <b>Vera</b>, <b>Calla</b>, or <b>Valerie</b>. </span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 14px;"><b>Urizen</b> (m) - Definitely not my favorite. <b>Horizon</b>, on the other hand, feels like an excellent modern choice. </span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 14px;"><b>Ahania</b> (f) - Euphonic names are big right now, and <b>Ahania</b> might fit right in. Somewhere between <b>Hannah</b>, <b>Alana</b>, and <b>Anya</b>?</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 14px;"><i>Sons of <b>Albion</b>:</i></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 14px;"><b>Hand</b> - Nope. </span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 14px;"><b>Hyle </b>- I suppose if Lyle and Kyle can manage, Hyle's not too different. It was recorded for boys once in 1919. </span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 14px;"><b>Coban</b> - Hello, bell-tone boy's name! I'm genuinely surprised this name hasn't been recorded yet, being it sounds so similar to <b>Colby</b>, <b>Cohen</b>, and <b>Robin</b>. </span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 14px;"><b>Guantok</b> - This does sound like some Vietnamese or Thai names I've come across, but <b>Guantok</b> doesn't seem quite as accessible as other cross-cultural picks. </span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 14px;"><b>Peachey</b> - As a pet name, I wholeheartedly recommend <b>Peachey</b>, <b>Peach</b>, and <b>Peaches</b>!</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 14px;"><b>Brereton</b> - The extra syllable in the middle doesn't add much. <b>Bretton</b> or <b>Brighton</b> are lovely in and of themselves.</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 14px;"><b>Slayd</b> - This sounds like the name of a superhero! <b>Slade</b> has gotten some attention, but I don't think changing the spelling makes the name any cooler (<b>Slade</b> is inherently cool). </span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 14px;"><b>Hutton</b> - An uncommon surname choice, <b>Hutton</b> comes from Old English for "ridge settlement." With <b>Sutton</b> and <b>Houston</b> gaining fans, <b>Hutton</b> could work well on modern playgrounds. </span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 14px;"><b>Scofield</b> - Another surname pick, but not quite as friendly as <b>Hutton</b>. </span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 14px;"><b>Kox</b> - Being that this name's homophone could cause some issues, I'd go with <b>Knox</b>. </span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 14px;"><b>Kotope</b> - Sounds a bit like a scientific instrument. "Pass the kotope, Doctor <b>Scofield</b>!"</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 14px;"><b>Bowen</b> - The first name in this post to rank in the top 1000, <b>Bowen</b> is currently at #478 for boys. Handsome, Celtic in origin, with the cute nickname<b> Bo</b> - what's not to love?</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 14px;"><i>Daughters of <b>Albion</b>:</i></span><br />
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<span style="color: #222222; font-family: sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 14px;"><b>Gwendolen</b> - A fabulous Welsh name - whose spelling variant <b>Gwendolyn</b> currently ranks in the top 500 - with a ton of nickname possibilities, <b>Gwendolen </b>is positively gorgeous. </span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #222222; font-family: sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 14px;"><b>Ragan</b> - Maybe it's Germanic, maybe it's made up - <b>Ragan </b>(I'm reading it as "Ray-gahn") sounds like a spelling alternative for <b>Reagan</b> for parents who like the sound but aren't as fond of the president. </span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #222222; font-family: sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 14px;"><b>Sabrina</b> - <b>Audrey</b> Hepburn immediately comes to mind - a definite plus!</span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #222222; font-family: sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 14px;"><b>Gonorill </b>- This looks a bit like <b>Goneril</b>, King Lear's eldest daughter. Can't say I love the name or the namesakes. </span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #222222; font-family: sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 14px;"><b>Mehetabel</b> - Ooooh, a rare and lovely Hebrew name (I'm writing this post while traveling Israel). While it's certainly different, it may be worth the work. And <b>Bella</b> works as a nickname!</span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #222222; font-family: sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 14px;"><b>Cordella</b> - I can't decide if <b>Cordelia</b> is better, or if <b>Cordella</b> is an entirely new kind of name. Readers, what do you think?</span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #222222; font-family: sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 14px;"><b>Boadicea</b> - I've come across this one in "name nerd" posts - beautiful rhythm, not really accessible. </span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #222222; font-family: sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 14px;"><b>Gwiniverra</b> - I'm a proponent of <b>Gwenivere</b>, but <b>Gwiniverra</b> takes <b>Jennifer</b> just a bit too far. </span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #222222; font-family: sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 14px;"><b>Conwenna</b> - It seems that this name was invented by Geoffrey of Monmouth. It almost feels like a feminization of a surname, which isn't something I've seen before. </span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #222222; font-family: sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 14px;"><b>Estrild </b>- Not even once. </span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #222222; font-family: sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 14px;"><b>Gwinefrid </b>- Oh boy. </span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #222222; font-family: sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 14px;"><b>Ignoge</b> - Again, nope. </span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #222222; font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 14px;"><b>Cambel</b> - A simplification of <b>Campbell</b>, perhaps? Pretty, simple, and sweet. </span><br />
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<span style="color: #222222; font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 14px;">Tell me your thoughts in the comments!</span>Emhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13061071547309522979noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9193906150466015383.post-49126643243482453462017-12-04T20:12:00.000-08:002017-12-04T20:12:25.890-08:00Names from My Travels - Part 2Hello, readers!<br />
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If you didn't get a chance, here's the first part - <a href="http://nothinglikeaname.blogspot.com/2017/08/names-from-my-travels.html" target="_blank">Names from My Travels</a>.<br />
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TLDR: I'm traveling Asia and collecting name stories!<br />
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Since my last update, my boyfriend <b>Ethan</b> and I have visited more of southern China (Chongqing and Chengdu), spent six weeks in Taiwan (Taipei, Hualien, Taitung, Kaohsiung, Taichung, Sun Moon Lake), scootered through Vietnam (Hanoi, Ninh Binh, Hue, Ho Chi Minh City), and are currently hanging out in Thailand (Bangkok, Ayutthaya, Chiang Mai). I've met some wonderful new friends along the way, and have asked a lot of people nosy questions about their names :)<br />
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<i>Ethan and me scootering outside of Hanoi</i></div>
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I've tried to remove anything too personal - FB friends, let me know if I need to edit anything!</div>
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<b>Joe-Thibault</b></div>
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Not someone I actually met, but a few Belgian friends told me about the weirdest name they knew; apparently his parents couldn't pick between the two, so they created a compound name. I gotta say, <b>Joe-Thibault</b> is an unusual mix of styles!</div>
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Sibset: <b>Camille </b>(f), <b>Justine </b>(f), <b>Auguste</b> (m)</div>
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The lovely <b>Camille</b> was named for an associate of <b>Auguste</b> Rodin, one of her parents' favorite artists (hence her brother's name, <b>Auguste</b>). We had a great conversation about names later on (just saying, there's a lot of people out there who keep lists of their favorite names!)</div>
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<b>Nadège</b> (f)</div>
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The French form of a Slavic name meaning "hope" (from the same family as <b>Nadia</b>). I'm reminded of another French name, <b>Edwige</b>, and I can think of two currently popular names that end in -ge: <b>Paige</b> and <b>Sage</b>. </div>
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<b>Lannan </b>(<b>Eve</b>)</div>
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A friendly Chinese woman told me her name means "very smart" in Mandarin (I couldn't find the right combination of name elements online). She picked her own English name, <b>Eve</b>. </div>
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Sibset: <b>Itai </b>(m), <b>Dror </b>(m), <b>Naama </b>(f), <b>Sivan</b> (f), <b>Shaked </b>(f), <b>Keshet </b>(f)</div>
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When <b>Sivan</b> told me she was one of six children, I asked their names so fast I nearly choked. Her family is Israeli, and they chose each of their children's names based on the Torah reading for the week they were born. <b>Itai</b> is a name of one of King <b>David</b>'s warriors, meaning "being." <b>Dror</b> means "freedom," chosen because he was born during Pesach (the Jewish holiday of Passover, celebrating the liberation of the Jews under the leadership of <b>Moses</b>). <b>Naama</b> is a fairly popular name in Israel, meaning "pleasant." <b>Sivan </b>was named for the third month of the Jewish calendar, which comes from a word meaning "season" or "time." <b>Shaked</b> means "almond," as she was born during Tu BiShvat, a Jewish holiday celebrating ecological awareness and the planting of trees. <b>Keshet</b> means "rainbow," referencing the story of <b>Noah</b>. </div>
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Sibset: <b>Talia </b>(f), <b>Alon </b>(m), <b>Shachar </b>(m), <b>Shani </b>(f)</div>
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Another excellent Israeli family name group! <b>Talia</b> is a Hebrew name meaning "dew from heaven" (it's currently fairly popular in the US), <b>Alon</b> is a Hebrew name meaning "oak tree," <b>Shachar</b> is a Hebrew name meaning "dawn," and <b>Shani</b> is a Hebrew name meaning "red."</div>
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Special thanks to the incomparable <b>Shachar</b> and <b>Sivan</b> for answering my questions one after another! <3</div>
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<b>Nathan</b></div>
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The third Israeli interviewed on this list, <b>Nathan</b> was named for his grandfather. We talked a bit about "word names" being on the rise in the United States, when they're very popular in other countries already (see <b>Sivan</b> and <b>Shachar</b>'s stories above!)</div>
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Sibset: <b>Elena Georgina</b> and <b>Isabel Antonia</b></div>
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These gorgeous names reflect <b>Elena</b>'s family's roots in Italy and in Puerto Rico. We also both noticed that the middles were feminizations of traditionally male names. </div>
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<b>Sigrid</b></div>
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The fabulous <b>Sigrid</b> was supposed to be named Julia, but her parents felt the choice didn't fit her. They chose her name in part because it sounds like "sie grinst," German for "she smiles."</div>
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Sibset: <b>Jack</b>, <b>Grace</b>, <b>Samuel</b></div>
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<b>Jack </b>would have been <b>Kate</b> if he was a girl, but didn't know why his parents chose <b>Jack</b>. </div>
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Couple: <b>Una</b> and <b>Aga</b></div>
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This warm Taiwanese couple owned and managed a hostel in Hualien. <b>Una </b>is one of my favorite names, and I love how their names sound together. </div>
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Sibset: <b>Erica, Sara, Isaac, John</b></div>
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<b>Erica</b> told me that her parents chose "simple names" for her and her siblings because theirs were more complicated. I hear more about the reverse of that happening: choosing a "unique" name for one's child because one's own name is too popular. </div>
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<b>Arslan </b>(m)</div>
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This is a form of <b>Aslan</b> (meaning "lion"), and comes from <b>Arslan</b>'s home state of Bashkortostan, a republic in Russia. </div>
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<b>Huong</b> (f)</div>
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This is a Vietnamese name meaning "perfume" - similar to <b>Jasmine</b> or <b>Rose</b>, perhaps?</div>
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While attending Quest Festival outside of Hanoi, I collected a lot of names, but few stories behind them: <b>Aymen</b>, <b>Atlas</b>, <b>Edith</b>, <b>Lou</b> and <b>Loup</b>, <b>Jael</b>, <b>Mansour</b>, <b>Naadir</b>, <b>Muti</b>, <b>Trey</b>, <b>Pim</b>, and a ton of <b>Alex</b>'s!</div>
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Couple: <b>Willi </b>(f) and <b>Willem </b>(m)</div>
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This funny couple from Amsterdam had been together for decades, with the matching names <b>Willi</b> and <b>Willem</b>. <b>Willem</b> joked "If I had known her name, I would have walked away!"</div>
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<b>Aladdin</b> (m)</div>
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I met a real-life <b>Aladdin</b>, from Lyons, France!</div>
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<b>Kurn </b>(m)</div>
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When he told me he was Welsh, I asked his name, expecting an unusual Welsh choice. Instead, his parents chose a Hebrew name - <b>Kurn</b>, from <b>Koren</b>, meaning "shining" - to honor their Jewish heritage. </div>
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So many names and stories! Thanks everyone for sharing theirs with me :)</div>
Emhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13061071547309522979noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9193906150466015383.post-12040356947682680502017-10-31T00:00:00.000-07:002017-10-31T07:47:35.636-07:00Common Names for Serial KillersHello, readers!<br />
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Today's post takes a bit of a turn from previous writing, as I'm incorporating one of my other major interests: serial killers. I'm a huge fan of true crime media, and over the past few months of traveling I've binged crime documentaries, podcasts (<a href="https://www.myfavoritemurder.com/" target="_blank">My Favorite Murder</a> and <a href="https://www.lastpodcastontheleft.com/" target="_blank">Last Podcast on the Left</a> in particular), and dramatizations on the lives and deeds of some of the most deranged murderers in history. Of course, I've been keeping an ear out for name-related trivia as well.<br />
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<a href="https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/9/97/Edmund_Kemper_(mug_shot_-_1973).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="543" data-original-width="800" height="217" src="https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/9/97/Edmund_Kemper_(mug_shot_-_1973).jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<i>Edmund Emil Kemper III, the "Co-Ed Killer"</i></div>
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Years ago, I read an article online that claimed <b>Wayne</b> was more popular as a middle name among criminals (<a href="http://swordandscale.com/the-wayne-theory/" target="_blank">here's a more recent article on the "Wayne Theory"</a>) than in the general population. While there's no real evidence of this phenomenon - the United States doesn't collect or publish data on middle names, as far as I can tell - the idea that one's name might predict later criminal behavior was fascinating to me. Family relationships, class, financial status, race, gender, and environment all factor in to the likelihood of someone becoming a criminal - could names indicate these factors early on?<br />
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I'm not going to draw any dramatic conclusions until I can look at real data and sift through the complicated links between predictive factors for criminal behavior, but some theories have come to mind. What if men of a certain personality - hyper-masculine, traditional, intimidating - named their sons after a hero of mid-century cinema, <b>John Wayne</b>? And what if these men were more likely to raise children who would exhibit criminal behaviors?<br />
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What else can name data tell us about "deviants"? I decided to look at the data on the first, middle, and adopted names of serial killers in the United States. Using <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_serial_killers_in_the_United_States" target="_blank">this Wikipedia entry</a> (obviously not complete, but a decent representation) and discarding the names of female killers, I came up with a group of 201 names.<br />
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These are men of varying ages, mostly white, with some black and Latino individuals. A majority of these men were active in the twentieth century. Most common first/middle names:<br />
<br />
12 - <b>Joseph </b><br />
11 - <b>Edward</b><br />
10* - <b>John </b><br />
10* - <b>Richard </b><br />
10 - <b>David</b><br />
10 - <b>Robert</b><br />
9 - <b>Lee </b><br />
8* - <b>Michael </b><br />
8 - <b>Charles</b><br />
7 - <b>William</b><br />
6* -<b> James </b><br />
6 - <b>Anthony</b><br />
6 - <b>Wayne </b><br />
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* = One name would be added if nicknames were to be included<br />
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Of the 13 names listed above, 11 fall into the <a href="https://www.ssa.gov/oact/babynames/decades/century.html" target="_blank">25 most popular names for men</a> in the United States over the past century: <b>Joseph, Edward, John, Richard, David, Robert, Michael, Charles, William, James, Anthony</b>. The other two names rank much lower for the general male population versus the serial killer summation: <b>Lee</b> and <b>Wayne</b>.<br />
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<b>Wayne</b>! Based on my not-super-scientific data, there may be a correlation between criminals and use of the name. I'm eager to access real data someday and follow this theory.<br />
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<b>Lee</b>'s popularity over time <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lee_(English_given_name)" target="_blank">is directly related to</a> the Confederate Civil War general <b>Robert E. Lee</b> - many Southern parents chose the name <b>Lee</b> to honor him in the decades after the war. The name has been decreasing in popularity since 1900, and since many of the killers listed were born in the twentieth century, it may indicate that their families had stronger-than-average ties to the South, or the tradition of using honorific names. Which brings me to another interesting finding...<br />
<br />
The name community uses the term "honorific name" to refer to the practice of choosing a name for a child that celebrates a relative, friend, or place important to the parents. This could be anything from using <b>Charlotte </b>to honor Uncle <b>Charlie</b>, <b>Ruby</b> to honor Grandma's birthstone, <b>Denali</b> in honor of her parents' honeymoon site, etc. However, I'm going to use the term here to specifically refer to names directly taken from fathers and grandfathers, names that end in Jr., III, IV, etc.<br />
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Out of 201 names, 23 of these serial killers have Jr/III/IV at the end of their names. That's over 11% of them! This number seems particularly high, but the only article I found that listed data on the percentage of honorific names in the population <a href="http://www.nbcnews.com/id/31416975/ns/health-mens_health/t/junior-status-sharing-dads-name-mixed-bag/" target="_blank">referred to studies from the 1940's</a>. At that time, 3% of the general population was named for a father, and that number has been supposedly decreasing over time. But among serial murderers, the tradition of naming a child after the father seems to be alive and well (excuse the terrible joke).<br />
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Using honorific names for children is a practice much more common in <a href="https://www.livescience.com/41070-honor-culture-baby-names.html" target="_blank">"honor states,"</a> where an emphasis on "traditional family values" is at play (these values include adhering to assigned gender roles, identifying as a Christian, and highlighting nationalism). Often, these communities also exhibit higher rates of patriarchal thought and the elevation of stereotypical masculinity. Honor states mostly include Western and Southern states - another connection to the Southernness of <b>Lee</b> and my <b>John Wayne</b> theory mentioned earlier.<br />
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What's the takeaway from this? Well, since it's correlative data and a small sample size, not much. But there's enough here to keep me asking questions... what questions would you want to ask?<br />
<br />
---<br />
<br />
Here are some interesting articles I referenced in this post:<br />
<br />
<a href="http://swordandscale.com/the-wayne-theory/" target="_blank">The Wayne Theory</a> - Heather Sutfin, <i>Sword and Scale</i><br />
<a href="https://www.thesun.co.uk/living/3103877/baby-names-murderers-criminals/" target="_blank"><br /></a>
<a href="https://www.thesun.co.uk/living/3103877/baby-names-murderers-criminals/" target="_blank">Deciding on a baby name? Steer clear of these because they’re the most common among MURDERERS</a> - Hannah Ferrett, <i>The Sun</i><br />
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<a href="https://www.livescience.com/41070-honor-culture-baby-names.html" target="_blank">Babies Named After Dads: Which States Have More (And Why)</a> - Stephanie Pappas, <i>Live Science</i><br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.nbcnews.com/id/31416975/ns/health-mens_health/t/junior-status-sharing-dads-name-mixed-bag/" target="_blank">Junior Status: Sharing dad's name a mixed bag</a> - Melissa Dahl, <i>NBC News</i>Emhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13061071547309522979noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9193906150466015383.post-63445088794328629132017-10-05T21:03:00.003-07:002017-10-05T21:03:57.207-07:00Sesame Street NamesHello, readers!<br />
<br />
"Can you tell me how to get / How to get to Sesame Street?" are lyrics that have rung through many American homes since the groundbreaking children's show debuted in 1969. I myself was an avid fan (as well as a member of the Barney generation) and I got to thinking how many people grew up with the knowledge of these characters in the back of their minds.<br />
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<i>Sesame Street</i> is known for including characters of all races, genders, abilities, cultures, etc., making their Muppet names pretty diverse. I'll be including names of the Muppets and not the humans here.<br />
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<a href="https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/b/bc/Sesame_Street_sign.svg/800px-Sesame_Street_sign.svg.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="302" data-original-width="800" height="120" src="https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/b/bc/Sesame_Street_sign.svg/800px-Sesame_Street_sign.svg.png" width="320" /></a></div>
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<b>Oscar</b><br />
Everyone's favorite grouch was named for a particularly awful waiter that <b>Jim</b> Henson met in <b>Oscar</b>'s Tavern in Manhattan - I wonder if his inspiration ever figured it out? This handsome choice is an excellent cross-cultural pick, and it's never been far from the top 200.<br />
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<b>Elmo</b><br />
Unfortunately, this adorable old-fashioned name has been claimed by the furry red Muppet, one of the most popular characters in the show's history. <b>Elmo</b> ranked on the top 1000 until 1957, but it's barely been recorded for babies during the 1990's and 2000's.<br />
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<b>Zoe</b><br />
Partially created as a counterpart to <b>Elmo</b>, vivacious <b>Zoe</b> debuted in 1993, during the period where her lovely name was skyrocketing up the charts. Today, both <b>Zoe</b> and <b>Zoey</b> are popular (along with <b>Chloe</b> and<b> Khloe</b>), with no sign of decline.<br />
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<b>Ernie</b><br />
Rarely seen without his best friend and roommate (below), <b>Ernie</b> is an original Muppet character - with more than a few memorable songs over the seasons. His name, a popular nickname for <b>Ernest</b>, ranks in the top 500 in the UK but has yet to bring its retro charm overseas.<br />
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<b>Bert</b><br />
The serious half of the duo, <b>Bert</b> is particularly fond of collecting bottle caps and advocating on behalf of pigeons (something he and I have in common). Though <b>Brett</b> and <b>Brent</b> have had fans over the years, <b>Bert</b> still feels incomplete and a bit awkward.<br />
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<b>Grover</b><br />
Friendly and adventurous <b>Grover</b> has been beloved on <i>Sesame Street</i> since his debut in 1970. His name is worth a second look: though it fits in well with popular -er names and occupational picks (like <b>Parker</b> and <b>Cooper</b>), this adorable choice has never achieved the same level of popularity.<br />
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<b>Abby</b><br />
A relatively new Muppet, <b>Abby</b> Cadabby is a three-year-old fairy with boundless girly-girl energy. Her name is everywhere these days - <b>Abigail</b> is currently at #8, and <b>Abby</b> ranks at #441 - and the nickname is a sweet mix of classic and modern.<br />
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<b>Julia</b><br />
She made headlines with her debut in 2015 - this first Muppet with autism, performed by the parent of an autistic child - very important for disability representation! The name<b> Julia</b> has ranked in the top 100 since 1980, and it's a gorgeous choice with even more lovely namesakes and connections.<br />
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<b>Telly</b><br />
Worrying and dramatic, <b>Telly</b>'s arrival on <i>Sesame Street</i> in 1979 followed another famous TV <b>Telly</b> - <b>Telly</b> Savalas, from the popular series <i>Kojak</i>. In fact, the actor's name directly inspired a blip of <b>Telly</b>'s on the top 1000, though the fad was short-lived.<br />
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<b>Rosita</b><br />
Bilingual Muppet <b>Rosita</b> was one of the first Spanish speaking puppets to grace <i>Sesame Street</i>, and she loves history, geography, and music. Though <b>Rose</b> and <b>Rosalie</b> have gained fans, <b>Rosita</b> is still flying under the radar - but this melodic Latin choice could appeal to many.<br />
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<b>Alice</b><br />
The little sister of Snuffy, <b>Alice</b> Snuffleupagus is a smaller character than her brother (not too difficult) but no less cute. The attractive name has been rising through the ranks, currently at #76 - might it one day join style sisters <b>Abigail</b> and <b>Charlotte</b> in the top 10?<br />
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<b>Prairie</b><br />
All grown up at seven years old, <b>Prairie Dawn</b> has been on <i>Sesame Street</i> since 1971 - and the name has been recorded in the US since 1973. Windswept and winsome, <b>Prairie</b> is a cool yet underused choice that would fit in well with nature and geographical names today.<br />
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<b>Louie</b><br />
<b>Elmo</b>'s dad <b>Louie</b> first appeared on the show in 2006, as a stay-at-home parent who later joins the military. While <b>Louis</b> (and its spelling variants) has gotten popular, nickname <b>Louie</b> is at the bottom of the top 1000, and adds a more friendly sound to the handsome name.<br />
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<b>Mae</b><br />
Elmo's mother <b>Mae</b> also debuted in 2006, as part of a series of videos about families dealing with military deployment. After a 40 year hiatus, magnificent <b>Mae</b> is now jumping back up the popularity charts, appealing to parents who love its simple, retro sound.<br />
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<b>Rudy</b><br />
A Muppet that debuted this year - <b>Rudy</b> is <b>Abby</b> Cadabby's mischievous younger stepbrother. Though the name has been on the decline, this unisex pick still has a lot of charm. <b>Rudy</b> could also honor a familial <b>Rudolph</b> or <b>Ruth</b>.<br />
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Which characters would you add to this list? Tell me in the comments!Emhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13061071547309522979noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9193906150466015383.post-30116164995543477072017-09-21T09:45:00.000-07:002017-09-21T09:45:48.287-07:00Baby Names Inspired by Birth Control Methods - Yep, There's Enough of Them to Make a ListHello, readers!<br />
<br />
So I've wanted to write this post since I myself got the Skyla IUD. It cracked me up that a birth control option would have a brand name that's also in the top 1000 baby names for girls. And oh boy, what a style!<br />
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<a href="http://media2.intoday.in/indiatoday/images/stories/baby-birth-control-device-hand-pregnancy-647_050517041925.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://media2.intoday.in/indiatoday/images/stories/baby-birth-control-device-hand-pregnancy-647_050517041925.jpg" data-original-height="404" data-original-width="647" height="199" width="320" /></a></div>
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<i>A baby with the birth control device meant to prevent his existence... </i></div>
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<i>"So we beat on, boats against the current, borne back ceaselessly into the past"</i></div>
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Maybe you've found yourself unexpectedly pregnant - why not name this happy accident after the birth control method that failed you?<br />
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<b>Chastity</b><br />
I cannot figure out how this name was so popular for so long. Of all the virtue names, this seems the cruelest. Also, the misspelling <b>Chasity</b> has ranked for awhile too - how??? If you're name is <b>Chastity/Chasity,</b> please comment with how your life is going so far, I worry about you all a lot.<br />
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<b>Rhythm</b><br />
Using the term "rhythm method" to describe the practice of having sex only on certain days of the month to avoid pregnancy dates from the 1930's, but the name <b>Rhythm</b> only started getting recorded in the year 2000. It's now rising up the ranks for boys and girls!<br />
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<b>Yaz</b><br />
Though the <b>Yaz</b> birth control pill has been around since 2006, it was only in 2016 that <b>Yaz</b> was first recorded as a name for eight baby girls. This name also has the bonus of being worth 15 points in Scrabble!<br />
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<b>Yasmin</b><br />
When the <b>Yasmin</b> birth control pill debuted in 2001, the name was already near its peak popularity. Possibly thanks in part to the new association with the medication, the name has since dropped to the bottom of the top 1000.<br />
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<b>Mirena</b><br />
This sounds like a lot of names out there - <b>Marina</b>, <b>Mira</b>, <b>Mariah</b> - so I wasn't too surprised to see it recorded in past statistics. The name has been used sporadically between 2007 and 2014, but the birth control method has been around since 1990.<br />
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<b>Skyla</b><br />
My buddy, my pal - over 99% effective! It's been around since 2013, but the name has been recorded regularly since 1998. It's a more feminine form of <b>Skylar</b>, to be sure, but it will always remind me of the small plastic anchor in my uterus.<br />
<b><br /></b>
<b>Errin</b><br />
This creative spelling of <b>Errin </b>(or <b>Aaron</b>?) was recorded from 1964 to 2010 for both boys and girls. While this spelling is definitely unusual, I'd stick with either of the two originals for tradition's sake.<br />
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<b>Kyleena</b><br />
Ask and ye shall receive - I had hoped this name would be recorded, and by Jove, dozens of baby <b>Kyleena</b>s have graced this world since 1999. The IUD is pretty new, having been released about a year ago. Not sure why they picked this name, but let's all bask in the glory.<br />
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<b>Richard</b><br />
I'm serious - Sir Richard's is one of the more popular condom brands among vegetarians and vegans (The More You Know™). No idea which <b>Richard</b> the company's name refers to, but let's assume that all <b>Richard</b>s were named after this brand - life's just more fun that way.<br />
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<b>Caya</b><br />
Though <b>Kaia</b> is in the top 400, homophone <b>Caya</b> just hasn't gotten attention. The birth control method it refers to is a diaphragm, and it's one of the only forms of this methods available in this decade.<br />
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<b>Levora</b><br />
This name was used between 1918 and 1960, and it's got a sound to prove it (think <b>Laverne </b>or <b>Deborah</b>). This birth control pill seems decently popular, though I've found nothing particularly interesting about it... or about the name itself, for that matter.<br />
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<b>Natazia</b><br />
It may sound like the name of a Slavic spy in a <b>James</b> Bond knockoff movie, but this name was mostly used in the 1990s, post-Cold War. I'd go with <b>Anastasia</b> or <b>Natalia</b> rather than the name of an oral contraceptive.<br />
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<b>Crown</b><br />
Another condom brand on birth certificates! With word names - <b>Grace,</b> <b>King</b>, <b>West</b> - being so in vogue, <b>Crown</b> seems like a natural fit. (And I bet they'd use "natural fit" in their ad campaigns, too).<br />
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If you think your birth control method is worthy of a human child's first name, comment below. And seriously, all the <b>Chasity/Chastity</b>'s out there, let me know how you're doing.Emhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13061071547309522979noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9193906150466015383.post-21960808322311793982017-08-30T07:26:00.003-07:002017-08-30T07:26:51.598-07:00Name Conventions - JapanKonnichiwa, readers!<br />
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I'm currently on an <a href="https://aireande.com/" target="_blank">extended trip through East and Southeast Asia</a>, working and traveling for a year with my boyfriend. One of my favorite parts of this experience is the chance to talk to so many different people about their names - how they got them, what their cultures dictate, and what they think about them. In addition to <a href="http://nothinglikeaname.blogspot.com/2017/08/names-from-my-travels.html" target="_blank">collecting name stories</a>, I'm going to take this opportunity to study first name conventions for each country I visit!<br />
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I'm currently in China, but my first stop was two months in Japan, so I'll start there. If you're Japanese and/or you have a Japanese name, please tell me your story in the comments!<br />
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<a href="https://www.tokyourbanbaby.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/2013-most-popular-baby-names.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="320" data-original-width="600" height="170" src="https://www.tokyourbanbaby.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/2013-most-popular-baby-names.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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The Basics:<br />
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Japanese names usually include just a family name and a given name (middle names aren't common). Unlike most Western styles, Japanese names are said as "family name - first name," such as Kurosawa <b>Akira</b>. Unlike current trends in the English-speaking world, very few surnames can become given names, so they're usually easy to differentiate.<br />
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As seems to be the global trend, first names in Japan are increasingly unique. Since names are written primarily with <i>kanji</i> - complex characters of Chinese - the same kanji can have different readings depending on the context. This means that the same name can be written a multitude of ways, or that the same character can be read as different names.<br />
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Example: The unisex name <b>Ryō</b> (written phonetically in <i>hiragana</i> asりょう) can be written with the following kanji, each with a different meaning.<br />
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了: "completion"<br />
涼: "cold"<br />
燎, "to burn", "to illuminate"<br />
椋: <i>Aphananthe aspera</i> (a species of tree)<br />
良: "goodness"<br />
亮: "light"<br />
綾: "silk"<br />
諒: "forgiveness"<br />
龍: "dragon"<br />
遼: "distant, far"<br />
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Because so many names can be read in so many different ways, many Japanese individuals also write their name in the <i>katakana</i> phonetic alphabet - <b>Ryō</b> isリョウ - or romanize it (<b>Ryō</b>). <br />
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Boys vs. Girls:<br />
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As in Western culture, first names are usually male, female, or unisex. Japanese laws currently do not dictate that names match the assigned gender at birth, but they do have a list of approved "name kanji" and "commonly used characters."<br />
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Historically, many Japanese boys had names ending with -ro ("son" or "bright") and many Japanese girls had names ending with -ko ("child"), though this is no longer a rule. Within the name, certain elements have historically denoted gender, such as -ichi- and -kazu- for boys, both referring to "first [son]." Boys were often named via a numbering system, with characters meaning "one," "two," and so on included in the written name. Other traditional endings include -ta ("great"), -hiko ("boy" or "prince"), and -suke ("assistant") for boys, and -mi ("beauty"), -ka ("flower"), and -na ("greens") for girls.<br />
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A recent trend is for parents to choose names for their daughters written in hiragana (one of the phonetic alphabets) for various reasons, one being that the script has historically been seen as "feminine" and was the only form of writing taught to women for centuries. Even today, few boys' names are written in hiragana.<br />
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Trends:<br />
<br />
In the past few decades, traditional forms of naming have been on the decline; for example, the -ko suffix is rarely used for girls today. At the same time, Western names written in kana have been trending: <b>Emirii</b> (for <b>Emily</b>), <b>Merisa</b> (for <b>Melissa</b>), and <b>Kurisu</b> (for <b>Chris</b>).<br />
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Another trend is using a traditionally written name with an alternative pronunciation. The boys' name 大翔 was historically pronounced "<b>Hiroto</b>," but pronunciations "<b>Taiga</b>" and "<b>Masato</b>" (among others) have recently appeared. This also allows parents to get around the approved lists by choosing traditional kanji, but pronouncing them in a variety of ways.<br />
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A current extreme example of this trend is the "kira-kira" phenomenon. "Kira-kira" is an onomatopoetic word meaning "shiny," and it's a style of naming in which parents choose both an unusual sounding-name and a written kanji form that can't be pronounced without context. One example I've heard multiple times is as follows: "<b>Cheri</b>, pronounced not sherry but cherry and written with two characters, one of which is 'sakura,' or cherry blossom" (<a href="https://japantoday.com/category/features/kuchikomi/kirakira-names-still-excite-strong-passions" target="_blank">Japan Today</a>). This style of naming is debated passionately - many people dislike the difficulties in reading/speaking, but many parents like the idea of unique and inspiring choices.<br />
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Another fun name-choosing route is through <i>seimei handan</i>, a "fortune-telling" practice that correlates luck with the number of written strokes in name kanji. While it's no longer a common practice, it is a cool aspect of a written name to consider.<br />
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Current Top Five (2016):<br />
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My source for this list is <a href="http://en.rocketnews24.com/2016/12/09/top-japanese-baby-names-for-2016-feature-flowers-and-other-flora-on-both-boys-and-girls-lists/" target="_blank">Sora News 24</a>, through data collected by Japanese company Tamahiyo. If you know where to find a more accurate (preferably government-issued) data set, please let me know!<br />
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Boys:<br />
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<ol>
<li><b>Ren </b>(蓮), meaning "lotus"</li>
<li><b>Hiroto </b>(大翔), meaning "big flight"</li>
<li><b>Haruto</b> (陽翔), meaning "good flight"</li>
<li><b>Minato</b> (湊), meaning "harbor"</li>
<li><b>Yuma</b> (悠真), meaning "calm truth"</li>
</ol>
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Girls:</div>
<div>
<ol>
<li><b>Himari</b> (陽葵), meaning "good hollyhock"</li>
<li><b>Hina</b> (陽菜), meaning "good greens"</li>
<li><b>Yua</b> (結愛), meaning "connected love"</li>
<li><b>Sakura</b> (咲良), meaning "blossoming well"</li>
<li><b>Sakura</b> (さくら), meaning "cherry blossom"</li>
</ol>
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None of these names have ranked in the US top 1000, though feminine <b>Wren </b>has. My personal opinion is that <b>Ren</b> and <b>Yuma</b> could get fans in the States - <b>Ren</b> for its simple sound and unisex appeal, and <b>Yuma</b> for its place-name connection and its similarities to <b>Noah</b> and <b>Ezra</b>. </div>
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*I read quite a few articles online for this post, and I've listed them below. Please let me know if you see anything amiss! I recognize that the Internet is sadly not completely reliable.*</div>
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Sources:<br />
<a href="https://www.behindthename.com/glossary/view/kun_reading" target="_blank">Behind the Name - Kanji Readings</a><br />
<a href="http://www.sljfaq.org/afaq/names-for-people.html" target="_blank">How do Japanese names work?</a><br />
<a href="http://www.sengokudaimyo.com/miscellany/names.html" target="_blank">Japanese Miscellany</a><br />
<a href="http://hildredbillings.blogspot.com/2012/11/japanese-naming-conventions-1-or-fun.html" target="_blank">Japanese Naming Conventions 1</a><br />
<a href="https://japantoday.com/category/features/kuchikomi/kirakira-names-still-excite-strong-passions" target="_blank">'Kirakira' names still excite strong passions</a><br />
<a href="http://tarchblog.blogspot.com/2010/10/lets-write-your-name-in-chinese.html" target="_blank">Let's write your name in Chinese characters - TarchBlog</a><br />
<a href="https://www.quora.com/What-are-some-Japanese-names-of-Western-origin-of-which-local-Japanese-people-commonly-are-not-aware-of" target="_blank">Quora - Japanese Names of Western Origin</a><br />
<a href="http://www.nancy.cc/2007/04/27/seimei-handan/" target="_blank">Seimei Handan - Nancy's Baby Names</a><br />
<a href="http://en.rocketnews24.com/2016/12/09/top-japanese-baby-names-for-2016-feature-flowers-and-other-flora-on-both-boys-and-girls-lists/" target="_blank">Top Japanese Baby Names for 2016...</a><br />
<a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Japanese_name" target="_blank">Wikipedia - Japanese name</a><br />
<a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ry%C5%8D_(given_name)" target="_blank">Wikipedia - Ryō (given name)</a>Emhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13061071547309522979noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9193906150466015383.post-77766733831293656372017-08-22T07:13:00.000-07:002017-08-22T07:13:05.610-07:00Names from My TravelsHello, readers!<br />
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I’ve been posting quite a bit less because my once-sedentary lifestyle has been upended - I’m currently on an extended trip through East and Southeast Asia with my boyfriend! So far, I’ve spent two months in Japan (Tokyo, Nagano, Osaka, Matsuyama, Hiroshima, Kyoto), one week in Hong Kong, and one month in mainland China (Shenzhen, Guangzhou, Guilin, Yangshuo) working in hostels, exploring amazing cities, and meeting all kinds of new people - with excellent name stories. We’re exploring more of mainland China, then heading to Taiwan, Thailand, and Vietnam over the next 3-4 months - check out our travel blog at <a href="http://aireande.com/">aireande.com</a>!<br />
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<i>Ethan and me in Tokyo</i></div>
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Now, onto names: while traveling, I’ve been explaining my interest and study of names to all kinds of people, leading to some cool conversations about naming conventions in other countries. I’d like to explore name traditions for each country further, but with my current spotty access to wifi, I’ll just start with a list of cool names and stories I’ve come across so far.<br />
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Last names (and anything particularly identifying) have been removed!<br />
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<b>Christopher</b> called <b>Kit</b><br />
A good friend of mine told me how he got his nickname, one that’s unusual for our age group. He enrolled late in preschool when he was about three, and the teacher told him and his parents, “We already have two <b>Christopher</b>’s and two <b>Chris</b>’, you’ll need to pick a new nickname.” So they researched alternative options and found <b>Kit</b>! He likes his name, and it suits him well.<br />
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Sibset: <b>Yua</b> and <b>Kanoa</b><br />
These two sweet girls have equally sweet Japanese parents, who were very gracious about answering my questions about the kids’ names. They likes these names particularly because of their meanings, which I remember as “good help” and “kind help” (but Google is being unhelpful on confirming this!)<br />
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<b>Frank</b>’s family<br />
An American friend living in Japan (who I miss dearly) comes from a big family - and he sent me a detailed explanation of all of their names! (One of the many reasons <b>Frank</b> is the best). Pretty much every child has been given names to honor a close friend or relative:<br />
“<b>Frank Rowley</b>, I'm named after a minister who lived… in Colorado and was as a grandfather to my mother. My father as a gift gave her the choice of my name and that was her choice.<br />
<b>Joseph Charles</b> is next. <b>Joseph</b> is my mother's father's name and <b>Charles</b> is my father's father's name.<br />
<b>Mary Ellen Rose</b> is the third child. (First name <b>Mary Ellen</b>) Her name is my father's mother's name and his grandmother's name.<br />
Fourth is <b>Billie Ann Margret</b>. (<b>Billie Ann</b> is first name, double names for every girl actually) <b>Billie Ann</b> is my mother's mother's name, <b>Margret</b> is my mother's grandmother's name.<br />
Fifth is <b>George William</b>, <b>George</b> is my father's name and <b>William</b> is my father's grandfather's name as far as I know.<br />
Sixth is <b>Helen Elizabeth Mae</b>. <b>Helen</b> is my father's stepmother's name, <b>Elizabeth</b> and <b>Mae</b> I'm not sure about.<br />
Seventh is <b>Maureen Kimberly Alice</b>. <b>Maureen</b> and <b>Alice</b> are my father's closest sisters name, and <b>Kimberly</b> is my mother's youngest sisters name.”<br />
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<b>Kate</b><br />
A fabulous Australian woman told me that she was supposed to be named <b>Marissa</b>, but her mother was helped by a kindly <b>Kate</b> whose birthday was near her baby’s due date. She said “If the baby is born on your birthday, I’ll name her after you,” not thinking that it could actually happen. Lo and behold, baby <b>Kate</b> was born on that exact day.<br />
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<b>Aya </b><br />
One of my favorite names! I met an <b>Aya</b> at a concert for the band YAY - she pointed out to me and the band members that it was her name flipped. Perhaps that’s why she attended?<br />
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<b>Apolline</b> (called “<b>Apo</b>” or “<b>Apple</b>”)<br />
I was introduced to <i>la belle</i> <b>Apolline</b> while working with her a hostel in Ehime prefecture. Another worker told me her nickname was “<b>Apo</b>,” which I misheard as “<b>Apple</b>”. I definitely think that name-nickname set could work in the US! Note: the Japanese word for apple is <i>ringo</i>, and my boyfriend began referring to <b>Apolline</b> as “<b>Ringo-chan</b>,” much to the delight of our Japanese hosts.<br />
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<b>Aslı </b><br />
A new Turkish friend told me her name meaning via email before I even asked - of COURSE we became friends. It means “origin,” and is used for girls in Turkey. She apparently gets called <b>Ashley</b> a lot, though.<br />
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<b>Youhei</b>, <b>Kouhei</b>, and <b>Kyouhei</b><br />
Three of our hosts in Ehime had VERY similar names, listed above - one of them joked we could call them all “The Hei’s.”<br />
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Twins: <b>Sydney</b> (f) and <b>Tucker</b> (m)<br />
Their mom was ahead of the curve - these two are 25 years old, but their names sound incredibly modern. I like that the names fit well together but don’t feel matchy-matchy. <b>Sydney</b> recently had a baby girl named <b>Maeve</b> - a very stylish choice.<br />
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<b>Yvanne</b> (<b>Yiwan</b>)<br />
While her official name is <b>Yiwan</b>, meaning “beautiful cloud” in Chinese, <b>Yiwan</b> told me that she goes by <b>Yvanne</b> when working with English speakers since it’s easier for them. But once I heard her name’s meaning, I had to call her <b>Yiwan</b>!<br />
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<b>Nadia</b><br />
While in Osaka, I met a friendly Frenchwoman named <b>Nadia</b> - which intrigued me, since I thought that the name wasn’t popular in France (checking the data, that’s an incorrect assumption!) She told me that she was named after <b>Nadia</b> Comăneci, the first gymnast to score a perfect 10 at the Olympics. So cool!<br />
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<b>Momen Morgan</b><br />
Disclaimer: we were speaking at a loud open mic night, so there’s a chance I misheard his Chinese name! While talking with a family in Hong Kong, I met a man with two interesting name stories. His Chinese name, which I heard as <b>Momen</b>, means “no news” (can’t confirm online, but he probably knows better than Google). For years he didn’t know why his parents named him this, but as an adult his father told him the name comes from the saying “no news is good news,” echoing the virtues of peace and contentment with the present in Buddhism. His English name <b>Morgan</b> comes from a movie that his parents watched and loved, called “<b>Morgan</b>!” (1966) - but the main character spends the movie descending into madness. Sounds like this man’s parents were a kick!<br />
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<b>Chun Nam </b><br />
I met <b>Chun Nam</b> (English name <b>Stephen</b>) in Hong Kong, and he gave us an amazing tour of the Kowloon Walled City - AND answered a bunch of my name questions! When he was born, his name was <b>Tsin</b> (展) <b>Lung</b> (龍), with the meaning of "an unfolding dragon, symbolising something good, like [positive] development in [his] life." However, another word (剪) also sounds like <b>Tsin</b> in Cantonese, meaning "scissors" or "cutting," making his name sound like "cutting a dragon in half." His parents, fearful of the implications of this inauspicious name, took him to a feng shui master to make a new name: <b>Chun</b> (震) <b>Nam</b> (楠). "<b>Chun</b> means shaking, like in an earthquake, and <b>Nam</b> is a very valuable type of good wood... The names means if you place the piece of wood in the river, it would resist the wave and stand still (won't shake)." I love this name history for all of the universal elements of naming it brings in - parental preferences, etymologies/meanings, aural confusion, and looking to outside professionals for help.<br />
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<b>Sofi</b> and <b>Rumi</b><br />
Alright, so these are border collies, but I found it delightful that in the middle of Guangdong’s (China) countryside, there were two dogs with such star names - with <b>Sofia</b> and <b>Sophia</b> being the world’s current favorite for girls, and <b>Beyoncé</b> making waves with a daughter named <b>Rumi</b>.<br />
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<b>Nicolai</b><br />
I met the incomparable <b>Nicolai</b> while in the Chinese countryside, and this Danish man surprised me with (what sounds to me like) a Russian name. He’s one of five children, and their sibset is fantastic - <b>Rasmus</b>, <b>Nicolai</b>, <b>Frederik</b>, <b>Christina</b>, and <b>Josefine</b>.<br />
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<b>Fabian </b>(f)<br />
I met wonderful and Welsh <b>Fabian</b> while at a hostel in Guilin - her name is actually spelled creatively, but because it’s so unusual, I’ll simplify it for privacy’s sake. She’s the only female <b>Fabian</b> she’s ever met! She also comes from a great sibset: <b>Seren</b> (m), <b>Phoenix</b> (f), and <b>Siaman</b> (m) are her brothers and sister.<br />
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<b>Katy</b><br />
I met English<b> Katy</b> at the same hostel in Guilin, whose name sounds fairly popular - until she pointed out to me that no one in the UK spells her name correctly (<b>Katie</b> is preferred). The midwife wrote the incorrect spelling on her birth records, and it stuck!<br />
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<b>Mohamed</b><br />
We met while working at an English school in Yangshuo, China. He’s from Egypt, and when I asked him how many <b>Mohamed</b>’s he knows, he said “More than you can ever imagine.” (HA!) He was born on the Prophet <b>Mohamed</b>’s birthday (peace upon him), hence his first name (his middle name is after his father, <b>Ayman</b>). He told me some great stories about his siblings’ names too: it’s customary for the grandmother to name the first child, but since <b>Mohamed </b>(firstborn) was named by his father, his grandmother insisted on naming his next oldest sister - <b>Sarah</b>. His brother <b>Yousef</b> was given one of the more popular names of his birth year, and in Egypt the name <b>Yousef</b> implies strength, handsomeness, and kindness. His youngest sister is <b>Dina</b>, but <b>Mohamed</b> couldn’t remember why that name was chosen :) His mother's name is <b>Ghada</b>, meaning "graceful woman" in Arabic.<br />
<br />Emhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13061071547309522979noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9193906150466015383.post-41903484235466166232017-05-26T18:55:00.002-07:002017-05-26T18:55:59.468-07:00Famous Fictional Bookworms - Sara, Matilda, BelleHello, readers!<br />
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One thing I've noticed from my time in the name community is how many name nerds discovered their passion through reading. It makes sense - if you're exposed to dozens of different character names, you're likely to find their names interesting and/or meaningful. I'm definitely a part of this group, and one of my favorite character types was that of the Female Bookworm.<br />
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Bookish and nerdy but headstrong and opinionated, these ladies were inspirations in my youth - and now inspire some fantastic name ideas! Why not name a child/pet/character after someone with smarts and personality?<br />
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<b>Matilda</b><br />
Full disclosure - I've never read <i>Matilda</i>, by <b>Roald</b> Dahl. A brief clip of the film version frightened me at a young age, and I never got the courage to try the book. Still, <b>Matilda (</b>Wormwood) Honey is frequently cited as one of the most influential bookworms, and for good reason - her devotion to books despite constant derision is moving. Her sweet name also has the courageous meaning of "battle-mighty," making it a lovely choice that balances strength and style.<br />
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<b>Velma</b><br />
Who doesn't love a character whose catchphrase is "My glasses, my glasses!"? <b>Velma</b> from <i>Scooby-Doo</i> frequently got the gang out of trouble with her intelligence and cunning. Being that this sassy name last peaked in 1912, <b>Velma</b> could gain popularity along the same lines as <b>Alma</b> and <b>Zelda</b>.<br />
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<b>Belle</b><br />
Though her name literally means "beautiful," <b>Belle</b> is definitely the most bookish out of all the Disney princesses. Then again, were any of the others given access to a gigantic castle library, they'd probably follow suit! <b>Belle</b> returned to the top 1000 this year - its vintage sound and bright spirit matches its kindness.<br />
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<b>Hermione</b><br />
The heroine of the <i>Harry Potter</i> series, <b>Hermione</b> has practically become an identity for fans of the books. Her early preoccupation with exams turns into a passion for knowledge over time, and she's an excellent example for young nerds. Unfortunately, her name is so unique that it's hard to bestow upon a child - perhaps in a decade or two, <b>Hermione</b> will soar.<br />
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<b>Connie</b><br />
Friendly yet formidable, <b>Connie</b> is <b>Steven</b>'s well-read best friend in Cartoon Network's <i>Steven Universe</i>. Though the audience discovers that <b>Connie</b>'s strict parents are the reason for her fixation on school, she certainly enjoys learning for learning's sake.<b> Connie</b> is a diminutive of <b>Constance</b>, and neither appealing name currently ranks in the top 1000.<br />
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<b>Anastasia</b><br />
I devoured the <b>Anastasia</b> Krupnik books in elementary school - precocious and blunt, <b>Anastasia </b>appealed to me on a personal level. She frequently mentions books, from <i>Gone With the Wind</i> to <i>The Interpretation of Dreams</i>, and uses her intelligence to help solve the problems in her dramatic twelve-year-old life. Once frilly, <b>Anastasia</b> has become a popular, elegant name in today's world.<br />
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<b>Josephine</b> (<b>Jo</b>)<br />
The oldest American bookworm on this list, <b>Jo</b> March was based on the author of<i> Little Women</i>, <b>Louisa May</b> Alcott. Of the book's four sisters, <b>Jo</b> is the best read and the most bold, and (spoiler alert) ends up writing a few books of her own. While<b> Josephine</b> and <b>Josie</b> rank in the top 300, nickname <b>Jo</b> is perfect for tenacious and boisterous girls.<br />
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<b>Gretchen</b><br />
For fans of the Disney cartoon <i>Recess</i>, <b>Gretchen</b> was the smartest (and arguably most mature) of the crew. In fact, one episode shows <b>Gretchen</b> besting her teachers in a battle of knowledge. While the name <b>Gretchen</b> has never been very popular, it did have a brief peak in the early 1970's. It's originally a short form of <b>Margaret</b>, and it has an amicable and adorable sound.<br />
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<b>Sara</b><br />
<b>Frances</b> Hodgson Burnett's <i>A Little Princess</i> introduced many readers to <b>Sara</b> Crewe, a formerly rich little girl left penniless and forced to find her own way in the world (with the help of a few friends). <b>Sara</b>'s cleverness and warmth towards others ultimately helps her more than money - an excellent lesson for young readers. The simpler version of the Biblical classic, <b>Sara</b> is especially great as a cross-cultural pick.<br />
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<b>Liesel</b><br />
The titular heroine of <i>The Book Thief</i>, <b>Liesel</b> Meminger is a bright young girl enamored with books in the midst of WWII Germany. Many have heard this charming name via <i>The Sound of Music</i>, but <b>Liesel</b> is actually a diminutive of the perennially popular <b>Elizabeth</b>. <b>Liesel</b> is unusual but accessible, the kind of name that will fit all kinds of personalities.<br />
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<b>Suzy</b><br />
In <b>Wes</b> Anderson's <i>Moonrise Kingdom</i>, <b>Suzy</b> Bishop runs away from home with just a suitcase full of books - we've all been there, haven't we? Though <b>Susan</b> is taking a well-deserved break, cute <b>Suzy</b> fits in with current retro names like <b>Sadie</b> or <b>Sylvie</b>. Might this nickname become a possibility in our modern age of diverse names?<br />
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<b>Jane</b><br />
The original fictional female bookworm (correct me in the comments), <b>Jane</b> Eyre turns to books when her family and boarding school prove subpar. This ends up empowering her, allowing her to leave a sheltered life behind and get working #girlboss A classic feminine choice, <b>Jane</b> has begun creeping up the popularity charts again, proving that it's anything but plain.<br />
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<b>Phoebe</b><br />
Shy but intelligent, <b>Phoebe</b> from <i>Hey Arnold!</i> is also memorable as one of the few early Asian-American characters on Nickelodeon. She's the smartest kid in class, but also shows an emotional side in a few episodes. This Greek name is a friendly and beautiful choice, made popular by the character in<i> Friends</i>, too.<br />
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I'm sure I missed a few - tell me your favorites in the comments!Emhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13061071547309522979noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9193906150466015383.post-68818537120691513912017-05-07T19:51:00.001-07:002017-05-07T19:51:21.157-07:00Terms of Endearment - Terrific or Tacky?Hello, readers!<br />
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As name tastes continue to widen and diversify, all sorts of monikers that would never have been considered a decade ago are suddenly available. Celebrities have been given free reign, and this type of freedom is starting to extend to everyone - from nicknames to three middle names, birth certificates are more exciting than ever! But are there pet names too saccharine for even the quirkiest parent to use?<br />
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<i>"Honey" (2003) theatrical poster, Wikipedia</i></div>
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In 2003, <b>Jessica</b> Alba starred in a film called <i><b>Honey</b></i>, playing a music video choreographer named <b>Honey</b> Daniels. Though the film received negative reviews, the effect of this character on name records was undeniably positive: while only twenty-five babies were named <b>Honey </b>in 2003, seventy-seven were given the name in 2004 and 109 in 2005. The name plateaued and declined, but the impact of this rather minor film is worth noting. Not even "Honey Boo Boo" (<b>Alana</b> Thompson) had this much name influence when she rose to fame after 2008. </div>
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Did <b>Honey</b> get popular because of <b>Jessica</b> Alba's star power? Or, since this name was already a familiar pet name, were parents just more open to it? Let's look at some other terms of endearment that have made it into official records: </div>
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<b>Sweetie</b> - Recorded regularly between 1889 and 1948 (and, surprisingly, in 2001), <b>Sweetie</b> had an adorable retro sound - think <b>Hattie</b> or <b>Sadie</b> - but not much substance to back it up. </div>
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<b>Darling</b> - First debuted in 1920, but this stylish pick had its highest number of babies born in 2014, with twenty-nine girls given the name. </div>
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<b>Dearie</b> - Only showed up in 2010! Less than ten girls per year have been given the name since, but it continues to show up as a first name. This pet name is admittedly a bit dated, and <b>Dearie </b>could have gotten its boost from such vintage vibes. </div>
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<b>Babe</b> - Now associated with the cinematic pig, <b>Babe</b> was used for both boys and girls between 1880 and 1980. It could have some of the same pitfalls as <b>Baby</b> (see below), but the <b>Babe</b> Ruth influence is too important not to mention. </div>
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<b>Baby</b> - Many times, this was written in birth records because the parents hadn't decided on a name, or didn't feel it was important to report - <a href="http://www.babynamewizard.com/archives/2017/5/what-if-you-dont-choose-a-name" target="_blank">check out Laura Wattenberg's interesting article on "no name" babies before 9/11</a>. But in 1987, <i>Dirty Dancing</i> introduced American audiences to <b>Baby </b>Houseman, played by <b>Jennifer</b> Grey, and by 1989, Baby was in the top 1000. It remained there until the early 2000's, helped in no small part by Baby Spice of the Spice Girls. But this name has spent its pop culture credibility, and was given to less than fifteen babies last year. </div>
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<b>Lovey</b> - Honestly, I've heard this name applied to cats more than humans, but it was recorded for over 120 years! Today, <b>Love</b> is more likely to make it onto birth certificates, along with the other modern virtue choices sweeping the charts - <b>Serenity</b> and <b>Genesis</b> among them. </div>
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<b>Sugar</b> - The definition of sweetness, <b>Sugar</b> has the cheerful benefit of featuring in a lot of popular music, from <i>Sugar Sugar</i> by the Archies to <i>Sugar</i> by Maroon 5. But it's a bit too glucose-heavy for many tastes.<br />
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<b>Bae</b> - Conflicting origin stories aside, <b>Bae</b> has entered the lexicon of terms of endearment used by millennials. It's arisen around the same time <b>Bailey</b> and <b>Baylor</b> have become popular - coincidence, or co-evolution? It's also been given as a first name to a couple dozen babies in the past five years.<br />
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Are more parents destined to bestow names in the same way that <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jamie_Oliver#Personal_life" target="_blank">Jamie and Jools Oliver</a> do? Or are these names just flukes, and unlikely to catch on the way "traditional names" do? Tell me your opinions in the comments!Emhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13061071547309522979noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9193906150466015383.post-23563630575357688412017-05-04T17:05:00.001-07:002017-05-04T17:05:05.428-07:00Names for AdventurersHello, readers!<br />
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As spring turns to summer, daydreams of vacations are beginning to materialize in itineraries and tickets - seeing more of the world (or even just the world around your neighborhood) is a wonderfully invigorating activity. If you've caught the travel bug, check out these names inspired by adventuring!<br />
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<b>Journey</b></div>
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One of the more modern virtue names, <b>Journey</b> is a beautiful word name that seems to fit right into the world of names - it's not too far off from classic <b>Julie</b> or millennial <b>Jordan</b>. While two spellings of <b>Journey</b> rank for girls, it's been given a boost in the boys' column too (thanks to <b>Megan</b> Fox and <b>Brian Austin</b> Green's son). </div>
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<b>Peregrine</b></div>
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At face value, this name calls to mind the powerful and widespread peregrine falcon, a perfect symbol of wanderlust. However, <b>Peregrine </b>also means "traveler" or "pilgrim", giving it more background substance. There's also a few excellent namesakes, from the first English baby born in the United States to <b>Pippin</b> Took of <i>Lord of the Rings</i>. </div>
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<b>Sailor</b><br />
While <b>Saylor</b> is rising up the top 1000, the original spelling feels less trendy and more intrepid. Both <b>Christie</b> Brinkley and <b>Bristol</b> Palin have daughters named <b>Sailor</b>, and it fits in well with the occupational name trend. Pop culture aficionados will love the <b>Sailor</b> Moon connection, too!<br />
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<b>Ferdinand</b></div>
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The first European to cross the Pacific, <b>Ferdinand </b>Magellan isn't the only travel link for this name - it comes from the German for "bold journey." Both <b>Fernando</b> and <b>Fernanda </b>rank on the popularity charts, but this original version has an eccentric and exciting vibe. If the long form feels too clunky, try out nicknames <b>Freddie </b>or <b>Andy</b>. </div>
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<b>Atlas</b></div>
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Already in the top 500, this handsome name was worn by the <b>Titan</b> who held up the sky in Greek mythology. Today, <b>Atlas</b> is more likely to conjure up images of colorful maps than marble statues, but the strength of its origin story remains. </div>
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<b>Quest</b></div>
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Bold and determined, <b>Quest</b> is a quirky alternative to other Q names like <b>Quinn</b> or <b>Quentin</b>. Modern audiences are likely to connect it to <i><b>Johnny</b> Quest</i> or <i>Galaxy Quest</i>, but this word has a historical air that helps it balance between the old and the new. It also works well in the middle name spot. </div>
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<b>Wilder</b></div>
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A recent addition to the top 1000, <b>Wilder </b>is another occupational name that seems ideally primed for the first name position. It's warm and friendly, cool and free. Book lovers will enjoy the connection to writer <b>Laura</b> Ingalls Wilder, and comedy fans will pick up on the <b>Gene</b> Wilder connection. It's also a viable alternative to masculine standard <b>William</b>. </div>
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<b>Viatrix</b></div>
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An ancient Roman name meaning "voyager", <b>Viatrix</b> was altered into <b>Beatrix</b>, then <b>Beatrice</b> over time (though <b>Beatrice</b> has a separate origin). This sophisticated choice could be revived today, thanks to its unique sound and high Scrabble value - both a V and an X?! Nicknames range from feminine <b>Via</b> to retro <b>Trixie</b>, and the name is included in the word "aviatrix".</div>
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<b>Trip</b></div>
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Spelled with a second P, it's another Palin choice, but this short-and-sweet name is more than a fad. <b>Trip</b> emerged as a nickname for "thirds" - <b>John</b> Smith III, for example - but the word name is an energetic and contemporary choice. One drawback - <b>Trip</b> may be associated with drug use in some groups. </div>
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What travel-related names have I left out? Tell me in the comments!</div>
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Emhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13061071547309522979noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9193906150466015383.post-42732301223759618822017-04-28T15:10:00.001-07:002017-04-28T15:10:20.783-07:00Colorful Names Inspired by ClueHello, readers!<br />
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One of my favorite board games growing up was the murder mystery Clue. I always fought to play as Miss Scarlett, but was occasionally delegated to being Mrs. White or Mrs. Peacock #notbitteratall</div>
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Let's take a look at some colorful names inspired by these classic game characters!</div>
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<i>Image by John Lambert Pearson on Flickr</i></div>
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<i>Miss Scarlett</i></div>
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<b>Scarlet/t</b> - The obvious choice, but this lovely feminine name is still vivid and vibrant. <b>Scarlett </b>is elegant yet daring, whether it's worn by an O'Hara or a Johansson. It currently ranks at #22 on the top 100, so those looking for uniqueness may want to check out the following options. </div>
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<b>Ruby</b> - A sweet and vintage name,<b> Ruby</b> has <b>Scarlett's</b> red color with a rosy blush. It last peaked in popularity in 1911, when it hit #22, but it's always been an all-American favorite. Other crimson stone names include <b>Opal</b>, <b>Coral</b>, and <b>Garnet</b>. </div>
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<b>Poppy </b>- While pretty <b>Poppy</b> has taken the UK by storm, the US hasn't responded quite as dramatically - it hasn't even broken the top 1000. Still, <b>Poppy</b>'s rarity here could be a selling point for parents with an eye towards the familiar but unique. </div>
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<b>Flannery</b> - This energetic Irish surname has literary credibility via its connection with <b>Flannery </b>O'Connor, the twentieth-century American writer. It comes from the old Irish <b>Flannghal</b>, meaning "red valor" - a strong substance inside a flowery form. </div>
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<b>Rowan</b> - Attractive and unassuming, <b>Rowan</b> is a handsome pick for any child. It's also a very modern pick, as the name has only been popular in the United States for the past two decades. <b>Rowan</b> comes from the Scottish for "red-head", but it would work beautifully on all kinds of kids. </div>
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<i>Professor Plum</i></div>
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<b>Violet</b> - Another retro choice with flair, <b>Violet</b> rose from a quirky celebrity pick to a national darling. It's a gorgeous balance between nature connections, vintage vibes, and colorful imagery. While <b>Violet</b> is bound to soar higher, it's certainly earned its acclaim. </div>
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<b>Lilac</b> - A botanical alternative to <b>Lily</b>, <b>Lilac</b> is an uncommon floral choice that would fit in well with names like <b>Rosemary</b>, <b>Juniper</b>, and <b>Hazel</b>. The origin of this word name is Persian, though the flower is endemic to Europe. <b>Lilac</b> is pretty and recognizable, but unexpected. </div>
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<b>Mauve</b> - With darlings <b>Maeve</b> and <b>Maya</b> on the rise, similar-sounding <b>Mauve</b> may appeal to fans of the romantic. It's soft and old-fashioned, yet incredibly rare - it's never been recorded in US name records. One notable namesake is <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Anton_Mauve" target="_blank"><b>Anton Mauve</b></a>, an artist and cousin of <b>Vincent</b> van Gogh. </div>
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<b>Indigo</b> - Dynamic and edgy, <b>Indigo</b> is one color name that works especially well for boys - it's got a cool O ending and a built-in cinematic nickname, <b>Indy</b>. The name has some great musical connections, from Duke Ellington to the <b>Indigo</b> Girls, and would work well for an artistic family. </div>
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<b>Plum</b> - While <b>Apple</b> is still routinely cited as a "wacky" celebrity baby name, today's parents have begun to embrace <b>Clementine</b>, <b>Kale</b>, and <b>Pepper</b> - why not <b>Plum</b>? It's an accessible and sweet nature name worn with pride by writer <b>Victoria</b> "<b>Plum</b>" Sykes, whose moniker comes from the Victoria plum. </div>
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<i>Mrs. Peacock</i></div>
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<b>Sky/e</b> - Once a unisex pick, both spellings have been claimed by the girls, as far as popularity goes. But <b>Sky</b> is much bigger than one defined gender or generation - it's inspiring, expansive, and independent, perfect for an adventurous little one. </div>
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<b>Cyan</b> - It looks like a modern mash-up of <b>Cyrus</b> and <b>Ryan</b>, but <b>Cyan</b> comes from the Greek <i>kyanos</i>, for "dark blue." It's been used periodically since the mid-1980's, yet it feels especially timely in our CMYK world. <b>Cyan</b> was used for 22 girls and 24 boys last year - let's see if it continues to grow!</div>
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<b>Blue</b> - The celebrity baby name (and middle name) du jour, <b>Blue</b> is bound to permeate the popularity charts in the next decade. But is this primary color just a flash in the pan, or does it have more substance under its vibrant surface? Literary and musical connections help <b>Blue</b> stay in the latter category, from "Little Boy <b>Blue</b>" to the blues genre to <i>Island of the Blue Dolphins</i>. </div>
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<b>Livia</b> - Though it sounds like a relative of <b>Olivia</b>, <b>Livia</b> actually comes from a Roman family name meaning "blue" or "envious." It has a plethora of positive traits: a melody that fits with modern trends, an origin grounded in ancient history, and a popularity rank below the top 700. </div>
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<b>Feather </b>- I first came across this name in <b>Angela</b> Johnson's <i>The First Part Last</i>, a teen-lit book in which the main character names his baby daughter <b>Feather</b>. It's definitely unique and bohemian, but its style is similar to other modern word choices like <b>River</b> and <b>Phoenix</b>. </div>
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<i>Reverend (Mr.) Green</i></div>
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<b>Chloe</b> - A popular pick in a number of nations, <b>Chloe</b> is a Greek choice that's become a standard feminine name worldwide. It's simple yet sophisticated, youthful yet timeless. <b>Chloe</b> comes from the meaning of "green shoot," and would be lovely on a spring baby. </div>
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<b>Ivy</b> - It's fun and friendly, a name sure to fit all kinds of personalities and preferences. <b>Ivy</b> is also virtually nickname-proof, for fans of the formal. It was fairly popular at the end of the nineteenth century, adding some retro flair to this natural pick. </div>
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<b>Moss</b> - While many have used <b>Moss</b> as a short form of <b>Maurice</b>, it deserves some consideration on its own merits - <b>Moss</b> has a history related to the Biblical name <b>Moses</b>, and may work well for multi-cultural families. It's a gentler alternative to <b>Max</b> or <b>Mason</b>, with an organic spin. </div>
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<b>Forest</b> - <b>Forrest</b> with two R's has long been a masculine surname-turned-first, but adventurous <b>Forest</b> may appeal to fans of the contemporary - it's an excellent word name that could honor an important place or family tradition, and avoid raising too many eyebrows at the playground. </div>
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<b>Sage</b> - Beloved for both boys and girls, <b>Sage</b> is an attractive and intelligent name with a strong sound. It's also a pop culture pick, with dozens of namesakes in television, film, and literature. Both wise and winsome, <b>Sage</b> is a highly recommended choice. </div>
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<i>Colonel Mustard</i></div>
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<b>Saffron</b> - Spicy and colorful, <b>Saffron</b> is fairly well-known thanks to <i>Absolutely Fabulous</i> and <i>Firefly</i>, but still underused. Nickname <b>Saffy</b> is thoroughly adorable, but the long form will wear well over time. The saffron spice is one of the most valuable in the world, as well. </div>
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<b>Xanthe</b> - Meaning "golden" or "yellow," this dramatic Greek choice will appeal to those who love unusual initials or uncommon sounds. While nickname <b>Xan</b> is another plus, the full name is a wonderful feminine equivalent to <b>Xander</b>, and a worthy successor to <b>Zoe</b>. </div>
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<b>Colonel</b> - Alright, so this name might not fit in with <b>King</b> or <b>Prince</b>, exactly, but it's worth noting that <b>Colonel</b> was recorded as a name for boys for over 100 years in the US. If mighty and eccentric is your style, perhaps try a nickname like <b>Cole</b> or <b>Cory</b>?</div>
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<b>Topaz</b> - Luxurious and glittering, <b>Topaz</b> is an elegant and mature alternative to pretty <b>Ruby</b> and vintage <b>Pearl</b>. As a gemstone, it's regarded as lucky and healing - not a bad connection - and it's also the birthstone for November. This bright pick is definitely deserving of more use. </div>
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<b>Flavia</b> - An ancient name meaning "yellow" worn by members of the Roman imperial family, <b>Flavia</b> has recently risen up the popularity ranks in Italy. Now that <b>Freya</b>, <b>Fiona</b>, and <b>Faith</b> are in the US top 500, perhaps <b>Flavia</b> may appeal to those with a taste for the international. </div>
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<i>Mrs. White</i></div>
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<b>Bianca</b> - Before <b>Isabella</b> and <b>Sofia</b> reigned supreme, this Italian pick was loved for its Shakespearean links and connection to Mrs. <b>Bianca</b> Jagger. It made the top 100 in the late 1980's and early 1990's, but this name still feels ageless and alluring. <b>Bianca</b> comes from a medieval French name meaning "white."</div>
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<b>Albin</b> - A Swedish favorite for boys, <b>Albin</b> would fit in seamlessly with names like <b>Aidan</b> and <b>Abel</b>. It comes from Latin, meaning "white" or "bright," and maintains a masculine sound without feeling overly macho. Cute nickname <b>Albie</b> is just icing on the cake!</div>
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<b>Finn</b> - Soaring high and aiming higher, <b>Finn</b> and its many long forms have become cherished standards for boys and girls alike. This handsome Irish name means "fair" or "white," but its long since transcended its original roots - today, <b>Finn</b> is beloved across the globe. </div>
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<b>Gwendolyn</b> - A lovely Welsh choice with the feminine -lyn ending, <b>Gwendolyn</b> is an ideal pick for those who like both modern and classic sounds. Nickname <b>Gwen</b> is friendly and familiar - still, the long form is poetic, tenacious, and enchanting. </div>
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<b>Snow</b> - Fresh and cool, <b>Snow</b> is a stylish follow-up to warm <b>Summer</b> and brisk <b>Winter</b> - with the bonus connection to a Disney princess. Though it's genderless, <b>Snow</b> has been used primarily for girls, and was bestowed upon fifty-nine baby girls last year. </div>
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Emhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13061071547309522979noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9193906150466015383.post-49995705566386081082017-04-11T15:20:00.003-07:002017-04-11T15:20:21.108-07:00Peaceful Names for SpringHello, readers!<br />
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In the springtime, we tend to hear a lot of lovely botanical names that celebrate the natural world - <b>Daisy</b>, <b>Violet</b>, and<b> Lily </b>included. Let's look at some less-obvious seasonal choices that relate to the beautiful concept of peace.<br />
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Some of these names mean "peace," and some are related indirectly. Let me know if I missed any in the comments!</div>
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<b>Absalom </b>- "father of peace"</div>
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<b>Abel </b>and <b>Abraham</b> are beloved today - why not <b>Absalom</b>? It can shorten to <b>Abi</b> or <b>Sal</b>, both excellent unexpected nickname for boys. <i>Absalom, Absalom</i> is a famous novel by <b>William</b> Faulkner, giving this name both Biblical and literary credibility. </div>
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<b>Callum</b> - "dove"</div>
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Simple and handsome, <b>Callum</b> is an attractive Scottish choice relating to a major symbol of peace. It's an intriguing alternative to<b> Caleb </b>or <b>Colin</b>, but it's familiar enough to be on American playgrounds. </div>
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<b>Concordia</b> - "peace, harmony"</div>
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If elegant and feminine is your style, <b>Concordia</b> hits all the right notes - it's unusual but not unheard-of; it has a wide range of nickname opportunities - <b>Connie</b>, <b>Cora</b>, or <b>Cori</b>; and it's formally similar to <b>Cordelia</b>, <b>Victoria</b>, and <b>Georgia</b>. </div>
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<b>Frida </b>- "peaceful"</div>
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With <b>Freya</b> gaining traction, artistic <b>Frida</b> could find an audience. There's the fabulous Kahlo reference, but dozens of famous <b>Frida</b>s line the history books. This would also be a quirky way to honor a familial <b>Frederick</b>. </div>
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<b>Giotto</b> - "pledge of peace"</div>
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Dapper Italian choices like <b>Leonardo</b> and <b>Giovanni</b> have become popular recently, and <b>Giotto </b>would fit right in. It's got an edgy O-ending and an art historical connection too: <b>Giotto</b> di Bondone was an early contributor to Renaissance painting. </div>
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<b>Humphrey </b>- "peaceful warrior"</div>
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The phrase "so clunky it's cool" is used more and more these days in name articles - retro classics are being dusted off and revisited. <b>Humphrey</b> is definitely part of this trend, with its old Hollywood connections and eccentric sound. (Can't think of a good nickname... tell me your ideas in the comments!)</div>
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<b>Iria</b> - mythological name</div>
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Just one letter off from darling <b>Aria</b>, <b>Iria</b> is the Portuguese form of <b>Irene</b>. It may take a bit of explaining, but this gorgeous choice has a more ethereal and heavenly vibe.<b> Irene</b> is the goddess of peace in Greek mythology. </div>
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<b>Kazumi </b>- "beautiful peace"</div>
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This sweet name is popular in Japan for both boys and girls. Americans may be more familiar with <b>Kazumi</b> via various anime/manga series, but it was also recorded periodically between 1915 and 1930. </div>
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<b>Mirela</b> - "peace, world"</div>
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Something between <b>Mira</b> and <b>Mila</b>, <b>Mirela</b> is a pretty euphonic name used in Slavic countries. <b>Mirela</b> is also the name of a famous singer in Spain, a connection that's helped its popularity over the years. </div>
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<b>Paloma </b>- "dove"</div>
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Both sophisticated and unembellished, <b>Paloma</b> is a wonderful middle ground between the feminine and the friendly. Nicknames <b>Polly</b> or <b>Loma</b> could spice it up, but it's not necessary - <b>Paloma</b> is positive and strong all on its own. </div>
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<b>Pax</b> - "peaceful"</div>
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Though <b>Paxton</b> is in the top 300, <b>Pax</b> has yet to hit the top 1000. Yet the shorter form is far less faddish (-ton ending) and more historically grounded. <b>Pax</b>'s Latin influence is mitigated by its aural closeness to <b>Max</b> or <b>Paul</b>, and its purity shines through. </div>
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<b>Poppy</b> - botanical name</div>
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Well, it <i>is</i> spring, and flower choices abound. The white poppy is a symbol of peace and pacifism, hence its inclusion here. <b>Poppy</b> has become a huge success across the pond, but Americans have yet to follow suit. Still, this bright and beautiful name deserves some attention. </div>
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<b>Sadako</b> - "child of integrity"</div>
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<b>Sadako </b>Sasaki is famous for her quest to fold 1000 paper cranes after being diagnosed with cancer from the Hiroshima bombing in 1945 - books and stories have been told about this little girl, and her desire to find peace in a war-torn world. <b>Sadako</b>'s name is worth considering as a lovely honorific. </div>
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<b>Salem</b> - "peace"</div>
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Place names like <b>Brooklyn </b>and <b>Madison</b> have found new homes on birth certificates, with <b>Salem</b> an uncommon new option. There are a few <b>Salem</b>s in the US - including the site of the witch trials - but this name is independently amiable and appealing. </div>
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<b>Winifred </b>- "friend of peace"</div>
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Nickname-name <b>Winnie</b> has been a celebrity fave recently, but long form <b>Winifred</b> still seems stuck in the mud. Could its meaning lend it some allure? It's got strength and substance, with an adorable vintage nickname, so <b>Winifred</b> may win eventually. </div>
Emhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13061071547309522979noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9193906150466015383.post-44261057652075599222017-04-07T10:45:00.002-07:002017-04-07T10:45:29.085-07:00Happy National Beer Day!Hello, readers!<br />
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<a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/National_Beer_Day_(United_States)" target="_blank">On this day in 1933</a>, President <b>Franklin</b> Roosevelt signed the Cullen-Harrison Act, legalizing the sale of beer in the United States. Since then, beer aficionados have celebrated their freedom to imbibe on April 7th! Let's join in the excitement and look at some sudsy names, inspired by beer brands.<br />
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<a href="https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/9/90/Baby_IPA_bottled.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/9/90/Baby_IPA_bottled.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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For more substance-related names, check out <a href="http://nothinglikeaname.blogspot.com/2016/04/names-up-in-smoke.html" target="_blank">Names Up in Smoke</a> and <a href="http://nothinglikeaname.blogspot.com/2016/03/names-on-rocks.html" target="_blank">Names on the Rocks</a>!</div>
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<b>Bud</b><br />
Though it ranked on the top 1000 from 1880-1965, <b>Bud</b> hasn't retained too many fans. Granted, it's a rather short word name that's almost too familiar. Still, I have a special place in my heart for <b>Bud</b>, since it was my grandfather's name - he wore an altered Budweiser hat, too.<br />
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<b>Miller </b><br />
Another well-known choice, but for surnames - <a href="https://www.census.gov/library/visualizations/2016/comm/cb16-tps154_surnames_top15.html" target="_blank"><b>Miller</b> is the seventh most common last name in the United States</a>. That hasn't kept parents from choosing this handsome, friendly name. <b>Miller</b> has joined <b>Carter </b>and <b>Parker </b>in the surname trend, but it's still fresh enough to stand out.<br />
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<b>Guinness</b><br />
<a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Guinness" target="_blank">The best-selling alcoholic drink in Ireland</a>, Guinness has more than a few supporters in the US, too. <b>Guinness </b>has actually been recorded as a first name a few times since 2000. Perhaps <b>Nessie </b>or <b>Guy </b>work as nicknames? Either way, this eccentric choice was assuredly inspired by beer.<br />
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<b>Corona</b><br />
It's Spanish for "crown," but many Americans know this brand as the top-selling imported beer in the United States. <b>Corona</b> was recorded a handful of times between 1912 and 1980 - could it work as an alternative to <b>Cora</b> or <b>Corinne</b>? It's still "miles away from ordinary," to be sure.<br />
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<b>Stella </b>(Artois)<br />
This Belgian beer was named for the Christmas star, since it debuted in winter 1926. <b>Stella</b> is even more popular today than it was then, currently ranking in the top 100. It's pretty and feminine, yet maintains a vintage sound and sassy vibe.<br />
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<b>Samuel</b> (Adams)<br />
Though the real <b>Samuel </b>Adams focused his work in politics and government, he dallied a bit in beer production. The beer sold under his name today was named in honor of this! <b>Samuel </b>is a Biblical classic, having never left the top 100. It's simple and attractive, as well as a great cross-cultural pick.<br />
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<b>Sierra</b> (Nevada)<br />
A nature name that calls to mind adventure and exploration, <b>Sierra</b> has begun to decline since its peak in the late 1990's. It's a beautiful and resolute choice, with a feminine bend. The Sierra Nevada Brewing Company was established in 1979, and has become the seventh-largest in the US.<br />
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<b>Foster </b><br />
Despite its reputation as the quintessential Australian beer, Foster's Lager is most enjoyed in the United Kingdom. <b>Foster</b>, like abovementioned <b>Miller</b>, is a very popular surname that's recently been discovered by baby namers - it's numbers are on the rise!<br />
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<b>Beck</b><br />
The fourth largest brewery in Germany, Beck's Brewery has been in American news recently - drinkers report disappointment at the varieties made in the US. As a name, <b>Beck</b> is a great, boyish option, perfect for fans of <b>Jack</b> and <b>Ben</b>. The eponymous musician adds an edge to this name as well.<br />
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<b>Asahi</b><br />
This Japanese name has a gorgeous meaning: "morning sun." It's also the name of one of the most popular Japanese breweries. If <b>Asa</b> isn't your taste, why not <b>Asahi</b>? It's been used a few times since 2005, with ten boys last year given the name.<br />
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Tell me your favorites in the comments!Emhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13061071547309522979noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9193906150466015383.post-86834071893039049902017-03-20T16:07:00.002-07:002017-03-20T16:07:16.637-07:00Name News - 3-20-17<a href="http://www.sfchronicle.com/entertainment/article/There-s-a-name-for-it-racism-10972346.php">There’s a name for it — racism </a>- <b>Vanessa</b> Hua - <i>San Francisco Chronicle</i><br />
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"When I got married, it would have been the perfect opportunity to change my last name to my husband’s Serbian one. But I’d spent years building my byline, and I didn’t want to give up the name or the heritage my father had passed down to me."<br />
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An excellent look at name bias in the US. Sidenote: the middle names <b>Huajin</b> and <b>Huaren</b> for her twins are so beautiful and meaningful!<br />
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<a href="http://www.slate.com/articles/life/dear_prudence/2017/03/dear_prudence_my_mother_won_t_accept_the_woman_my_brother_left_his_wife.html" target="_blank">Dear Prudence - What's in a name?</a> - <b>Mallory</b> Ortberg, <i>Slate</i><br />
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"Some people love getting nicknamed, but it would give me more than a little pause if someone I had just started seeing told me, “I don’t like your name. Let me call you something else,” no matter how they tried to soften it or dress it up."<br />
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Despite the fact that I have very strong opinions about names, I don't think I've ever disliked someone's name so much I asked to call them something else. Anyone else familiar with this issue? Conversely, if you dislike your own name, do you tell other people to call you a nickname?<br />
<a href="http://www.slate.com/blogs/browbeat/2017/03/14/the_hidden_connection_between_popular_books_and_baby_names.html" target="_blank"><br /></a>
<a href="http://www.slate.com/blogs/browbeat/2017/03/14/the_hidden_connection_between_popular_books_and_baby_names.html" target="_blank">How Scarlett Got Its Groove Back</a> - <b>Ben </b>Blatt, <i>Slate</i><br />
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"The Social Security Administration has never, since its starting history in 1880, recorded a baby <b>Frodo</b>. It’s not the same for female characters in fantasy series. Though the name suffered an 80-year drought between 1923 and 2002, in 2003 the United States welcomed five baby <b>Hermoine</b>s."<br />
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Though there are a LOT of unsubstantiated claims in this article, I like the idea of looking at name spikes based on pop culture trends. Perhaps we'll one day see if movies or books influence namers more?<br />
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<a href="https://www.theatlantic.com/business/archive/2014/01/whats-your-starbucks-name/283163/?utm_source=atlfb" target="_blank">What's Your Starbucks Name?</a> - <b>Svati Kirsten</b> Narula, <i>The Atlantic</i><br />
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"I'm not ashamed of my name, but I prefer to reserve conversations about it for less hurried, less public interactions. A back-and-forth about the spelling, pronunciation, origin, and meaning of "<b>Svati</b>" can be fun, even necessary—at a cocktail party, during an interview, on a date. While ordering coffee? Not so much."<br />
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I find it interesting that those with "Starbucks' Names" in this article tend towards either end of the popularity spectrum - <b>John </b>vs. <b>Svati</b>, for example. My name has yet to be so common, but as more <b>Emily</b>'s grow up and head to coffee shops, perhaps I'll need to find an alter ego...Emhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13061071547309522979noreply@blogger.com0