Throwback Thursday #6: It Had to Be Jew

In honor of my recent two year anniversary with my boyfriend, this Throwback Thursday is brought to you by his family tree! His Jewish ancestors immigrated to the US in the early 1900's from Eastern Europe, so there's quite a few foreign names to be found. I was only too excited for these new names (at least to me) when he showed me his family tree.

On a personal note, our names are at #6 and #7 currently - Ethan and Emily. While I'm used to being surrounded by Emily's, Ethan's name trended upwards a bit later. This means that if we hear someone yell "Ethan", it's usually a mom to her six-year-old.

A pretty gross picture of us in 2013

Female names

Fannie - short form of Frances, meaning "free man"

While this is a really cute name that should be brought back with the nickname-name trend, it's a slang term in the UK that won't go over well. 

Simi - short form of Simcha, meaning "happiness"

While Simcha is traditionally a boy's name, I think it's a great unisex choice. Simi has a bright, fun sound and a great meaning. Southern California residents will also recognize it's connection to Simi Valley, though the valley title comes from the Chumash language. 

Ochel - ?

I've done quite a bit of research to no avail. If any readers can find out Ochel's origins, I'd be grateful! I'm 99% sure it's Hebrew, perhaps with some translation errors. 

Sandel - spelling variation of Shaindel, diminutive of Shaina, meaning "beautiful"

While this name would definitely get some shoe-related teasing, learning more nicknames for Shaina and the like is always fun. 

Male names

Isidore - from Greek, "gift of Isis"

I was surprised to see a Greek name on a mostly Hebrew list, but thanks to Behind the Name, I found out that it seems to have become popular in Jewish families as the Americanization of Isaac, Israel or Isaiah. This name is cute, and could definitely fit in with all the other Is-names on the playground.

Tvie - spelling variation of the Yiddish form of Tobiah, "God is good"

Many of you might be familiar with this name through the main character of "Fiddler on the Roof", Tevye. The Slavic sound is cool and unusual, and it's a great cousin of Toby. 

Cornelius - from Latin, "horn" 

This name only dropped off the list in 2009, so it's not as outdated as you might think. While the sound may be "corny", it's definitely got character (and a few literary references). 

Zalman - variation of Solomon, meaning "peace"

Well-known author Salman Rushdie has made this name more recognizable, but it's got a personality all its own. The Z adds zip, but the history is classic. Check out other old Z-names in my Throwback Thursday post from September 3rd!

Any names you haven't heard of? Can any readers offer more history for these variations? I'd love to hear your thoughts in the comments!

All You Need Are Beatles Names, Part One

As a Beatles fan, I am only too aware of the four-name recitation "John, Paul, George, Ringo". While they aren't all immediately recognized by their first names (Ringo excluded), these four men are instantly known when put together.

With over 200 original songs and over 300 recorded songs, they managed to slip in a few names over the band's career. For this post series, I'll be focusing on only their original compositions and only songs with names in the title. Perhaps a name homage to the greatest band ever can be found in their lyrics?

For more cool Beatles name lists, check out Appellation Mountain and Nameberry.

Eleanor Rigby
Eleanor has always been a favorite name, and this is one of my favorite Beatles tunes! While the namesake in the song comes to an untimely end, there are a few real-life Eleanor's that were much stronger - Eleanor Roosevelt and Eleanor of Aquitaine, for example. It also allows for two cute (albeit popular nicknames) - Ellie and Nora. The only drawback is that the meaning isn't great - it translates to "the other Aenor", which isn't exactly inspirational.

Lovely Rita
A diminutive of Margarita, which means "pearl", Rita is an excellent cross-cultural choice - it's found in dozens of languages. Rita sank from its height of #42 in 1930 all the way to #919 in 2002 before dropping off the list. But with other 1930s names getting popular - Frances, Evelyn, Ruby - perhaps it's time for a comeback?

Sexy Sadie
Sadie has jumped over the past few years into the top 50. It's got a great sound and a great meaning - "princess" - that any little girl would love. The only drawback is probably its popularity; I for one can see this name continuing to rise up the charts. But don't let the song fool you - Sadie isn't just "sexy", it's also sweet and spunky.

Julia
Another name that's been rising up the charts, Julia's enduring popularity might mean that it's time for a break. But since it has a feminine sound and pretty meaning - "youthful" - why not try other related names? Juliet is more romantic; Juliette is more romantic and French; Julianne is elegant; Juliana/Giuliana is flowery and exotic; July is unique. And then there are the male versions - Julius, Julian, Jules and Julio, to name a few.

Dear Prudence
I'm rather conflicted on Prudence - I love the song and the strong meaning, but the sound is a little crotchety. It doesn't lend itself to nickname either - Pru sounds too much like "prune" to me! I would focus more on other, more modern, virtue names - Amity, Honor, Prosper, Felicity, Serenity.

What are your favorite Beatles-related names? Be on the lookout for two more posts in the near future!

Beatles Names - Part 2

Beatles Names - Part 3

And Your Bird Can Sing - Bird Names, Part Two

As products and behaviors go green these days, why not consider some nature-themed names? This avian monikers might work for your little one, to encourage them to spread their own wings and soar!

This is part two of "Bird Names", check out part one here! Again, I'm focusing on the symbolism and etymology of the names, as well as their connotations in pop culture.

And we're off!

Peregrine - from Latin peregrinus, "traveler, foreigner"
A highly underused name with historical roots, Peregrine was a name used by some early saints. It has an excellent meaning and a strong sound: the -in ending calls to mind names like Peyton or Madeline. While only listed for boys on Nameberry, I think this could just as well be an attractive unisex name (or middle name!)

Swan - from Proto-Germanic swanaz, "singer"
As far as bird connotations go, you can't do much better than Swan - beautiful, graceful and elegant describe these creatures to a T. And pop culture references are everywhere - from Swan Lake to Twilight's Bella Swann to Elizabeth Swan of Pirates of the Caribbean. This single syllable name will be memorable - but may provoke a few raised eyebrows.

Raven - from Old English hræfn
These days, the most popular Raven is Raven-Symone, star of her own eponymous Disney show. But it's already at number 507 in the US, so it's not entirely unheard of on the playground. Strong, bold and intelligent, this bird name is one that will age gracefully with your little one.

Dove - from Old English dufe, related to "dive"
Pretty, but it might be too soft for a first name. Like Love or Peace, keep this on as an understated middle name to soften a longer or more intense first one.

Rhea - from Greek Rhea, mother of Zeus
While always low in the top 1000, this name dropped off the list entirely in 2005 - but is it time for a comeback? There are plenty of reasons to consider Rhea today - the connection to a strong woman in Greek mythology; the similar sounds as Nia, Gia and Leah; its appearance in the culture of South American countries (it features on both Argentinean and Uruguayan money). I'd say Rhea could be an original but confident choice.

Kestrel - from Latin crepitacillium, "small rattle"
Incredibly rare - not on Nameberry, and only a tiny entry on Behind the Name - this might just be a personal name crush: I babysat a Kessel in college, and fell in love with the sound of his name! I don't think it's too far off from Kendall or Crystal, though. Another ends-in-L name to consider!

Heron - from Proto-Germanic hraigran
An excellent bird name with a connection to water, this might be the up-and-coming nature name you're looking for! With the popular bell-tone sound, this name will fit in one way but stand out in so many others. For one thing, it's got the word "hero" in it, but the -on ending will connect to cousins Landon or Hayden. It's also a great choice if you live near a body of water and want to honor your surroundings.

Let me know your opinions in the comments!