Name Cupid

Outsiders Part VI: Beauty and Strength

Tue, 08 May 2012 21:25:00 -0400

I know, it’s been a while. But what better way to emerge from a long absence than to post a fresh batch of Outsiders?

For parents drawn to flowery, feminine names for girls, plant and gem names are in demand. The rise of names Violet and Ruby is proof positive of how friendly these names are to the modern ear—but they aren’t alone. There are plenty of similarly-themed names that have barely scratched the surface of their popularity.

For boys, names like Wyatt and Levi are both well within the Top #100, showing many of today’s parents pick for their sons names that evoke a Stetson, a saddle, and a certain Western flair. But there are many, many more boys names too striking to be lost in the obscurity beyond the top #1000.

(rjnet.com.br)

That of course, is Boone, who was both striking and Lost, but we’ll get to more on his name later.

First…

The Girls

Juniper (205 born in 2010)-If Jennifer seems too stale, why not test out a name with a similar rhythm? Juniper has the hot sounds of more popular names like June and Julia,and a link to nature.

Acacia (87 born in 2010)- A beautiful tree often referenced in the Bible—it was likely the burning bush—this lyrical girls name is pronounced A-kay-shuh and boasts fun nicknames like Kay and Casey.

Amethyst (62 born in 2010)-Like a hip younger cousin to Amelia, Annabelle and Amber, Amethyst blends the familiar with the daring in a feminine and feisty name.

Bryony/ Briony (12 born in 2010)- A name made familiar to American audiences through a less than lovable character in Atonement, Bryony provides a fresh options for parents who love the sounds—but not the popularity—of names like Riley and Brianna. It also boasts a wildflower connection, and is virtually unused in the United States.

Opal (80 born in 2010)- Opal starts with a big vowel- like the much more popular Olivia, and has a fresh and unexpected ending. Like Pearl, it is an antique name ripe for a comeback.

The Boys

Holt (52 born in 2010)- Holt has the strength and swagger of a modern Western classic, and is similar to the more popular Colt.

Dashiell (145 born in 2010)- Pronounced Dash-ull and packing a dashing nickname, Dash is strong and cool, and has the ‘a’ sound that has help catapult boys’ names like Jack and Max into the Top #100.

Boone (87 born in 2010)- The hip character name referenced earlier, Boone’s frontiersman connection gives this name strong adventurer credentials.

Stone (173 born in 2010)- A name that comes from an element both strong and smooth, Stone is an emblem of 21st century masculinity.

Denver (127 born in 2010)- Like more popular cousin Dallas, Denver is a triple-threat: it’s an on-trend place name, has the well-liked ‘r’ ending found in Tyler and Connor, and a renegade edge.

Bonus

Summer and Autumn are popular season names, why not the less-expected Winter? There were 217 baby girls with that name born in 2010. And if Blue is baby name gold, how about Indigo (61 born in 2010)?

Blue Ivy & The Baby Name Rainbow

Sun, 26 Feb 2012 12:20:51 -0500

It’s been more than a month since Blue Ivy Carter made her world debut, but the fascination with her unusual name has yet to wane. Of course, Blue Ivy isn’t the first baby whose parents sought to “paint the sky blue,” Alicia Silverstone had baby Bear Blu, Cher’s Elijah Blue was born more than 30 years ago, and U2’s The Edge moved Blue into the first name slot for his daughter Blue Angel. Still, Blue Ivy made her entrance and made a splash in name land.

(blog.zap2it.com)

But for many non-celebrities, Blue may seem too “out there” a choice. Here are some other hues that might appeal to parents-to-be drawn to the color wheel.

Girls

Violet- A flower and color name, this timeless, familiar and Incredible name is also only moderately popular, it is outside of the Top 100 at #123.

Sienna- A name with a hip pop culture champion, this earth tone name is lyrical and on-trend.

Boys

Grey, a name I’ve referenced here before, might be my my top pick for a fresh boy color name. But here are a few others:

Tanner- A tradesman name like Mason and Cooper, Tanner also has strength, fun and the popular ‘r’ ending, and is only about as popular as Rodney or Trevor were in 1982.

Cobalt- A blue name had to make the list here. This one might be very rare, but with names like Colt and Colby on the chart, Cobalt doesn’t seem so out of the blue.

Bonus

How about a unisex name to round out this list? Sage is a snappy name in use on both boys and girls.

Outsiders V: Modern Sounds- Unisex Names & Surnames

Sat, 04 Feb 2012 09:11:00 -0500

We’ve been through parts one, two, three and four, and now it’s time to visit two of the hottest trends in the United States: traditionally masculine-sounding or unisex names for girls and surnames for boys.

There may not be two trends more en vogue. For girls, Taylor and Riley both rank within the Top #40. Mason and Jackson both chart in the Top #25.

There are plenty of other highly-popular examples where those came from. Luckily, parents looking for hidden treasures can find many lesser-used name choices that follow similar themes. Here’s one:

(styleandmore.net)

That of course, is Blair Waldorf from “Gossip Girl” and the first of these Outsiders’ picks.

Here are some strong/unisex sounding girls’ names, and boys’ names of the surname variety:

Girls

Blair (222 born in 2010)- Blair is a name that’s fashionable on girls, but has the strong ‘r’ ending seen in boys’ names like Connor and Arthur. It has actually been much more common as a boys’ name in American history. That makes it right on the current trend: a name with a feminine feel but a traditionally masculine past.

Bronwyn (62 born in 2010)- There is no more popular kind of boys’ name than those ending in ‘n.’ Unisex name Bronwyn is sweet on a little girl, and would be a solid pick to parents drawn to this vibe.

Jori (25 born in 2010)- A hip diminutive of Marjorie, Jori has a snappy, boyish vibe and is used on both genders. The name Jorie is also in limited use, 21 babies with that name were born in the USA in 2010.

October (62 born in 2010)- Month names like January, April, and August are all in use, so why not October? The most unconventional of my girls’ picks, it has warm, autumnal sounds and round vowels that appeal to modern parents. It also packs the cute, unisex nickname Tobi.

Greer (52 born in 2010)- Here’s a unique name that drew attention after Brooke Shields named her daughter Grier in 2006. While Greer is the more popular spelling, there were 21 babies named Grier born in 2010. Shields’ older daughter, Rowan is another unisex name parents might be drawn to, it ranks #327 on the current girls’ chart.

Boys

Truman (193 in 2010)- A president, author and the title character in “The Truman Show,” this is a strong and dignified surname. It serves as great pick for parents drawn to ‘n’ endings and the handsome ‘oo’ sound found in names like Luke and Julian.

Thatcher (161 born in 2010)- An underused boys’ name with a similar vibe to Sawyer, this would be a solid pick for a parent looking for a strapping but refined name with a mischievous streak.

Foster (124 born in 2010)- A dashing surname with a similar vibe to Thatcher and Sawyer, Foster has numerous meanings including officer in charge of a forest or shearer.

Gannon (124 born in 2010)- An Irish surname with a Zelda connection, Gannon could be a solid pick for game-enthusiast parents looking for a sharp ‘n’ ending name.

Jenner (32 born in 2010)- Even though his dad was an Olympian, it’s the younger Jenner who catapulted this name into recent public consciousness via Reality Show fame. It’s got hip sounds, and the vibe of Jagger, a name I picked to rise.

Bonus

For boys, Jennings (27 born in 2010) offers a surname with a sophisticated flair and Thayer (18 born in 2010) is a hugely underused ‘r’ ending surname.

For girls, there may not be a clearer blend of masculine flair and feminine sounds than the combination of “Ace” and “Lynn.” Spellings on this one vary: the most popular is Aislynn (97 born in 2010), but Aislinn, Aisyln and Aislin are not far behind.

Name Cupid's Pick of the Day: Isla

Wed, 25 Jan 2012 15:36:00 -0500

Like the sounds of names like Kylie and Lila but looking for something that feels a little bit more unique?

Check out Isla.

A Scottish name meaning island and pronounced Eye-luh, it is a top name outside of the United States, but is still underused here. The name’s sassy femininity is bolstered by a certain popular actress.

(askmen.com)

Just as Isla Fisher was disturbing Vince Vaughn in Wedding Crashers, she was familiarizing a large American audience to a beautiful and spunky girls’ name.

It has a hot, familiar sound and just enough of an off-beat vibe to attract parents looking for a baby name with a little flair. At #297 on the U.S. Chart, it is a lesser-used name, about as popular as Kerri and Haley were in 1982.

Namer's Dilemma: Finding an Elegant Girls' Name

Sat, 21 Jan 2012 11:46:00 -0500

One Name Cupid mom recently came to me with a common problem. She’s looking for a beautiful and elegant girls name, something like Charlotte or Madeline, but those names aren’t quite cutting it.

Charlotte is a classic and melodious name, but for some, it will forever be associated with a TV character. She worried that for others, it would be permanently caught in a spider’s web.

And like many parents find, something just seems off. A name like Madeline should be perfect, it fits all of her specifications, but it just doesn’t quite seem to be “the one.”

So what girls’ names did I suggest for this mom-to-be? Here is a clue:

(historyplace.com via punditmom.com)

That, of course, is one of the most famous first daughters, John F. Kennedy ‘s child, Caroline. (The president’s own name was referenced here).

Caroline- The #88 name on the most recent Top 1000, Caroline jumped out at me as a top choice for this mom. It combines the vibes of Charlotte and Madeline, has usage that dates back well into the 19th Century, and, like Charlotte, it is a derivation of Charles.

Georgia-At #326 on the US charts, this is another elegant and strong name with a similar vibe. It peaked in 1880 and has declined in usage ever since, and has a nice meaning in earth-worker or farmer.

Violet- This name shares an ending sound with Charlotte, as well as strength, beauty, and a vintage feel. Violet is at #123 on the Top 1000, making it about as popular as names like Sharon and Tasha were in 1980.

Genevieve- A name that boasts Celtic and French flair, this is an antique name that peaked in popularity in 1910. More that a century later, it seems fresh again, and at #279 on the most recent American chart, provides a unique alternative to Jennifer. It is sensitive, strong, and similar in flow to the chosen names. It is also about as popular as names like Brianne and Kelley were in 1980.

Want personal and free help in naming your baby? Take this survey or email namecupid@gmail.com. I look forward to hearing from you!

I Got My Name from Name Cupid: Meet Paisley

Sun, 08 Jan 2012 09:51:13 -0500

You’ve seen one naming success story, now its time for another entry into the Name Cupid Hall of Fame.

Months ago, I was contacted by a mom who needed help finding a name for her fourth child. The gender was a mystery, but she ended up having a little girl! We exchanged more than 20 emails, tossing back and forth girls’ names like Avery and Brynn, Willow and Sadie. Finally, this mom found her perfect match.

Baby Paisley Jo!

So how did this process work? Let’s check in with Paisley’s mom to find out.

Q&A with Paisley’s Mom

Name Cupid: When you first contacted Name Cupid, you favored girls names like Harper and Eden. How did you move on from those names to Paisley?

Paisley’s Mom: You actually identified a pattern that my older children’s names followed. (Name Cupid note: each of Paisley’s siblings has a two-syllable name with an interior long ‘a’ sound). I was actually oblivious to it. I decided it would be best to try to follow that pattern. Once you pointed that out it was much easier to focus on finding a name; plus my husband wasn’t a fan of Harper or Eden.

NC: Did you tell people Paisley’s name before she was born?

PM: We were still not 100% sure what we were going to name her even in the hospital. She was actually (Last name) Baby for 24 hours. My husband and I chose not to find out the sex, so we had a few options for a boy or girl to pick from. We wanted to meet the baby before we came to a final decision. So, when we were asked we just simply said we weren’t sure. While we were in the hospital even the nurses would say “just don’t name her this…” I preferred not to tell people. With my other kids, we would tell people and everyone would give their opinions; that just makes you second guess yourself. It was way better keeping everything a secret.

NC: Paisley is your third daughter, was it important to you to have a name that was similar in style to the names of your other children? When did you decide the “long a” sound was a must-have?

PM: I decided the “long a” was a must after you pointed out that all my kids had (that sound). But knowing that the name now had to follow this pattern made it harder to “find the needle in the haystack.” It was easy to scratch names off the list that didn’t have the pattern, but we didn’t really agree 100 percent on the only names left on that (initial list): Bailey and Sailor. So I knew we had to keep searching.

NC: What were some of the challenges you and your husband faced in agreeing upon a name? What strategies did you use to compromise? How did you finally agree?

PM:The biggest challenge was to find a name that my husband wouldn’t veto instantly, even though he could hardly come up with any suggestions of his own. So when he said he thought Paisley was cute and he didn’t make fun of it, I pretty much knew that was our Number 1 girl name!

NC: Why did you contact Name Cupid and how did the process help with your name choice? How was my process different from others’ who might have offer you name advice?

PM: I contacted Name Cupid because this is the fourth baby I’ve had to name. It gets harder every time. I have looked on all the websites, read a bunch of baby name books, and they all had the same names over and over. I needed help from someone who wasn’t going to give opinions but suggestions and insight. I wanted something unique and my husband wanted something that was timeless and classic. I thought his few ideas were a bit too old-fashioned, he thought my names were too out there. Name Cupid was able to find the middle ground for us. We were able to use the suggestions to guide us to the perfect name: Paisley Jo!

I was so happy to help!

Do you have a little one whose name I helped you find? Send me an email at namecupid@gmail.com and be entered in the I Got My Name from Name Cupid Hall of Fame for a chance to win a prize!

New Year's Babies: A Nationwide Sampling of Baby Names

Tue, 03 Jan 2012 13:02:00 -0500

Across the United States, Americans ushered in 2012 with a time-honored tradition: celebrating the first babies of the New Year.

So here at Name Cupid, I’ll bring you a New Year’s baby name from each state*, names as diverse as the country itself. I give you these 31 girls’ names and 20 boys’ names (Arizona had two New Year’s babies born near the same time). We’ve got the #1 name in America, and several names that may never have been used before: it’s a true cross-section of the country’s naming landscape. Perhaps here you’ll also find a name you’d use for your own baby to be!

ucsf.edu

Alabama- Here we see a more unique take on a popular name. Little Madisyn’s parents gave her a name that ranks #338 on the USA 2010 chart. In its most popular spelling, Madison, it is the #8 popular name in the country.

Alaska- In the Last Frontier, Sophie made her headline-grabbing debut. It is the #59 on the 2010 charts, and this little Sophie also has siblings with hit names: popular Jake and Claire, and sure-to-rise Cade.

Arizona- Two rarer names shared the New Year’s baby spotlight here, with Alayah netting the more popular of the two names, at #849 on the American chart. The other New Year’s baby, Eviana is unranked, just 29 baby girls with that name were born here last year. Maybe that name is underused because it evokes this image for anyone who watched Superstar in the late 1990s.

Arkansas- Razorbacks welcomed baby Wesley, the #159 name on the chart and a nice alternative to parents drawn to more popular names of a similar style like Jeremy or Zachary.

California- The Golden State gave us a biblical favorite, Luke is #41 on the most recent chart.

Colorado- Here Aubrey, the #44 name in the country and perhaps another name in-part propelled by reality TV stardom, makes her mark.

Connecticut- Nutmegger Enaidalise is unranked, and no data on it is available, meaning less than five little girls were born with this name in the US last year. Enaidalise’s mom said she invented the name, using Enaida as the root. Enaida is also not listed among 2010 US births.

Delaware- Here a little boy with a hip ‘n’ ending, makes news with his birth. Austin is the #64 name in the US.

Florida- Little Benjamin joins Colorado’s Luke as a biblical New Year’s babe. This Sunshine Stater has the #22 name in the country.

Georgia- Scarlett’s parents could have been inspired by a certain southern belle when they gave their daughter the #114 most popular name in the land.

Hawaii- Here Hawaiians said Aloha to a virtue name: #74 Faith made her entrance.

Idaho- In Idaho, these parents chose the #25 name in America (and also one of the most “stylistically divisive” names in the country) for their little slice of heaven, Nevaeh.

Illinois- Do you like Ava but find it too popular? You might want to try out Avery, the #23 name in America and the name of this little sister to Addison.

Indiana- Another virtue name takes the prize here, as Hoosiers ring in the new year with #18 Grace.

Iowa- You might think the name of Iowa New Year’s newborn Abigayle is uniquely spelled, and it is, but it isn’t as unique as you might think. There were 211 babies whose names were spelled this way last year. In its most popular spelling, Abigail is #7 on the charts.

Kansas- In the Sunflower State, baby Adelyn (#385)bloomed not long after midnight.

Kentucky- The timeless Sophia, #2 name in America, was born in Louisville.

Louisiana-Here they celebrated #233 Kelsey, a hip alternative for parents who might find Chelsea too closely tied to a talk show host or former first daughter.

Maine- Where the way life should be, they didn’t get coal for Christmas, they got Cole for New Year’s. This #89 name in the country has climbed in popularity after a certain Oscar-worthy performance at the turn of the millenium.

Maryland- A color name won prominence here, with little Sienna’s (#210) timely arrival. It’s a name with hot sounds and a hip namesake.

Massachusetts- There was another Grace in the Bay State. Her twin brother is Luke, born moments later.

Michigan- Baby Jeremiah, who’s got the #52 name in the country, has an on-trend name with an antique feel.

Minnesota- Minnesotans offered up a vintage name of their own, and one with a certain rugged quality, with the birth of #70 Levi.

Mississippi- I’ve told you here before that you can’t make up a baby name, but I’d bet little Za’qwan’s parents thought they had a one-of-a-kind name for their newborn. They almost do: there is no data for the name Za’qwan, meaning there were less than five babies with that name born last year. But there were 22 baby boys named Zaquan.

Missouri- As in Mississippi, creative-spelling reigned with the birth of baby Juh’stiz. While this name is also unlisted, its most popular spelling, Justice, is the #538 girls’ name in the country.

Montana- They celebrated modern favorite Jackson in Montana. His name ranks the 25th most popular boys’ name in the country.

Nebraska- Iliana, #750, is a Cornhusker New Year’s Baby born in Lincoln.

Nevada- In the Silver State, they have the Envy of all the New Year’s babies. Just 40 little girls were named Envy in 2010, perhaps because the word is one of the seven deadly sins.

New Hampshire- Granite Staters welcomed a little one whose name was most en vogue in the 1990s. Baby Leanna’s name is#700 on the charts.

New Jersey- Tiny Sabrina #219, made her New Jersey entrance this New Year’s.

New Mexico- Here Hailey, the #19 in the land, grabbed the media attention. Her name is one that rose in prominence after mega-popular rapper Eminem dedicated tunes to his similarly-named daughter Hailie.

New York- Jay-Z should be proud that this little New Yorker was named Carter. That name is now the #48 name in the US.

North Carolina- North Carolinans rang in the New Year with centuries-old favorite Charles. He has the #63 name in America, but it is even more popular when you consider that Charlie ranks #244.

North Dakota- Up north, the New Year’s baby name had western flair with #57 Wyatt.

Ohio- Here we have the #1 New Year’s baby, Jacob, who boasts the most popular boys’ moniker in the country.

Oklahoma- Where the wind comes whistlin’ down the plain a name once most popular on boys was given to a baby girl. There were just 107 girls named Haiden born last year, but in its most popular form, Hayden, it ranked #96 on the boys’ chart and #162 on the girls’ chart. Maybe this hero is to thank for the girls’ surge.

Oregon- New Year’s baby Zoey got the #47 name in the land. The name’s most popular spelling, Zoe, ranks #31.

Pennsylvania- In Pennsylvania, baby Robert Jr. (who has the #54 name in America) was born just before 1 a.m.

Rhode Island- Ocean Stater’s welcomed a boy with the #213 name in America, the vintage and biblical Ezekiel.

South Carolina- South Carolinans cheered the arrival of #14 Natalie.

South Dakota- In the Mount Rushmore State, little Kylee greeted 2012. Her name is #139 in the country (its most popular spelling, Kylie, is #57). Her twin, John Jr., was born minutes later.

Tennessee- In Tennessee they saw a rarer name in baby Chaison. There were just six babies with this name, which could be a combination of Chase and Jason, born last year. There were also 43 boys named Chason born.

Texas- New Year’s baby Layla (#37), could be a choice for parents who like Lily but worry about its popularity.

Utah- Utah’s baby, Jaden (#91), beats out Jacob in terms of popularity when you combine all of its spellings. The spelling Jayden is ranked #4 in the country.

Vermont- Here baby Wells comes in with a rare name, outside of the country’s Top #1000. But his name seems familiar when you compare it to 2010’s Vermont New Year’s baby, whose parents selected a unique name in Azrael, also the name of the angel of death. There were 34 boys named Azrael born in the US last year, I’d bet their names were inspired not by this angel, but from this popular comic.

Virginia- Here #73 Colton was a New Year’s birth.

Washington- Appropriately, this state had a presidentially-named New Year’s baby, #629 Maleah. The most popular spelling, Malia, is #203.

West Virginia- While Felix charts at #331 as a boys’ name, it is unranked, unlisted, and virtually unheard of as a girls’ name, as it was used here.

Wisconsin- New Year’s baby Adele (#908), will surely see her name rise in popularity because of this songstress. This Adele’s siblings provide a host of naming options for parents looking for a mix of tradition and hipness. Her brothers and sisters are Finnian, Elizabeth, Lucy, James, Flannery and Lydia.

Wyoming- Little Jared’s name still ranks #242, but it is likely more popular when this baby’s parents were kids. He came four weeks early in order to be the New Year’s baby.

*some of these babies are the first born in that state, others are the babies born nearest the state capital.

Theme Naming: The Christmas Special

Thu, 22 Dec 2011 23:37:00 -0500

Some parents like to give their baby a name that captures the moment of the child’s birth. Many an Autumn was born on a blustery fall day, more than a few boys named Nash were born (or conceived) in the American automobile.

So what do you name a baby, born on or near Christmas, when more expected favorites like Nicholas, Christopher, or Noelle aren’t doing the trick?

Unwrap these Christmas baby names that enjoy the holiday magic, without the same well-known Christmas connection.

(photoimage.com)

Girls

Natalie- This is a hot name, it is #14 on the USA’s Top #1000, and there’s perhaps no better name for a baby girl born around Dec. 25. Natalie literally means “born on Christmas day.”

Holly- This 1970s favorite is the subject of a well-known seasonal song; but most people wouldn’t automatically assume a Holly must be born near Christmas. This name, also a festive winter berry, is #412 on the USA’s Top #1000.

Ivy- Ivy’s on-trend long vowel sound, and its prominence in another Christmas carol that features Holly, this name comes in at #299 on the most recent charts.

Boys

Jasper- The hip sounds of this name , and sparkly vampire connection, have driven this to #286 on the Top #1000 in the US. But Jasper is also an appropriate name for a Christmas babe, it is the translation of the name of one of the three wise men.

Tannon- This pick could be a shortened version of Christmas favorite “O Tannenbaum.” Despite its familiar sounds and popular ‘n’ ending, just 15 baby Tannons were born in the US in 2010.

Gabriel- A popular name in the US, ranked #21, Gabriel doesn’t scream “Christmas” but it is the name of an angel particularly important to the story of Christmas.

The Changing Taste of Baby Names

Thu, 15 Dec 2011 21:54:00 -0500

It’s a stalemate with which soon-to-be parents are all too familiar. You’ve got the names you love. Your partner has the names he or she loves, and never the twain shall meet (when I was a kid I thought this phrase was based on an intentional mispronunciation of the word ‘train,’ but that’s neither here nor there.)

So what do you do when you have your heart set on Ariadne and he’s always wanted to name a daughter Shannon, a name that’s never struck your fancy? Or you think Jude is the perfect pick for your baby boy, and she can’t stray from the idea that your son should be named Richard, which only makes you think of this guy?

It can seem a conundrum. And while there may be a few of your partner’s choices that will never work for both of you- you shouldn’t toss out the one’s he loves, that you have only a “maybe” feeling about.

Why? Because, the first time I heard a song sung by what is now my favorite musical group I wasn’t a fan . Tastes evolve. Repetition changes things. And if I gave up after that first listen, I would have missed out on some lyrical wisdom and amazing beats.

(lessthanjake.wikia.com)

Put that Atmosphere (above) on your Christmas wish list. So, tastes can change. You might not like an exotic new wine on the first sip, you’ve got to swirl it around a bit and test all the flavors. That holds true with names. Keep tossing Summer out into conversation, google Ezekiel and see what references you find. Put faces with the names. Think about what they bring to mind. Names can and will grow on you.

It is perhaps easier to prove that it works the other way, too. Because I’m a life-long name enthusiast, I chronicled my likes and dislikes. I recently found a third grade autobiography I had to write for class, wherein I saw fit to include my favorite names: ones like Carin and Chelsea, Luke and Danny. When I got a little older, my sights turned to names like Braden and Michelle. Still later, Landon and Samantha were my clear favorites. If I were to have a child, I wouldn’t use any of these names, for various reasons.

Our tastes are not set in stone. So take a nibble on an unlikely name or two, you might find an unexpected favorite.

The Outsiders Part IV: Around the World

Sat, 26 Nov 2011 12:42:00 -0500

With parts one, two, and three of the best names outside the top #1000 down, its time for part four, a look at some names with international flair. A glance at the top of the USA’s popularity charts shows names from a variety of cultures. They are names that might have one country of origin, but are used by people from a variety of backgrounds. Not every Anthony is Italian, not every Sean is Irish, and many little Isabellas have no Spanish ancestry.

And those are just a few popular examples of names with cross-cultural appeal. Many lesser used, but perhaps equally appealing options, make up Outsiders IV. For these names, I’ve channelled an awesome song from my high school days and gone Around the World.

(reviewfi.com)

Here are some hidden gems of the international variety:

Girls

Colette (205 born in 2010)- This name boasts French flair and a recent hit kids’ movie connection. It also packs nickname Colie, a diminutive that drew attention as the name of a cast member on the MTV’s granddaddy of all reality shows, Real World.

Xenia (47 born in 2010)- Pronounced sen-ee-uh or zee-nee-uh, its a name with Greek origin and a saint connection. It is also a name whose beauty is augmented by the connection to a world-famous model, and that’s made lovable by an underdog young contestant on “The Voice.”

Petra (98 born in 2010)- The #8 most popular name in Hungary, here is an easily pronounced, strong and feminine classic, in use by famous Czech tennis player Petra Kvitova.

Chiara (140 born in 2010)- The Italian form of antique favorite Clara, this name is pronounced kee-ah-ra (many equate the ‘Ch’ sound to that of Christine). It has the hot sounds of hit name Sierra, and was the fifth most popular girls’ name in Italy in 2008.

Verona (30 born in 2010)- This Italian city is a Shakespearean favorite, the setting of plays like Romeo & Juliet. It is a name that won’t be limited to theater buffs or Italy enthusiasts. Like a fresher update of Veronica, Verona is a name you could picture on a pre-schooler or distinguished grown-up.

Boys

Dimitri (177 born in 2010)- A Greek name that is #5 in Russia and has risen on the USA popularity charts in recent years, Dimitri could appeal to a wide array of parents. It seems to be gaining traction in all its spellings (there were 62 babies named Dmitri born last year), and Demetri has the ever-important connection to a certain sparkly vampire pop culture phenomenon.

Giuseppe (97 born in 2010)- Admittedly, this one might appeal more to parents with Italian roots, but here’s a fine name far less popular that Italian-American favorite Giovanni. Giuseppe’s got the nickname “Juice,” and loads of famous Italian namesakes.

Augustine ( 187 born in 2010)- Pronounced aw-gus-tin or aw-gus-teen, this Latin saint’s names mean great and could be a great pick for parents drawn to its distinguished quality and nicknames Auggie and Gus.

Rome (71 born in 2010)- With Roman, Romeo and Jerome all firmly within the USA’s Top 1000, how about shorter variant Rome? The ancient city packs the hot ‘long o’ sound, the trendiness of ‘place names’ and seems the short, strong boys name so many parents are after.

Massimo (148 born in 2010)- An Italian name that could provide an alternative for parents who think Max in its various longforms is too popular, its also just one letter off from ’ east coast attitude meets west coast cool.’

Today’s Bonus is brought to you by the letter ‘P’;

Boy’s name Patricio (100 born last year in the US) and girl’s name Pilar (82 born here in 2010) are snappy, underused Spanish names that are easily pronounced by English speakers.

Names by the Letter: The Duggar Example

Tue, 08 Nov 2011 11:38:00 -0500

It’s hard for me to write this post about The Duggars— the subject of that TLC show about a family that expects to soon have 20 children—without getting into sticky subjects like values, religion and overpopulation. But my thoughts about the Duggar family’s choices are not what this blog is about: the names they have chosen are.

Few parents have the opportunity to name 20 children, and many a name enthusiast has hypothesized as to what they’d call their kids if they had to name so many. One of my favorite name web sites has put forth several posts about how each name choice restricts further choices for most parents. For instance: If I name my daughter Grace, I probably wouldn’t name my son Chase, if I named a son Daniel, I might not feel comfortable naming another child the similar-sounding Samuel. (The Duggars, unlike many parents, appear unbothered by similar sounding names; they have sons Joseph and Josiah, to cite one example). The Duggars gave themselves an extra restriction: They have named every child with the same beginning letter.

(shazzacraft.blogspot.com)

What does such a choice mean and is it a choice that appeals to other parents?

Many parents elect to name children with the same beginning letter as a symbol of family unity. The most popular names for twins last year were Ella & Emma for two girls, Jacob & Joshua for two boys, and Madison & Mason for twins of each gender. Depending on the pronunciation, the link can be subtle or pronounced. Madison and Mason might be a choice for parents who want it to be obvious they chose similar names for their babies, Maci and Milo’s strikingly different sounds makes the first-letter connection a less blatant link.

The downside of choosing to name by letter is the constricting nature of that choice: you aren’t picking just names you love, you’re choosing only names that fit into the pre-set first-letter parameters. This can get tricky. If you name your first two kids Charlie and Cecilia are you married to following the pattern for a third baby? What if you don’t love any other C names? The Duggars appeared to run into that problem when they got to baby number six- who they named Jinger (it is pronounced Ginger, suggesting they would have preferred a G name for this daughter…I always thought if they were sticking to J names, Jinjer would be more accurate.) These are all things parents should consider as they name baby #2 (or any other kids).

And just for fun, lets go back to the Duggar names. Assuming they continue with the ‘J’ names, and the choices they’ve already used, what options exist for their 20th child?

For girls, Julia seems the most obvious choice— it’s the most popular girl’s ‘J’ name on the 2010 chart at #55. But the Duggars have overlooked that one before, Jasmine, Jocelyn & Jacqueline could also be winners.

For boys names, #4 Jayden seems a front runner, but Julian, Jude or Jayce could also be the perfect names.

Name Cupid's Pick of the Day: Gideon

Fri, 28 Oct 2011 11:14:00 -0400

With names ending in -n dominating the boys side of the chart (Ethan, Aiden & Jayden all fall within the 2010 Top 10), it might seem like a tall order to find a similarly constituted boys’ name that is at once easily-pronounced and uncommon.

Get a hold of Gideon.

A timeless and Biblical classic that originates from the Hebrew feller of trees and may also mean mighty warrior, Gideon is a name that conveys bookish smarts with rugged masculinity. That mental picture is only helped by this guy:

(online.wsj.com)

That of course is MTV reporter Gideon Yago, familiar to masses of 80s babies who watched him explain the choices in Choose or Lose.

Also the name of an angel in a Christmas tale, and baby brother in a movie musical, Gideon is a name that seems familiar, despite its lack of usage.

Although it has on-trend sounds and historical connections, Gideon is relatively rare: It is at just 461 on the current charts. It is currently less popular than names like Justice and Knox, and about as popular as names like Rudy and Dallas among babies in 1986.

For parents looking for a rarer smart name with an edge, Gideon might be just the right fit.

Namesakes: Baby names that are music to our ears

Mon, 24 Oct 2011 13:25:00 -0400

The impact movies and TV have had on the name chart has been much discussed on this blog, and with good reason.

But musical names are also en vogue: and not just baby names with subtle references like Lyric, Melody and Cadence. Would Jackson have skyrocketed to #25 on the charts if it wasn’t the surname of the True King of Pop Rock and Soul?

And what about Ella, would that name have soared to #13 on the 2010 chart if not for an iconic first lady of song?

Those names are only the beginning—glance a little further down the chart and you’ll find more musician names that are likely to go from topping Billboard to topping the SSA list.

One in particular likely to spike: A beloved English frontman recently celebrated in two chart-topping songs.

(michaelarnoldart.com)

That name, Jagger is relatively rare at #762— but I doubt it’ll stay there for long. Here are a few more lesser-used music-inspired names that may strike the right notes for would-be parents.

Girls

Presley- The King’s swiveling hips and genre-bending tunes made him a superstar through several generations. The trendy sounds of this name help propel it to #274, still well outside the Top #100.

Marley- You only need to check out the posters in any college dorm to see the influence a certain poet & prophet still has on today’s young people. At #234, many parents are already naming their little ones after the legend, but it is still less popular than names like Amaya and Lola.

Cassidy- Cassidy has all the on-trend sounds, cute nicknames in Cassie and Casey, and happens to be the last name of a certain songbird. It also boasts a teen heart-throb reference, and is lesser-used at #248.

Boys

Cash- The most popular of my boys picks, Cash is at just #261, lesser used than names like Corbin and Dalton. Aside from being a favorite topic of many a mainstream rapper, it is the surname of famed singer-songwriter recently immortalized in film.

Lennon- An artist who helped define perhaps the best-known band of all time, Lennon sneaks onto the chart at #918.

Hendrix- Another 1960s music hero who died young, Hendrix also has that fashionable ‘x’ ending seen in hit names like Max and Maddox. It missed the 2010 charts, with just 184 baby Hendrixes born last year.

Need help naming your baby? Let me help!

Namer's Dilemma: Finding a boy name that's different, not weird

Wed, 12 Oct 2011 09:29:00 -0400

I was recently contacted my a dad-to-be who had a few core requirements for the name of his soon-to-be-born son: it must be strong, sharp and “unique but not weird.”

While the criteria may seem simple, a name had eluded this man and his partner and I worked to provide him with some options.

I frequently get questions from parents requesting a name that is “uncommon but not too out there”—they are looking for the naming sweet spot between a bored sigh and a horrified groan. The trouble is—everyone’s “weird” is different. A traditionalist might find Ayden to be a creatively-spelled weirdfest. Many modern parents think the name is just right—it’s #79 on the current 2010 chart. Still others would find the name “boring,” as its most common spelling, Aiden, is ranked #9 on the current charts.

So what names did I offer this dad, who was looking for a unique and masculine name with a little spunk?

Here’s one hint

(solitaryphoenix.com)

That Lost character, a name I’ve referenced here, is the first of four picks I offered this dad that I’ll now share with you.

Sawyer- With this strong (and hunky) character reference, and the mischievous boyhood conveyed by this guy , Sawyer makes a sharp pick. It is a name that is easily pronounced, but far from a common classic. At #173 on the 2010 charts, it is hardly “weird.”

Pierce- The surname of an actor who played pillar of strength James Bond, and the name of a rebellious comic strip character , Pierce is a sharp and different choice. It is also derived from Peter, which means rock. Like Sawyer, it is a name many people know, but it’s far from “typical” — it is about as popular as Gordon and Zachariah were among babies born in 1986.

Slade- At #991 on the 2010 popularity chart, Slade was made more recognizable through a recent Reality TV cast member. It has easy sounds, and a sharp quality, all with a vague “I’ve heard that somewhere” quality, that keeps it from sounding “weird.”

Zane- Another easily-pronounced name that packs spunkiness and strength, it is also the name of an adventure novelist and the surname of a well-known actor. It is also unique, about as popular as Edwin or Darrell were in 1984.

Need help choosing a name? Take the survey in the “how to” section, or send me an email at namecupid@gmail.com

Movie Magic: Pop Culture Chart-Shapers

Sun, 25 Sep 2011 18:42:00 -0400

Childhood can be the source of so many life-long preferences: Your love of homemade meatballs, your joy at the smell of fresh-cut grass, and even what baby names you favor.

It might sound strange but its true, even when you’re just years from your own babyhood, you can accrue experiences that lay the foundation for your future baby naming. It is something I’ve touched upon before, when discussing Olivia here.

Here’s another example:

In 1984, there was a hugely popular (and completely awesome) Golden Globe winning film called Romancing the Stone. The dashing leading man was a rugged but romantic character who resonated with the audience. The year before the movie came out, that character’s first name was #172 on the Top 1000. His last name charted at #807. Now, those names are at #44 and #73, respectively— and they’re names you’ve seen and heard in baby name chats and playgrounds everywhere.

His name was Jack T. Colton.

(listal.com)

Sure, these names might have been on the rise otherwise, and few parents have knowingly named recent babies after this movie hunk, but his existence brought these names into a naming consciousness (or subconsciousness). This is a movie I love, and I didn’t remember the character’s name. But I have warm feelings about Jack and Colton, and I think the cause of that might be found in my late-80s movie marathons.

Certainly, this doesn’t hold true for every movie name. Elliot has stayed relatively static throughout the years despite its prominence as a lead character in E.T.

But when the right name hits at the right time, the name’s appeal and usage can skyrocket.

Need some more examples? Look no further than Madison, the #8 spot holder on the Top #1000 chart, that rose to those heights from relative obscurity. Why? Perhaps because of a 1984 movie mermaid who chose that name from a NYC street sign. That probable genesis has been discussed here.

See also: An adorable baby girl born on Sesame Street in 1989. At that time Gabriela, in its most popular spelling, was 233 on the charts. Now Gabriella ranks 33. While it was a rising name anyway, its a sure bet that many 80s/90s babies fell in love with little Gabi’s name and kept that love alive until they grew up and gave birth.

More proof lies in Trinity, whose turn in uber-popular 1999-2000s trilogy The Matrix, boosted the name to #73 on the 2010 chart.

So what are some other name, whose roots in future parents’ childhood culture could win them a boost? Here’s a few ideas…

Boys

Slater- It has the coveted long-a sound, rebellious -r ending, and Sawyer’s rugged but studious quality. It’s also the name of the big-muscled hunk from a late 80s/early 90s kids’ smash: Saved by the Bell. Just 41 Slaters were born last year in the U.S., but it’s a name I’d pick to rise soon.

Pacey- As we move further from the late 90s/early 2000s teen sensation that was Dawson and his Creek, it’ll seem a name not just reserved for Pacey Witter. Instead, it’ll seem like a name with hot sounds that embodies the spunky qualities of Witter himself. There were 32 Paceys born in 2010, I’m predicting many more in 2020.

Girls

Olive- Already a hipster baby name, Olive sprang to mind because of two recent popular movie characters. It has an antique feel and is a bit of a departure from the girls names climbing the charts. With two recent protagonists under her belt, Olive was #546 on the chart’s last year, and is ready to rise throughout the next decade.

Juno- She was a pregnant teenager in the like-titled 2007 hit, and as we saw with Teen Mom star Maci’s name, teens who have babies can see the popularity of their own names soar. Juno was spunky and lovable, and in a few decades, the pregnant-teen association will fade and the warm feelings and goddess reference will remain. There may have been 46 Junos born in 2010, but it’ll be a different story in 2030.

So while you may not mean to name your baby after a character you ‘met’ in childhood: you could. And it’ll be a name that will make friends and acquaintances of your generation smile, although they might not know why.

Outsiders Part III: Sounds Familiar?

Wed, 14 Sep 2011 09:49:00 -0400

You’ve read parts one and two of my tribute to little-used baby name treasures and now it’s time for the third segment: an assortment of names that may be rare, but feel familiar.

The names that follow fall outside the Top #1000— so they’re all less common than baby names Legend and Kimber—but, like the names found in installment two, they probably won’t seem that way.

Here’s why: their hot sounds. These are names that sound enough like common names that they don’t appear “too out there,” while they are unique enough to feel fresh.

Sampling well-known sounds and making them new again can be a wise choice, just ask this guy.

(songonlyrics.com)

Here are some names that might strike your fancy:

Girls

Linnea (145 born in 2010)- A name that sounds like Lydia and Olivia, it’s a floral choice that would give a parent both tried-and-true sounds and freshness. Linnea is also a character in a popular children’s book.

Tressa (26 born in 2010)- She sounds like the perfectly coiffed cousin to more-popular Tessa and Teresa. Tressa is also the name of two veteran actresses, and would be a sassy and feminine pick.

Ellery (185 born in 2010)- This strong and preppy unisex name means alder tree and sounds a bit like Ella and Hilary. Ellery would make a unique and easily-pronounceable choice.

Maisie (123 born in 2010)- Once a pet form of the name Margaret, Maisie is a name in its own right, one used by an actress in a popular HBO show. A name meaning pearl, Maisie adds a vintage quality to the sounds popularized in Maci.

Waverly (56 born in 2010)- It shares sounds with the popular Avery, is leant an oceanic quality through the word ‘wave,’ and is a name whose virtues have not gone unnoticed. 1980s kids will recognize it as the baby name in an iconic kids’ movie.

Boys

Grey (106 born in 2010)- It has the sound of Grayson or Greyson without the more trendy -son ending. A hip name familiarized through a hugely popular TV drama. The name Gray is nearly as popular, 96 were born in 2010.

Anton (188 born in 2010)- A gentlemanly name with a bit of a bold streak, it is a name meaning priceless and is similar to Anthony, Antonio and Antoine. It is also the name of a charming Dexter character.

Langston (176 born in 2010)- Similar to popular Landon and boasting an attractive literary association, Langston has hip sounds and an elegant quality that should have broad appeal.

Judd (38 born in 2010)- One-letter off from chart favorite Jude, Judd provides a different take that offers a western flair. It may come from Jordan, which means flowing, and is shared by a Breakfast Club bad boy.

Canaan (161 born in 2010)- Cannon and Kane made the chart, their Biblical brother isn’t so different. It also happens to be the name of a Nashville music writer and recent Reality TV star.

Celebrity Baby Names & Why One 'Weirdness' Scale is out of Balance

Tue, 06 Sep 2011 13:13:00 -0400

There’s somewhat of a fascination with celebrity baby names, and it seems heightened these past few months, with the birth of the littlest Beckham, the announcement of a music icon’s pregnancy, and a little boy for Alyssa Milano.

It also means the proliferation of stories like this one.

The post does make valid points about the perceived “weirdness” of celebrity baby names; for every Apple or Suri there are many more celebrity baby names you hear less about, like “normal” monikers Sean and Flynn (A name I posted about here).

But what’s surprising (and in my opinion, incorrect), is the author’s assumptions about which names are “weird” and will invite ridicule. Many offer great options for new parents. I’ll break down each of their name choices below.

Tina Fey and her baby girl, Penelope.

(surebaby.com)

As I’ve said here many times before, a name’s beauty is in the eye of the beholder (so is its weirdness), so for me, a lot of these ratings seem a bit arbitrary.

I’ll take you through them, referencing the article’s ratings. They say a rating of 1/10 “crying babies” signifies an “innocuous” name, and 10/10 “crying babies” denotes a name “destined to invite taunting.”

Jordan Kay Federline (1/10)- Jordan is hardly a rare name for a baby girl, it is #178 on the 2010 chart, but it’s kind of funny to see it described as an “innocuous,” being that it wasn’t even on the girls’ name radar a few decades back. It’s a sweet name that should appeal to many a parent. However, the 1 rating seems a bit low because of a large group of people who detest what they perceive as “boys names” on girls.

Agnes Lark Bettany (3/10)- This three ranking is a shocker, in that Agnes wasn’t even on the 2010 Top #1000. In fact there were just 66 babies named Agnes born last year. This would be a nice pick for parents looking for vintage baby names, but one could also argue its popularity has taken a steep decline for a reason.

Willow Sage Hart (4/10)- At #290 on the 2010 chart and already in use on other celebrity children, it’s hard to believe this name got this many “crying babies” on this blogger’s scale. The soft sounds should draw the interest of many modern parents, and Pink’s reason for picking the name only adds to its appeal.

Penelope Athena Richmond (4/10)- Like Willow, Penelope ranking above a name like Agnes on the “weirdness scale” seems a bit off. At #200 on the recent chart, it has more popularity than Agnes while maintaining a certain antique quality.

Haven Garner Warren (5/10)- This makes it half-way up the “weirdness scale”, and in all fairness, I think that’s about right. It lands at #651 on the charts, not too far from the Top #1000’s midpoint. While for some it’s ending may seem a bit masculine, it has the hip beginning sounds of Haley and Hazel, and “safe haven” associations.

Harper Seven Beckham (5/10)- This name might split the difference between “weird” and “innocuous” but Harper certainly doesn’t come this far up the scale in terms of inviting ridicule. Just check out how smart, funny and sophisticated people think Harper sounds. It’s a name many expectant parents favor, and I posted about it in the Beckham link above.

Bingham Hawn Bellamy (6/10)- Like Haven, I’m on board with Bingham’s ranking here. That might seem out of line, being that there were less than 5 Binghams born in 2010 last year— you might think that alone should score more “weirdness” points. But with names like Hudson and Brooks within the Top 400, Bingham would fit right in and hardly invite ridicule.

Kase Townes Murray (7/10)- Although there were only 81 Kases born last year, this name doesn’t strike me as so odd. Case makes the chart at #713, and it has jumped in popularity in recent years. Also, Kasen charts in a variety of spellings. Its sounds are right on trend, and I can’t see it inviting ridicule or raising much of an eyebrow.

Aleph Portman-Milliped (7/10)- Aleph, the first letter of the Hebrew alphabet, should perhaps even be higher on the “weirdness” scale. As far as I can tell, there haven’t been other incidences of its name in use. It isn’t Apple, but it is a word that hadn’t previously attained name status.

Bear Blu Jarecki (9/10)- OK, so Bear strikes me as a bit odd. (And the combination of Bear and Blu reminds me of this guy.) But with this famous Bear, and the 53 born last year, it might not be as out-of-left-field as you might think.

The moral here, as always, is one man’s trash is another man’s treasure: Or one blogger’s “somewhat weird” may be a prospective parent’s “perfect.”

Name Cupid's Pick of the Day: Hazel

Tue, 30 Aug 2011 21:30:00 -0400

Looking for a somewhat unexpected baby name that combines hot sounds with a classic antique feel? Hazel might be just what you’re looking for.

It calls to mind a refined turn-of-the century woman, a dignified professional and an adorable little girl.

Your little Hazel would also have a name that packs the hip beginning sound that helped propel Hailey into the national Top #20.

But Hazel has a few things Hailey doesn’t: a long history of usage that lends it weight and depth, and less frequent popularity.

It is well outside of the Top #100—at #262 on the 2010 chart— making it about as popular Shelly and Ruth were in 1982.

Not bad for a name in use by a Bollywood Star.

(kollywoodwallpapers.com)

Hazel also evokes a striking eye color and soft sounds, while also holding an ending that will set her apart from her peers.

A baby name that can refer to a hazelnut tree or the Hebrew meaning “God Sees,” Hazel could be a beautiful name for your little one.

I Got My Name From Name Cupid: Meet Jax

Tue, 23 Aug 2011 21:55:00 -0400

Sometimes, when I dole out naming advice, I never hear from the soon-to-be parent again, so I never know if my efforts are an exercise in futility.

But other times I get messages from parents who are thrilled with a name I helped them discover. Those times are the best - they’re so rewarding, and allow me to look at adorable pictures like this one:

This little guy’s mom and I went through many names before she arrived at eventual winner: Jaxson James.

Jax is now the first member of the I Got my Name from Name Cupid Hall of Fame!

Jax’s mom wanted a name that was spunky and strong. I dreamed up several names for her, baby names like Landon, Ryder, Max and Gage. The first email I sent Jax’s mom included a list of 10 names. The fourth on the list was Jack/Jaxon/Jackson, and with a spelling twist, Jax’s mom found the perfect baby name for her son. How did she come to decide upon a name she so loved (and how did Name Cupid help)? I asked her a few questions to find out.

Q&A with Jax’s Mom

Name Cupid: Jaxson was not the first baby name you seem settled on for your son. How did your naming process work, and what drew you to the name Jaxson?

Jax’s Mom: I liked Landon (from the start), but I never liked it for my kid. I wanted something with a nickname, and “Lando” was not something I wanted to call my son. I still liked Gavin when he was born, but he didn’t look like a Gavin. It boiled down to something (she and Jax’s dad) both agreed on.

I had brought the name Jaxson up earlier in the pregnancy, and (Jax’s dad) said then that he didn’t like it, but we decided (we both liked Jax) right before we left the hospital. I was drawn to it mostly because of the nickname—I would have just named him Jax, but I liked that I could also call him Jaxson. It’s traditional, but the spelling isn’t.

NC: Why did you choose a unique spelling of Jax’s name, are you happy with that choice?

JM: Part of me wanted to change the spelling (after I filled out the birth certificate). I thought, did we need that ‘s’ in Jaxson? But I thought Jaxon might be pronounced Jax- ON, and I liked Jaxson, so we kept it.

NC: How early did you decide on his middle name, James?

JM: James was my dad’s middle name, his first name was Richard. I just wanted to name my kid something-James because there are too many Richards in the family. I referred to the baby as Blank James throughout the whole pregnancy. (Two friends) came up with it, and I almost named him Blank James!

NC: You didn’t tell anyone Jax’s name before he was born. Are you glad you didn’t? What kind of reactions did you get once you revealed your choice?

JM: I’m very happy we didn’t tell anyone the name. Everyone that (Jax’s dad) knows thought the baby was going to be named Landon, and some people were upset he wasn’t. (But) I think it was just a pleasant surprise that (allows) people not to judge the name before they know the baby.

NC: You were helped by Name Cupid before I got that name! How did my process help you choose a name, and how was it different than other baby naming advice you got?

JM: You helped me to think about the type of name that I wanted, and the feeling and emotion I wanted conveyed by the name, the symbolism of the name. It wasn’t about what the name was, it was about what it makes you think of. Everyone else just said, “that (baby name) is so cute!” or “you should just name him this” and I was like, “I don’t want to use that name, it’s just not who I am.” But you helped me find names suited to my personality.

I think she summed up the purpose of Name Cupid better than I ever could!

Do you have a little one whose name I helped you find? Send me an email at namecupid@gmail.com and be entered in the I Got My Name from Name Cupid Hall of Fame for a chance to win a prize!

You can't make It Up: A Baby Name Near-Certainty

Wed, 17 Aug 2011 10:22:23 -0400

Think you made up a unique name for your baby? You may want to think again.

I’ll start with a little personal tale:

When I was in elementary school (and OK, middle school too …) , spelling tests and writing prompts doubled as opportunities to insert names into sentences, and play with as many baby names as possible.

I had two memorable “inventions” during this time.

Braden- What began as a typo-version of the name Brandon, this name became my go-to favorite when I was about 10 years old. It may seem ridiculous that I thought I made up this name—its most popular spelling, Brayden is now #40 on the Top 1000. Braden itself is #207. But while it was rare in my youth, it did exist outside of my imagination. The year I was born, .01% of babies were named Braden, making it about as popular as Lathan and Broderick were among babies born in 2010.

Here is a Braden born about 20 years before I “invented” the name.

(homerruncards.com)

The second name was Kyler- This one I “created” in seventh grade, as a mash up of Kyle and Tyler. Kyler didn’t make the Top 1000 the year I was born, but there were 62 little Kylers born that year. In 2010, it was #269 on the charts.

I’m not alone— it’s a good bet that some parents thought they “invented” their children’s names, only to find out other parents created the same moniker.

And finding a truly unique name is daunting when names like Bryleigh and Destin are in the Top 1000. As mentioned here, there were six babies named Awesome in 2010. There were also 227 girls, and 17 boys, named Unique.

Creating a name no one has used before you is a virtual impossibility. That doesn’t mean it can’t, for you, be a deeply personalized choice. If you want to name your baby Kendi as a nod to relatives Ken and Diane, go ahead and do it. But don’t be dismayed if you encounter other Kendis—like any of the 13 born in 2010—who may have different stories about the reasons for their names.