Throwback Thursday: Giselle

Hello, readers!

I'm bringing back my Throwback Thursdays series this week with names from Giselle. 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, Giselle is also chock full of names that haven't quite yet caught on in the US - let's take a look!

Carlotta Grisi as Giselle, 1841

Giselle 
Though it sounds like a member of the Isabelle-Gabrielle-Annabel group, Giselle actually comes from the German gisil, or "pledge." According to Behind the Name, the word may have originally referred to "a child given as a pledge to a foreign court." While the French form, Gisèle, has been in use since the Middle Ages, the name didn't garner attention from English speakers until the debut of the ballet. Today, Giselle is more likely to be linked to supermodel Bundchen or Amy Adams' character in Enchanted, but the tragic heroine of the ballet is inspiring in her own right.

Hilarion
One part of the ballet's love triangle is Hilarion, 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 Hal or Larry, or something more contemporary, like Rio or Rion.

Myrtha
The evil queen of the story, Myrtha 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 Myrtle, a plant which has long been associated with feminine goddesses Aphrodite and Demeter. While the English form seems unable to be revived, the Spanish Mirta remains quite pretty and usable.

Théophile
One of the librettists of Giselle, Théophile Gautier was a prolific writer in nineteenth-century France, creating volumes of poetry, plays, and art criticism. The name comes from the Greek Theophilus, meaning "friend of God," but in French is pronounced "Tay-oh-feel." This could work as a long form route to the nickname Theo, if Theodore isn't your style.

Jules
The other librettist for Giselle was Jules-Henri Vernoy de Saint-Georges (quite a mouthful), a French author known for dozens of operas and plays. The French form of Julius, Jules has long been a nickname for a number of masculine and feminine English names - Julian, Julie, etc. With short forms back in fashion - think Charlie, Jack, or Leo - Jules might be ripe for a return.

Carlotta 
The role of Giselle was created in part for the ballerina Carlotta Grisi, an Italian dancer who often worked with Giselle choreographer Jules Perrot (another Jules!) (Her birth name was Caronna Adela Giuseppina Maria Grisi, and her two daughters were named Marie-Julie and Leontine, for any fans of Italian and French names). The name Carlotta is a form of Charlotte, but with a little extra attitude - and potential for nicknames! Carlotta hasn't been used often in the United States, and could appeal to anyone looking to honor a familial Carl or Carly.

Which name is your favorite? Tell me in the comments!

Throwback Thursday: Les Paul

Rock on, readers!

Today would have been the 101st birthday of inventor and musician Les Paul, one of the creators of the solid-body electric guitar. For Throwback Thursday, I'm including below some of the famous names who used Gibson guitars!

Duane Allman

Billie Joe Armstrong

Chuck Berry

Eric Clapton

Sheryl Crow

Bob Dylan

Don and Phil Everly

Peter Frampton

Jerry Garcia

Dave Grohl

Woody and Arlo Guthrie

Emmylou Harris

George Harrison

Jimi Hendrix

Joan Jett
Brian Jones
BB King
Mark Knopfler
Lenny Kravitz
John Lennon
Bob Marley
Paul McCartney
Ted Nugent
Roy Orbison
Jimmy Page
Elvis Presley
Keith Richards
Carlos Santana
Saul "Slash" Hudson
Rosetta Tharpe
Pete Townshend
Eddie Van Halen
Neil Young
Frank Zappa

Any musicians I missed? Tell me in the comments!

Throwback Thursday: Saintly Names

Hello, readers!

For my first Throwback Thursday in a while, I'll be looking at the feast days associated with today's date, May 12th. Quite a few holy figures have their feast days today, and the names are fantastic!

Let's begin!

Blessed Imelda

The patron saint of First Holy Communicants, Imelda's backstory is extraordinary (but not altogether unusual, as far as saints go). Imelda is of German origins, meaning "great battle". Today, the name is associated with former first lady of the Philippines Imelda Marcos, as well as actress Imelda Staunton. Both are strong personalities, and with a name like Imelda, your little one could be fierce. 

Blessed Joan of Portugal

A beatified princess, Joan of Portugal rejected a courtly life in favor of joining a convent - very rare in royal families. She managed to avoid numerous marriage proposals and remained with the church until her death. Also known as Joana, Joanna, or Johanna, her name is rather well-used today and in history. But Joan has yet to make it back onto the top 1000 - could its history and recent use in Mad Men bring it back?

Crispoldus

An early Christian martyr, Crispoldus also has the distinction of possessing a very rare name - so far I've been unable to find any etymologies for it! I'm guessing it has something to do with Crispin - meaning "curly" - and the suffix "-bald" - meaning "bold". If you have any ideas, tell me in the comments!

Dominic de la Calzada

The patron saint of Spanish civil engineers, Dominic de la Calzada is associated with quite a few roads and churches built near La Rioja. He is also associated with the symbols of the hen and rooster - see the full story here. The name Dominic has gradually been increasing in popularity since the 1960's, and is currently at #68. Variations Domingo or Menico are less popular. 

Epiphanius of Salamis

His name may be a mouthful, but the real-life Epiphanius was anything but frivolous - he was an early iconoclast in the church. Variation Epifanio was on the top 1000 in the 1880's, and nine baby boys were name Epifanio last year. Sixteen girls were named Epiphany, and with names like Trinity and Destiny ranking highly, why not?

Nereus, Achilleus, Domitilla, and Pancras

These four Christian martyrs have their feast day celebrated together, hence their listing. Nereus comes from the Greek word for water, and is also associated with the god of the sea; feminine variations Nerea and Neria were used for girls last year. Achilleus is a bit extensive, but Achilles made the top 1000 for the first time this year - if you can get past the "heel" reference, it's lovely. Domitilla, while somehow foreboding in English, has been used in France as Domitille. It could be pronounced like "domicile" in the US, though. Pancras... sounds much too much like "pancreas" to me. 

Germanus I of Constantinople

Opposite our earlier friend Epiphanius, Germanus was an iconodule who promoted icon usage in the early Church. The name Germanus means "brother" in Latin, but it may also refer to the country of Germany and its earlier names. Today, Jermaine and Germany are used as names, but the "germ" beginning is a little unsavory. 

Philip of Agira

While very little is known about the life of this saint, he is one of the patron saints of the US Army Special Forces - go figure. Philip is a classic English choice meaning "lover of horses" (as well as a personal favorite). Agira, incidentally, is a town in Sicily - and both Sicily and Sicilia were used as names for girls last year. 

Other feast day participants include Modoald and Gregory Dix. Tell me your favorite names in the comments!

Throwback Thursday: World's Oldest People

Hello, readers!

Today's Throwback Thursday post will be looking at the list of the hundred oldest people in history! (Those verified, of course, since Methuselah's birth certificate is hard to come by). The majority are American and Japanese, though the oldest in history was French.

Jeanne Calment
Sarah Knauss
Lucy Hannah
Marie-Louise Meilleur
Misao Okawa
María Capovilla
Gertrude Weaver
Susannah Mushatt Jones
Tane Ikai
Elizabeth Bolden
Besse Cooper
Emma Morano
Jiroemon Kimura
Jeralean Talley
Violet Brown
Maggie Barnes
Dina Manfredini
Christian Mortensen
Charlotte Hughes
Edna Parker
Nabi Tajima
Mary Ann Rhodes
Margaret Skeete
Bernice Madigan
Gertrude Baines
Emiliano Mercado del Toro
Bettie Wilson
Julie Winnefred Bertrand
Maria de Jesus
Susie Gibson
Augusta Holtz
Hendrikje van Andel-Schipper
Maude Farris-Luse
Marie Brémont
Koto Okubo
Antonia Gerena Rivera
Chiyono Hasegawa
Annie Jennings
Eva Morris
Kama Chinen
Maria Gomes Valentim
Mary Bidwell
Chiyo Miyako
Mary Josephine Ray
Goldie Steinberg
Kiyoko Ishiguro
Maria do Couto Maia-Lopes
Ramona Trinidad Iglesias-Jordan
Eugénie Blanchard
Venere Pizzinato-Papo
Neva Morris
Hide Ohira
Blanche Cobb
Ethel Lang
Mathew Beard
Yone Minagawa
María Antonia Castro
Carrie Lazenby
Ura Koyama
Myrtle Dorsey
Anna Eliza Williams
Walter Breuning
Eunice Sanborn
Grace Clawson
Tase Matsunaga
Yukichi Chuganji
Kame Nakamura
Lydie Vellard
Wilhelmina Kott
Adelina Domingues
Mitoyo Kawate
Charlotte Benkner
Camille Loiseau
Anne Primout
Ettie Mae Greene
Dominga Velasco
Irene Frank
Christina Cock
Toshie Yorimitsu
Eudoxie Baboul
Olivia Patricia Thomas
Matsuyo Kageyama
Ana María Vela Rubio
Anna Henderson
Emma Verona Johnston
Mamie Rearden
Bettie Chatmon
Odie Matthews
Chiyo Shiraishi
Asa Takii
Florence Knapp
Elena Slough
Lucy Jane Askew
Mary Anna Boone
María del Carmen López
Waka Shirahama
Delma Kollar
Joan Riudavets
Suekiku Miyanaga

My favorites from the list include Jeralean, Augusta, Eugénie, Venere, Lydie, Ettie Mae, Eudoxie, Odie, Delma, and Chiyo. Tell me yours in the comments!

Throwback Thursday: Happy Discovery Day, Pluto!

Greetings, readers and space aficionados!

Today is the 86th anniversary of the discovery of the ninth planet, Pluto! While Pluto may have been demoted to a dwarf planet in 2006, it was not demoted in our hearts. For this post, I'll be looking at the names associated with the planet and its discovery.

Pluto made the news last summer, when the New Horizons spacecraft flew by the planet for the first time. Most pictures of Pluto are from this voyage!

Pluto

I have to admit, I'm incredibly surprised that Pluto has never been recorded as a name in US history (I look forward to being proven wrong in the comments!) It means "wealthy", and was the Roman name for the god of the underworld, versus the Greek Hades. Sure, it's now connected to the eponymous Disney dog (see the Norm connection below), but with the recent rise of O-names and trends toward individuality, I think Pluto could work in the right context. 

Charon

The largest of Pluto's five moons, the two celestial bodies are often connected because of their gravitational lock. Charon's name was inspired by discoverer James Christy's wife, Charlene, as well as the connection to the mythological underling of Hades. Officially pronounced "KAR-on", Christy's initial mispronunciation have led many at NASA to switch to "SHAR-on". It's an unusual, rather quirky choice, but a lot of people will pronounce it like Sharon. 

Clyde

Pluto was discovered in 1930 by Clyde Tombaugh, an American astronomer at the Lowell Observatory. He later discovered and named hundreds of asteroids after his family members. The most visible feature on Pluto's face is named the Tombaugh Regio in his honor. The name Clyde has been rising up the charts rapidly since 2013, probably due to the current retro trends. The name originated in Scotland, and is now associated with the notorious duo Bonnie and Clyde.

Lowell

The name of the observatory from where Pluto was discovered, Lowell also refers to Percival Lowell, an astronomer who tried for years to find evidence of a ninth planet. While unfortunately he didn't live to see the discovery, his wife Constance fought to uphold his legacy, and it was due to their tenacity that the planet saw the light of day (for lack of a better phrase). Putting aside that both Percival and Constance are excellent vintage choices, Lowell has been off the top 1000 for awhile, and could have a lovely comeback as an aristocratic family name. 

Venetia

At the ripe old age of 11, Venetia Burney was the first to suggest the name Pluto when scientists were deliberating. She mentioned it to her grandfather, Falconer Madan (reviewed below), and he sent the suggestion through colleagues to the Lowell Observatory. It received every vote in the name election, not only for its mythological connotation but also because its first two letters corresponded to Percival Lowell's initials. Venetia herself later became a mathematician and professor in economics. The name Venetia references the Italian city of Venice, and is a lovely unusual choice. 

Falconer

Most famous for his position as Librarian of the Bodleian Library at Oxford University, Falconer Madan was also instrumental in the naming of Pluto (see above). His connections to astronomer academics facilitated his granddaughter's suggestion getting to the Lowell Observatory. An occupational name, Falconer hasn't been recorded in US name logs - but it would be a strong, nature-themed option!

Sol

The leader of the New Horizons project, which was the first mission to fly by Pluto, Sol Alan Stern is an engineer and planetary scientist. He is also on the forefront of advocating for Pluto's promotion back to its original status as a planet (yay!) While he goes by Alan, I think Sol is a fabulous name. It's historically a diminutive of Solomon, but the connection to the sun makes it a great choice for any space fan! It also fits in with the recent trend towards short male names, like Jack, Ben, or Kai.

Norm

A major animator at Walt Disney Studios in the 1930's and 1940's, Norm Ferguson was one of the artists who brought the cartoon canine Pluto to life. While reports vary on how the dog was named, most believe it was the planet's fame as Pluto that inspired the Disney staff. Ferguson brought puppy Pluto to fame as well through the animated short Playful Pluto, now a Disney classic. Short for Norman, Norm is now associated with other names in the first half of the twentieth century, and notably the character in Cheers. 

This has been one of my favorite posts to research and write! Tell me what you think in the comments.

Throwback Thursday: Sylvia Plath

I shut my eyes and all the world drops dead; I lift my eyes and all is born again.

On this day in 1963, American poet Sylvia Plath was found dead in her home of an apparent suicide. Her works have inspired generations of feminists and women authors - from her poetry to The Bell Jar, her legacy lives on. Today I'll be looking at some of the women's names surrounding Sylvia Plath's life and work.

Sylvia 

Melodic and classic, Sylvia is back on the rise after having declined for many years - it just jumped back into the top 500. Could the trend be due to Ms. Plath's legacy for many young feminists having children today? Is it connected to the rise in Italian names? Or is Sylvia part of the retro trend along with Rose and Alice? I think it's probably a combination of all three. Sylvia means "from the forest", and variants Sylvie, Sylvette, and Silvina are also nice options. 

Victoria

Sylvia Plath used the name Victoria Lucas to publish her semi-autobiographical novel The Bell Jar in 1963. It's comparable ranking in 1962 and similar vibe to Sylvia - euphonic, feminine, elegant - are among the reasons I believe she picked it, though I haven't found her reasoning in online sleuthing. Victoria has remained popular since the early 1990's, and ranks in the top 20 today. 

Ariel

The title of Plath's posthumous collection of poetry, Ariel is also the name of a poem in the book (arguably one of the better-known of Plath's poems). According to her husband, Ted Hughes, the poem was named after a horse Plath rode in riding school. The name Ariel has long been used as a Hebrew boy's name, but jumped up the girls' charts in the 1980's and 1990's, boosted by Disney's mermaid princess. Ariel means "lion of God". 

Frieda

Sylvia Plath's daughter and a poet in her own right, Frieda Hughes is a working artist in the UK today. When Frieda was born in 1960, the name wasn't ranking in either the US or the UK, so I'm curious as to how it was chosen (perhaps a Plath fan can help me out in the comments?) It's beautifully German and artistic - think Frida Kahlo - and certainly rare today. Variations Freya and Freja have been rising in the UK, and are beginning to make their way across the pond. 

Aurelia

Sylvia Plath's mother Aurelia was a major force in her life, raising her alone after the death of Plath's father. Their tumultuous relationship was explored in both The Bell Jar and Plath's poetry. The name Aurelia declined slowly in the US at the end of the nineteenth and early twentieth centuries, making a comeback in 2013. It means "the golden one", and it has a royal, charming quality. 

Olive

A writer and philanthropist, Olive Higgins Prouty supported Plath during a medical stay and through a scholarship at Smith College. Herself a sufferer of mental illness, she championed psychotherapy at a time when few others did. Plath is believed to have based the character of Philomena Guinea (another excellent name) in The Bell Jar on Prouty. Olive ranks in the top 300 today, rising due to its association with star Olivia. It's a sweet nature name, especially next to Lily and Ivy. 

Esther

The protagonist of The Bell Jar, Esther Greenwood is not-so-loosely-based on Sylvia Plath herself and her experiences as a young adult between college and marriage. The last name Greenwood was her grandmother's maiden name, anglicized. Esther, a name popular in Christian and Jewish families, has been slowly on the rise since 2000. And despite its perpetual popularity, Esther still has a vintage, retro vibe that makes it even more alluring.

Any Plath fans out there? Tell me in the comments!

Throwback Thursday: What the Ella

Greetings, readers!

Ella names are incredibly popular today - Isabella, Gabriella, Anabella, even Ella. The -ella ending has long been used to add an element of femininity and flair to any name that needs pizzazz. For this post, I'll be looking at the lesser-known -ella names found in the history books!

My criteria: names for girls that end in Ella, found in records between 1880 and 1889, with less than 25 babies born with the name any given year. 

Idella

A variation of Ida, meaning "industrious", Idella is a great alternative to Isabella without losing the cool first initial and melodic ending. Idella dropped off the US top 1000 in the 1940's, so it's got some retro charm that should definitely make a comeback. 

Ozella

I have yet to find an origin source for Ozella - perhaps linked to Oswald or Osgood? In any case, Ozella is an enchanting vintage name with the cute nickname Ozzie. It has the added bonus of a unique first initial, and could make a great substitute for Olivia. 

Ardella

Another name with mysterious origins, Ardella could be a great alternative for Arden or Adele. Like Idella, Ardella bounced around the top 1000 until the 1940's. An aural connection to the word "ardent" makes this name stand out today. 

Joella

A feminine diminutive of Joel or Joseph, Joella almost sounds like a two-part name: Jo Ella. Similar-sounding Joelle (and Joëlle) have been popular in the US and French-speaking countries, so why not switch out the last A for an E?

Novella

From the Italian for "young", Novella is a beautiful name that works in many ways: there's the literary connection for writers, the auditory connection to Nova, and the sweetness of the meaning for any new baby. Novella is definitely my favorite on this list!

Marcella

Meaning "warlike", I'm surprised that this name hasn't stayed high in popularity. The M-beginning, -ella ending, and similarities to Marisol and Mikayla make it a total winner by today's trends. But Marcella's lack of visibility might appeal to those looking for a unique -ella name!

Clella

I'll admit, I don't understand with this name was used so often in the 1880's - the clunky L-sounds, the lack of visible connection to other names, the total drop-off in usage by 1901. I highly recommend finding a different -ella name. 

Lella

Somehow this name doesn't have the sweetness of Lily or the femininity of Layla. It's origins are also unknown, but it might have been a nickname for -ella names. Try Lillian or Laura for vintage L-names instead. 

Othella

Fans of Shakespeare who think Juliet, Viola, and Portia are too popular should check out this feminization of Othello. You'll have to explain it almost every time you say it, but Othella is way cool for any other literary nerds out there. 

Birdella

As a fan of bird-related names, I'm always on the lookout for appellations like Wren, Sparrow, and Robin. But Birdella takes the cake! I'm not sure that this could (or should) make a comeback, but it's definitely worth knowing about in name history.

What are your favorites? Tell me in the comments!

Throwback Thursday Series - American Given Names, V, W, X, Y + Z

Hello, readers!

This will be the very last American Given Names post! Thanks for sticking with me through this odd exploration of unusual names.

And of course, feel free to comment with your favorite name-related books!

Varina - depending on the origin, either "versatile", "integrity", or "foreign woman"

Wealthy - virtue name

Wrestling - virtue name

Zabdiel - "God endows"

Zadoc - "righteous"

Zebina - "bought" or "one who married foreign wives"

Zebulin - "exaltation"

Zedekiah - "God is just"

Zenas - "gift of Zeus"

Zillah - "shade"

Zoheth - "strong"

Zuriel - "God is my rock"

Throwback Thursday Series - American Given Names, R, S, T + U

Hello, readers!

Let's cut right to the chase, shall we?

And as always, this is my weekly call for name-related books! Let me know what you're reading.

Reliance - virtue name

Repentance - virtue name

Salma - "safe"

Scipio - "walking stick"

Shearjashub - "the remnant shall return" or "he that is before the king of Assyria shall take away the riches"

Starr - "star"

Thankful - virtue name

Theron - "hunter"

Tremble - virtue name

Troilus - "Trojan"

Urien - "of privileged birth"

Uzziah - "my power is God"

Throwback Thursday Series - American Given Names, O, P + Q

Hello, readers!

It's Thursday again! Which means it's another American Given Names post :)

Also, I'm collecting name-related books, so please let me know your favorites! Baby name collections, books on the history of names, even books with cool names in them!

Onesimus - "beneficial"

Onesiphorus - "beneficial"

Oriana - "golden" or "dawn" (Thanks, DMNES, for Orienta!)

Ozias - "salvation"

Pelatiah - "God-delivers" or "refugee of God"

Peleg - "division"

Penuel - "face of God"

Perez - "burst forth"

Persis - "Persian woman"

Preserved - virtue name

Quash, Quashey - "born on Sunday"

Throwback Thursday Series - American Given Names, K, L, M + N

Hello, readers!

I'm returning to my series on George R. Stewart's American Given Names! Today is brought to you by quite a few letters - some of the most popular in current trends!

And again, I'm collecting name-related books, so let me know your favorites in the comments!

Katina - "pure"

Kerenhappuch - "horn of antimony"

Keturah - "fragrance"

Laban - "white"

Loammi - "not my people"

Ludmilla - "favor of the people"

Mahalah - "tender"

Mahershalalhashbaz - "quick to plunder and swift to spoil"

Mahlon - "sickly"

Malvina, Melvina - "smooth brow"

Manasseh - "causing to forget"

Mehetabel - "God rejoices"

Melanchthon - "black earth"

Mingo - unknown

Naphtali - "wrestling"

Noadiah - "meeting with God"

Throwback Thursday: Christmas EVE

Hello, readers!

I'll be taking a break from my series on American Given Names this week to focus on names related to Christmas Eve - or rather, names related to Eve, in the past and present!

I haven't played around with the Name Voyager in while, so this will be fun! I'll be looking at names that begin with Eve, for all genders. 

Eve

The first female name mentioned in the Bible, Eve has had a wild ride up and down the top 1000 - it even disappeared for half of the 1980's and 90's. It means "life", referring to the original Eve's creation. It's short and strong, with hundreds of namesakes throughout history - though unlike almost every other name I've seen, there are no recorded male Eve's in US name history. 

Eva

The more popular variation Eva is currently ranked at #82, though throughout the late 1800's and early 1900's it was firmly in the top 50. It's Latin styling makes it incredibly popular cross-culturally, so if you're looking for a name that can travel the globe, Eva is ideal. Like Eve, there are hundreds of historical namesakes, including Eva Peron and Little Eva from Uncle Tom's Cabin. 

Evelyn (Evelin, Evelynn)

Currently at #16, Evelyn is the most popular Eve name on the list. Evelyn has stayed mostly in the top 200 during its recorded history, and even ranked briefly on the boys' list in the early 1900's. While the name means "desired", it's not hard to think of it as a mash-up name between Eve and Lynn. Its nickname Evie is currently ranked at #14 in the UK. 

Evelina

Nameberry reports that this name was popular in the Middle Ages, but I'm not seeing it mentioned in DMNES? In any case, this is a lovely Eve name that looks like a variation of Evelyn, but is actually related to the French Aveline, also meaning "desired". I like the nickname possibilities offered by Evelina - Lina especially - and its feminine melody. 

Everett (Evert, Everette)
Slowly climbing back up the list from its lowest point in 1995, Everett is riding the T-ending trend and Evelyn's coattails. Everett means "brave as a boar", and also offers some nice nicknames: Evie and Rett (like Rhett or Jett). Switch out the first T for an S and you have a powerful nature name, or add a -te to the ending and feminize it a bit.

Everly (Everleigh)
An aural alternative to the ever-popular Emily, Everly (and sister spelling Everleigh) are firmly on the US top 1000. The meaning is a little funky - "wild boar in a wodland clearing", from what I can find - but the sound and Ever-beginning is adorable. It's also a nice alternative to Avery, Evelyn and dozens of other names in the top 100.

Any Eve names not on my list? Tell me your favorites in the comments!

Throwback Thursday Series - American Given Names, A

Hello, readers!

For the next few Thursdays, I'll be focusing on a book I picked up recently - American Given Names, by George R. Stewart. Stewart was a professor in English at my alma mater, UC Berkeley, and published this book on names and name history shortly before his death. Since I'm always interested in onomastics, the study of names, I picked up a copy at the Berkeley library!

While it's unclear whether Stewart studied name statistics, he included some of the most common names in the United States (complete with opinions). These blog posts will focus on names I haven't heard of (or heard much of). So, in honor or fellow Cal Bear George, let's begin!

Abiel - "God is the father"

Abijah - "Jehovah is the father"

Admire - virtue name

Adonijah - "God is my Lord"

Agur - "gatherer"

Alethea - "truth"

Alfarata - modern invented name

Almon - "German"

Amariah - "God has spoken"

Amasa - "burden bearer"

Ammi - "my people"

Amzi - "my strength"

Antipas - "like his father"

Aquila - "acorn" or "eagle"

Archelaus - "chief of the people"

Artemas - unknown origin, possibly "gift of Artemis"

Asahel - "God acts"

Asaph - "collector"

Asarelah - "joined is God"

Asenath - unknown origin, possibly "devoted to the goddess Neith"

Ashbel - "man of Baal"

Azariah - "God is his helper"

Azel - "noble"

None of these are in the US top 1000! The ones most likely to make the list in my opinion are Abijah, Amariah, and Ashbel. My favorites are Amzi and Azariah. 

Throwback Thursday: Generational Names

Recently, I've stunned friends and colleagues with my ability to guess middle names within one or two guesses - what they don't know is that I survive on statistics! So, to impress your friends and family, memorize these names and dates and start guessing!

I'm also very excited for this post, because it took learning to some early stage programming in order to create a program to calculate name popularity for a date range - while the SSA provides numbers by decade, I wanted a more specific calculation. Shoutout to my coworker Henry for taking the time to painstakingly teach me basic database programming!

The Greatest Generation, 1901-1924    

Mary

Helen

Dorothy

Margaret

Ruth

Mildred

Anna

Elizabeth

Frances

Virginia

John

William

James

Robert

Charles

George

Joseph

Edward

Frank

Thomas

The Silent Generation, 1925-1945

Mary

Barbara

Betty

Patricia

Dorothy

Shirley

Margaret

Helen

Carol

Nancy

Robert

James

John

William

Richard

Charles

Donald

Thomas

George

Joseph

The Baby Boomers, 1946-1964

Mary

Linda

Patricia

Susan

Barbara

Karen

Deborah

Nancy

Donna

Sandra

James

Robert

John

Michael

David

William

Richard

Thomas

Mark

Charles

The Baby Busters, 1965-1980

Jennifer

Lisa

Michelle

Kimberly

Melissa

Amy

Angela

Mary

Heather

Elizabeth

Michael

David

James

John

Robert

Christopher

Jason

William

Brian

Joseph

The MTV Generation, 1975-1985

Jennifer

Jessica

Amanda

Melissa

Sarah

Amy

Heather

Nicole

Stephanie

Michelle

Michael

Christopher

Jason

David

Matthew

James

John

Robert

Joshua

Daniel

The Millennials, 1985-1995

Jessica

Ashley

Amanda

Sarah

Brittany

Jennifer

Samantha

Stephanie

Elizabeth

Emily

Michael

Christopher

Matthew

Joshua

Daniel

David

Andrew

James

Joseph

John

Generation Z, 1996-2010

Emily

Madison

Hannah

Emma

Samantha

Ashley

Olivia

Alexis

Sarah

Abigail

Jacob
Michael
Matthew
Joshua
Christopher
Andrew
Daniel
Joseph
Nicholas
William

Throwback Thursday: Pagan Names

Happy Halloween week!

Today's name list is brought to you by Samhain, the Gaelic festival upon which Halloween originated. It's origins are pagan - check out a more thorough history here - but celebrations continue today! So I'll be looking at a selection of Celtic pagan names from the Pagan Name Dictionary - any more adventurous namers out there?

All-Gender Names

Aeron - from the Brythonic goddess of slaughter, Agrona. Strong and substantial, but could be confused with Erin or Aaron. Pronounce it "AY-er-on" for some uniqueness. 

Avalon - from a mythological Celtic island. It's also connected to the island off the coast of California, and provides a break from Aiden and Evelyn. 

Korrigan - from traditional Breton trickster fairy creatures. With Finnegan, Cora, and Reagan on the charts, I think Korrigan (or Corrigan) could stand tall. 

Seren - used for girls more, but I think this name could work well for the boys - it means "star", and has Welsh origins. It's also got a serene look to it. 

Female Names

Ailsa - from a rock in Scotland known as "fairy rock". I think it's a nice twist between Ada and Elsa, and it keeps its femininity without being frilly.

Ceridwen - meaning "blessed song", she was the mother of Taliesin (another great choice) in Welsh mythology. Friendly and accessible, but totally its own. 

Morrigan - pronounced "MOOR-ee-an", she was a War Goddess of Celtic lore. The pronunciation might trip people up, but the sound and meaning is fantastic. 

Rhiannon - in Welsh lore, the goddess of horses, but the name means "great queen". Any Fleetwood Mac fan has considered this name, and it's a haunting classic. 

Male Names

Bran - meaning "crow" or "raven", connected to Welsh and Irish mythology. Similar-sounding Bram is also brought up around Halloween due to its connection to the writer of Dracula. 

Fergus - from Irish folklore, meaning "strong man". Recently seen in Pixar's Brave, cute nickname Fergie might give it a boost. 

Oisin - a boy turned into a deer in Irish mythology, his name means "little deer". Adorable, and a great alternative to Owen or Oliver. 

Puck - a name for a mischievous spirit, found in cultures worldwide. Accessible as a nickname, but I think it isn't substantial enough to be a formal first name. 

Thoughts? Any great Gaelic/Celtic names I've missed?

Throwback Thursday: Presidential Names #1

As the race for the 2016 election revs up, I've decided to devote two Throwback Thursdays to presidential baby names. While it's also probable that the presidents' first names were given a boost during or after their terms, I'll be focusing on presidential last names found in the 2014 top 1000.

I've decided to go in chronological order, so none of the names this week have correlating data (Grant was president until 1877, three years before the top 1000 data began to be collected). November 5th, we'll be able to see if presidential terms line up with popularity - stay tuned!

#609 - Jefferson 
As the Jeffrey's of yesteryear become fathers and grandfathers, Jefferson might be a great way to honor a paternal relative. Sure, the nickname Jeff could still be used, but why not try Sonny to ensure some uniqueness? Jefferson has been hanging low on the list for awhile, but it's a well-established formal name that deserves some use. 

#9 - Madison
While this name is connected more to the movie Splash than the fourth president, Madison is much more than a trend. It was a well-used name for boys between 1880 and 1940, returning briefly in the 1990's. I think the name still works for any gender - see the above nickname Sonny - but the girls have claimed Madison wholeheartedly for the time being. 

#787 - Monroe
This name has gotten a lot of buzz recently, with a few celebrities choosing Monroe for their daughters. Like Madison, it was on the list for boys for awhile but dropped off in the 1970's. Another multi-gender name, it's connected to the Roe river in Ireland, and might be a great heritage choice. Check out Monroe's write-up in Nameberry's Hello, Baby! O-Ending Surname Names for Girls.

#17 - Jackson
With Jack, Jaxon and Jaxson following Jackson on the top 1000, it seems that parents are more interested in the sound of the name over the connection to Andrew Jackson. Jack was originally a nickname for John, but has now created a class all its own. Jackson has been steeply climbing upwards since the 1990's, and I don't expect it to drop anytime soon. 

#127 - Harrison
The popularity of movie star Harrison Ford pushed this name back up the charts through the 1980's and 1990's, but this name has never left the top 1000. The name started climbing again around the time Showtime's serial killer Dexter named his son Harrison after his father, Harry. It's got multiple positive connotations and some great nicknames, so Harrison will definitely stick around. 

#72 - Tyler
This trend of the 1990's is finally starting to disappear - for the boys, at least. I think the girls could claim Tyler due to its similarity with Taylor and Skyler. Ty, Tyson, Tyrone, and Tyree are moving up the list with a fresher sound, too. I'd skip this name and look for something more unique. 

#77 - Taylor
Another name originally for boys overtaken by the girls, Taylor reached its peak in the 1990's and has started to fall back down the list. Its sound is definitely popular - Baylor and Saylor have recently joined the list. But I think there are are newer occupational names that will fit the bill - Weaver, Fletcher, Jagger, Sawyer, and Draper. 

#470 - Pierce
Pierce has been up and down the top 1000 over the years, but is now hovering in the middle. The strong, single-syllable sound and the dangerous connection to weaponry will appeal to some parents, but I think Pierce is better as a middle name. Sidenote: Pierce is viewed by many historians as one of the worst presidents in American history, so make sure you're not choosing it to be patriotic. 

#87 - Lincoln
One of the nation's favorite presidents, Lincoln is now at the highest it's ever been on the list. The similar sound to other ends-in-N names and the excellent history make it very popular. Abraham is a bit further down the list, at #180, and could also be a great way to honor the sixteenth president. And now that one celeb-baby girl has been christened Lincoln, it might be more accepted as unisex. 

#155 - Grant
With a steady sound, Grant is a name that can transition from childhood to adulthood gracefully. While its etymology connects it to the French for "large", it can also be seen today as an English word name. And it's a much better choice than old-fashioned Ulysses!

Check out the continuation of this list on November 5th!

Next week is Halloween-themed :)

Throwback Thursday: First Female Physicians

If you're looking for names that honor strong, pioneering women in history, check out this list! It's obviously incomplete, being that only 35 out of 197 countries are listed. I'd appreciate hearing about any I missed in the comments!

Source: List of first female physicians by country

Argentina: Cecilia Grierson (1889)

Australia: Emma Constance Stone (1887)

Austria: Gabriele Possanner (1897)

Belgium: Isala Van Diest (1879)

Bolivia: Amelia Villa (1926)

Brazil: Marie Durocher (1834)

Canada: Emily Howard Stowe (graduated from American medical school 1867—Canadian license granted 1880)

Jenny Trout (first Canadian license granted to a woman 1875)

Chile: Eloísa Díaz (1886)

Cuba: Laura Martinez de Carvajal (1889)

Czech Republic: Anna Honzáková (1902)

Denmark: Nielsine Nielsen (1885)

Finland: Rosina Heikel (1878)

France: Madeleine Brès (1875)

Germany: Dorothea Erxleben (1754)

Hungary: Vilma Hugonnai (1879)

Italy: Dorotea Bucca (pre-1390)

Japan: Ogino Ginko (1882)

Korea: Seo Jang-geum (16th century)

Mexico: María Cristina García–Sancho y Álvarez–Tostado (1951) - First Female Neurosurgeon in Latin America 

Netherlands: Aletta Jacobs (1878)

New Zealand: Emily Siedeberg (1896)

Norway: Marie Spångberg Holth (1893)

Peru: Laura Esther Rodriguez Dulanto (1899)

Poland: Anna Tomaszewicz-Dobrska (1877)

Romania: Maria Cuțarida-Crătunescu (1884)

Russia: Varvara Rudneva (1876)

Singapore: Lee Choo Neo (1919)

South Africa: Jane Elizabeth Waterston

Spain: Dolors Aleu Riera (1882)

Sweden: Karolina Widerström (1888)

Turkey: Safiye Ali (1916)

United States: Elizabeth Blackwell (1849)

United States: Clara Raquel Epstein (1996) - First Mexican-American Woman US trained and US board certified in Neurological Surgery and the first woman Neurosurgeon and youngest recipient of the prestigious Lifetime Achievement Award in Neurosurgery

Uruguay: Paulina Luisi (1908)

Venezuela: Lya Imber (1936)

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!

Throwback Thursday #5: Ancient Rome

Friends, Romans, countrymen, lend me your ears!

With names like Kingston, Duke, and Royal getting popular, why not look to the past for some imperial names? They can connote power, prestige and timelessness when used correctly.

What contenders can we find in the archives of Ancient Rome?

Male Names

Augustus - "great, venerable"
This name is already climbing up the charts, currently weighing in at #544. Originally a title given to emperor Octavian (another cool moniker), it was quickly taken as a name. Anyone looking to make August less fusty and keep the cute nickname Auggie should check it out. But it will definitely take a lot of confidence to pull Augustus off!

Hadrian - "dark one"
With an edgy, mysterious meaning and a sound similar to darlings Hayden or Adrian, why not consider Hadrian? The original namesake was one of the "five good emperors" of Ancient Rome, and credited with rebuilding the Pantheon and building, of course, Hadrian's Wall. While the name might get confused with Adrian, it assuredly has a personality all its own!

Florian - "flowery"
On the girl's side, Flora and Florence are gaining popularity, but why should they have all the fun? This name is perfect for any nature boy, and probably won't be in the top 1000 for awhile (it last made an appearance in 1941). Florian was an emperor, but was also the name of the patron saint of firefighters - a cool way to honor any in the family.

Maximian - "greatest"
If you want to keep the nickname Max but don't love Maxwell or Maximilian, this name is for you! Emperor Maximian was a military leader and co-emperor of the political Diocletian. This name is unusual enough to not have ever made an appearance in the top 1000, but not so unusual to halt pronunciation or comprehension. One odd note: the "simian" sound at the end is the name of the order of primates that humans belong to.

Jovian - from the Roman God Jove, or Jupiter
This name could honor an astronomy aficionado or a fan of ancient religions. Emperor Jovian only ruled for eight months, but this name could work from babyhood to old age. The "jovial" sound is upbeat and friendly, and the nickname Jove is too cute.


Female Names

Livia - "envious"
Only one letter off from top ten contender Olivia, but more than complete on its own. The nickname Liv is elegant and mature (think Liv Tyler), and the -via ending is vivacious. The original Livia was the wife of Augustus and the mother of the ensuing political line - she was even deified in AD 14!

Aelia - from the Greek for "sun"
While Aelia and Aelius became family names for the imperial line, Aelia isn't so bad by itself. The recent popularity with Aaliyah and Lilia will help it with recognition, but the name is totally unique. The trendy "ae" beginning adds class, and the name will be perfect for any sunny little girl.

Decima - "tenth"
It goes without saying that Decima doesn't have to be saved for a tenth daughter - any personal connection with the number ten will add meaning, but the name is independently beautiful. Nickname Deci or Dezi will tone down the femininity to make it more friendly. The connotations of elegance and grace seem to go right along with this name.

Quintina - "fifth"
Another number name, but the whole name makes up for the simple meaning. Quintina is perfect for those who like Quinn but want something softer, those who like the cool Q initial, or those who want to honor a Quentin. This name is both cool and pretty - it will fit any personality well!

Hilaria - "cheerful"
While Hilary is currently in the spotlight, Hilaria makes it more foreign and feminine. The nickname Ria is super cute, and the name could honor a relative while keeping its own style. The hilaria in Ancient Rome referred to festivals honoring the goddess Cybele - another positive and exciting connotation for this name.

While researching, I cam across this similar post by Linda Rosencrantz at Nameberry - check it out!

Did I miss any great names that came out of Ancient Rome? Tell me in the comments!