So I've been hanging out in cemeteries...

Hello, readers!

Name inspiration can often be found in odd places - overhearing a conversation at a cafe, noticing an unusual name on a sign-in sheet, or even peeking at local cemeteries! Alright, so the latter activity isn't quite as common, but local cemeteries can offer a host of information about your community's history.

A local cemetery in need of care (and visitors)

I'm from the central coast of California, and I've noticed some patterns in these final resting places: many families emigrated to our area from Mexico, France, Ireland, the Philippines, and Portugal. Granted, I've been wandering through mostly Catholic cemeteries, which in itself adds another dimension to the names on headstones. Overall, it's been a unique way to learn more about my town's humble origins as well as providing new name inspiration!

Crosses at a Catholic mission cemetery

Here are some of the best names I've found

Albina - It comes from Albus, meaning "bright" or "white," and Albina is also the name of a third-century saint.

Amby - Possibly a surname, or a nickname for Ambrose.

Delfina - It means "of Delphi," and was also used by an early Christian nun.

Gracia - While Grace has long been an Anglophone classic, this Latin variant adds a little extra attitude and sophistication.

Laurianno - I haven't found out too much about this name, but I'm guessing that it's a park of the Lauren family - Lawrence, Laura, etc.

Luiza - I'm looking to honor my Portuguese heritage as well as use a form of Louis in a future child's name, making Luiza particularly attractive to me.

Maximina - A lovely, feminine option for fans of the nickname Max for girls.

Pagerio - A surname-name with little information online...

Petra - I've always wondered why Petra doesn't get more attention in the US - it's so pretty and refined.

Procopio - Derived from a Greek word meaning "progress," this was my favorite find. It's also an uncommon saint's name option.

Saloma - A variation of Salome, this sweet name is also reminiscent of Paloma.

Ymilia - Having never come across this version of my name, I do like an unexpected first initial.

Have you ever found name inspiration in an unexpected place? Do you also like hanging out in cemeteries? Tell me in the comments!

Leaders of the United Nations

Hello, readers!

Today is the 71st anniversary of the founding of the United Nations - an organization which, for good or for bad, was created to promote international cooperation and prevent wars. Their influence is controversial, but the idea behind it should be celebrated - in these days of conflict, it's nice to remember that many still strive for peace and unity.

The 26 United Nations Flags from Dr. Francisco Castillo Najera, Franklin D. Roosevelt, Manuel Quezon, and the U.S. Secretary of State Cordell Hull in July 1942 (Wikipedia).

Here is a list of the past and present Secretaries-General of the United Nations (all men) and their names. I also included the dates of their leadership.

Gladwyn Jebb (1945-46)
Thanks to DMNES for the background! This rare English name means "bright friend," and hasn't been recorded in the United States since 1927. With the resurgence of Welsh names - Brynn, Dylan, Gwendolyn - in English-speaking countries, Gladwyn may fit in sooner than later. And you have to like a name that starts with "glad"!

Trygve Lie (1946-52)
A Scandinavian name meaning "trustworthy," this name's statistics surprised me - it's been recorded in the US in forty-five separate years, rising in 2015 (fourteen Trygve's were born last year). But with names like Trig and Trevor on the playground, it's no wonder the sound was adopted. the pronunciation is something like "trihg-vuh".

Dag Hammarskjöld (1953-61)
Another Scandinavian name with a few namesakes - most recently as a character in The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo - Dag was used briefly in the States between 1961 and 1971. It seems that this particular Secretary General was especially influential! The name means "daylight," and it has more popular diminutives: Dagny and Daggett.

U Thant (1961-71)
One thing I love about the name community: I'm always learning something new! Burmese name conventions usually result in an individual having one name (often monosyllabic) and the ability to change their name at will. "U" is loosely translated to "Mr.", and Thant comes from the word for "clean" or "wholesome," according to a few (albeit not completely vetted) websites.

Kurt Waldheim (1972-81)
Many Americans are familiar with this name today via novelist Kurt Vonnegut and musician Kurt Cobain. It reached its peak popularity in 1964, but never made the top 100. Its similar tone to Keith or Kent make it more than viable. Kurt is also a short, "courteous" choice - as single-syllable boys names rise up the charts, Kurt may follow.

Javier Pérez de Cuéllar (1982-91)
A popular name in the Spanish-speaking community, Javier is a variant of the well-loved Xavier. The name is Basque, and originally developed as a religious honorific for Saint Francis Xavier, founder of the Jesuits. Javier means "new house," and this choice has a lovely positive vibe - softer than its X-counterpart, but just as strong.

Boutros Boutros-Ghali (1992-96)
Famous for his double name, among many other things, Boutros Boutros-Ghali was in the news earlier this year: he died in February at the age of 93. His name is an Arabic form of Peter, meaning "stone" or "rock." Though Boutros has international flair, it may be mistaken for Brutus - a positive or negative consequence, depending on your name style.

Kofi Annan (1997-2006)
West African naming conventions - the Akan people, in this instance - often bestow names based on the day of the week a child is born. Kofi Annan was named based on this custom; his name means "born on a Friday." With Kai and Cody so popular, Kofi might work - but many people will mistake the name for "coffee." Kofi has been in use in the United States since 1970.

Ban Ki-moon (2007-16)
More naming conventions! Historically, Korean families would include one element of a name specific to each new generation. Names can also be spelt with multiple characters, so finding a singular meaning for this name doesn't apply. On a related note, thirteen children were given the name Moon last year.

António Guterres (2017-present)
Starting next year, the United Nations will have a new leader - António Guterres, a Portuguese diplomat. This name is not strange to Americans: Anthony currently ranks at #25, Antonio at #152, Tony at #504, Anton at #960, and Antoine at #1000. Though the meaning of the origin is unknown, this name was popularized by Christians after Saint Anthony.

Tell me your thoughts in the comments!

Unusual Names from the Lost Generation - Fitzgerald and Hemingway

Hello, readers!

The "lost generation" was a term coined by Gertrude Stein in describing the generation of men and women who had survived World War I, coming of age then and in the subsequent Jazz Age. Referring to the sense of wandering and melancholy that plagued many during the era - especially the expatriates - this term now often applies to artists of the time.

In their books, F. Scott Fitzgerald and Ernest Hemingway included a variety of characters who personified the period in different ways. Here are some of the names of those "lost" souls who have influenced American literature today.

Ernest Hemingway, his wife Hadley Richardson, and friends in Pamplona, Spain, 1925

Hemingway's names: 

Hadley

Not a name he picked, but this name was a unique choice for women of the era - the name had been used rarely for boys, and wasn't even recorded for girls until 1964. Her birth name was Elizabeth Hadley Richardson, Hadley being a family name. In 1998, this pretty English choice began its ascent up the top 1000, and now ranks at #102. It means "heather field."

Brett

Another name more often associated with men, the female protagonist of The Sun Also Rises is named Lady Brett Ashley. Her name identifies her as "one of the boys," and she's very much an equal in their social group (unusual for 1926). Now that Brett is on the decline for boys, the girls could make a claim for it - it's not too far off from Brynn or Kate, either. 

Ettore
Though he's a minor character in A Farewell to Arms, Ettore Moretti has an unusual name for an American - hence the addition to this list. Ettore is the Italian variant of Hector, and it means "holding fast." It currently ranks at #64 in Italy, but is incredibly rare in the United States. Ettore would be an attractive and uncommon alternative to names like Giovanni or Leonardo.

Pilar
A beautiful Spanish choice that's never ranked in the US top 1000, Pilar can be found in literature, religious texts, and films. It comes from the word for "pillar," referring to a moment when the Virgin Mary appeared on a pillar in Spain. The character in the novel is known for her strength and compassion - not a bad namesake for any little one.

Anselmo
Often linked to the eponymous saint, Anselmo is a rare but long-standing choice for speakers of Italian, Spanish, and Portuguese. It means "divine protection," and has two very cute short forms: Ansel and Elmo. With it's soft sound and o-ending, this name could fit in nicely with today's trends.

Fitzgerald's names:

Zelda
Like Hadley, this woman has been referenced in history as the wife of a great author - but she herself was a great writer and artist (check out Save Me a Waltz). Zelda recently jumped onto the top 1000, as feminine vintage names become more and more popular. Will Zelda shoot to the top 100 or maintain a low profile? Only time will tell.

Amory
An incredibly romantic name, Amory Blaine makes it clear that the protagonist of This Side of Paradise is ruled by passion. Though the name has been growing in use in recent years, it's still a unique choice. But it's closeness to Avery and Emory make it more than viable for today's youth. The etymology is unclear, but Amory is related to either "beloved" or "industrious."

Jordan
Another name signifying that this woman is on par with the men in the novel, Jordan Baker is a minor female character in The Great Gatsby. She was named for two contemporary car companies, representing her modern personality. Though Jordan has always been more popular for boys, both genders have the name on a decline since their heyday in the 1990's and 2000's.

Collis
A variation of an English name meaning "coal miner," Collis fits right in with Colin or Silas. The character in Tender is the Night doesn't stick around for too long, and Collis itself has been on the decline for awhile. Still, it's an uncommon option that isn't too far from the trends.

Names I've missed? Tell me in the comments!

Emily Dickinson Names

Hello, readers!

I just finished reading a fantastic biography of Emily Dickinson, one of my favorite poets. The book is My Wars Are Laid Away in Books: The Life of Emily Dickinson, by Alfred Habegger. Though it's quite a long read at 800 pages (which includes notes, appendices, etc), I highly recommend it. It's got every detail related to Dickinson's life, as well as substantial comparisons to other Dickinson biographies. The other great thing about it - there were a lot of amazing names!

Image via Wikimedia Commons

Early nineteenth-century New England was full of all kinds of names - rare Biblical, virtuous Puritan, classic English. As I was reading, I kept a list of all of the great names I came across; some are friends and family of Dickinson, some are other figures around her life and time. There may be a few fictional - character names were excellent in 1800's novels! A few have notes attached if I felt the name was super rare or unique, or had cool data.

Let's begin!

Asahel Nettleton - Asahel means "created by God"

Osmyn Baker

Theophilus Packard

Betsey Fay Norcross

Claudius Herrick

Jemima Montague

Zebina Montague - Very little data available

Perley Gunn

Thankful Dickinson - One of the most common Puritan virtue names in the seventeenth century

Kingsley Underwood

Seneca Holland

Appleton Dickinson

Lucretia Dickinson

Gertrude Graves

Sabra Howe - Sabra means "prickly pear"

Orril Munn

Erasmus Norcross

Lamira Jones

Eudocia Carter Converse

Theodora Ward

Abiah Root - Abiah means "God is my father" - this could be a nice alternative to Abigail

Almira Hart Lincoln Phelps

Samuel Learned

Brainard Harrington - Brainard means "courageous raven"... not highly recommended, though

Edward Payson Crowell

John Long Graves

Elbridge Gridley Bowdoin

George Frisbie Whicher

Hiram Adolphus Hawkins

Phydelia Kellogg - Possibly means "faithful," though it's rarely been recorded

Fanny Boltwood

Abby Sweetser

Ebenezer Snell

Eliel Gilbert

Sophia Van Vranken

Phinehas Cooke

Rufus Choate

Ithamar Conkey - Incredibly rare Biblical name, one of the sons of Aaron

Eudocia Flynt

Fidelia Hayward Cooke

Frazar Stearns

Régis Gignoux

Cerinthia Inghram - Very little data available

Orvis F Bigelow

Ellery Strickland

Mariette Jameson

First Names of the First Ladies #3

Hello, readers!

On to Part 3! Today's list includes current First Lady Michelle LaVaughn Robinson Obama, whose middle name comes from her grandmother. I haven't been able to find out what inspired her first name, other than its popularity - it was #23 the year she was born. That's like Zoey today!

If you haven't read parts one and two of this week's series, check them out here:

First Names of the First Ladies #1

First Names of the First Ladies #2

Let's begin!

Louisa (Adams)

After a 35-year absence, Louisa jumped back on the top 1000 in 2014. Why the comeback? Louisa has that lovely combination of vintage style, literary credibility, and strength in sound - even the meaning is "renowned warrior". Louisa also lends itself to nicknames Lulu or Louie, since Steel Magnolia's "Ouiser" is a little out of the question. 

Lucretia (Garfield) 

The most famous namesake is probably Lucrezia Borgia, whose reputation as a femme fatale has been called into question recently. Still, the name has an air of Machiavellian intrigue to it; it helps that the name most likely comes from Latin for "wealth". There are a few Lucrezia's born each year, but Lucretia hasn't returned on the heels of Renaissance recreations. 

Lucy (Hayes)

The slightly-less-popular antiquated alternative to Lily, Lucy has been revived in recent years because of its adorable aura. Dozens of Lucy's, factual and fictional, pepper historical records. There are songs and television shows and comics about Lucy - beware of name fatigue! However, Lucy is a definite classic, and won't be out-of-date for a very long time. 

Mamie (Eisenhower)

Originally a short form of Mary, Mamie joins sisters Sadie and Maisie in the category of "Cute, Friendly, and Retro". Only 22 little girls were named Mamie last year, so it's far from trendy, but it maintains familiarity and accessibility. Mamie could be an excellent unexpected honorific, too! Fun fact: Mamie Eisenhower had the middle name Geneva. 

Margaret (Taylor, Wilson)

Like Elizabeth and Mary, Margaret is a top-tier timeless English name. The name means "pearl" or "daisy", and has dozens of international variants - Margarita, Margot, Marguerite. Margaret is also notorious for its nickname options: Peggy, Maggie, Mae, Rita, Greta, and Daisy. If you're looking for a beautiful but flexible feminine name, Margaret is fabulous. 

Martha (Washington, Jefferson)

While it ranked in the top 100 until 1965, Martha has been on the decline for awhile. Does that mean it's dated or ready for revival? Positives - the pretty vintage sound, the many namesakes, and its relative lack of use. Negatives - for some, Martha Stewart owns the name, and it's not far from less popular retro names like Bertha or Maureen. 

Mary (Lincoln, McElroy, McKee)

The number one girls' name for hundreds of years, Mary was the unparalleled choice for English speakers (especially those who were/are Christian). These days, however, Mary is almost unique among little girls - even though it's at #124 in the top 1000, many go by their middle names. Still, it's well-established and well-worn by hundreds of inspiring women. 

Michelle (Obama)

A go-to seventies name, along with Jennifer and Melissa, Michelle is the feminine variation of boys' classic Michael. It's French sound and delightful affability made for a popular pick, but alternate variation Michaela (and its many spellings) have won out in recent years. For a rarer choice, check out other Michael-related options: Mischa, Mika, or Mickey. 

Nancy (Reagan)

"No angel could replace / Nancy with the laughing face" sang Frank Sinatra in 1944. Indeed, Nancy was irreplaceable for the 1930's through the 1960's. But Nancy is now the lowest it's been on name charts, with little sign of resurgence in the US. In the UK, however, Nancy is at #90, with Brits loving the cute, old-fashioned nickname for Ann. 

Priscilla (Tyler)

What I would argue to be the most frilly name in the Bible, Priscilla has been in use for centuries. It means "ancient", fittingly, and there are tons of namesakes who've donned it with pride: Priscilla Presley, Priscilla Tolkein (yes, that Tolkein), and Priscilla Chan, to name a few. The nickname Cilla is preferable to "Miss Priss", in my opinion, but to each their own!

Rose (Cleveland)

Floral and feminine, classic and cultured, elegant and enduring - Rose has championed the flower names for years. While Lily and Violet win out these days, Rose is perfect for any age in any era. International variations and pet names abound, but the original is lovely. "A rose by any other name" might not smell as sweet as this choice!

Sarah (Jackson, Polk)
According to the Old Testament, God changed Sarai's name to Sarah, and a womanly standard was born. Sarah, meaning "princess", has never dipped below #120 on the top 1000. It's pretty and polished, but might be too commonplace for some name aficionados. Variations include Zara, Sallie, Tzeitel (of Fiddler on the Roof fame), and Sarita.

Thelma (Nixon)
The origins of this name are murky, but it became popular in the late nineteenth century after it was used for the heroine of a British novel. Thelma today is associated with the decades of the 1910's through the 1930's - retro but still a little too close. While many know the name as Geena Davis' character in Thelma and Louise, it may be too early to tell if this name could have a comeback.

Phew! Tell me what you think of this series in the comments :)

First Names of the First Ladies #2

Hello, readers!

Today's post is Part 2 of yesterday's post - First Names of the First Ladies #1. Check out the first post if you haven't yet, and tune in for the third and final post tomorrow!

The above photo includes First Ladies (from left to right) Nancy Reagan, Lady Bird Johnson, Hillary Clinton, Rosalynn Carter, Betty Ford, and Barbara Bush, taken in May of 1994. 

Let's begin!

Florence (Harding)

This lovely name is on the rise again, and I predict it will break into the top 1000 next year (bets, anyone?) Florence means "blooming" or "prosperous", and it quite fits in with the retro trends - Daisy, Beatrice, and Dorothy, for example. While it is rather flowery and feminine, it still holds an air of elegance and strength - perfect for any little girl. 

Frances (Cleveland)

Once old-fashioned, Frances has managed to rise quickly thanks to more than a few celebrity babies. More stylish than Francesca but not as dowdy as Fran, Frances walks the middle ground with grace and poise. The nickname Frankie is also uber-cute and tomboyish. There are millions of historical namesakes, so just pick your favorite!

Grace (Coolidge)

A beautiful virtue name without impossibly high standards - Chastity, Prudence, Modesty - the name Grace has always been an American favorite. It's simple enough for complicated middle or last names, but doesn't lack anything in having only one syllable. Grace is short and sweet, and will probably be used for my future kid(s) - my middle name is Grace. 

Harriet (Lane)

Classic and abundantly literary, Harriet hasn't made the top 1000 in awhile; it's been surpassed by its nickname, Hattie. But Harriet is a force to be reckoned with - namesakes Stowe and Tubman give it a courageous history, the meaning of "estate ruler" grounds it in power, and its sound is ladylike but determined. Pretty soon, we'll all spy Harriet on our lists. 

Helen (Taft)

While I reviewed English variation Ellen yesterday, Helen is closer to the original Greek. The daughter of Leda and Zeus, Helen of Troy is known as the most beautiful woman of her time. Today, Helen is on the decline, but it's by no means dated or fusty. Names Helena, Nellie, Leni and Olena are among the many versions of this established choice. 

Hillary (Clinton)

She really needs no introduction - if you haven't heard, she's running for president - and she may be the most famous Hillary in history! The name began to decline when it was associated with her as the First Lady in the 1990's, but its meaning of "cheerful" and upbeat sound are still nice to consider. I do warn against choosing this name, at least until there are a few more namesakes attached to it. 

Ida (McKinley)

With names like Ava and Ada sweeping through birth announcements, Ida would fit right in! It means "hardworking" and has a kind of vintage tenacity about it. Ida is simple and easy to pronounce, and it is currently rather popular in Scandinavian countries. Namesake Ida Lupino was an early director in Hollywood at a time when women were even less accepted as bosses - girl power!

Jacqueline (Kennedy)

It jumped almost 70 places in the first two years of the Kennedy administration - needless to say, Jackie Kennedy had a major impact. Jacqueline only recently left the top 200, and might still be too popular for some namers to choose. However, Jacqueline is a distant female form of James, and could be used as a familial honorific. 

Jane (Pierce)

With over 1100 little Jane's born last year, its no surprise that this once plain name has totally reworked its image. Jane, like Jean and Joan, is a feminine variation of John, but somehow surpasses the other three names in grace and fortitude. Jane Austen is one literary example, but Jane abounds in all aspects of popular culture. 

Julia (Tyler, Grant)

It's only recently traded popularity with sister Julie, but Julia has a long history of loveliness. Ancient Rome was full of powerful Julia's, Julia's are plentiful in athletics and theater, and even the Beatles wrote an ode to one (John Lennon's mother, Julia Lennon). It means "youthful", and will age well with the wearer. 

Laura (Bush)

A solid, upstanding, womanly name, Laura only recently began to fall out of favor - don't worry, it's still in the top 400. Another name found in all contexts, Laura comes from the Latin for "bay laurel". It's been in use since at least the ninth century, though I'd imagine many young female Americans were introduced to the name via Laura Ingalls Wilder. 

Letitia (Tyler)

I was very surprised to find Letitia on this list - it's so much more ornate than many of the subdued classics here! It means "happiness", and offers cute nicknames Lettie and Tish. The original, even more decorated form is Laetitia, and Lettice was used occasionally in England (though the whole vegetable connection is a bit too close for comfort). 

Lou (Hoover)

What luck! I completed a whole post on Lou last week - check it out here!

Tune in tomorrow for the final post on this topic!

First Names of the First Ladies #1

Greetings, readers!

Today's post is the beginning of a three-parter, inspired by an article I read last week - Do First Ladies Influence the Popularity of Baby Names? The answer is, incidentally, a little bit: names tend downward in the years after an American First Lady enters the public sphere, but they were going to trend downward anyway because of generational differences. In any event, their first names are no less interesting!

Because of the overlap in names, I'll be listing the first names in alphabetical, not chronological, order. Some presidents had multiple First Lady counterparts, too! If you're interested in their respective husbands, check out my past post on presidential last names: Throwback Thursday: Presidential Names #1. 

Let's begin!

Abigail (Adams, Fillmore)

This lovely classic needs no introduction - it's in the top ten in the US and the top 100 everywhere else! (English-speaking countries, of course). It's got nice nicknames, an abundance of namesakes, and an elegant sound. It's only drawback is its popularity! Still, this name could make it all the way to #1, next to Charlotte or Amelia - only time will tell. 

Angelica (Van Buren)

While it hasn't reached the popularity of sister names Angela and Angelina, I think Angelica might be rising sooner than later. The fantastic character of Angelica Schuyler in Hamilton is one reason, with the other being that Rugrats has been off the air for quite a few years now... (can you tell I'm a Millennial?) Angelica is currently at #425, and has ranked in the US since 1959. 

Anna (Harrison)

A personal favorite (my mom's name is Nancy, so I tend towards the Ann names), Anna is the leading member of its family - save for the Hebrew original, Hannah. It means "grace", and it more than embodies its meaning with a melodic sound, simple structure, and historical usage. There are dozens of less popular variations with excellent qualities, too!

Barbara (Bush)

Another classic, but the prevailing opinion among name experts is that it's still too soon for the name to come back into fashion (I happen to agree). It still has a housecoat on, in my view. If you're looking for a way to honor a familial Barbara, try these on: Varvara or Varya, the Russian variants; Babette, a French diminutive; Elodie or Xenia, which include Barbara's origin meaning, "foreign". 

Caroline (Harrison)

We've got songs about its sweetness and a bunch of presidential street cred. Caroline currently ranks higher than both Carolina and Carolyn, and manages to stay timeless unlike decade-oriented Carol or Carly. It's a fabulous name that can be personalized with a million pet names: Carrie, Cara, Carla, Callie, Lina, you name it!

Claudia (Johnson)

While the First Lady was better known as "Lady Bird", her actual prénom was the strong and feminine Claudia. As a fan of meanings, I was disappointed to find out the name means "crippled", but it might work for an uncommon type! Other finds - Gladys is a version of this name, and variants Claudina or Claudette might help the name express more individuality. 

Dolley (Madison)

With Molly and Holly so widely used, it is unfortunate that similar Dolley has been tainted by the musical (and references to toys). It's a short form of Dorothy or Dolores, both of which look better on paper, admittedly, but it's so spunky and retro that I find myself liking it more and more. The extra E in the middle relates it directly to Mrs. Madison, too!

Edith (Roosevelt, Wilson)

Riding the wave of the vintage trend, Edith has been jumping up the top 1000 list since 2009. It's sturdy but stately, retro but refined, unmistakable but unpopular (all right, I'll stop). Edith could honor an Ed (-ward, -win, or -gar) in your family, or stand on its own as a substantial pick. Diminutives Eddie or Edie are also cute on a little girl. 

Eleanor (Roosevelt, Carter)

Along with a few names listed below (and some not on this list), Eleanor is one of the names in the top 100 with the trendy Ellie nickname. If you want to choose this beautiful, independent-woman name, I recommend trying a different short form, like Nora or Leni. Eleanor has been my favorite for awhile, and I still haven't given up on it yet!

Elizabeth (Monroe, Truman, Ford) and Eliza (Johnson)

While I briefly considered giving Eliza its own entry, it really is too closely linked to its originator. Elizabeth, the era-less epitome of feminine names, is currently at #13. It manages to age with its wearer while not leaning too old or young, and offers a ton of nicknames and variations to help it achieve a sense of uniqueness. Eliza, one of those short forms, is upbeat and passionate, a lovely choice. This name will never go out of style. 

Ellen (Wilson)

It's been on the decline for awhile, but it's certainly not out of the realm of possibility. Ellen is the English form of Helen, and ranks a bit higher overseas. There are quite a few namesakes in the past and present to draw inspiration from - Ellen Degeneres, Ellen Page, Ellen Pompeo - as well as fictional idols, too!

Emily (Donelson)

As a lifelong bearer of the name, I highly recommend it. Yes, it was the top girls' name for about 20 years, and yes, you probably know about ten Emily's other than me. But it's so feminine, pretty, and friendly! (Not-so-subtle nudging to name your kid after me, friends who are reading this!)

Sidenote: I am realizing just now that my preferred name aesthetic for girls appears to be First Lady first names. More on this story as it develops. 

Tune in tomorrow for Part 2!

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!

Artist Names: Dutch Golden Age

Hallo, lezers!

Today's post is another installment in Artist Names, this time focusing on the Dutch Golden Age! In the seventeenth century, the Dutch Republic (now more or less the Netherlands) had entered a time of prosperity, leading to increases in cultural wealth. Artists and artisans flourished during this time, and some of the most iconic paintings were created during this century.

Again, there are a lot of old white men listed, and one white woman. Tell me what other eras, places, and people you'd like me to focus on for this series!

Pieter Claesz
A painter of still lifes, Pieter Claesz focused on portrayed light and texture in the most realistic way possible. Reflections and symbols are also a large part of his work - he followed the ideals of the Vanitas movement, which sought to remind the wealthy Dutch people that material prosperity could not compare to spiritual riches. The name Pieter is the Dutch form of Peter, from the Greek meaning "rock". Pieter is in the top 100 names in the Netherlands, and could be a cool ancestral honorific. Otherwise, the spelling might confuse native English speakers.

Aelbert Jacobsz Cuyp
Coming from a family of artists, Aelbert Cuyp was a leading painter in Dutch landscapes. He also focused on illustrating light, but sought to portray natural exterior light rather than interior light. Interestingly, his involvement with the Calvinist Church seems to have halted his career: the superficiality of art was not a spiritual ideal. Aelbert and Jacobsz are the Dutch cognates of Albert and Jacob. Jacob is obviously popular in the US, but Albert has also been trending up recently due to the retro trends and its many namesakes!

Carel Pietersz Fabritius
A pupil of Rembrandt, Carel Fabritius developed a lighter, more unique style than many of his colleagues before his untimely death in a neighborhood explosion. Only a handful of his paintings survived. One such painting (The Goldfinch, above) gained publicity recently when a fictional book about the painting topped the bestseller list in 2013 (it's excellent and I highly recommend it). The name Carel is a variation of Charles, and sounds a bit like the feminine Carol. However, I think Carel, nickname Cary, could be a nice alternative to Cory or Charlie!

Judith Jans Leyster
One of the few notable female names that survived history, Judith Leyster was known for her upbeat portrait paintings. Her work was ascribed to male artist Frans Hals for years until proven hers. She was greatly involved in the artist community during her life, and collaborated with many. The name Judith, after declining for decades, has recently begun to rise again. The name means "woman from Judea", and is mentioned in the Bible and Torah. The nickname Jude is a nice upgrade from dated Judy, and could be perfect for a strong little one!

Rembrandt van Rijn
Arguably the most important artist in Dutch history, Rembrandt van Rijn is well-known today for his paintings and etchings. Rembrandt himself identified his goal to produce "the greatest and most natural movement" on canvas, and his many landscapes, portraits, and etchings show his desire for naturalism. While the name Rembrandt is pretty much only associated with the artist, there were 5 Rembrandt's born in the US in 2011, and 10 born in 2013. I think the name would make an excellent middle name - as a first it would be heck to live up to!

Johannes Vermeer
Famous for Girl with a Pearl Earring, Johannes Vermeer was not much of a success during his lifetime. He made few paintings and little money - only recently has much of his life and work come to light. Vermeer focused on domestic interior scenes, which makes sense, being that he had an extensive family - his ten children were named Maertge, Elisabeth, Cornelia, Aleydis, Beatrix, Johannes, Gertruyd, Franciscus, Catharina, and Ignatius. The name Johannes lives on in the US through John, and I personally think the names of his children are more unusual and interesting!

Tell me your favorite names in the comments!

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 Series - American Given Names, H, I + J

Hello, readers,

We'll continue today with my series on George R Stewart's American Given Names. Let me know which ones you like in the comments!

Also, I'm collecting the best books on names! Tell me in the comments or message me through my blog what your favorite name books are - this could be baby name anthologies, histories about certain names, or books with names as a major plot point, like The Importance of Being Earnest. I'm eager to hear what you like!

Habakkuk - "embracing"

Haggai - "festive"

Hale - "someone who lives in a hollow"

Hezekiah - "God gives strength"

Hopestill - word name

Hopefor - word name

Increase - word name

Ione - "violet flower"

Issachar - "hireling"

Jaazaniah - "May God hear"

Jabez - "borne in pain"

Jael - "mountain goat"

Jair/Jairus - "he shines"

Jehiel - "God lives"

Jehu - "God is he"

Jephthah - "he opens"

Jeroboam - "let the people increase"

Jotham - "God is perfect"

Juba - "born on a Monday"

Juniata - name of a Pennsylvania river, "standing stone"

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, E, F + G

Hello, readers!

The American Given Names series continues! Since my own first initial is represented today, I'll share a quote from the book about Emily:

          "... the use of Emily primarily sprang from literary sources (Boccaccio, Chaucer)... It is also highly euphonic, and thus is suitable for poetry..."

Not a bad description! I'm using "euphonic" as a self-descriptor from now on ;)

Eleazar - "God is help"

Eliab - "God is father"

Eliakim - "God establishes"

Elihu - "Jehovah is God"

Eliphalet - "God helps to escape"

Elkanah - "God possesses"

Elma - diminutive of various names

Elnathan - "God-given"

Ermentrude - "whole strength"

Ethelbert - "noble-bright"

Evadne - "pleasing one"

Experience - virtue name

Fear - virtue name, from "fear of God"

Gad - "fortune"

Gamaliel - "recompense is God"

Gerda - "stronghold"

Gershom - "stranger"

A few of these sound like modern mash-up names - Elnathan? Eliab? Evadne? But their history gives them more credibility and strength.

Artist Names: Post-Impressionists

Salut, mes lecteurs!

Allow me once again to indulge myself in the names of (primarily European) artists! If you're interested in more of the series, check out Impressionist Names and Italian Renaissance Names.

Today we'll be looking at the Post-Impressionists!

This style emerged as a reaction to Impressionism - while the Impressionists pioneered "natural" light and painting from life, the Post-Impressionists chose to pursue "art for art's sake" and experiment with color, painting styles, abstraction, and distortion. Disclaimer - a lot of my personal favorite artists are in this category, so be ready for some overexcited adulation.

Paul Cézanne
Considered the link between the Impressionists and Post-Impressionists, Paul Cézanne was incredibly influential to later artists and was arguably the father of Cubism. His paintings play with form and perspective, distorting their subjects in the name of visibility. As for his name - Paul is a common, established English choice already. Cézanne, on the other hand, is a hardly-used possibility; the two-syllable sound and -an ending make it accessible, but it's less pretentious than Picasso or Matisse. The last time it was recorded by the SSA was in 2000 - 7 girls were named Cézanne that year.

Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec (Henri Marie Raymond de Toulouse-Lautrec-Monfa)
One of my absolute favorite artists, Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec made a name for himself by painting the beautiful underworld of Paris' Montmartre neighborhood. Prostitutes, dancers, famous Parisians and other artists provided the content for his work, and his posters for the Moulin Rouge are still popular today. While the equivalent Henry is well-known and in wide use, I think Toulouse has the ability to enter the name scene - it's also an underused place name.

Vincent van Gogh (Vincent Willem van Gogh)
Possibly the most famous artist on this list, Vincent van Gogh's tragic life and numerous works of art have made their way through the zeitgeist tenfold. Who hasn't seen a print of Starry Night, or Sunflowers, or his self-portraits? (With and without his ear). The name Vincent has stayed strong at the bottom of the top 100 for over 100 years - it means "conquering". Trivia - his siblings were Theo, Cornelis, Anna, Elisabeth, and Willemina.

Henri Rousseau (Henri Julien Félix Rousseau)
While he is well-known for his intricate and colorful jungle paintings, Henri Rousseau never actually visited a jungle. His legacy as an influence on avant-garde artists is still felt today - his art inspired the animation style of the children's film, Madagascar. I think his middle names hold the most promise for use today - Julian (English spelling) is at #47 and Felix is at #267 in the US. The names mean "youthful" and "fortunate", respectively.

Paul Gauguin (Eugène Henri Paul Gauguin)
Another Post-impressionist artist whose work with color is popular today, Paul Gauguin is also known for his Tahitian paintings. He is one of the fathers of Symbolism and Primitivism in art, which is controversial, but still influential. For the life of me, I can't recommend Eugene or Gauguin as names, so let me include the names of his family members: wife, Mette-Sophie, and children Émile, Aline, Clovis, Jean René, and Paul Rollon.

Georges-Pierre Seurat
The artist of the painting at the top of the post, Georges Seurat was a pioneer in pointillism - painting small dots of color next to one another to achieve a larger effect. While he only lived to 31, the paintings created during his life were influential for later artists interested in color, mathematical painting, and chromoluminarism. His last name, Seurat, isn't too far off from top 1000 favorites Montserrat and Monserrat - a definite possibility.

Which names are your favorites? Is there another artistic era you'd like me to focus on? Tell me in the comments!

Throwback Thursday Series - American Given Names, B, C + D

Hello, readers!

This is a continuation of study into George R. Stewart's American Given Names book - check out last week's post on the letter A for more: American Given Names, A

Barachiah - "blessed of God"

Barzillai - "strong"

Bathshua - "daughter of prosperity"

Benoni - "son of my sorrow"

Bethia - "daughter of God"

Bezaleel - "God is my protection"

Bezer - meaning unknown

Cadmus - "easterner"

Cato - "wise"

Cephas - "rock"

Cof/Cuff - "born on Friday"

Corinna - "maiden"

Datus - "given"

Deliverance - virtue name

Drusilla - "fruitful"

Dugald/Dougal - "dark stranger"

Dulcie - "sweet"

Tune in next week for more names!

Pearl Harbor Day

"... a date which will live in infamy..."

Today we remember fallen soldiers and veterans, especially those of World War II. May the futures of every nation be more and more peaceful.

Since my name posts focus more on the positive side, I'll be looking at "pearl"-related names today! All these names mean "pearl", and most come from the same original source (Margaret). 

Pearl

After more than twenty years off the top 1000, Pearl jumped back on in 2010 and has been steadily rising - it's currently at #628. It's adorable, retro, and classic all at once, which would explain it's even higher popularity in the UK. The single-syllable sound also makes for a great middle name. Check out my past post on gemstone names for other sparkly options!

Margaret

An English classic that's never left the top 200, Margaret is a beautiful, elegant option - and would probably honor at least one family member. It has infinite nickname possibilities - Maggie, Molly, Peggy, and more - that could add an element of uniqueness. Below, I've listed a few variations and diminutives if you're looking for something edgier. 

Marguerite

My favorite on the list, Marguerite is feminine and uber-French. It hasn't made the top 1000 in over 40 years, so it will definitely be on the unique side. There are plenty of namesakes as well - writer Marguerite Duras, poet Maya Angelou, and many international actresses. 

Gretchen

Popular from the 1960's to the 1980's, Gretchen has since left the top 1000 entirely. But the cute "-chen" ending and less-used first initial could make it a solid contender for sound. There are also a number of fictional Gretchen's, on TV and in the movies, if you'd like to slyly honor a character.

Maisie

This name jumped on the list this year, despite almost no historical popularity - but UK namers have already put it into their top 50! Game of Thrones actress Maisie Williams helped increase its visibility, and the similar sound to favorite Daisy cinches the draw. Beware though - this jump in popularity will increase exponentially for awhile!

Megan

One of the most popular names of the 1980's and 1990's, Megan is now on its way down. It's originally a Welsh diminutive of Margaret, so if you'd like to honor a Megan (I'm sure you know at least one) check out some of the other Margaret diminutives. 

Margo

Also spelled Margot (slightly more popular), this nickname-name has a spunky, tomboyish feel. The o-ending adds pizzazz, and helps the pronunciation a bit. Margo was also featured in the animated movie Despicable Me, which adds some kid cred. 

Sania

The only name on this list with Hindi origins, Sania is a beautiful alternative to Sonya or Tanya. While it's never made the top 1000, Sania has been recorded every year since 1987 by the SSA - 46 babies were named Sania last year.

Let me know your favorite pearl names 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.