Name Cupid’s New Classics: Most Suggested Names of Year 1
Now that Name Cupid is emerging from its own infancy—the site launched one year ago this month—I thought I’d take stock of the hundreds of names I’ve suggested for the parents-to-be who have contacted me for help in their search for the perfect baby name.
As I’ve written here before, the names I suggest are not based on my own preferences, but on the specifications each parent provides me. Maybe they are looking for lyrical, flowing names that would sound nice with big sister Julianna or strong, snappy names that would fit well with a long, complicated surname. As a result, the names I’ve suggested span a wide array— from Demetrius to Aria to Bailey. What is interesting is when a name itself spans a wide array of tastes, making it palatable, for instance, for parents looking for unique spunk, traditional flair, and a touch of strength. I’ve combed through the hundreds of suggested names and found those that I’ve suggested most for parents. Names that, due to their broad appeal, might just be new classics.
(icorners.com)
That is amazing singer Norah Jones, bearer of one of Name Cupid’s most suggested names of year one.
Girls
Norah- A name poised to become a new classic, Norah (and the higher-ranked Nora, which comes in at #137 on the Top 1000) has an antique quality so many modern parents are looking for. Ranked #264, it’s also short, snappy and feminine, qualities that many parents seek.
Ashlyn- Ashlyn has a bit of southern sass, a fresh take on Ashley’s sound, and a sweet, dreamy meaning. It’s no wonder the name, which comes in at #171, is a hit with a variety of Name Cupid parents.
Cecilia- A sweet little sister to Isabella or Gabriella, it’s sought after style, hip nickname ‘Cece,’ and connection to music , make the #241st name in the land a modern classic.
Ruby- This name, which comes in at #109 on the 2011 U.S. popularity chart, packs a great versatility into two syllables. It’s a name you could easily pair with elegant sibling names like Everett, August and Violet or snappy, vintage nicknames like Lucy and Charlie.
Brynn- A short, sweet name with the crucial blend of modernity, femininity and strength, Brynn appeals to many parents while remaining outside of the top 100 (it ranks #190).
Boys
Shane- This name touches on so many current trend points, it’s a wonder it’s ranked only as high as #215. Looking for the coveted western flair? Check. How about a name that is less popular, but some how familiar? Check. What about a fun, strong boys’ name that can seem studious or sensitive? Check and check.
Reid- A name I’ve written about here, this name’s unique and classic feel makes it a strong pick for parents with many different naming persuasions. At #296, it is unique but easily-pronounced and strong.
Max- It’s snappy, has Jack’s hip sound and cadence, and the ‘x’ that makes Jaxon and Maddox so hip. It’s also a name that has vintage style and bookish masculinity. At #96, it is of moderate popularity.
Zachary- Want that fresh ‘a’ sound we’re talking about? Zac/Zack/Zach appeals to parents drawn to names like Jack and Max, whereas Zachary draws in parents drawn to names like Benjamin, Joshua and Samuel. It’s prime spot at the intersection of these two styles makes Zachary the #64 name among babies born in 2011.
Brady- A name boosted by the popularity of a certain handsome quarterback, Brady is a hit with parents drawn to names like Cody and Riley as well as those who love the sounds of Aiden and his similar-sounding cousins Braden and Caden, the #135 name in America appeals to namers with many different styles.
