March Names

Hello, readers!

Happy first day of March! Today, I'll be looking at names related to this fabulous month. From etymological origins to birthstones, March has a lot to offer.

Mars
The month was named for the Roman god of war, Mars. While this may have been unusual in previous decades, it's beginning to attract attention - it was given to twenty-seven boys in 2015.

Marcus
This classic Latin name has never gone below the top 400, and for good reasons. It has a substantial sound, a plethora of notable namesakes, and a bunch of excellent variations and diminutives: Marco, Mark, Marcia, Marcel, and more.

Marius
While Cosette has begun to find favor, this Les Mis name has yet to take off. Marius is handsome and unassuming, perfect for fans of Maximus or Moses.

Beryl
Though aquamarine is the official gemstone of March, it's a form of the mineral (and retro first name) Beryl. This name was more popular in the UK, though its associations with Cheryl and Meryl may not make it ripe enough for re-use yet.

Daffodil
March's birth flower is the daffodil, a cross-cultural symbol of springtime. The name Daffodil hasn't been recorded in US name data, but it has been given to one or two individuals in history.

Narcissa
The genus of plant that includes the daffodil is narcissus - Harry Potter fans will recognize the name as that of Draco Malfoy's mother. Unfortunately, Narcissa is a bit too close to "narcissist" for use today.

Fisher
The zodiac sign Pisces covers about two-thirds of March; while fish-related names aren't terribly common, Fisher is a great choice for a few reasons. There's the religious connection - "I will make you fishers of men", the surname attraction, and the verb-ends-in-er trend.

Joseph
For Catholics, March is the month honoring Saint Joseph, the husband of the Virgin Mary and the foster father of Jesus. Aside from its religious links, Joseph is a traditional, masculine choice, ideal for those who like strong, timeless names.

Verna
The Spring Equinox takes place in March, also called the Vernal Equinox. Verna now has a dated image, but with Vera on the rise, Verna may follow.

Gerda
March is Women's History Month, an international designation honoring the many women written out of male-centric history. Gerda Lerner, an historian and author, was part of the initial movement to establish this holiday.

Tell me your favorites in the comments!