Tag Archives: choosing baby names

Meanings of Names

07 Sunday Oct 2012

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There’s many different ways to choose baby names. Some people pick out a name they like, and perhaps quickly check to make sure it doesn’t mean something horrible, like “he who has the face of a deranged warthog”, or maybe not even care what it means. Others think of a meaning they would like to associate with their baby, and then hunt around for a name that fits that meaning.

These are all the web searches people used to get to the blog this year, looking for names with particular meanings. I don’t know if I’ve always come up with a name they wanted to know about, and I’m not even completely sure that I’m correct on each one, but I did my best.

NAMES WITH MEANINGS RELATED TO STARS

Boys name that means “star”

The English word Sterling, referring to sterling silver, is said to most likely mean “little star”, as some early Norman pennies were imprinted with a small star. The Old French word for the pennies is Esterlin. We also use the word sterling to mean “excellent, of high quality”, so you get another layer of meaning from it.

Latin boy’s name meaning “star”

The Latin for star is Astrum. Astro is a Latin prefix meaning “pertaining to the stars”, as in the word astronomy. I have seen this used as a name.

Swedish girl’s name that means “star”

Stjarna.

A boy’s name that means “bright star”

Nayyar is an Arabic boy’s name which is understood as meaning “bright star”. It also refers to the sun, which of course is our nearest, and thus brightest, star.

Male name meaning “bright star in the southern hemisphere”

There’s isn’t a star name which means that, but Sirius is the brightest star in the sky, and is visible in both hemispheres. However, Canopus, the second brightest, is more often connected with the southern hemisphere; it is always visible from some parts of Australia. It is occasionally called Soheil in English, and the Maori name for it is Atuatahi, meaning “stand alone”.

Spanish girls name that means “constellation”

I’m not sure there is one, but the Spanish for constellation is Constelación. I haven’t heard of it being used as a person’s name, but Constelacia might look a bit more name-like. I don’t speak Spanish, so apologies if this looks absurd to Hispanophones.

Boy name that means “many constellations”

The Japanese name Ikuto has this meaning, although I’ve only seen it used as a fictional surname.

A constellation name which means “small”

All the constellations have names which are nouns or “things”, not adjectives, so there isn’t one. A few have Minor as part of their name, to indicate they are the smaller of two eg Ursa Minor. The closest I could find was Equuleus, meaning “little horse, foal”.

Name meaning “starry sky”

In Japanese, Hoshizora means “starry sky”. It’s used as a surname in the Japanese anime Smile Pretty Cure!

Boys name that means “galaxy”

I have seen Galaxos as a character name in online games, and Galaxian would mean “of the galaxy” or “from the galaxy”.

NATURE NAMES

Boys name that means “beach”

Beach, Bay or Cove.

Names that mean “songbird”

Hebrew has both a male and female name with this meaning. Efrona for a girl (meaning “lark”), and Zalmir for a boy.

Flower name that means “peaceful”

There’s a native plant from Western Australia called the Gunniopsis pax – it’s a succulent, and it does have small flowers. There is also the Peace Lily, and the Peace Rose, and a type of guzmania (a bromeliad) called Pax. The White Poppy, the Lotus and the Daisy have all been used as symbols of peace.

Boy name meaning “otter”

In Japanese, Rakko means “sea otter”. That seemed to be the most usable word for otter in another language I could find.

POSITIVE MEANINGS

Indian boy’s name meaning “one who cannot be defeated”

It seems to be a popular meaning for boy’s names in India, for there are several. I managed to find Adityendra, Ajay, Ajeenkya, Ajeesh, Ajit, Aparajita, and Durjaya. Take your pick!

Viking name meaning “prince”

Balder is translated as meaning “lord, prince, king”, and it was used as an epithet for heroes. In Norse mythology, Balder was the son of Odin and Frigg.

Girl name that means “independence”

Liberty or Freedom.

Sanskrit girl’s name meaning “bright, happy”

Nandita.

Girl’s name that means “beautiful”

There’s a lot. A few you may not be familiar with are Mei (Chinese), Shayna (Yiddish) and Ziba (Persian).

Name that means “bewitching”

Mohana is an Indian unisex name which means “bewitching, infatuating, charming” in Sanskrit. It is used as an epithet of several gods and goddesses.

The word for “lovely” in some other language

Delightfully vague! I pick French – Jolie.

NEGATIVE MEANINGS

Baby name that means “spiteful”

I hope this is for a story and not a real baby! The German surname Sauer means “spiteful” (related to the word sour, acid), and it can be Anglicised as either of the unrelated names Sawyer or Sayer, so I guess those are possible options.

Hindi word for “proud”

Ooh there’s quite a few. Garvi, Garvit and Nidar look the most like names, to me.

DOESN’T EXIST

Name that means “daughter of a princess”

Hmm, seems a bit narcissistic as a baby name, somehow! Anyway, there’s no term for a princess’ daughter, and the daughter of a princess doesn’t necessarily have any special status – Princess Anne’s daughter Zara is just Mrs Tindall. I would choose a name that simply means “princess” or is royal-related. However, the Indonesian name Putri means both “daughter” and “princess”.

Norse name which means “female knight”

Vikings didn’t generally fight with a cavalry, and although there were some female warriors, it’s very unlikely they would have ridden horses, as this was usually reserved for leaders of a warband. It does make me think of the Valkyries, who were mythological women of the afterlife, always depicted on horseback. Valkyrie means “chooser of the slain”.

Norse name meaning “hunter”

There isn’t one. The Old Norse word for hunter is Veiðimaður, and some think this word is the basis of the English surname Waitman. This is occasionally used as a first name.

Name for a girl that means something

More specific, please!

NAMES FOR SPECIAL CIRCUMSTANCES

Name that means “perfect time”

I know it’s not quite right, but I keep thinking Serendipity. Also Season, because of the saying that “For everything there is a season, and a time for everything under heaven”. The Japanese girl’s name Aya means “design”, suggesting a planned pregnancy. Musical names like Rhythm or Cadence come to mind, as music must be perfectly timed. Ogechukwukama is an Igbo girl’s name meaning “God’s time is the best” – good for a surprise, but very welcome, baby.

Name that means “beating the odds”

Lucky or Chance.

Boy’s name that means “when two souls join”

I’d probably be thinking of names that mean “bliss, joy”. Anand is a Sanskrit name meaning “bliss”, while Anglo-Saxon has Wynn, meaning “joy, bliss”. The word Bliss itself can be used for both sexes. The Chinese unisex name Zheng or Zeng means “harmony, union”, which seems to describe the state of soul togetherness.

Zulu name for boys that gives hope for the future

Mduduzi is a Zulu boy’s name that means “bringer of hope”.

Boy’s name meaning “not meant to be”

Oh how sad, and what a sad meaning. I’m so sorry. I thought long and hard about this one, and it seems to me that the concept behind “meant to be” and “not meant to be” is the same, that is, some idea of Fate, Fortune or Destiny. We usually think of it as feminine (“Dame Fortune” etc), but the Ancient Egyptians had a god of fate, named Shai or Shay, meaning “that which is ordained”. I think that’s a nice name for a boy, and has the sense of the meaning you’re looking for.

(Picture shows the Milky Way above Lake Moogerah in south-east Queensland; photo from Perth Now)

Name Update: Master Angus Waltzes In!

02 Tuesday Oct 2012

Posted by in Name Updates

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Claire and Liam seemed as if they were running out of time to find a baby name, with two weeks to go, and no name agreed on. After their story was posted, the couple managed to choose a girl’s name quite easily, with either Tilda Eden or Mabel Eden decided upon. It was so easy that Claire was convinced the baby would be a boy, as they still hadn’t come up with any male names.

It turned out she was correct, as they welcomed their fourth child and third son on September 20, weighing a sturdy 4.1 kg (9lb 4oz). It took them a day and a half to think of a name for him, with their early choice Isaiah still a contender right up to the last minute. Liam suggested James, and Hunter was a genuine possibility, but in the end they chose

ANGU$ JERE*MY

baby brother to M@rty, J@sper and Be$$y.

Angus was the first name on Claire’s name list after Isaiah, and Liam and the children all liked it the best. Claire liked Angus because it sounds nice and strong, and easier to pronounce than Isaiah. The middle name is a family name. They’ve received very positive feedback from family and friends, who think it’s a good choice which fits in well with his siblings.

Congratulations to Claire and Liam for their new son, and for finding the perfect name for him, which has pleased everyone. It wasn’t that hard after all!

(Picture shows Glen Clova from the Angus Glens, in the Angus region of north-east Scotland; photo from Panaramio)

Can You Suggest Any Vintage Baby Names for This Couple?

29 Saturday Sep 2012

Posted by in Naming Assistance

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Anya and Tom are expecting their second child in about three or four weeks, and although they have dutifully compiled a little list of names for each gender, they don’t have strong feelings about any of the names, which is making it hard for them to decide.

Girls List

  • Elsie
  • Belle
  • Lily
  • Rose
  • Anya likes the names Pearl and Mabel
  • Tom likes the name Josie

Boys List

  • Stanley
  • Reggie
  • Jack
  • Anya likes Monty, Billy and Eddie
  • They have also considered Albie, Archie and Alfie

Anya and Tom’s Preferences

  • Vintage names
  • Nicknames, and names that can be shortened to a nickname
  • Short names
  • Not too fussed about popularity, and would prefer a popular name to something obscure
  • Something which is a good match with their daughter, who is named Is**la

Anya and Tom would love suggestions of other names that fit their naming style, and their surname begins with E and ends with S eg Eadens. They don’t mind alliterative names, such as Elsie Eadens. They are also looking for middle names.

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Congratulations, Anya and Tom – you’re well-prepared, second-time-around parents-to-be who have done all their homework! You’ve drawn up your name lists, you know what you like, yet you are open to thinking of new names. Best of all, you have a positive, relaxed attitude to finding a baby name, and willing to have some fun in the process.

It sounds like you’ve already received some criticism for your name choices, and although I’m sure you handled it diplomatically, you do need to be able to make your decision without being swayed by others (including me!).

Because none of the names you’ve picked seems to have won your heart, I think it’s a good idea to keep looking, but don’t think that a name you don’t “love” should be crossed off. Sometimes we find the perfect name right away, but it takes a while for us to get emotionally attached to it. It’s amazing how many parents will end up going with a name they didn’t warm up to at first.

Even though you only have a few weeks to go, you don’t need to choose the name right now. I’d suggest that you finalise your name lists, and keep all your options open until after the birth. Once your new son or daughter is born, don’t be afraid to follow your heart, because chances are the right name will come to you intuitively if you’re patient and don’t try to force it.

(Middle names: I’ve written a short guide to middle names that might interest you).

GIRLS NAMES

It’s interesting you’re looking for a vintage name to match your daughter’s, because your little girl has quite a modern name, in that it’s only become popular quite recently. Because of that, I’d suggest that you might want to go with a classic or retro name that’s already popular or gaining rapidly in popularity.

Elsie and Lily are quite similar in sound to your daughter’s name – Elsie also has a vowel-L-S-vowel pattern, while three of Lily’s letters can be found in I’s name, and they both end in vowels. That makes me wonder if you would like a sister-name match that sounds a lot like your daughter’s? I actually think you and your daughter have quite similar names, so another one like that could make a “family set”. I notice you seem to like girl’s names with a strong L sound in them, so I’ve tried to find names that fit that pattern.

Rose and Belle are both really pretty, feminine names. I think classic Rose is my favourite of your names under consideration – sounds lovely with your surname, makes a good sibling match, and has a nice level of popularity. The Baby Name Wizard actually has Belle listed as a sister for Is**la! The two names together make me think of Belle Isle, a popular place name; they seem to make the phrase beautiful island. If you don’t end up using them, either name could become a middle name.

Suggestions

  • Alice (sweet popular classic name, sounds similar to Elsie)
  • Violet (elegant popular vintage flower name, same long I sound as her sister)
  • Millie (vintage name rising rapidly in popularity, similar to Mabel and Lily)
  • Molly (popular vintage name, similar to Mabel and Lily)
  • Daisy (cute vintage flower name as an alternative to Lily and Rose)
  • Tilly/Tillie (nickname alternative to Lily)
  • Eva or Eve (pretty popular names that bring the nickname Evie, similar to Elsie)
  • Lola (everything you asked for, but may seem too similar as a sibling name match)

BOYS NAMES

You seem to have considered quite a few boy’s names that got rejected, although I’m not sure if Albie/Alfie/Archie has been eliminated or is still in the running. Stanley and Jack are both classics, while Reggie is just coming in to fashion as a fresh alternative to Archie. I’m finding it hard to pick a front-runner, as they are all subtly different and have their points to offer.

Stanley has never gone out of use, and yet isn’t popular, although he is on the rise and pretty hip; while Jack and Reggie are laddish, Stanley nn Stan is sturdy and manly. Reggie is cute, and makes quite a daring choice – he seems like he has the potential to become the new Archie. Perennial favourite Jack never goes out of fashion, even though his popularity is currently slipping. I think Jack probably sounds best with your surname and as a brother to your little girl, but as you well know, he will be one of many Jacks (not that there’s anything wrong with that). I might be leaning slightly towards Stanley, but I think any of these names would make a fine choice.

Suggestions

  • Will (a softer alternative to Billy; I think it would sound nice with his sister)
  • Fred or Freddie (a cute but more surname-friendly alternative to Eddie)
  • Percy (seems similar to Reggie)
  • Gus (very hip old-style nicknamey name)
  • Lenny (similar to both Stanley and Reggie, becoming very fashionable)
  • Rex (short, strong vintage name; similar to both Reggie and Jack)
  • Kit (similar to Jack, but with a touch of the west)
  • Barnaby nn “Barney” (seems similar in feel to Monty)

NOTE: The baby’s name was Jack!

A Quick Guide to Choosing Middle Names

29 Saturday Sep 2012

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Sometimes you easily choose the perfect baby name, but then get stuck on the middle name. This is especially the case if you don’t have any particular middle name ideas in mind, and feel that almost anything would do. If anything will do, that’s an awful lot of names to consider! Here’s a quick run through your major options:

Reuse and Recycle

If you made a list of baby names, after you’ve made your choice, you could choose one of the other names you loved but now can’t use as the middle name. This only works if you had different-sounding names on your list: if you were deciding between Kayla and Kaylee, or Tom and John, this option is probably not for you.

Genealogy

If you’re passionate about your family history, you may want to use names and surnames from generations ago, or the town/region that your ancestors came from.

Family and Friends

This is one of the most common middle name choices – using the name of someone important in your life as your child’s middle name. For beloved relatives who passed on before your child was born, it’s a lovely way to give your son or daughter a connection to them. You can also use your own name (including a mother’s maiden name) as a child’s middle name.

Cultural Heritage

If you identify with a particular culture, you may want a name that reflects that. You may not want to call your child Dmitrios or Sumi as their first name, but in the middle might be the perfect way to let them know their roots while still blending in.

Heroes

Is there someone you admire or who has been an inspiration in your life? Their name or surname could make a meaningful middle name. Be aware that if it’s someone very famous, your child may not necessarily welcome being identified with this person for life, so think carefully. Your hero may not be a person – one of my friends is a practitioner of Raja Yoga, and her son’s middle name is Raja.

Personal Associations

Recently we saw Brandi welcome her twin girls. One of her daughters has a middle name which means “blackberry” in Spanish, as this fruit has a very special meaning to Brandi and her husband. I think something like this is a great choice, because it’s a beautiful name story to share, and is private enough that other people won’t be able guess at what’s behind it.

Good Old Standards

These are those oft-used middle names, such as Anne, Elizabeth, Grace, Jane, Marie, May or Rose for girls, or Charles, James, John or Michael for boys. Although it’s fashionable to bag these out as “filler” names, let’s face it, they get used so much because they work so well. If you have absolutely no idea what middle name to use, these can be very useful, although they probably work best if they are also a family name or have some personal meaning to you. They’re also good for toning down an unusual first name.

Cool New Middles

There’s a new generation of “filler” names, often nature names like Bay, Bee, Frost, Lark, Plum, Snow, Star, Winter, Wren or virtue names like Love, Pax, True, and so on. Just as handy as the old standards, in that they go with a wide range of names, and many can be used for both genders. As with the old standards, I think these work best if they have some personal meaning to you.

Daring and Unusual

You might be too timid or commonsensical to use an unusual name for your child, but deep down you really love the idea of using something out of the ordinary – like Angel, Awesome, Cinderella, Danger, Hummingbird, Loveday, Magic, Miracle, Neo, Pirate, Sparkle, Tulip,or Rainbow. I feel that when it comes to the middle name position, almost anything goes, and you can really set your imagination free. These would be great for jazzing up a common or highly popular first name – there are many girls called Ava Rose, but not so many called Ava Sunshine.

Initialise It

If you have thought and thought until your brain hurts, and absolutely NO middle name comes to mind, you can always just use an initial, or two initials. Another solution is to spell the initials out, such as Fabian Cee Tee. Think about it carefully though – nobody wants to be named Jessie Pee or Jayden BJ. Make sure it doesn’t end up being an unwanted acronym, like BC or TV, and you may also want to check it’s not being used by a rapper, if only to avoid being asked, “Did you name him after the rapper?”.

Let Someone Help

Still stuck? Ask someone else to choose the name for you. Maybe your mum, or your pastor, or the baby’s older sibling, or put up a poll on Facebook. Everyone, even total strangers, will be flattered to be asked for their opinion. If they pick something awful, you’re not obligated to go with it, but it could get awkward if you reject their suggestion, so choose your helper carefully.

No Middle Name

Not an option. Okay, technically it is an option, since there is no legal obligation to provide one. But come on. Try harder.

NOTE: This isn’t a guide to choosing the perfect middle name, it’s just to get a middle name on the birth certificate, for parents who’ve been so busy choosing a name that the thought of choosing a second name is too overwhelming.

Update: The Twins Waltz In!

20 Thursday Sep 2012

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Brandi contacted the blog at the end of July about the names she had picked out for her twin girls. She had chosen Poppy and Maude, but somehow Maude didn’t seem quite right.

Brandi and her husband recently welcomed their girls:

Marigold Mora Faye

and

Poppy Viola Ruth

baby sisters to Bryce, Max, Jack and Pearl.

Brandi didn’t want “matchy” twin names, but she just loved the names Marigold and Poppy. So she had the good sense to throw her own rule out the window, and follow her heart. I think the names sound really adorable together.

Congratulations Brandi on your gorgeous wee flower girls!

Update: Baby Name Dilemma Solved!

15 Saturday Sep 2012

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Kate and Steve couldn’t agree on a baby name, as she liked old-fashioned retro names, and he preferred something more modern.

After reading my response, Kate realised she did want something that matched with their daughter’s name, scrapped all her name lists, and went back to the drawing board.

She chose a girl’s name from Appellation Mountain, where it was featured as a “Name of the Day”, and she picked a boy’s name that she saw on Waltzing More Than Matilda. However, Kate is almost certain that she is having a boy this time.

Steve needed a little bit of time to think it over, but within a week or two he had warmed up to them and decided he liked both! He especially likes the nickname for the girl’s name.

I won’t spoil the surprise, but the names have that perfect blend of sounding old-fashioned, yet contemporary, and are a wonderful match with their daughter’s name.

The good news is: yes you can find a name when each person has different tastes, and it can be something you both love.

They’re Running Out of Time to Find a Baby Name

13 Thursday Sep 2012

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Claire and Liam are expecting a baby in less than two weeks, and Claire is starting to feel slightly worried that they haven’t picked a baby name yet. In fact, they haven’t even got a short-list of names they both agree on. Claire has picked several names for both genders, but unfortunately, Liam doesn’t like any of them. However, he hasn’t made any suggestions of his own, and says he doesn’t have time to spend on the matter. In the meantime, time is running out ….

The couple already have three children:

  • M@rty – he was named by Liam after his own father, and Claire eventually agreed, with some reluctance
  • J@sper – this was the name Claire had picked out for a boy from the beginning, and Liam agreed as he also liked the name
  • Bes$ie – Claire named her after her great-grandmother, who was always known by her nickname; this was the name they had picked out if either of their sons had happened to be girls

All the children have family names in the middle, and their fourth child will too.

Names Claire likes for girls:

  • Mable
  • Poppy
  • Tilda
  • Harper
  • Sage
  • Eeda
  • May
  • Harlow
  • Eden
  • Hatley
  • Ayla

Names Claire likes for boys:

  • Isaiah
  • Angus
  • Finn
  • Arlo
  • Ezra
  • Jagger

Claire’s favourite names are Mable, Poppy and Tilda, and she is struggling to find a boy’s name that she really loves. Isaiah would have been their daughter’s name if she had been a boy, however Claire isn’t so keen on it any more. Claire would love some suggestions of baby names that aren’t too common, or too way out.

Claire and Liam’s surname is three syllables, begins with B and ends in N; eg Barrington.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

I do advise people not to panic or feel pressured about finding a baby name, but with less than two weeks to go, you are getting to the pointy end of things, and I think it is time to gain a certain level of urgency. I don’t think you need to pick the perfect baby name right now, but I do think you need at least three choices for each gender that you can consider using – even if you don’t make the final decision until after the birth.

Girls Names

I’m finding it very hard to remain neutral on this one, because I love your three favourite girl’s names. Tilda in particular strikes me as a perfect match with your daughter’s name (which I adore), and sounds great with your surname.

As Liam hasn’t come up with any suggestions, I’m wondering whether you could broker a deal whereby you get to pick the name if it’s a girl, and perhaps the middle name (or one of the middle names) comes from Liam’s side of the family as a sweetener.

Liam did get to choose the first child’s name, and you were gracious enough to agree, even though you weren’t keen on it, so it would be a nice gesture if Liam were to be equally gracious in allowing you to choose a girl’s name that he isn’t so keen on.

I know you asked for suggestions, but I actually can’t think of anything nicer than Tilda. I do think that a retro nickname-type name to match your daughter’s name would be ideal. Some names in that mould would include:

  • Edie
  • Lottie
  • Nell
  • Peggy
  • Polly

Boys Names

This one’s quite hard, because you don’t have any names that you really love, and Liam hasn’t come up with any names at all. As you aren’t particularly attached to any name, perhaps you could ask Liam if he would like to choose the name if it’s a boy. Liam has picked one name, and you’ve picked two, so it does almost seem like it’s his turn again. I know he hasn’t seemed greatly interested so far, but if he’s given the task of choosing a name on his own, he may discover there is a name that he’d really like to use after all.

If this doesn’t happen, then I guess you always have Isaiah as a fall-back name, and this is a name you’ve already agreed upon.

I think if you’re absolutely stuck for names, and you genuinely have no preferences, names from the Bible are often a good choice that blend well with a wide range of middle names, and sibling names. Out of the names you’ve considered, although they’re all really nice, my favourite would be Ezra. The only one I don’t think is workable is Jagger, as it’s so similar to your second son’s name.

These would be my picks for a boy’s name:

  • Amos
  • Ezra
  • Felix
  • Tobias/Toby
  • Zeke

Good luck in your quest; you already have a track record of being able to compromise on baby names, and I’m sure the two of you will be pull it off again.

Please write in and let us know what name you ended up choosing!

NOTE: The baby’s name was Angus Jeremy!

Can You Suggest Any Names Similar to These?

01 Saturday Sep 2012

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Jools and her husband are expecting a baby in a few weeks, and have elected not to find out the sex in advance. If the baby is a boy they are all set, having easily decided on a name. However, girls’ names seem a bit trickier. Jools would like something that isn’t too popular, but isn’t too different either.

Their list so far is:

  • Sc@rlett Elle
  • H@rlow Eve
  • Mill@ Rose

Jools and her husband already have a little boy named J@sper (he has a modern middle name that makes his name seem quite “cowboy cool”), and their surname starts with F and ends in N.

Jools would like to know what people think of the names they have come up with so far, and if there are any names similar to these that they might prefer.

~~~~~~~~~~

I think the names you’ve already picked are perfectly fine – they’re pretty, fashionable, modern names that are familiar to everyone from their Hollywood associations, but none of them are crazy popular as yet. They all seem okay with your surname, and I can imagine them as sisters to your son.

To me, Scarlett sounds best with your surname and the best match with J@sper, although for some reason Sc@rlett Elle doesn’t quite gel as a name combination – the two names seem to run into each other a little too much, maybe. I’d probably prefer the middle name to start with a consonant, such as May or Louise (just as examples). To me that sounds a bit crisper and more defined.

Milla is a lovely name, and the name combination you’ve chosen very attractive. However, if you were concerned about popularity, then Harlow is the least common of the names – although I’m pretty sure it’s scorching up the charts, and will be in the Top 100 within a few years.

Basically you could go with whichever of these you like best, but the fact you’re still looking for names suggests that you are not completely satisfied with any of them. You’ve still got a few weeks, so consider a wide range of names and step outside your comfort zone a bit. Then, if you don’t like any of them, you can go back to your original list with more confidence.

Here’s a few names to think about:

If you like Scarlett, you may like:

  • Bonnie – this is another name from Gone with the Wind; Bonnie was Scarlett and Rhett’s daughter. I think it sounds sweet and pretty, yet not frilly or sugary. It’s never been in the Top 100, but I think it will be there in a year or three.
  • Russet – it’s another surname that means “red”, and has the same T-ending as Scarlett, but it’s very rare and much more daring.
  • Sadie – to me this sounds like another “Southern belle” type name; it’s getting quite hip, but still isn’t popular at all. Like Scarlett was around 15 years ago.

If you like Harlow you may like:

  • Cleo – similar sound and references another famous woman known for her beauty. Like Harlow, it’s getting very fashionable, but not popular yet.
  • Meadow – this is another American-style name which is very underused in Australia. It may seem slightly out-there. Just like Harlow did a few years back.
  • Marlowe – this is the name of Sienna Miller’s new daughter, and it’s bound to become a “hot” name – just like Harlow did after Nicole Richie and Joel Madden chose it for their daughter.

If you like Milla you might like:

  • Millie – I really love this one as a match with your son’s name. It’s a cute name, and others must agree, as it climbed 90 places last year.
  • Milea – pronounced mi-LAY-uh, this name sounds European and sophisticated, just like Milla. Its origins are equally ambiguous.
  • Willa – a fashionable celebrity baby name just starting to chart in the US. It has an Aussie connection, because willa is an Aboriginal word for “woman”.

Wild Card Suggestions

  • Airlie
  • Avalon
  • Blythe
  • Charlize
  • Coco
  • Mika
  • Milana
  • Monroe
  • Tempest
  • Willow

Readers, which name do you like best that would fit with Jools’ requirements? And can you think of any other names in a similar style she might like?

NOTE: The baby’s name was Milla Harlow!

 

 

She Says Clara, He Says Zara: Can You Help This Couple Resolve Their Baby Naming Differences?

18 Saturday Aug 2012

Posted by in Naming Assistance

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Kate and her husband Steve are expecting their second child in late January next year. Although it may seem they have plenty of time, they are currently at a stalemate when agreeing upon names for a baby of either sex.

They had these naming issues with their first child as well. They continued discussing and arguing over it for eight months of Kate’s pregnancy, and chose their daughter’s name while actually in the hospital. Feeling pressured by family expectations that they choose a name immediately, and with her husband refusing to back down, Kate agreed to Steve’s choice, which was Madeline – a name that he loved, and would consider nothing else. The middle name was a family one from Kate’s mother’s side given to all first-born daughters.

Although Kate is fond of her daughter’s name, it was not her first choice, and this time she really wants the baby’s name to be something that she loves. Steve is willing to let her choose whatever name she likes – providing that he doesn’t hate it. The problem is, Steve seems to hate most of Kate’s favourite names. She is getting frustrated that he seems to be vetoing almost every name she suggests, while not making many suggestions of his own.

Names for Girls Considered

  • Kate’s favourite names for girls are Clementine, Olive, Ivy, Mabel, May, Nell, Lillian, Clara, Maeve, Dorothy, and Eloise. Steve detests all of these, but least dislikes May and Eloise.
  • Steve has expressed a preference for Kayla, Eleni, Lani, or Zara. Kate dislikes these names, with the exception of Zara, which she can just tolerate.
  • Neither of them has a preference for a middle name, and they don’t really mind what it is.

Names for Boys Considered

  • Kate’s favourite names for boys are Henry, Flynn, Hugo, Sullivan, Oscar and Archie. Steve hates the name Henry, and doesn’t mind Sullivan or Archie, but isn’t thrilled about them either.
  • Steve hasn’t made any serious suggestions for boy’s names, but has mentioned Lachlan and Noah. Kate doesn’t dislike either name, but does feel that Top 10 is a bit too popular to consider.
  • They both like the names Jack and William – alas, everybody else seems to as well! If only Jack or William were Top 50 rather than Top 5, these would be their choices.
  • The middle name will be either John or Timothy, which both honour much loved family members. They will go with whatever middle name fits best with the name they eventually choose.

Kate and Steve’s surname begins with H and ends with -er.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Kate, if it’s any consolation to you, your baby name problems are ones that many couples share. The most common complaint I hear from women is that they suggest name after name, and their other half rejects all of them, yet doesn’t seem to contribute many ideas of his own.

I think the situation with your daughter’s name isn’t that unusual either – while women often seem to have at least a dozen “favourite names”, if men have any at all, it’s often only one. With just one egg in their basket, they can be prepared to fight for it, and in this case, it seems as if Steve did fight for his favourite, and prevailed.

I think it’s lovely for a little girl to have a name chosen by her daddy, and her middle name is from your side of the family, so her name connects her to both of you. You can take heart that despite all your disagreements, you actually did a good job together, which means you’ll probably do a good job again. It was generous of you to agree to your husband’s choice on the very first baby – I’m not certain most wives would have done that.

It seems obvious that since Steve picked the first name, it’s only fair that it should be your turn to pick the second. Yet to be equally fair, Steve picked a name that you may not have loved, but are fond of – he didn’t force you to accept a name that you hated. And that’s the sticking point. Steve didn’t have to compromise on the name that he loved, but you may have to. Or else Steve will have to compromise this time around, which is something for you to negotiate together.

Another thing you might want to consider is that it can be harder choosing the second name, because you already have a child, and may want a name that goes well with hers. I know some people aren’t bothered by sibsets going together, so if you are one of them, just ignore this bit.

If you want a name that doesn’t clash with Madeline, or seem too matchy, there’s probably already a couple of names on both your lists that could be crossed off. I love the name Clementine, but I think it’s too matchy with Madeline because they almost rhyme, while to me, Eleni and Madeline is a style clash.

It seems it would be easier for you both to compromise on a girl’s name, since Steve has already picked his one favourite name, and should be more flexible this time around.

Possible Compromises

  • Since the girl’s middle name spot is vacant, you choose the name, and Steve picks the middle name. Dorothy Lani may sound a slightly odd combination, but big deal, you’d have a baby name chosen by both of you.
  • You use the two names of yours that Steve hates least, and call the baby Eloise May.
  • You use two names from each of your lists you least dislike, and call her Eloise Zara.
  • You combine the sounds of names from your list with ones from Steve’s list to make names that sound similar to both. For example: Olive + Kayla = Livia. Eleni + Clementine = Elaine. Dorothy + Zara = Daria. Lani + Eloise = Louise. And so on.
  • You choose a name that you like, but only if Steve is able to make a nickname from it that he likes eg Eloise nn Lulu, Olive nn Liv.

With boy’s names, it almost seems as if you are getting close to the right name. Steve has only completely vetoed Henry, and you’ve actually agreed on several names, only to be put off by the popularity. I think it’s just a matter of finding names in a similar style you both like, that aren’t in the Top 10. Or you may decide that a Top 10 name isn’t so bad after all – William has never left the Top 50 in 111 years, so it’s more of a perennial favourite than a trendy popular .

Once you’ve got a little list of possible names together, see which ones sound best with Madeline, with the chosen middle names, and with your surname. Out of what you’ve got so far, my pick would be Archie John.

If it was up to me, I’d say Eloise May for a girl, and Archie John for boy (or else William). But you didn’t write to me so I’d pick your baby name, you wrote to me for suggestions of names that I think both you and Steve might like. So here goes:

GIRLS

What I noticed you and Steve had in common was you both tended to like quite popular names, or names coming (back) into popularity. You also both preferred girl’s names that were recognisably feminine, but not particularly frilly. I tried to think of names that fit these criteria, and also seemed to make a nice match with Madeline’s name, while not sounding too awful with your surname. I also tried to pick names that were easy to make contemporary-sounding nicknames from, in case the nickname pleased more than the name itself.

It’s hard to find a perfect compromise between retro names and modern ones, so I concentrated on names that have never gone out of fashion, ones that are coming back into fashion, and modern classics. There’s a couple of wildcards thrown in, just on the off-chance!

  • Audrey
  • Cassandra
  • Cecily
  • Claudia
  • Daphne
  • Eleanor
  • Eloise (the one on your list your husband least hated, and goes best with Madeline)
  • Emmeline
  • Evelyn
  • Florence
  • Genevieve
  • Isobel
  • Josephine
  • Leila
  • Louisa
  • Lucia
  • Natalie
  • Penelope
  • Rosalie
  • Rose
  • Saskia
  • Sophia
  • Susannah
  • Victoria
  • Violet

BOYS

It felt like boys names were one you would have an easier time agreeding with, as you each identified certain groups of names that you either liked, or could live with.

Timeless classics, like Jack and William

  • Charles
  • Edward
  • George
  • James
  • Nicholas

Retro names like Archie

  • Austin
  • Felix
  • Frederick
  • Leo
  • Rex

Scottish names like Lachlan

  • Angus
  • Callum
  • Duncan
  • Lennox
  • Logan

Irish surnames like Sullivan

  • Cassidy
  • Quinn
  • Rafferty
  • Rowan
  • Tully

Simple Old Testament names like Noah

  • Abel
  • Ezra
  • Jude
  • Micah
  • Reuben

Homework for Kate and Steve:

I’d be very surprised if you read through this and said, Oh yes of course, Genevieve for a girl and Felix for a boy, that’s perfect. These lists are just for window-shopping, and for trying out names, so you can identify and narrow down what you both like and dislike. Don’t make a decision just yet, it’s far too early. Give yourselves more time to think things through, and keep trying out names. When the time’s right, I’m sure the perfect one will fit into place.

If you still feel stuck in early November, please write in again with your new improved name lists, and we’ll have another go. And whatever happens, don’t let yourselves be railroaded into a decision at the hospital again – you’ve got 60 days after the birth to pick a name, and there’s nothing wrong with taking the baby home with you before naming it. Absolutely no need to rush or panic!

Readers, what do you think is a fair system for Kate and Steve to compromise on choosing a baby name? And what names would you suggest to them?

NOTE: The baby’s name is Lewis John!

New Australian Study on Baby Names

15 Thursday Mar 2012

Posted by in Names in the News

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A new study on how parents choose their children’s names is being undertaken by Dr Deb Dempsey from Swinburne University of Technology and Associate Professor Jo Lindsay from Monash University.

“Naming decisions may be guided by culture and tradition. They may also be shaped by our sense of connection or belonging to family history, other identity issues, personal taste and fashion,” Dr Dempsey said.

The Preliminary Results:

50% just like the sound of the name

20% base their decision on cultural significance

15% choose a name that suits their surname

11% name their children after a celebrity or book character

4% are inspired to use the name of someone they admire

How These Children Received Their Names:

Charles: A traditional name that can be modernised to give more options. Also, a short name to match a very long surname.

Kiera: A variation of the Irish name Ciara, to reflect her Irish mother’s heritage.

Milla: A Slavic name to recognise her Croatian grandfather’s background.

Ezie (Milla’s brother): Mother saw the name on another child, and liked it.

Omer: Chosen for her father’s Israeli background.

Brooke: Her mother always liked the name.

Henry: Chosen to reflect his father’s English heritage.

More participants are needed, and Australians may participate by taking the survey here.

There aren’t many Australian studies done on baby names, so I am happy to publicise this one. I have done the survey myself, and it only takes about 10-15 minutes, and does give you the opportunity to share your own “name story” – it’s not just ticking boxes. I hope any Australian parent reading this will take part.