"Hey, Khaleesi" - Are today's parents inspired by the shows of their youth?

Hello, readers!

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.

The average age of a first-time mother in the United States is just over twenty-six years old, 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 (Game of Thrones often cited), but very rarely do I find articles mentioning the names these parents grew up with. Alright, so Spongebob is out, but the fact that Ross and Rachel named their daughter Emma as early as 2002 gives some credence to my theory.

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.

The cast of Buffy, 20 years later

*Note: I don't think these parents are naming children after 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?*

Friends
Though Emma has been the number one girl's name for four years running, it's not necessarily to do with the show - Emma had been rising for years before Rachel took the name from Monica. Still, I think the name's presence in the cultural zeitgeist might have something to do with its continued popularity.
Phoebe gained hundreds of fans in the years after Friends 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.

Malcolm in the Middle
Handsome and distinguished Malcolm had a peak in 1992, then declined for about seventeen years, during which the show about wacky family antics aired (2000-2006). After Malcolm had been off the air a few years, suddenly the name started rising again.
The popularity of Reese for girls has something to do with Witherspoon, and the boy's name is in decline. Admittedly, Hal, Lois, Dewey, and Reese (M) don't fit my theory. But Francis began to rise marginally in the year 2009, the same as Malcolm. Since the new pope didn't come on the scene until 2013, those gains can't all be chalked up to him.

That '70s Show
Sure, Mr. Kutcher popularized the name Ashton for years, but remember that his character in the show was named Michael Kelso - not exactly a modern trend in the making. The show purposefully used names common to the era - Eric, Donna, Steven, and Jackie among them - making it a bit difficult to show any meaningful links.

Scrubs
Arguably the most accurate medical show on television - I recently confirmed this with a med student friend - Scrubs is iconic for combining zany fantasies and real-life heartbreak. Another of its major achievements is introducing the character Elliot Reid - just a few years after the show's end in 2010, the name hit the top 1000 for girls and continues to rise.

Law and Order: Special Victims Unit
Like Emma, I'm sure that one of the reasons Olivia continues to rank on the top 10 is due to Detective Olivia Benson, a fictional heroine for many of us. Still, Olivia was already on the rise before Mariska Hartigay originated the role. The name Elliot (M) had also been increasing during the run of the show, and continues to rise after Detective Stabler left.
One note - Benson 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?

Boy Meets World
Topanga 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 - Cory, Shawn, Morgan - reflect the names of the 90's, and have been declining over the past few years.

Buffy the Vampire Slayer
Before Joss Whedon became a household name, before Twilight ushered in the era of vampire TV, there was Buffy. Granted, the protagonist's name didn't quite catch on - this nickname for Elizabeth is a little too over-the-top, in my opinion - but other names have.
Only two years after Buffy the Vampire Slayer hit the airwaves, the name Willow 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. Xander followed suit in 1999, increasingly annually - it's currently at #163 on the US Top 1000. While Cordelia doesn't currently rank on the list, it did hover in the 900's for two years recently.
The popularity of names like Kendra, Angel, and Faith 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.

Gilmore Girls
The fast-talking ladies of Stars Hollow are absolutely to blame for the rise of Lorelai (and Lorelei) - 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 Dean, Luke and Logan, all of which rank in the top 200 today (though Dean's rise may have something to do with the never-ending show, Supernatural).
The names Sookie and Jess (M) also appeared on the show but have yet to make a splash in the popularity charts. I think Sookie, with its other connection to True Blood, could rise with the current trend towards nickname-names, like Sadie and Charlie.

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.

Tell me your favorite TV shows and character names in the comments!

Sesame Street Names

Hello, readers!

"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.

Sesame Street 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.

Oscar
Everyone's favorite grouch was named for a particularly awful waiter that Jim Henson met in Oscar'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.

Elmo
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. Elmo ranked on the top 1000 until 1957, but it's barely been recorded for babies during the 1990's and 2000's.

Zoe
Partially created as a counterpart to Elmo, vivacious Zoe debuted in 1993, during the period where her lovely name was skyrocketing up the charts. Today, both Zoe and Zoey are popular (along with Chloe and Khloe), with no sign of decline.

Ernie
Rarely seen without his best friend and roommate (below), Ernie is an original Muppet character - with more than a few memorable songs over the seasons. His name, a popular nickname for Ernest, ranks in the top 500 in the UK but has yet to bring its retro charm overseas.

Bert
The serious half of the duo, Bert is particularly fond of collecting bottle caps and advocating on behalf of pigeons (something he and I have in common). Though Brett and Brent have had fans over the years, Bert still feels incomplete and a bit awkward.

Grover
Friendly and adventurous Grover has been beloved on Sesame Street 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 Parker and Cooper), this adorable choice has never achieved the same level of popularity.

Abby
A relatively new Muppet, Abby Cadabby is a three-year-old fairy with boundless girly-girl energy. Her name is everywhere these days - Abigail is currently at #8, and Abby ranks at #441 - and the nickname is a sweet mix of classic and modern.

Julia
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 Julia has ranked in the top 100 since 1980, and it's a gorgeous choice with even more lovely namesakes and connections.

Telly
Worrying and dramatic, Telly's arrival on Sesame Street in 1979 followed another famous TV Telly - Telly Savalas, from the popular series Kojak. In fact, the actor's name directly inspired a blip of Telly's on the top 1000, though the fad was short-lived.

Rosita
Bilingual Muppet Rosita was one of the first Spanish speaking puppets to grace Sesame Street, and she loves history, geography, and music. Though Rose and Rosalie have gained fans, Rosita is still flying under the radar - but this melodic Latin choice could appeal to many.

Alice
The little sister of Snuffy, Alice 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 Abigail and Charlotte in the top 10?

Prairie
All grown up at seven years old, Prairie Dawn has been on Sesame Street since 1971 - and the name has been recorded in the US since 1973. Windswept and winsome, Prairie is a cool yet underused choice that would fit in well with nature and geographical names today.

Louie
Elmo's dad Louie first appeared on the show in 2006, as a stay-at-home parent who later joins the military. While Louis (and its spelling variants) has gotten popular, nickname Louie is at the bottom of the top 1000, and adds a more friendly sound to the handsome name.

Mae
Elmo's mother Mae also debuted in 2006, as part of a series of videos about families dealing with military deployment. After a 40 year hiatus, magnificent Mae is now jumping back up the popularity charts, appealing to parents who love its simple, retro sound.

Rudy
A Muppet that debuted this year - Rudy is Abby Cadabby's mischievous younger stepbrother. Though the name has been on the decline, this unisex pick still has a lot of charm. Rudy could also honor a familial Rudolph or Ruth.

Which characters would you add to this list? Tell me in the comments!

Famous Fictional Bookworms - Sara, Matilda, Belle

Hello, readers!

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.

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?

Matilda
Full disclosure - I've never read Matilda, by Roald 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, Matilda (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.

Velma
Who doesn't love a character whose catchphrase is "My glasses, my glasses!"? Velma from Scooby-Doo frequently got the gang out of trouble with her intelligence and cunning. Being that this sassy name last peaked in 1912, Velma could gain popularity along the same lines as Alma and Zelda.

Belle
Though her name literally means "beautiful," Belle 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! Belle returned to the top 1000 this year - its vintage sound and bright spirit matches its kindness.

Hermione
The heroine of the Harry Potter series, Hermione 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, Hermione will soar.

Connie
Friendly yet formidable, Connie is Steven's well-read best friend in Cartoon Network's Steven Universe. Though the audience discovers that Connie's strict parents are the reason for her fixation on school, she certainly enjoys learning for learning's sake. Connie is a diminutive of Constance, and neither appealing name currently ranks in the top 1000.

Anastasia
I devoured the Anastasia Krupnik books in elementary school - precocious and blunt, Anastasia appealed to me on a personal level. She frequently mentions books, from Gone With the Wind to The Interpretation of Dreams, and uses her intelligence to help solve the problems in her dramatic twelve-year-old life. Once frilly, Anastasia has become a popular, elegant name in today's world.

Josephine (Jo)
The oldest American bookworm on this list, Jo March was based on the author of Little Women, Louisa May Alcott. Of the book's four sisters, Jo is the best read and the most bold, and (spoiler alert) ends up writing a few books of her own. While Josephine and Josie rank in the top 300, nickname Jo is perfect for tenacious and boisterous girls.

Gretchen
For fans of the Disney cartoon Recess, Gretchen was the smartest (and arguably most mature) of the crew. In fact, one episode shows Gretchen besting her teachers in a battle of knowledge. While the name Gretchen has never been very popular, it did have a brief peak in the early 1970's. It's originally a short form of Margaret, and it has an amicable and adorable sound.

Sara
Frances Hodgson Burnett's A Little Princess introduced many readers to Sara 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). Sara'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, Sara is especially great as a cross-cultural pick.

Liesel
The titular heroine of The Book Thief, Liesel Meminger is a bright young girl enamored with books in the midst of WWII Germany. Many have heard this charming name via The Sound of Music, but Liesel is actually a diminutive of the perennially popular Elizabeth. Liesel is unusual but accessible, the kind of name that will fit all kinds of personalities.

Suzy
In Wes Anderson's Moonrise Kingdom, Suzy Bishop runs away from home with just a suitcase full of books - we've all been there, haven't we? Though Susan is taking a well-deserved break, cute Suzy fits in with current retro names like Sadie or Sylvie. Might this nickname become a possibility in our modern age of diverse names?

Jane
The original fictional female bookworm (correct me in the comments), Jane 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, Jane has begun creeping up the popularity charts again, proving that it's anything but plain.

Phoebe
Shy but intelligent, Phoebe from Hey Arnold! 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 Friends, too.

I'm sure I missed a few - tell me your favorites in the comments!

Suspending Disbelief - The Accuracy of TV Show Names

Hello, readers!

Many of you (my family members included) may be big fans of Law & Order - Special Victim's Unit: over 8 million viewers watch the show regularly. Me? I can't get past the first name of the main character, Olivia Benson. Her character was born in 1967, towards the low point of the name's popularity (then #512). While it's possible a baby girl born at that time would have been named Olivia, it's much more probable that she would have been a Lisa, Jennifer, or Michelle. But then again, television shows often take liberties with character names!

I suppose that if statistics were the only factor in naming television characters, we'd see a lot more Jennifer's - and every man would be named Michael. But at the same time, it can be hard to believe that an adult character has a name that wasn't common until recently.

I'll admit that Olivia is more common than Mariska, at the very least - but how well do other television shows fare when naming their main characters? Let's look at some examples!

That 70's Show - A

"What a long strange trip it's been... in Foreman's basement." This love letter to the late 1970's brought teenage Boomer culture to Gen Xers and Millennials alike. Main characters Eric Foreman, Donna Pinciotti, Steven Hyde, Jacqueline Burkhart, and Michael Kelso also have the distinction of wearing statistically probable names - all first names were in the top 100 in 1960, around the year their characters would have been born. Why no + after the A? Dear sweet Fez never has his true name revealed!

The Big Bang Theory - B

One of the highest-rated television comedies in recent years, this gem has welcomed guest stars from Neil DeGrasse Tyson to Stephen Hawking - hardly comedic masterminds. But the lovable nerdiness of its five original stars (and two subsequent additions) has kept this science-oriented show in the spotlight. First names at play include Sheldon, Howard, Leonard, Rajesh, Penny, Bernadette, and Amy.

Though their ages range a bit, the only character whose birth year is given is Howard - 1981. Going off that year, I was surprised to find that five out of seven names have similar popularity levels, ranking between #208 and #517. Though these names weren't popular, these characters have more in common than just proximity and academic interests. The two outliers are Amy, at #6, and Rajesh, off the list entirely. While I wasn't able to find name data for India (where Rajesh was born), Amy's popularity definitely lends itself to the show's accuracy.

Friends - C

A cultural touchstone of the 1990's and early 2000's, Friends rocketed six actors to stardom and still appears in writings on television criticism. The term "friend zone" first appeared in an episode of the show, and lines like "How you doin'?" and "Unagi!" are now popular references. The six characters are as follows: Chandler Bing, Phoebe Buffay, Rachel Green, Monica Geller, Ross Geller, and Joey Tribbiani.

While Joseph, Monica, and Rachel rank in the top 100 for the year 1968 - the year in which most characters were born - Ross ranks at #245, and Chandler and Phoebe don't even appear in the top 1000. While this could be due to their characters having uncommon parentage, the white, middle-class success they exhibit seems a bit unlikely. Incidentally, both Chandler and Phoebe jumped noticeably in popularity after Friends debuted in 1994, and both names are well-used today.

How I Met Your Mother - D

While the show garnered mixed reviews from fans and critics alike - especially when it aired the series finale - it was still incredibly popular during its run: between 8 and 11 million viewers tuned in every season. The antics of Barney, Lily, Marshall, Ted, and Robin have given rise to countless Internet memes, as well as memorable quotations - "Challenge accepted," "Suit up," and "Legen-wait for it-dary!"

The character names are all over the map, from popular Robin to incredibly rare Barney. Lily barely makes the top 1000, and Marshall and Ted are middling. I'm giving the show a low score, because there doesn't seem to be a trend or theme in naming - almost like the names were picked out of a (gargantuan) hat.

How do your favorite shows rank? Does a main character's name affect your enjoyment? Tell me in the comments!

Dynasty Names

Hello, readers!

While researching names for articles, I've learned to recognize patterns - how long it takes names to go from the top 100 to the top 10, how quickly a named is deemed "passé," how names are discussed whether they're Hebrew, Japanese, or Spanish in origin. One tiny thread I've noticed between quite a few names? The 1980's soap opera, Dynasty.

Dynasty premiered in 1981 and ended in 1989, spanning a hugely important decade in American culture, politics, and style. At its height, it was the #1 show in the United States, with over twenty-one million homes watching (thanks, Wikipedia!) It's certainly no surprise then that the series popularized quite a few names - with the data to prove it.

Now, the parents who picked these names weren't all inspired by the show - but when a name starts becoming more prevalent in social conversation, it spreads ("So-and-so had a baby last month, and named him Blake. Isn't that unusual?") While Dynasty certainly prompted interest, it wasn't the deciding factor every time. But let's look at some choices that link directly to the show that "has it all and more!"

Adam
A classic Biblical name already on the rise, Adam's highest rank at #18 occurred during the Dynasty show run - when long-lost son Adam Carrington entered the scene. The name means "earth" or "man" in classical Hebrew, and it's been in the top 100 since 1970.

Alexis
This trendy unisex name jumped eighty places when the estranged ex-wife and mother came on the scene: Alexis Carrington is often credited with helping this name become a household name. The name rose, fell, then rose again, ultimately reaching its peak in 1993 at #3.

Amanda
In the top 10 from 1976 through 1995, Amanda had a good two decade run as an American favorite. Dynasty capitalized on this popular choice - the character arrived when Amanda was at #4. Still an English standard, Amanda has been updated today via Amelia, Amandla, and Amada.

Anders
Though Anders is a more modern pick in the United States - it only debuted in the top 1000 in 2006 - it has long been a Scandinavian favorite. Now that Andrew is more common, however, international variants are on the rise! Anders more than doubled in average usage during Dynasty's run, as the last name of multiple characters.

Blake 
While this name isn't unusual, Blake's steepest jump in popularity was between 1980 and 1981 - seventy-nine places up the top 1000, and over 700 *more* boys born. It's now in the top 100 for boys, and in the top 500 for girls. Other than its Dynasty link, Blake is liked for it's brisk sound and friendly vibe.

Carrington
Never a top 1000 member, Carrington did septuple in use between 1980 and 1989 - from nine boys a year to sixty-three. The name was also used for girls occasionally during the decade. This surname is English in origin, and could work as an alternative to Harrison or Carson.

Colby
Though it was strictly a surname on Dynasty, Colby moved from #546 to #250 during the series. Since then, it's gone up and down, but now is mostly on the decline. Colby gained more fans during the run of Survivor in the early 2000's - another TV show with clout!

Dexter "Dex"
This name has two origins - from the Latin for "right-handed", and from an occupational English surname meaning "dyer." Dexter also has two television shows to thank for its popularity - the 1980's spike from Dynasty, of course, and the eponymous HBO show about a serial killer. While Dexter is often associated with devilish characters, the name is a solid yet uncommon choice.

Dominique
With a name like Dominique Deveraux, it's no wonder audiences took notice. The name moved up almost 250 places on the top 1000 from 1983 to 1984 - when Dominique's character debuted. It peaked at #83 in 1985, but may never have made the top 100 without the Dynasty boost.

Fallon
Now more likely to be associated with Tonight Show host Jimmy Fallon, this Irish surname made waves when connected with the Carrington daughter. Fallon only ranked between 1981 and 1995, however, declining along with average hair volume.

Kirby
Like Fallon, Kirby only lasted a few years on the girls' top 1000. For boys, on the other hand, the name had long been in use, receiving a boost during the run of the show. Today, Kirby is close enough to Keira and Shelby, Kieran and Kobe, to be used for any gender.

Krystle
With probably the most creative spelling on this list, Krystle had been recorded as far back as 1969. But only twenty-six baby girls were named Krystle in 1980; in 1981, that number soared to 446. Today, that number is down to six, as most variations of Crystal begin to wane.

Sabella "Sable"
In 1986, Sable ranked #904 - never before or since. With animal names, like Bear or Fox, on the rise, it could definitely make a comeback. Sabella has been in use since the show's debut, with seventy-one babies born last year - an almost-too-close alternative to Isabella.

Samantha Josephine "Sammi Jo"
The last name on the list, with a rather interesting statistic - "Sammijo" was recorded a total of forty times between 1983 and 1991. Samantha had been on the rise by the time the character appeared on the show, ending up as one of the top names of the 1990's and 2000's.

Any names I missed? Other shows with a big impact? Tell me in the comments!

Hair-Raising Names

Hello, readers!

Recently I changed my hair pretty drastically, and I'm very happy with the results. What has surprised me most is the reactions of family, friends, and coworkers - they seem totally shocked!

As always, whenever a new subject enters my mind, I have to find a way to connect it with names! So today's post is about hair-related names. 

Samson and Delilah

Many of us already know the Biblical story - super strong man falls for femme fatale, and femme fatale shaves his head, sapping him of his strength. I like this Wikipedia quote about Samson: "Samson had two vulnerabilities—his attraction to untrustworthy women and his hair, without which he was powerless." Delilah has rocketed in popularity in recent years, thanks to Tom Jones and the Plain White T's. Samson has only been used in the last few decades, as an alternative to ever-popular Samuel. Both names have more or less distanced themselves from their hairy origins, and neither would surprise too many people today. 

Rapunzel

This name is VERY attached to its origin story, but that didn't stop a few parents in 1959 - 9 baby girls were born that year named Rapunzel. My theory is that an episode of Shirley Temple's Storybook, which aired in 1958, changed some minds. The name Rapunzel comes from the rapunzel plant, a kind of leaf vegetable, which was part of the original story. In any case, the name, while pretty, will be really hard to pull off - and why subject your child to daily "let down your hair" jokes for the rest of their life?

Pippi Longstocking

It seemed that every year at least a few girls I knew would stick a wire hanger in their hair to create gravity-defying braids on Crazy Hair Day - hence Pippi's addition to this list! The children's book character was also super strong (another example of strength tied to hair) and there have been countless shows, films, and stories created about Pippi. While the original name has never been used - and could admittedly lead to some teasing - similar Pippa has come back in full force. 

Shirley Temple

As a child, I was told often that I bore a resemblance to the 1930's child star - most little girls with blonde curls get told that at least once. In any case, the lovely Shirley Temple was really a natural blonde, though her curls were styled by her mother from an early age. The name Shirley was popular from the 1920's through the 1960's, but is much rarer today. Is it still dated, or will we see a Shirley comeback with other vintage names making waves? Time will tell!

Farrah Fawcett

Let's jump ahead a few decades to 1977, when the Farrah-flip was all the rage at hair salons. Actress and artist Farrah Fawcett inspired many women to recreate the windswept look - check your own family photos to see if any of your relatives followed suit! The actress was actually born Mary Leni Farrah Fawcett, but went by the most unusual of her three first names. The name briefly peaking in the late seventies, then went out of style until 2010. Today the name ranks at #759, and comes from the Arabic word for "happiness". 

Rachel Green (Jennifer Aniston)

When Friends debuted in 1994, many Americans rushed to their stylists to recreate Jennifer Aniston's iconic choppy/wavy look. "The Rachel" swept the nation, though it's original wearer didn't much like it. The names at play here, however, were far more popular than flash-in-the-pan hairstyles. Jennifer is now iconic as the most popular name of the 1970's, and Rachel has never really left the top 200. Hairdos make come and go, it seems, but these names are forever!

Who did I miss? Any icons unnoticed? Tell me in the comments!

Over the Garden Wall Names

Somewhere, lost in the clouded annals of history lies a place that few have seen- a mysterious place, called the Unknown, where long-forgotten stories are revealed to those who travel through the wood.

Narrator, Over the Garden Wall, "The Old Grist Mill"

In 2014, Cartoon Network broadcast a miniseries entitled Over the Garden Wall, created by Patrick McHale. This ten-episode animation focused on two brothers trying to get home through a mysterious land, dealing with fantastic events and characters along the way.

Featuring the actors Elijah Wood, Christopher Lloyd, Melanie Lynskey, Tim Curry, John Cleese, and Bebe Neuwirth (among others), the miniseries won quite a few awards. I highly recommend watching! It's rated PG, so use discretion when showing the series to kids.

Wirt
Until watching Over the Garden Wall, I had never heard the name Wirt before. According to various sources, it either means "host" or "one who is worthy". Wirt was recorded as a name in the US in the first half of the 20th century, but hasn't been used since 1959. I'm not sure how much I like the sound of the name, but the connotation with the coming-of-age main character is a plus!

Greg
The name Gregory has been declining in recent years, but adorable little brother Greg in OTGW might give the name a boost! Greg means "watchful" and aurally connects to gregarious, meaning "sociable". It's less expected than George or Gary, but it still has a classic vibe.

Beatrice
The bluebird who helps Wirt and Greg through the Unknown is, of course, called Beatrice - a reference to the guide in Dante's Divine Comedy. Beatrice means "she who brings happiness", and its vintage sound and literary links will keep it rising in popularity. Beatrice is also a personal favorite, and the nickname options - Bea, Betty, Trish - are lovely, too!

Lorna
The shy young caretaker of Auntie Whispers, Lorna has an unusual secret that surprises Wirt and Greg in episode 7. The name Lorna was a literary creation for Lorna Doone, based on Lorne, Scotland (which also seems to have unknown origins). It's a pretty alternative to Laura or Lauren.

Quincy
The most popular Q-name for many years, Quincy was associated with stuffy nobility for awhile - hence the snobby character in the miniseries. But today, Quincy is at #622, so not too shabby! There are plenty of non-elite Quincy's out there that would make for excellent namesakes. And of course, the Q initial is quirky and fun!

Margueritte
This version of Marguerite has been in use for awhile, but the single-T version is more established. It's the French form of Margaret, meaning "pearl". Marguerite is a personal name crush - I love it for its French sound, feminine vibe, and beautiful meaning.

Enoch
With Eli and Noah topping the charts, it's no surprise that Enoch is moving up the top 1000 very quickly! Enoch comes from the Hebrew for "dedicated", and a few Enoch's are listed in the Torah and Bible. There are a lot of cool historical namesakes, and the name has come up in pop culture recently - see Boardwalk Empire and Miss Peregrine's Home for Peculiar Children.

Other names in the series include Jimmy, Fred, Jason, Sara, and countless nicknames for Greg's pet frog. Watch if you can!

Names from Parks and Recreation

Hello, readers!

Today's post is about one of my all-time favorite TV shows, NBC's Parks and Recreation. For those of you who haven't seen it, it stars Amy Poehler as a civil employee doing her best to keep her hometown of Pawnee, Indiana running.

Being that the character of Leslie Knope is one of my personal heroes, I decided to take a look at the list of main characters (excluding Mark) and review their names. Let's go!

Leslie
Popular from the 1950's through the 1980's, Leslie has only begun to decline in recent decades. It was originally used for boys, and still has an upbeat, unisex vibe. Next to similar newcomers Rosalie, Harley, and Aurelie, I think Leslie's sound will keep it in the top 1000 for awhile.

Ben
Primarily short for Benjamin, Ben is now its own stand-alone name at #723 in the US. It's concise and friendly sound has made it more popular in the UK and Germany, too. I personally like the long form of the name, but Ben packs a lot of punch in only three letters!

April
This is a very bright and springy name for a less-than-enthusiastic character. April has now been surpassed by other month names, but the connotation of sun and flowers will keep it around. Sisters Heather and Dawn have also been on the decline.

Andy
Like Ben, Andy is a nickname-turned-name, but doesn't quite have the same gravity. I still think of goofy Andy from Parks and Rec, or young Andy from Toy Story - a little immature. Still, it's very sweet and accessible for any little one.

Ann
Arguably among the simplest of names, Ann is still well-known, but not well-used. Variants Anna or Hannah are the current favorites, and somehow sound more complete. Still, Ann makes a fantastic middle name, especially for long last names.

Chris
Short for Christopher or Christian, the name Chris spiked in the 1960's but declined slowly afterward. The religious-based, multigender appeal has kept it in use for all kinds of babies. But many Chris names seem overused at this point, so I'd look for a less-common option.

Jerry/Garry/Terry
All of his appellations are on the decline, after peaking in the 1940's. But these could be quirky, unexpected nicknames for a new baby! Longer names like Jerome, Garrett, and Terrence are preferred today.

Donna
The savvy, luxurious businesswoman of the show, Donna's strong and feminine name suits her well. These days, another Italian word referring to a woman has been on the rise: Ella. And somehow I'm having trouble seeing the name Donna getting popular again anytime soon.

Tom
Long-form Thomas has never left the top 100 in the US, so while some points are lost for lack of creativity, other points are gained for staying power and elegance. There are dozens of namesakes, real and fictional, throughout history, so pick your favorite!

Ron
The no-nonsense libertarian of the bunch, Ron Swanson has some of the more memorable lines on the show. His first name, however, is not quite as notable - both Ron and Ronald have been declining in popularity for years. Variants Reynold or Renaldo are a bit more enticing.

Tell me your favorite names in the comments!

Names from How to Get Away with Murder

Hello, readers!

After binge-watching seasons one and two, I'm officially addicted to the Viola Davis mystery-drama How to Get Away with Murder. It's funny, smart, and jaw-dropping - but don't worry, I won't be posting any spoilers below!

I'll be looking at the names of the ten main characters (the actors are shown above). But since this drama is full of guest stars, these names aren't the only ones to watch out for!

Sidenote: Why isn't Viola more popular? It's gorgeous. 

Annalise Keating

Now firmly in the top 500, Annalise has been moving slowly up the popularity list since its debut in 1997. It's originally a combination of Anna and Elizabeth, two very popular names, but the whole is much greater than the sum of its parts - Annalise is sophisticated, elegant, and smart. 

Nate Lahey

While full names Nathan and Nathaniel are in the top 100, diminutive Nate isn't on the top 1000 at all. It's a fantastic nickname-name, like Jack or Liam, and not too far from the adorable Tate. Nate's lovely meaning is "gift from God". 

Wes Gibbins

Another nickname-name, Wes has become more visible recently thanks to various athletes and two major film directors, Wes Anderson and Wes Craven. It can be short for Wesley or Westcott (?) - this name on its own isn't quite as substantial as Nate. But it's positively posh!

Connor Walsh

This name has been in the top 100 since 1992, and I think it's long overdue for an update. Connor means "lover of hounds" - try Madden, Madigan, or Connelly for a similar meaning. If you like the sound, check out Casper, Collier, or Casimir. 

Michaela Pratt

The original spelling Michaela is now seen everywhere as Mikayla, McKayla, etc. The original spelling is more classic and honorific, but like Connor, its sound is a little overused. Alternatives include Mila, Magnolia, or Marisol. 

Asher Millstone

As a fan of Hebrew names, Asher has always been a crush - this is also the name of the main character's best friend in The Giver. It means "happy" and the sound is just as uplifting. Of course, both Asher and Ashton are in the top 200, so it's far from unique. 

Laurel Castillo

With Laura and Lauren finally declining, it might be time for a new Laur-name to take the spotlight. This names is also nature-related, with the laurel tree being associated with victory and success. Laurel is also almost nickname-less, for any purists out there!

Frank Delfino

This retro nickname-name is very cute, and might be on the rise with the popularity of Pope Francis. It's also likely to be somewhere in your family (statistically) if you're looking to honor your ancestry! Frank means "Frenchman", and is also a word name meaning "earnest". 

Bonnie Winterbottom

While "My Bonny Lies over the Ocean" is playing in my head, this name is far from associated to any one item. It means "pretty" and has a full, melodic sound. And there are plenty of Bonnie's, real and imagined, in history - take your pick of a namesake!

Rebecca Sutter

A Biblical name that has never left the top 200, Rebecca is classic and feminine. But there might be more unique options out there to differentiate your little one: Rebel, Revka, River, or Ruby, for example. Rebecca means "servant of God".

Tell me your favorite names in the comments! And are there any shows you're watching that merit a name review?

Halloween Costume Names, Part Two

Let's continue with Day 2 of costume names!

Check out Part 1 here.

Tell me in the comments what costumes you're planning. My boyfriend and I will be going as Cosmo and Wanda from the Fairly Oddparents this year!

Devil

"Devil" - Teivel, Diablo, Velna, Deuce

"Terrible" - Ugra, Uther, Bhima

"Sharp" - Shamir, Berach, Jasna, Min, Asika, Acucio

"Red" - Ruby, Rowan, Garnet, Edom, Flannery, Rufus, Shani

Famous devils and demons - Damien, Lucifer, Mephistopheles



Witch

"Magic" - Taika, Jinx

"Purple" - Lavender, Violet, Ianthe, Porfirio, Amethyst

Witch names - Grimhild, Armida, Sabrina, Kiki, Wanda, Hermione, Ginevra, Glinda, Tarba, Cassandra, Circe, Morgan, Jenny, Hecate, Moll, Alice, Agnes, Entjen, Märet, Minnie, Elphaba, Jadis, Bellatrix, Melisandre, Medea, Ursula, Wendy




Superhero

"Hero/Heroine" - Bertille, Conlan, Finley, Sweeney, Valda, Vero

"Super" - Aristotle, Naren, Adi, Prasert

"Savior" - Messiah, Salvador, Björg

"Strong" - André, Brian, Ethan, Evander, Melisande, Valencia

Famous heroes/heroines - Natasha, Selina, Clark, Bruce, Peter, Tony 



Cowboy

Horse-related names - Phillip, Destry, Baylor, Xanthippe, Ahearne, Eachna, Eowyn, Marshall, Rider, Chevy

"Free" - Amadi, Charles, Fanya, Franklin, Kermit, Liberato

"Country" - Fielder, Paine, Gladys

Famous cowboys and cowgirls - Annie, Jane, John, Bill, Jack, Frank




Frankenstein

"Reborn" - Renata, René, Anastasia, Tassia

"Alive" - Vito, Viva, Aisha, Idir, Tural, Živa

"Large" - Grant, Brady, Titania

Names from characters/actors in the original Frankenstein - Henry, Elizabeth, Victor, Colin, Mae, Boris, Edward, Frederick, Dwight, Fritz, Lionel



I'll see you tomorrow to continue the celebration!

Halloween Costume Names, Part One

Happy Halloween week, friends!

And happy birthday to my wonderful mom, Nancy Kay. I love you and I hope you enjoy your holiday birthday!

Today's post is more fun than particularly insightful. I've taken some of the top Halloween costumes worn every year (pop culture costumes aside) and found names that match each of them. While I normally stick with Latin/Greek/Hebrew based names, I'm including names from other cultures to round things out.

Here's the list I'm using, but you can find other lists and continue the game!

Top ten Halloween costumes of all time, by Christina Caldwell

Ghost

"Ghost" - Drogo, Lilith, Aparicia

"Spirit" - Dusana, Dušan, Enid, Anima, Kokoro, Esprit, Janan, Kamali

"Soul" - Alma, Linh, Psyche, Duska

"White" - Alba, Bain, Bianca, Fiona, Ivory

Famous ghosts - Casper, Jacob, Mary, Clytemnestra, Myrtle



Zombie

"Death" - Morana, Mot, Thanatos, Chiwa, Lefu, Anubis

"Eternal" - Khalid, Amari, Niran, Eilam, Nitya, Samad

"Return" - Ayda, Shevi, Yashuv

"Green" - Emerald, Oran, Peridot, Verdi, Zelenka

Famous zombies - Ash, Ed, Michael, Kat



Vampire

"Blood" - Muhjah, Djimon, Eztli

"Bat" - Adan, Stellaluna (couldn't resist)

"Fang" - Niv

"Pale" - Chloris, Gauri, Paley, Blasco

Famous vampires - Vlad, Edward, Claudia, Lestat, Angel



Cat

"Cat" - Faline, Felinus, Bastet, Leander, Numair, Fahd

"Omen" - Lakshmi, Ugur, Dalili, Sisay, Lakshman

"Domestic" - Damiana, Damario, Damon, Laka

"Black" - Caliban, Ebony, Ciaran, Melanie, Nigel, Kali, Sable

Famous black cats - Salem, Jiji, Felix, Berlioz, Figaro, Lucifer



Pumpkin

"Vegetable" - Fennel, Masamba, Kazuna, Moena, Topwe

"Round" - Cade, Knox, Dudda, Viên, Ballard, Maru

"Smile" - Basma, Hande, Ibtisam, Erendira, Susmita

"Orange" - Cam, Sienna, Alani, Amber, Nerola, Azahar

It's the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown names - Charlie, Linus, Lucy, Schroeder, Sally, Violet, Frieda, Patty


Check out more costume names tomorrow - Halloween Costume Names, Part Two

Gemstone Names - Part Two

Hello, all!

This is a continuation of yesterday's Gemstone Names - Part One post. Feel free to tell me in the comments if I missed a favorite rock* of yours!

*(thanks, Hank!)

Garnet

This name dropped off the list in 1944, but I think a comeback is in order. The stone is associated with regeneration and stability, and it's the birthstone for January. The name comes from its color connection to the pomegranate fruit. Those of you looking for a class name that will age well and doesn't need a nickname, Garnet might be for you!






Gold

This strong single-syllable metal isn't a bad choice for a middle name of any gender. Gold symbolizes perfection and eternity, and it's associated with many positive ideas - "golden child", "pot of gold", etc. It connects to names such as Gilda, Gilderoy, or Goldman. I would be wary of using it first, but it might make a full name glitter.







Iolite

I hadn't heard of Iolite before my research into these posts, but I fell in love with the sound of this name! It connects to Ione, Iolanthe, or Io - not a bad nickname at that! The stone is associated with imagination and exploration, and the color ranges from blue to indigo to purple. A definitely unique possibility!







Jade

One of the most popular gemstone/mineral names, Jade is firmly in the top 200, with siblings Jada, Jayla, and Jayden not far off. The stone is associated with healing and peace, and can be found all over the world. It's a great choice if you're looking for something well-established but very cool.




Jasper

This classic British-style name has been trending upwards in recent years, a fresh antidote to the Jason/Justin frenzy. The stone is associated with nurturing and healing, and the meaning translates to "bringer of treasure". Jasper is definitely one of my favorites on the gemstone list!




Malachite

Sib-name Malachi skyrocketed into the top 200 over a ten year span, so why not look for similar but unique options? This gemstone is associated with nature and amplification of energy. I thought there was also a Biblical connection, but I'm having trouble finding it in my research...




Onyx

The stone of strength and discipline, many associate this name with a more masculine energy - I think it could work for any strong kid, though. Onyx is edgy, hip and mysterious, and doesn't sound like any other name out there.








Opal

This multicolored gem is associated with hope, inspiration and achievement - quite the trifecta! It's one of the birthstones for October, and comes in all shapes and sizes. Opal is cute and vintage, like Maude or Dorothy, and could definitely return to the charts soon!


One more bejeweled installment arrives tomorrow!

Gemstone Names - Part One

I've recently been introduced to Cartoon Network's fairly new TV show, Steven Universe, about a boy named Steven who teams up with the Crystal Gems to save the world (in a nutshell)! It's a great show about friendship, family, young love, relationships, and being true to yourself (again, in a nutshell). The main Crystal Gems in the show are Garnet, Amethyst, and Pearl - so I was inspired to make a post about gemstone (and mineral) names!

Since there are so many cool options, I'll be splitting up the gemstone and mineral names over three days. I also won't be splitting them up by gender, since many are unisex. 

Gemstone Names - Part Two

Gemstone Names - Part Three

Let's begin!

Alexandrite 

I included this name because of its connection to Alex, Alexander, and Alexis. This gemstone is associated with creativity and is considered a good omen - not a bad "meaning" at all! It could be a cool way to get the nickname Alex but keep a unique full name. It's also one of the birthstones for June.



Amber

This incredibly popular gem name peaked in the 1980's and is on its way back down. So it may be considered unique today, but many kids will recognize it as a "mom name". Amber is associated with healing and protection, and it's soft golden-orange color is beautiful for a summer or fall baby.





Amethyst

This name seems perfectly poised to pose as a prénom (sorry, but the alliteration was too enticing). It's similar in sound to Amy, Amanda, and Amelia, and connects via color to Violet and Indigo. It's the birthstone for February, and its history associates it with royalty and as an antidote to intoxication (who knew?)




Copper

Cards on the table - I originally included this name because of my love for The Fox and the Hound. After some thought, however, I think it could definitely work for a human child. It's not far from Connor, Cooper, or Carter, and the color is divine. The metal is associated with money and positive relationships - love and friendship, for example. The only drawback I've heard is the connection to a nickname for police officers, but even that slang term has died down quite a bit - and I think Copper could honor a cop in the family!



Coral

Recently used as the name of Nemo's mom in Finding Nemo, I think Coral could make a cool comeback (it's been at the bottom of the top 1000 list since the 1930's). It's close to Cora, or even as a Carol honorific? It's associated with meditation and visualization, and the ocean feeling might be perfect for a baby born by the sea.




Diamond

This name immediately conjures up the feelings of luxury, wealth and power. The name comes from the Greek for "invincible". This name might not be totally accessible, but the cute nickname Dia will tone it down. Diamonds are also the April birthstone.





Emerald

Growing up, this was one of my favorite stones - probably because of its similar sound to Emily! It will fit right in with Emma and Emerson too. The Latin variation Esmeralda is also well known. The stone is associated with "successful love", and it's the May birthstone.





Stay tuned for the next installment!

Names from Orange is the New Black

One of my all-time favorite shows is Netflix's Orange is the New Black. The actresses are fantastic and the writing is absolutely hilarious. So here's a list of show names!

This list originally appeared on my Nameberry account!

Piper
This on-the-rise occupation name is great for any determined, independent girl.

Alex
Strong and energetic, this unisex name has a cool x-factor.

Tiffany
The real name of "Pennsatucky", this name is luxurious and feminine.

Daya
Sounds like the popular Maya, but has a more serious meaning: "bird of prey."

Aleida
Not found on Nameberry, but a beautiful alternative to Alicia, Alana or Lydia.

Galina
"Red"'s real name, this moniker is more calm than feisty.

Sophia
Very popular, very feminine, very wise.

Carrie
The real name of "Big Boo," this name transitions well from youth to adulthood.

Maritza
Unique update to Marissa or Maria.

Blanca
Beautiful Latina alternative to Bianca or Blanche.

Marisol
"Flaca"'s real name, very summery with an L ending (a la Rachel, Kendall, Crystal).

Taystee
Better as a nickname, but absolutely delicious.

Poussey
Sounds a bit too much like... well, you know; but the "ay" sound ending is gorgeously French.

Brook
Outdoorsy and hip, the grown-up Brooklyn.

Cindy
A cute nickname-name, or as short for Cynthia or Lucinda.

Tova
Cindy's chosen Jewish name, strong and just "good" (meaning).

Suzanne
The real name of "Crazy Eyes", a chic update to Susan (and it means "lily")!

Lolly
A cross between Holly and Lily, this is super-sweet (almost too sweet).

Gloria
Cross-cultural and melodic.

Lorna
Literary and unique, this literary name could be a great update to Lauren or Laura.

Stella
On-the-rise and all over the playgrounds, this name is stunning.

Nicole
Soft, French and well-used.

Mei
The first name of inmate "Chang," pretty and feminine.

Norma
Grandmotherly, but not too far from popular Nora.

Janae
Another French "ay" ending, this is a beautiful update to Jane or Janet.

Leanne
A midcentury name, yes, but very elegant.

Angie
Another nickname name, cute diminutive of Angela, Angelina or Angelica.