Famous First-Wave Feminists

Hello, readers!

While brainstorming for today's post, I found that today, January 9th, is the birthday of two major feminists - Carrie Chapman Catt of the first wave, and Simone de Beauvoir of the second wave. (It's also Joan Baez's birthday, though she's had a more conflicted relationship with the movement). Though it would be impossible to list every woman who's contributed to the fight for women's rights all over the world, I'll be periodically posting lists on some of the "bigger" names.

Please send me suggestions in the comments! Which feminists, living and dead, inspire you?

Ida B. Wells

I'll be looking at first-wave feminists today; Simone de Beauvoir will be studied in a later post

American Women's Rights Activists

Carrie Chapman Catt

One of the crusaders whose work led to the Nineteenth Amendment, granting women suffrage in the United States, Carrie Chapman Catt also founded the League of Women Voters and the International Alliance of Women. Despite these progressive activities, Catt also appealed to white supremacist notions in her campaigns. The name Carrie, popular in the late nineteenth century and mid-twentieth century, is now relatively rare. 

Elizabeth Cady Stanton

Though she didn't live long enough to see suffrage enacted in her lifetime, Elizabeth Cady Stanton was a tireless crusader for the movement. However, she didn't support the Fourteenth and Fifteenth Amendments (granting rights to African-American men, including suffrage) on the grounds that women weren't included in the amendments. The name Elizabeth has long been an established classic, but the name Cady was given attention in 2003 as the main character's name in Mean Girls - a nod to this first-wave feminist, perhaps?

Susan B. Anthony

Like her partner in activism, Stanton, Susan B. Anthony worked long and hard for a movement she wasn't able to see to the end, and held her share of racially-insensitive views. Her legacy today is that of the "incomparable organizer," a true leader of a shifting and divided group of women. While Susan is another prominent women's name throughout English-speaking history, it's a bit dated today - Susanna and Lily are more contemporary options. 

Sojourner Truth (Isabella Baumfree)

Born a slave in New York, Sojourner Truth did not achieve freedom until her early 30's. She was the first black woman to win a case recovering her son from slavery in 1828. In addition to her activism in the abolitionist movement, Truth worked for the women's suffrage movement, becoming famous for her speech "Ain't I a Woman?" Though she herself chose the name Sojourner Truth in 1843, the name has since been used by many parents to honor such a remarkable woman. 

Ida B. Wells

One of the founders of the NAACP and a prominent author and activist, Ida B. Wells had a rich and multi-faceted career. She wrote about lynching as an investigative journalist, organized and marched in suffrage movement activities, and toured as a speaker in Europe. The name Ida, while currently off the top 1000, could move back onto the list with Ada and Isla getting popular. Another possibility - Wells wrote occasionally under the name Iola. 

International Women's Rights Activists

Táhirih (Fatima Baraghani)

An Iranian poet and religious leader, Táhirih ("the Pure One") was educated and outspoken in her beliefs. She is known as the "first woman suffrage martyr" in the Bahai faith, and attended the Conference of Badasht in 1848 (the same year as the Seneca Falls convention), shocking male attendees by unveiling herself and speaking on Islam. Tahirih has been recorded in the United States a handful of times since 1967, and Fatima has long been a popular choice in the Arabic community. 

Fredrika Bremer

A Swedish writer and feminist, Fredrika Bremer inspired countless other women in Sweden to join the fight for equality with the publication of her novel, Hertha. The book prompted legislation that led to legal rights for women, a women's university, and one of the first national women's magazines. While Fredrika may not mesh with modern trends, variants Frida or Frederica may work a bit better. 

Nicoline "Line" Luplau
A cofounder of the major women's suffrage group in Denmark, Line Luplau was also an activist for Socialism and class equality. A sweet, uncommon name in the US, Nicoline may unfortunately be mistaken for "nicotine." Nickname Line (or to use the same pronunciation, Lena) is pretty and timeless.

Haru "Raicho" Hiratsuka
Writer and activist Raicho Hiratsuka accomplished a great number of feats during her lifetime - she founded the first all-women Japanese literary magazine, led and won the fight to allow women in political participation, and championed pacifism during the Korean War. A unisex name in Japan, Haru has been used sporadically in the United States

Katherine "Kate" Sheppard
The most famous suffragette in New Zealand's history, Kate Sheppard's work helped many following suffrage movements across the globe. She was elected the National Council of Women's president in 1894, and continued to write on behalf of women's issues until the end of her life. After years of Caitlin's and Katherine's topping the charts, short and sharp Kate could rise up the ranks.

Wonderful W Names for Girls

Hello, readers!

Only 7 of the top 1000 names for girls start with the letter W - Wendy, Whitney, Willa, Willow, Winter, Wynter, and Wren. This uncommon initial deserves more love, especially since once-popular W names are beginning to sound fresh and usable again. Here are some wicked options from the annals of history!

Willie and Winnie
Adorable diminutives from many popular and uncommon picks, Willie and Winnie are more than able to stand on their own merits. Willie reached the height of #54 in 1909, and Winnie made it up to #162 in 1881. While longer forms are chosen more often, these nicknames have a vintage, feminine sound that work for all kinds of little girls.

Willoughby
Traditionally a surname or a male first name, Willoughby has been given to more than a few girls over the course of history. The name comes from Old English for "farm near the willows," and could work for parents who like Willow but are looking for something more substantial. Willoughby's melody and familiarity definitely lend it to modern trends!

Wonder
Given to seven girls last year, this pretty word name could fit in with Destiny or Hope as a contemporary virtue pick. It's been used as far back as 1952, but carries the same kind of sound as Harper and Amber. While it may raise some eyebrows, its concision and clarity make it a wondrous choice.

Wilhelmina
One feminine variant of William, Wilhelmina lives up to its associated meaning of "resolute protection." It's strong and steadfast, the kind of name for an exceptional little girl. Wilhelmina can be shortened into all kinds of friendly retro nicknames - Willie, Minnie, Elma - and it's a great, unexpected honorific for a William or Wilma.

Waverly
An historic, literary choice, Waverly has been used in novels from The Princess Bride to The Joy Luck Club. Television fans will recognize it from both Friday Night Lights and The Wizards of Waverly Place. But this English pick is more than just a cultural pick - Waverly is energetic and amicable, a worthy successor to Kimberly or Kennedy.

Willetta
Another turn-of-the-century pick, Willetta combines then-popular name prefixes and suffixes in a burst of vintage feeling. It's another name with a plethora of short forms - Etta and Lettie among them - but it's not so long it can't be used on its own.

Winona
This name is beginning to lose its celebrity associations and gain fans of its beautiful, elegant vibe. Winona means "firstborn daughter" in the Dakota language, and has never made it above #407 on the top 1000. Another name that can shorten to Winnie, Winona is a choice that will grow right alongside your little one.

Wallis
In 1936, then-king Edward VIII shocked the world when he abdicated his throne in order to marry American socialite Wallis Simpson. Herself named for her father, Wallis has since been portrayed in fiction and film (most recently in a production directed by Madonna). The name is boyish, but thanks to Simpson, it's assuredly accepted for girls today.

Winslow
This unisex choice hasn't yet ranked for boys or girls - time will tell which side will claim Winslow! It sounds a bit like Sloane or Winter, and it carries an artistic connotation (thanks to American artist Winslow Homer). Quite a few cities in the UK and the US are called Winslow, making this an unexpected place name pick as well.

Wisteria
A pretty purple vine, the flower that bears this name is also a symbol of devotion. Many will recognize Wisteria via the lane on Desperate Housewives, but this botanical choice has more to offer. It's similar in sound to Victoria or Esther, but Wisteria has only been used a handful of times in US name records.

Winifred
Once a frumpy, aged choice, Winifred has begun to blossom again. Its nickname Winnie is one reason, but Winifred has a tenacious, noble feeling thanks to a multitude of historical namesakes; from saints to actresses to activists, Winifred is a name borne by dozens of strong, notable women.

Wilder
Another choice that may hit the boys' list soon, Wilder is an attractive surname with a pleasant, adventurous sound. Beloved actor and comedian Gene Wilder passed away this past year, making the name more timely for devoted fans. Wilder also calls to mind author and educator, Laura Ingalls Wilder, of Little House on the Prairie fame.

Are there any particularly pretty W names that I missed? Tell me in the comments!

Names from Lord of the Rings

Hello, readers!

It's JRR Tolkein's 125th birthday today! This author of some of the most well-loved fantasy books has a legacy felt today, by readers, gamers, and filmgoers alike. In honor of this momentous literary occasion, I'll be looking at names found in Tolkein's popular series, The Hobbit and The Lord of the Rings. Note: though Tolkein made up hundreds of unique and ethereal names, I'll be looking specifically at those that have been written on real-life birth certificates.

Another note: Tolkein created a lot of names via the Welsh tradition, choosing prefixes and suffixes common in the language. However, that doesn't necessarily make the names "Welsh" - since most weren't recorded before the LOTR series was created. If you have any more information on Tolkein names or the Welsh tradition, tell me in the comments!

Gandalf
Yeah, I'm just as surprised as you are. In 1970, five baby boys were named Gandalf. Though the great wizard certainly has some positive qualities, being so highly regarded as a namesake is still fairly unexpected. Another possible influence may have been the album Gandalf, released in 1969 by an eponymous band.

Aragorn
Recorded first in 1970, then in 1982, then over a few years in the early 2000's, Aragorn has been given to at least thirty babies by now. It does fit with the ends-in-n trend for boys, and could be an uncommon route to the nickname Ari. Names with a similar sound but more accessible traits include Adrian, Ariel, or Orion.

Legolas
This elven hero was added to the annals of name history in 2003, but reappeared once more this past year. Its melody is like Nicholas (or even Enjolras, for another literary connection), but it comes with the kid-friendly nickname Lego. Legolas may be a name to watch, as parents draw from more and more unique ideas.

Samwise
With the popularity of the Hobbit and Lord of the Rings films, Samwise may soon join Samuel and Samson as an accepted way to the classic nickname Sam. The character - a devoted and courageous friend - also lends himself to the status of namesake. I haven't found the suffix of -wise in any other names, though Wise has been used sporadically as a name for boys since 1916.

Peregrin
An alternate spelling for the avian (and feminine?) Peregrine, Peregrin has been used for baby boys steadily since 2011. The mischievous and lovable character has the nickname Pippin, but Perry or Penn could work just as well. There's also a Saint Peregrin(e), a patron saint of chronic illness, and the first child born on the Mayflower was named Peregrine.

Bilbo
The nickname Bo is everywhere in today's boyish baby names; if Bodhi, Beauregard, or Boaz isn't your style, why not Bilbo? This could also be a way to honor a familial Bill or William, though it may take a bit of explaining. Bilbo Baggins is one example of a literary pilgrim - others include Christian and Christiana from The Pilgrim's Progress, and Wilfred of Ivanhoe from Ivanhoe.

Arwen
Given to 115 girls last year, Arwen may be the most popular name on this list! It's also been used overseas - it's ranked in the top 500 in France a few times already. Arwen's character was expanded on for the film series, and the portrayal by Liv Tyler certainly helped this pretty and polished name reach new heights.

Galadriel
A wise and elegant elf princess, Galadriel was portrayed by Cate Blanchett in the film series. The name feels like a fantastic alternative to Gabrielle or Giselle, and its length allows for a multitude of nicknames - Ellie, Lady, and Ria among them. According to a few online sources, Galadriel is Sindarin for "maiden crowned with a radiant garland" or "lady of the light."

Eowyn
Another choice that's getting popular with parents is Eowyn, an E name unlike any other. The character is a noblewoman famous for the "I am no man" quote (often seen online). Like Arwen, this name may rise with the newfound appreciation for Welsh-sounding names.

Thorin
Actually a name from Old Norse languages, Thorin comes from a word meaning "brave". The character, a dwarf leader (and eventual king) was highlighted in the Hobbit films and portrayed by Richard Armitage. If Thor is a bit too strong for you, Thorin may be a nice, nerdy compromise.

Names for a New Year

Hello, readers!

The concept of celebrating a "new year" varies greatly around the globe - the Chinese New Year is based on lunar cycles, the Jewish New Year is observed in the autumn, and the Thai New Year is celebrated from April 13-15. Still, it's nice to set aside time to reflect on the past year and make plans for the year ahead, no matter where you are. For babies born in January, choosing a name that reflects this celebration is one way to start the new year - and a new life - off right.

Image via Wikimedia

Baby "New" Year

Just hearing the word "new" calls to mind modernity and freshness - look at any advertisement with the word, and it's usually followed by an exclamation point! Including the word in a name is one immediate way to encapsulate this excitement; names include Newton, Newland, and Newman. Other names with the sound often include the Latin root novus, such as Nova, Novella, or Novak. 

If you're looking for less obvious choices, names that mean "new" or "fresh" are all over the map. Check out these names for ideas: Arata, Aviva, Naveen, Neo, Nouvel, Raanan, and Zelenka. Though they may take a bit more explaining in the United States, all are lovely choices worth the effort!

Father Time

Marking the passage of time is another way to bring the new year into naming. Choosing names like Winter, Day, Afternoon, Dawn, Evening, or January offers a clear connection to this theme; looking up names with those meanings is another, more subtle option. The Greek zodiac sign for December 22 - January 22 is Capricorn, which could add another element to the name search!

Another way to honor time is by looking at the past year. Are there family members, friends, or role models whose presence was particularly strong this year? Are there celebrities who passed away who made a special impact on your life or your family? Names of individuals in this category for 2016 could include Bowie, Prince, Fisher, Wilder, Cohen, and Harper. 

2017

And onto the year ahead! Though 2016 was almost too much too handle at times, it has made a lot of people optimistic and determined to create a better 2017. Let's look at names specific to THIS new year: 

• In the Chinese New Year, 2017 is the Year of the Rooster! Fowl names honoring this could include Gallus, Pavana, or Poe. 
• The first total solar eclipse of this century will take place in 2017 - names like Sunny, Elio, Apollonia, Ravi, and Soleil relate to the sun. 
• What are you looking forward to? Tell me in the comments!

I Miss Debbie Reynolds - Her Best Character Names

Hello, readers!

Because this sh*tstorm of a year isn't bad enough, within a day of losing Carrie Fisher, film audiences lost another icon - her mother, Debbie Reynolds. A talented actress and entertainer, Reynolds amazed many generations of filmgoers, from her roles in Singin' in the Rain to Charlotte's Web to Halloweentown. And of course, among these roles, we have some great names to consider!

Kathy Selden
Reynolds was only nineteen when she played Kathy Selden in the classic musical, Singin' in the Rain. The name Kathy reached its popularity peak only a few years after the film was released, rising to #14 in 1958. Today, long form Katherine is favored, with Katie and Kaylee among beloved variants.

Julie Gillis
In 1955, Debbie played Julie in The Tender Trap, another musical comedy - but this time, with Frank Sinatra! The name Julie rose over the following decades, but has been on the decline. If Julia and Juliana are too common for you, look at July or Julianne.

Polly Parish
The musical comedies continue - Bundle of Joy was filmed while Reynolds was pregnant with Fisher. The name Polly hasn't ranked on the top 1000 since 1977, despite it's similarities to Holly and Molly. This adorable retro nickname for Mary could definitely make a comeback!

Tammy
A mid-century choice, Debbie played the title character in the film Tammy and the Bachelor. Today, a familial Tammy may be better honored by Tamara, Tamsin, or Tamayo. The name Tammy comes from the Hebrew word for "date palm tree."

Lilith Prescott
The classic western film How the West Was Won brought us Debbie Reynolds as Lilith Prescott. Though Lily names are the current trend, Lilith only ranks at #588 - possibly due to its association with a demon in Jewish mythology.

Margaret "Molly" Brown
The Unsinkable Molly Brown brought Reynolds her only Oscar nomination for portraying a real-life survivor of the Titanic sinking. Though Molly has long been a nickname for Mary, it's also been used sporadically as a nickname for any M-name.

Charlotte
In 1973, Reynolds voiced the title character in Charlotte's Web, the animated film based on E.B. White's children's book. Charlotte is a literary favorite, appearing in all sorts of books dating from the nineteenth century forward. Today, Charlotte has settled into the top 10, and may rise to the top 5 soon - thanks to the little princess across the pond.

Agatha "Aggie" Cromwell
Everyone's favorite witchy grandmother, Debbie Reynolds joined the Disney Channel Original Movie family in 1998 with Halloweentown. Though Agatha has long been regarded as a less-than-attractive choice, it's getting more followers who love its offbeat yet feminine vibe.

Bobbi Adler
Portraying a semi-fictional version of herself, Debbie played Grace's mom Bobbi in Will & Grace over the span of a few seasons. Boyish classics like Billie and Bobbie (with the ending e) have been rediscovered for girls in the UK, but haven't quite yet reached the US.

Frances
One of her final film roles, Reynolds played Liberace's mother Frances in Behind the Candelabra. Frances is also her middle name (she was born Mary Frances Reynolds) and her daughter Carrie's middle name. This beautiful choice is rising quickly, thanks partially to the 100-year-rule.

Are there particularly beautiful names I missed? Debbie Reynolds had dozens of film roles not listed here. Tell me in the comments!

I Miss Carrie Fisher - Her Best Character Names

Hello, readers!

Sadly, this week we lost a great actress, writer, and activist - Carrie Frances Fisher. From her early iconic role as Princess Leia in Star Wars to her recent advocacy for mental health education, she's been a fantastic cultural figure and inspiration to women and girls everywhere. As a name nerd, I figure the best way that I can honor her is to make her the focus of a name article!

Carrie

Alright, so it's not a character name. Carrie was born to actors Eddie Fisher and Debbie Reynolds in 1956, at which time the name ranked #208. Carrie left the top 1000 in 2007, but could make a comeback, especially in the next year. 

Lorna

Her first movie role was Lorna, the daughter of two main characters in Shampoo. The name is a literary invention from the nineteenth century, and it ranked in the US throughout the twentieth century. Despite its similarities to Lauren and Laura, it never garnered similar popularity. 

Leia Organa

While audiences were introduced to this Star Wars name back in the 1970's, Leia's popularity only rocketed in the past decade. With names like Lily and Layla so enticing, Leia was bound to follow! The name is still rising and will probably get a boost in 2017, but it will take awhile to find out for sure.

Annie Clark

Carrie played Annie in Under the Rainbow, a 1981 comedy with Chevy Chase. While Annie ranked in the top 10 in the 1880's, it was surpassed by more formal names - and delegated to nickname status. Today, Annie is an adorable, retro choice - not unlike Carrie!

Paula 

Starring alongside Tom Hanks in the comedy-thriller The Man with One Red Shoe, her character name of Paula is a mid-century standard. While Paula may not be ready to return to birth certificates, similar-sounding Paulina, Paulette, and Paloma are cute options for baby girls today. 

April
Still in the top 500, April is a bright and friendly name perfect for springtime babies. The name comes from the Latin for "second," and counts sisters May and June as sweet, timely alternatives. Carrie Fisher played April in the Woody Allen classic, Hannah and Her Sisters.

Carol Peterson
Another comedy-thriller with Tom Hanks, The 'Burbs gives us Carrie Fisher as Carol Peterson. Carol is another mid-century name not yet ripe for revival - try Caroline, Charlotte, or Cora for a more contemporary take.

Marie
The quintessential French female name and a popular middle name for Americans, Marie is currently at one of its lowest points. Carrie played Marie in When Harry Met Sally (one of my favorite films), transforming from an insecure mistress into a strong and supportive wife and friend.

Angela 
Carrie voiced Angela in Family Guy over a ten-year span, proving her acting abilities extended into animated comedy. Angela is currently on it's way out after a long career in the spotlight, but longer variations Angelina and Angelica are still in use.

Rosemary Howard
Emmy-nominated for her guest role in 30 Rock, Carrie Fisher played comedy writer Rosemary Howard, Liz Lemon's hero. On the rise again, this botanical choice is at once vintage and vivacious, perfect for a modern girl. Rosemary also signifies remembrance - an excellent choice to remember an excellent woman.

What are your favorite Carrie Fisher roles? Any of these names on your list of favorites? Tell me 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!