Complete Book of Baby Names: The Most Names (100,001+), Most Unique Names, Most Idea-Generating Lists (600+) and the Most Help to Find the Perfect Name

By Lesley Bolton

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The Complete Book of Baby Names:   The Most Names (100,001+), Most Unique Names, Most Idea-Generating Lists (600+) and the Most Help to Find the Perfect Name

"If you've got an occasion to bestow a name, and you're looking for the widest possible range of choices,
you can't go wrong by bringing home a copy of The Complete Book of Baby Names."
phantomscribbler.blogspot.com

Every year, hundreds of thousands of expectant parents turn to The Complete Book of Baby Namesas their essential, indispensable guide to choosing the best name for their child. Helpful and full of creative inspiration, this #1 bestseller gives you all the best ways to find your favorites and decide on the perfect fit.

The Most Names, Most Lists, Most Help to Find the Best Name:

• More Names AND Richer Definitions
• The Most (600+) Creative Lists to Inspire You
• The Most Idea-Sparking Celebrity Baby Names
• The Most Popular-and Unique-Names
• The Newest Trends, Including What Makes the Perfect Name!

More than 600 Fun Lists to Help You Choose, Including:

• Intellectual, creative names from literature and the arts
• Strong, respected names from sports and politics
• Unique, under-the-radar names that hit the right notes

Packed full of more than 100,001 baby names with origins, variations, and richer definitions, The Complete Book of Baby Names makes choosing your baby's name a joyful act of love.

Everything You Need ...

• The most up-to-date list of popular names - plus top twin names
• Selecting sibling names that make sense for your family
• Great gender-neutral names - plus the top 61 names
• Adding a middle name - or two!
• 18 essentials in choosing the perfect name...
• And what not to name your baby
• All the top baby boy and baby girl names!
• Plus all the best variations and nicknames

All You Need in One Complete Book!

MORE PRAISE FOR THE COMPLETE BOOK OF BABY NAMES:

"The Complete Book of Baby Names is a great resource if you are naming a baby, and, it's also an interesting read. Busy Girl has been using it to inform all her friends what their names mean.Most importantly, though, it covers what NOT to name your baby. I'll let you check that one out yourself."
BusyMom.net

"Since this is my third child, I've been through my share of baby name books, about 2 a pregnancy. This one I found as my favorite, not just the first few chapters but the list of names are wonderful and broken not just into boy and girl categories but lists of popular names by country, twin names and hordes of other lists. You'll be amazed, as I was."
snowboundintheyukon.blogspot.com

"If you're going to choose one baby name book and get the most bang for your buck, this is a good one to go with. It's more complete and helpful than any other single book I've seen out there and short of turning it into an OED-style multi-volume set, I'm not sure there's much more the author Lesley Bolton could pack in."
daringyoungmom.com

"The Complete Book of Baby Names is so fun too. It isn't just a list of names - it is like a course in baby-naming! With chapters on baby-naming history, naming trends, the attributes of a perfect name, middles names, etc. as well as 276 fun name lists like popular names in different countries, and bizarre lists such as the names of models, First Ladies, Reality TV Stars and more, this book could keep me going until I delive

• Language: English
• Publisher: Sourcebooks
• Release date: Jun 1, 2009
• ISBN: 9781402253959

Lesley Bolton

Lesley Bolton is a freelance writer and publishing professional with over six years of publishing experience. She is also the author of The Complete Book of Baby Names, The Everything Guide to Writing Children's Books, and The Everything Psychology Book. She lives in Bloomington, Indiana.

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Copyright © 2006, 2009 by Sourcebooks, Inc.

Cover and internal design © 2006, 2009 by Sourcebooks, Inc.

Cover Design by Dawn Pope

Cover photo © ivanchenko/istockphoto.com

Sourcebooks and the colophon are registered trademarks of Sourcebooks, Inc.

All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced in any form or by any electronic or mechanical means including information storage and retrieval systems—except in the case of brief quotations embodied in critical articles or reviews—without permission in writing from its publisher, Sourcebooks, Inc.

This publication is designed to provide accurate and authoritative information in regard to the subject matter covered. It is sold with the understanding that the publisher is not engaged in rendering legal, accounting, or other professional service. If legal advice or other expert assistance is required, the services of a competent professional person should be sought.—From a Declaration of Principles Jointly Adopted by a Committee of the American Bar Association and a Committee of Publishers and Associations

All brand names and product names used in this book are trademarks, registered trademarks, or trade names of their respective holders. Sourcebooks, Inc., is not associated with any product or vendor in this book.

Published by Sourcebooks, Inc.

P.O. Box 4410, Naperville, Illinois 60567-4410

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Fax: [phone]

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Library of Congress Cataloging-in-Publication Data

Bolton, Lesley.

Complete book of baby names / Lesley Bolton.

p. cm.

1. Names, Personal—Dictionaries. 2. Names, Personal—United States—Dictionaries. I. Title.

CS2377.B653 2006

929.4’403—dc22

2006014064

Printed and bound in the United States of America.

DR 10 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1

Contents

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Introduction

Chapter 1: Baby-Naming History

Chapter 2: In Vogue: Modern Naming Trends

Chapter 3: War of the Sexes

Chapter 4: The Attributes of a Perfect Name

Chapter 5: What Not to Name Your Baby

Chapter 6: Adding a Middle Name or Two

Chapter 7: Sibling Rivalry

Chapter 8: More than 600 Fantastic Lists

Popular Names in Australia

Popular Names in Austria

Popular Names in England and Wales

Popular Names in Finland

Popular Names in Germany

Popular Names in Ireland

Popular Names in New Zealand

Popular Names in Northern Ireland

Popular Names in Norway

Popular Names in Scotland

Popular Names in Spain

Popular Names in Sweden

Popular Names in Belgium

Popular Names in British Columbia

Popular Names in Hungary

Popular Names in Slovenia

Popular Names in Catalonia

Popular Names in France

Popular Names in Alberta

Popular Names in Chile

Popular Names in the Czech Republic

Popular Names in Denmark

Popular Names in Iceland

Popular Names in Japan

Popular Names in the Netherlands

Popular Names in Poland

Popular Names in Portugal

Popular Names in Basque Country

Popular Names in Italy

Spiritual Names

Southern Names

Northeastern Names

Asian Names

Polish Names

Irish Names

Scottish Names

Welsh Names

Dutch Names

Arabic Names

African Names

Greek Names

Spanish Names

Italian Names

Scandinavian Names

Russian Names

German Names

French Names

Astronauts

Hockey Stars

Baseball Stars

Football Stars

Heisman Trophy–Winners

Basketball Stars

Track and Field Stars

Less-Than-Flattering Names

Disney Names

Nobel Prize–Winners

Lawyers

Yuppie Names

Mob Names

Biblical Names

Exotic Names

Auto-Racing Names

Biker Names

Hippie Names

Boxers

Zodiac Signs

Native American Tribal Names

Constellations

Bowlers

Golfers

Bull Riders

International Spies

Redneck Names

Influential Names

Police Officers

Editors

Wild-Child Names

Jockeys

Grey’s Anatomy Names

CEOs

Overachievers

Grocery Clerks

Designers

FBI Agents

Unisex Names

Powerful Names

Presidential Names

Painters

Sculptors

Lighthearted Names

Skydivers

Humorous People

Eccentric Names

Brand Names

Nicknames as Names

Activists

Country Singers

Chefs

Superheroes

Olympians

Game-Show Hosts

Senators

Representatives

Old-West Names

State Names

Names Abroad

Royalty

Drama Queens

Saint Names

Colors

Car Names

Last Names First

Shakespearean Names

Occupations

Gods and Goddesses

Mythological Characters

Mother-Nature Names

Virtue Names

Heroes and Heroines from American Literature

Names That Mean Wise

Celebrity Names

Roman Names

U.S. Authors

Poets

Icons

Children’s Lit

Wines

Bird Names

Democrats

Republicans

Sports Legends

Presidential Last Names

Travelers

Names That Make an Impression

Doctors

Soap-Opera Names

First Children

Class Clowns

Inventors

Mechanics

Architects

Forensic Scientists

Sailors

Interior Decorators

Home-Makeover Hosts

American Idols

Names That Are Candidates for Nicknames

Couch Potatoes

Names That Command Respect

Reality-TV Names

Disco Names

Austen Fans

Talk-Show Hosts

Dorks

Risk-Takers

Names with Great Expectations

Literary Villains

Pro Wrestlers

Gymnasts

Sesame Street Characters

Muppets Characters

Hurricane Names

Famous Generals

MTV Names

British Authors

Classic Names

Flavorful Names

Masterpiece Theatre Names

Psychologists

Nouns as Names

Philosophers

Fairy-Tale Names

Models

Explorers

The In-Crowd Names

Plant Names

Tree Names

Movie Directors/Producers

Ballet Dancers

Names That Mean Beautiful

Patriotic Names

Farmers

Popular-Song Names

Carpenters

Comic-Strip Characters

Famous for Being Famous

Clowns

Amish Names

Pilots

Names That Mean Strong

College Football Stadiums

Chess Players

Gardeners

Stunt Performers

Firefighters

Names That Were Invented

Urban Names

Horticulturists

Swimmers

Composers

Triathletes

Surfers

Geniuses

Country Names

Stylists

Barflies

Teachers

EMTs

African American Names

Bodybuilders

Colleges

Guitarists

Soccer Players

Names That Mean Gift

Big-City Names

Quick-Start Lists of Names from A–Z

Under the Radar Names

The Most Popular Names in Every State from Alabama to Wyoming

The Most Popular Names of Every Decade from the 1900s to the 2000s

The Most Popular Names of Every Year from 2000 to Today

The 100 Most Popular Names of 2007

Just Missed the Top 100

The Top Twin Names of 2007

Celebrity Baby Names A–Z

Chapter 9: Girls’ Names

Chapter 10: Boys’ Names

Introduction

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One of the first questions you will be asked by those who learn of your pregnancy is Have you picked out a name?—second only to Are you having a boy or girl? While this may be endearing at first, and somewhat annoying later, it only goes to show that there is an importance placed on names. As if preparing for the arrival of a baby isn’t stressful enough, you are now under the added pressure of giving your child a name that he or she will have to live with for the rest of his or her life—or at least until he or she is old enough to legally change it. Add to that the never-ending suggestions from well-meaning family and friends—and possibly a few arguments with your partner—and baby-naming can become quite the daunting task! But it doesn’t have to be. Believe it or not, you can actually have fun with the baby-naming process.

Yes, names influence first impressions. Yes, names sometimes spawn not-so-flattering nicknames that can follow a person all the way through retirement. Yes, names affect children’s self-esteem. Yes, names are often obligatory ties to family. And yes, there are thousands to choose from. But what you must keep in mind is that this decision is yours. Not society’s. Not your family’s. Not your friends’. And certainly not strangers’. If you choose a name you take great pride in, your child will be proud of his or her name as well.

One of the biggest stressors surrounding the baby-naming process is the input you are guaranteed to receive from family members. Everyone from parents to aunts to good friends of the family will have an opinion that they’re not afraid to share. And while you might want to honor your family by using one of their names (either as a first name, middle name, or both), there are a few factors you should think about before doing so, which will be outlined in this book. And you thought naming the baby would be the easy part!

If you want the advice of others—terrific. You are certainly going to get it. If, however, you don’t want the added pressure of having to defend a name you choose or finding polite excuses not to name your daughter after Great Aunt Gertie, then keep your thoughts to yourself. Since more and more couples want to know the baby’s sex beforehand these days, the element of surprise has been taken away from family and friends. Instead, many couples choose to keep their baby’s name a secret, which is a good way to work the surprise back into the event. Another plus is that it allows you to avoid negative feedback from others. Once Grandma gazes upon those newbie eyes for the first time, she won’t even remember she disapproved of the name you chose, let alone why. However, even if you do choose to keep the name a secret, open your mind to suggestions from others. Someone just might throw that perfect name your way.

Some of the most important decisions you make for your child take place before birth, including choosing a name. While it might seem intimidating at first, once you begin to think of it as a creative process, you’ll be able to let your imagination go and have fun.

Of course, choosing a name requires some forethought—and therefore work—on your part. Even if you’ve had a name picked out since you were six years old, it is still a good idea to look around. Your child might not be all too appreciative of the fact that ten baby dolls (and possibly several pets) before her carried the same name. Besides, tastes change. Just as the thought of eating broccoli turned your stomach when you were a child and now it’s your favorite vegetable, that name you had chosen so long ago may now leave a bad taste in your mouth.

Parents find several different ways to begin the baby-naming process. To some, it is important to incorporate a family name, so this becomes their starting point. To others, religion is a major factor in choosing a name. Some prefer to seek out a meaning or virtue, while others simply want a name that sounds good. What it all boils down to is what is important to you. So, before you begin scouring these pages, making endless lists, and seeking the advice of others, be sure to determine what it is that you want from a name.

The following chapters offer advice, tips, and suggestions to help you maneuver the baby-naming maze, and hopefully have a little fun along the way. Choosing a name is an important and serious task, but it doesn’t have to be a sour and dreaded experience. Make up games to accompany the decision-making process, such as trying out a new name each week. If you already have some favorites in mind, there’s no reason why you have to go about your daily tasks referring to your unborn child as It, Baby, or Fetus. Try out those you are considering and see if any stick. (Of course, if you have decided to keep the name a secret, be careful not to try out the names in public; reserve this as an at-home game only.) Follow a few simple guidelines, keep your mind open, save your humorous and cutesy titles for your pets, and your baby will have a name he or she is proud to hear, say, and write.

Above all, remember that the decision is yours.

The origin of baby-naming is not known. However, oral history (before even written history) records the use of names to identify individuals, so we can guess that it dates back quite a while. Many parents are moving beyond the sound of a name to find out its meaning and background. Delving into the history of a name is a good way to embrace it on an intimate level. Plus, as your child grows older, you can relate the stories and history behind the name, letting your son or daughter know how special of a gift you have bestowed upon him or her. Some parents are interested in researching specific ethnicities or cultures, tracing their own families back to the roots and choosing names that had meaning for their ancestors. This is a great way to tie in the tradition of the family and give your child a meaningful name.

Names themselves have historically been most influenced by religion and/ or myth and legend. For instance, the rise in Christianity brought about the rise in popularity of biblical names, and as Christianity spread throughout the world, so too did those names. Many Norse names are based on their mythology, such as Thorald, which means follower of Thor. Speaking of the Norse, conquering countries spread their uses of names to those places they invaded. For instance, with the Norse invasion and Cromwellian colonization came the emergence of Anglo names such as Robert into Ireland. Of course, we could delve into each country’s history of baby names but as we are in America, it might interest you most to learn the history of American baby names.

Early Beginnings

America is rightly called the melting pot, as we have a variety of cultures and ethnicities mixed into our history. With these different cultures and ethnicities came different names for children, adding flavor to the stock of Anglo-Saxon names already established. But let’s start at the beginning.

The earliest settlers brought names such as John, William, Richard, Edward, Thomas, Elizabeth, Sarah, and Mary. These, of course, are the traditional boys’ and girls’ names we all know and love. They are also still popular, proving that we aren’t as far removed from these early settlers as we think—at least not in the way of baby names, anyway.

Religion was an important part of these settlers’ lives, and therefore, biblical names became the most popular source for baby names. Just as today, many parents were concerned about the associations tagged onto their children’s names, and choosing names from the Bible of those who were portrayed as estimable was a way to ensure, hopefully, their children grew to be good and God-fearing adults. The Puritans also chose redeeming qualities they wanted their children to uphold and used these for names. For instance, there were several instances of Thankful, Hopewell, Remember, and Experience showing up in the birth records. And of course we have the virtue names to thank the Puritans for: Honor, Charity, Purity, Faith, and Reverence, for example.

The homeland was also important to the settlers, and many kept and passed along their British names. The same held true with the flood of European immigrants to America. This brought variety and spice to the traditional British, biblical, and Puritan names. Suddenly we had Patricks, Andrews, Alexanders, Patricias, and Veronicas running around.

Following the Revolutionary War, surnames emerged as the newest baby-naming popularity trend for boys. (Sound like a familiar trend?) Thus, names such as Grant, Otis, Franklin, and Winthrop were added to the mix. For girls, the newest thing was using nicknames as the standard first name. For instance, Abby replaced Abigail, and Betsy/Betty replaced Elizabeth.

From the Nineteenth to the Twentieth Century

In the nineteenth century, parents began looking to literature for their inspiration. Classic novels, poems, and legends, from Homer to Shakespeare, were ripe for giving birth to new and exciting baby names. Suddenly names had romantic, adventurous, or heroic stories behind them. Girls moved from Elizabeth and Mary to Rosalind and Gwendolyn. Boys moved from William and John to Douglas and Roland. These names were much more elegant and elaborate, and because there were so many of them, this became the most colorful variety of names in the pool so far. But wait, there’s more to come.

Oh yes, we can’t forget the nature names that also emerged during this time. The beauty of nature became inspiration in itself. Everything from flowers to trees to stones to gems was fair game. Thus, the Opals, Roses, Myrtles, and Violets of the world were born.

In the early twentieth century, more and more parents were deciding that while traditional names were nice, so also were the distinguishing names that would set their children apart from the others. The top ten lists of girls’ names began to welcome newcomers (though Mary would still reign), such as Mildred, Betty, Frances, and Nancy. Also popular were variations of the traditional names. For instance, Marie and Maria were becoming just as popular as Mary (well, almost). The boys’ names were a little slower on the take, however. John, William, James, George, and Robert hadn’t yet learned to let go of their top spots.

Following World War II, America was home to numerous celebrations and good feeling—and don’t forget the baby boom. With so many new additions to families arriving on the scene, it only made sense that more and more names would be added to the favored lists for boys and girls.

With the popularity of television in the 1950s also came the trend of naming children for celebrities and television characters. This would help the standard boys’ names list shake things up a bit and add a little more variety. Though the names added were historically sound, such as Joshua, they had been sitting on the bench for quite some time.

The most drastic shaking of the boys’ names list though came during the 1960s. Men and women were rebelling against the traditional ways and names were no exception. The concept of inventing names suddenly found favor with parents; and for those who weren’t quite ready to move entirely to the wild side, spelling variations of traditional names seemed to suit their desires. Unisex names also made their mark during this period of free love. Speaking of free love, we must give kudos to the hippies who brought nature names back to the spotlight.

The seventies, in comparison, seemed to settle down a bit and looked to tradition for names. Again, we visited the Bible and the early settlers for inspiration. But we were also visiting foreign names for inspiration, such as French and Irish. Also during this time, the girls’ names were split into categories with frilly and lacy names on one end of the spectrum and unisex names on the other end. The eighties followed closely with the roots-reaching ideals.

Family was important at the end of the century. Parents were searching family trees and distant relatives for names. The use of surnames was regurgitated, and parents dove into different ethnicities to give their children different but historically sound names.

The Twenty-First Century and Beyond

This takes us to the here and now. And we all know what is hip: everything. Just look at some of the names celebrities are giving their children—and they get away with it! We are in the day of anything goes. Parents these days have a plethora of names to choose from. Feeling nostalgic? Choose a traditional name. Feeling worldly? Choose a foreign name. Feeling outdoorsy? Choose a nature name. Feeling ambiguous? Choose a unisex name. In the next chapter, we will focus on some of the popular baby-naming trends of today.

African American Names

African Americans’ baby-naming trends and traditions are distinct from white Americans’. In all of America, it is this group that can stand tall and claim uniqueness. African American parents are much more creative with their children’s names than are white Americans, and they tend to be prolific with inventing names. Let’s take a look at a brief history of African American baby-naming.

When the first Africans came to America as slaves, their owners typically made them shed their African names and adopt new names. Let’s face it, the white slave owners were afraid of the African culture, and renaming their slaves made them feel more comfortable. These names came from a variety of sources, and it was unusual to have many slaves on the same plantation with the same name. One popular source for names was mythology. Names such as Sappho, Dido, Hercules, and Titus were given to the slaves. These names were far enough removed from the white culture that there was little worry over a slave and a white having the same name. Some slave owners handed out place names or days of the week, and some even allowed the slaves to keep their African names, though this was but a small percentage.

As time went on and generations had been established within slave families, slaves were allowed to name their own children. As was custom in Africa, many parents chose to name their children for other members of the family, though more so for grandparents than parents. Also during this time, many slaves began converting to Christianity, which gave birth to the popularity of biblical and virtue names among the slaves. This created an overlap with white names, and for quite some time, both blacks and whites held the same or similar names, with one exception: one trend among the slaves’ names was to take the nickname version of those names the whites were using. This not only set them slightly apart but also gave them a position of subordination, taking on names that children would adopt.

Once the slaves were freed, most would drop any name that had a connection with slavery and instead adopt a new name of their choice, again mostly biblical names. Baby-naming trends for blacks and whites seemed to go hand in hand until the individualism movement of the 1960s. During this time, parents looked to their roots in Africa and chose many native names for their children. They also began a new trend of inventing names, using the root of an African name and putting their own spin on it. Instead of dying off and then later re-emerging as do most trends, this trend held strong and flourished even more, making its way into the baby-naming world of today.

African Americans are known for the unique names they give their children. Whereas white Americans will sometimes invent names but typically stay on the conservative end, African Americans use all of their creative skills to come up with names that embody style, meaning, tradition, and beauty. The following is but a small sample of some African American names.

Jewish Names

Jewish parents are no exception in following the trend of looking to one’s roots for inspiration in choosing a baby name. Many Jewish parents are now searching the Old Testament and researching names given in Israel. But it has been a large circle to come back to this.

While many Jews who immigrated to America preserved their own names, they opted to give their children Anglo names to help them better fit in with mainstream society. In holding to a vein of the tradition of naming a child for a relative, parents would use the first initial of the chosen relative as the first initial of their new child’s Anglo name.

Some parents of today choose to give their children two names, one a Jewish name and the other a secular name. Each of these names will begin with the same letter. For instance, a child’s Jewish name might be Barak, and his secular name Blake. Thus, the child would go by his secular name in the secular world and his Jewish name for religious purposes and legal documents.

In Jewish tradition, the naming of a child is a very important affair. Whereas many parents will name their child based on sound alone, Jewish parents look to the meaning as top priority. They believe that the child’s name will directly impact his or her future and soul. In other words, if you decide to give your child a Jewish name, it would be best to do your research, not just close your eyes and pick a name from the Old Testament—you could ultimately bring shame to your child. Keep in mind though that although the actual meaning of the name is important, so are the character traits of the relative the child may be named for.

Baby-naming is a joyous and celebrated affair for Jewish parents and children. The naming ceremony for a boy is typically made part of the circumcision rite. Because girls obviously do not have this occasion to celebrate, parents often hold their own naming ceremony. This is a time not only to celebrate the child’s birth and name but also to reflect upon ancestors and to share any stories and accolades of character of the namesake if the child is named for a relative.

As stated previously, many parents turn to the Old Testament to find names; therefore many mainstream names are also popular for Jewish children. The following lists are a few of the more unusual names not found often in mainstream America.

Muslim Names

Islam is another prevalent religion in the United States. Particularly among African Americans, this religion is rapidly spreading. As evidenced by the spread of Christianity and the subsequent spread of names favored by that religion, the spread of Islam is likely to also increase the spread of Muslim or Arabic names. As the prophet Muhammad is a central figure of Islam, many parents choose one of hundreds of variants of his name in honor of him. Also becoming popular are several invented names using the Arabic root name. The following is a short list of Muslim/Arabic names.

Your Child Will Create History

As you can see, names have a vast history, full of meaning, tradition, and creativity. Because names provide a sense of identity as well as a source of pride, naming your child isn’t a task to be taken lightly. If names didn’t mean anything to our society, we would just go around addressing each other with a grunt. A name can be one of the greatest gifts you will ever give your child— aside from life itself, that is.

You will find that while you choose the name for your son or daughter, he or she will grow into it and become it. No longer will the name simply embody the meaning its root has; it will instead take on a greater meaning and bigger associations, reflecting all the character traits your child will have. Your daughter Bridget may very well be a strong and protective woman, but she may also be the most beautiful and caring woman you have ever known. In which case, the original meaning will expand and encompass all that is your daughter.

Are you ready to take the baby-naming journey?

Each generation has a few names that seem to be wildly popular. Some of these names fall out of fashion in the next generation, only to re-emerge a generation or two later as a retro, trendy name. Some of these names seem to be permanent classics. The list of sources for baby names is endless. People draw inspiration from everything and everyone in their environment—family, history, books, television, nature, mythology, and maps, to name a few. Certain sources seem to be more fertile ground for picking names at certain times, though.

Let’s look at some of the most popular names in past generations, according to the Social Security Administration. In the 1940s, the five most popular boys’ names were James, Robert, John, William, and Richard; for girls, the list was comprised of Mary, Linda, Barbara, Patricia, and Carol. By the 1960s, for boys, the most popular names were Michael, David, John, James, and Robert; for girls, Lisa, Mary, Karen, Susan, and Kimberly. The 1980s had Michael, Christopher, Matthew, Joshua, and David for boys, and Jessica, Jennifer, Amanda, Ashley, and Sarah for girls. The year 2000 saw Jacob, Michael, Matthew, Joshua, and Christopher claim the honors for boys, and Emily, Hannah, Madison, Ashley, and Sarah for girls. The most popular names for 2007 were Jacob, Michael, Ethan, Joshua, and Daniel for boys, and Emily, Isabella, Emma, Ava, and Madison for girls.

As you can see, in the past, boys’ names were far less susceptible to drastic changes in trends than girls’ names. However, it appears that now boys’ names are catching up to girls in terms of trendiness.

What influences trends in naming? As with almost every aspect of life in the information age, people are exposed to countless sources every day. A unique aspect of the modern age is the exposure to names and cultures from all over the world. Popular culture, through the media of Internet, television, music, movies, and books, influences the popularity of certain names at certain times. For example, prior to the movie Splash, with Darryl Hannah, the name Madison was virtually nonexistent as a girl’s first name. After this movie, Madison started gracing birth certificates of American female babies, and rose in popularity from there, reaching the number-three spot in popularity in 2000. Even more recently, the show Friends popularized the name Emma, which made it to number two in 2004. People now watch to see what names celebrities will give their offspring, leaving us to wonder if Gwyneth Paltrow’s Apple or Gwen Stefani’s Zuma will catch on. Names such as Lexus, Armani, and Destiny are also starting to show up more and more.

Since a name is so integral to a person’s identity, and is a badge one will be stuck with for life, people put a lot of thought into naming their children. They want the name to convey something about themselves, whether it is their creativity, their trendiness, or their pride in their family honor. People want their children to have unique and interesting names. After all, this is a new member of and ambassador for the family. So where are modern parents going for inspiration? What types of names are modern American babies touting? In the remainder of this chapter, we will look at the most popular trends in naming babies in America.

Family History

One of the most common places expecting parents look to find names is within their own family history. They want to instill in their children a sense of the family’s past and the pride of belonging. Often, a maternal ancestor’s family name (for example, the baby’s own mother, or the father’s mother) is incorporated into the child’s given name, either first or middle. This trend first arose within the aristocracy and eventually spread to all classes. At first, the practice of including the mother’s name was primarily used with male children. However, by the 1900s the practice was beginning to spread to females as well. With the rise of the women’s movement in recent times, more attention is being given to the mother’s family history than ever before. And the fact that many famous people carry their mother’s name as a first or second name only serves to help this trend.

The trend to use traditional last names as first names has expanded. Now, many people use popular surnames as given names when there is little or no connection to the family by that name. Figures in history often provide first names for children generations later, such as presidents Washington, Jefferson, and Kennedy, and religious reformers Nelson, Luther, and Wesley.

Furthermore, a trend in which English last names derived from trade occupations are used as first names has grown in the United States; some of the more popular ones are Taylor, Tyler, Hunter, Spencer, Tanner, Sawyer, Walker, and Carter. Most of these names today are used for either male or female children. Another popular source is surnames derived from English place names. During the development of the first name/last name system, people often acquired their surname from their place of origin; for example, Thomas of Ainsley would become Thomas Ainsley. Many of these place names have become common as first names, such as Ainsley, Ashley, Lesley, Bailey, and Hadley. These names are used more often for female children, perhaps because the ey sound at the end sounds more like a traditional female name to English speakers.

Surnames of different ethnic groups, particularly Celtic, are also becoming increasingly popular. Examples from Ireland include Dillon, Kelly, Ryan, and Shannon. From Wales, the name Rhys and its variations are making their way into mainstream American names. Scottish family names have long been popular as first names; for example, Grant, Mackenzie, Mckinley, Cameron, and surnames derived from place names such as Logan, Douglas, and Blair. Today, many of these names could be for either girls or boys, although the Scottish names have traditionally been more masculine.

Many surnames were originally patronymics—derived from the father’s first name. In English, this usually manifests as something-son. For example, Leif Eriksson was the son of Erik. Many names of patronymic origin are becoming popular as first names, whether or not the child’s family has any connection; examples include Jackson, Dawson, Addison, and Emerson. They can be used for either sex, although certain ones are more popular for males than females, and vice versa.

Unisex Names

The rise in popularity of using traditional surnames as first names has aided in the erosion of the line of demarcation between male and female names and given rise to the trend of unisex names. There have always been a few names that could be either for male or female children; however, in recent times, this number has greatly increased both through the addition of new names and the desexing of certain common names. As previously mentioned, many names derived from surnames could be either masculine or feminine (Taylor, Ashley, Bailey, Kelly). Many traditional first names also have a unisex nature and are being increasingly used for boys and girls; for example, Jordan, Morgan, and Riley. Many of the unisex names tend to be more recent first-name innovations. Traditional masculine and feminine names often are highly resistant to such change. Names such as John, Matthew, Robert, and William are not likely to surface with female children, nor are Sarah, Amanda, Mary, Barbara, etc., likely to appear on a male child’s birth certificate. However, there are names that have traditionally been used both for male and female children such as Francis, Robin, Terry, Tracy, and Sydney, although these are often distinguished by different spellings. Several unisex names have been increasing in popularity, for example Adrian, Ashton, Evan, Mallory, Peyton, Reagan, Reese, Rory, Sage, Tory, and Zane. Reasons cited for choosing a unisex name, apart from personal preference for a certain name or family reasons, are to avoid having to come up with male and female choices, and the belief that it aids in preventing sexual stereotyping. However, some experts warn that it is often more acceptable for a girl to have a masculine-sounding name than for a boy to have a feminine-sounding name. Hence, unisex names in practice are more often given to girls than to boys.

The Classics

Some names seem to be perennial favorites. Trends in boys’ names in particular tend to favor classic names. Michael, James, Robert, and David are names that seem to retain their popularity across generations. However, the girls’ names category has its staples as well; Elizabeth, Mary (and its variants), and Sarah can often be found consistently near the top ten of the popular-names list. These are names that do not seem to take on the dated quality many popular names do. One cannot look at the name Elizabeth and be able to guess with assurance at which generation the woman belongs to, unlike a Bertha or a Madison. This is even more often true of boys’ names. Some researchers suggest the common practice of naming boys after their fathers slows the rate of change in boys’ names. Although recently, newer, trendier names have been working their way onto the boys’ names charts; for example, Logan and Jayden were in a recent top twenty. Researchers also cite the greater acceptance of trendiness in naming girls. The classics seem to withstand the pressure to change.

While the classics maintain their hold on the boys’ names charts, they are also making a comeback for girls. Instead of just maintaining a respectable position in the top twenty or fifty consistently, some of the names have started to climb the charts. In 2007, Emma made it to number three (after number one, Emily, and number two, Isabella), followed by Ava, Madison, Sophia, Olivia, Abigail, and Hannah; Ella also made the list. Note that according to the Social Security Administration, in 1880, Emma was number three, Grace number nineteen, and Ella number thirteen. For boys, in 1880, John, William, and James comprised the top three. All three names are still in the top twenty.

Many parents opt for classic names out of fear of giving their child a name that will not stand the test of time, a name that might sound silly for an adult or on a diploma, or simply to avoid trendiness. Some parents indicate that the name sounds more prestigious or serious. Often a classic name has significance within the family.

Parents need not fear: choosing a classic name need not force them to abandon all creativity and individuality. Many parents are resorting to unusual spellings or non-English variants of classic names; for example, Mattias (Swedish version of Matthew), Alain (French for Allen), Phillippe, etc., for boys, and for girls Emilie, Nathalie, Laure, and Anni.

The Generation Gap

Quite often, names that are popular in one generation fall out of fashion in the next. For example, in the 1930s, names like Betty, Dorothy, and Dolores were very popular for girls, and Harold, Walter, and Frank were popular for boys. By the next generation, these names were not anywhere near the top of the popular lists. Unlike classic names, they do not maintain their position but fall out altogether, at least for a while. It’s often been noted that fashions come back, often after skipping a generation. The same trend appears to hold for baby names. Parents shun trendy names from their parents’ generation (Donna, Cynthia, Roger, and Kevin are out) but gravitate toward their grandparents’ generation (Edith, Agnes, Charles, and Edward are in). Some researchers suggest this has to do with people associating names of their parents’ generation with being old and thus unsuitable for a baby. Names from the generations preceding their parents’ are not as closely connected to age for them. Because these names are from the past and have fallen out of fashion, to many parents they have a unique ring to them. They have the benefit of being established names (important for people who have a phobia of giving their child a trendy but fleetingly fashionable name) but a sort of retro newness as well, so that their child will not be one of five little Ediths or Edwards in their classes. Also, the resurgence in popularity of these names allows many parents to name their children after beloved or admired older relatives and friends without fear of their child having such an unusual name that he or she becomes a target for ridicule.

Some of the more popular old-fashioned names making a comeback for girls are Ada, Alice, Amelia, Beatrice, Evelyn, Evie, Greta, Lena, Lillian, and Nora; for boys, Albert, Arthur, Edgar, Ernest, Oscar, Reginald, Stanley, and Winston.

Ethnic Names

In this era of globalization, baby-names trends are not immune to worldwide influence. Many parents are selecting names that were previously deemed ethnic, meaning non-mainstream. While many parents choose to honor their roots by selecting a name from their own ethnic background, it appears that having a familial connection to an ethnicity is not a prerequisite for choosing a name from that ethnicity. This is actually not a brand-new trend; it has happened before that one ethnicity’s names take on a mainstream popularity for a period of time. For instance, names of Hispanic origin became popular in the sixties, leading to the rise in popularity of names like Juanita among non-Hispanics. However, never before has the average American parent had access to such a wide variety of names. Since there are so many different cultures and ethnicities, it would be impossible in a chapter to discuss all of them, so we will just focus on a few sources which appear to be currently contributing the most names to the baby-name pool. As with most trends, in the future, it may shift and a new source will take precedence.

Celtic Names

Americans have long held a fascination with Celtic culture. Recently, this interest has grown in magnitude and strength, helped along by the rising popularity of Celtic literature, music, and dance, and the fact that so many Americans trace their roots back to the Celtic strongholds of Wales, England, Ireland, and Scotland. Many of these names have grown in popularity so much that they have lost the slightly odd, new feeling many names from other countries have. Many new Celtic names have been increasingly breaking into the ranks of common American baby names.

From Ireland, some of the more popular girls’ names are Aisling, Briana, Ciara, Caoimhe, Fiona, Moira, Niamh, Shannon, and Siobhan; for the boys, Aidan, Colin, Connor, Kyan, Murray, Quinn, and Teagan.

Scotland has contributed many names from last names, but Scottish first names are also popular choices for American parents. Scottish boys’ names include Alasdair, Blair, Calum, Fraser, Euan, Hamish, Lauchlan, and Malcolm. Scottish girls’ names include Amie, Abbie, Isla, Seonaid, Tam, Morag, Lorna, Aileen, and Edme.

Wales is also a prominent source for Celtic names today. Some increasingly popular Welsh names are Ioan, Rhys, Dafydd (David), Dewey, Gareth, Quinn, and Maddock for boys, and Meredith, Guinevere, Rhonwen, Rhiannon, Catrin, Bryn, Freya, Phoebe, and Carys for girls.

Other Celtic peoples, such as the Bretons and Cornish, also contribute to the Celtic naming trend but not yet on the scale that the others do.

British Names

One can argue that Britain and United States draw from a nearly similar name pool. However, certain names are used in each country that are rarely used in the other. With the success of many British authors, notably J.K. Rowling (Harry Potter) and Helen Fielding (Bridget Jones), and British films and television programs in the United States, some of these uniquely British names have been working their way into American popular consciousness and thus into baby-naming trends as well. This is true particularly for girls, with names like Poppy, Gemma, Nicola, Maisie, Pippa, and Tamzin appearing in the United States. Names for boys that are considered traditionally British like Ian, Winston, Cedric, Nigel, and Clive are also beginning to appear.

African Names

Obviously, Africa is a continent of many nations and peoples and accordingly a source of great variety of names and naming customs. In recent times, many Americans of African descent have looked to Africa for names that represent their history and culture and represent their pride therein. However, African names have also been shown to appeal to a broader spectrum of the public. There is a wide variety of sources for traditional African names, including information about the origin and meanings. Since there are so many distinct cultures and peoples in Africa, we will just list a few of the more well-known names in America: for boys, Abdul, Farid, Maalik, Tahir, and Tan; for girls, Baina, Kali, Malia, Radhi, and Zaina.

Uniquely American

Americans are a creative people, not bound by tradition and rules. These qualities are expressed in naming as well. Early Americans happily used adjectives describing desired qualities for their children, including Patience, Temperance, Makepeace, and Prudence. Many of these names are making a comeback, along with Hope, Faith, Joy, and Peace. Many popular American names come from American Indian names, words, and tribes (Cheyenne, Dakota, Cherokee). However, parents seeking to name their children one of these names should do their research. There is a lot of folklore surrounding names that is inaccurate, and some names may have special status for American Indians, and naming a child with that name may be disrespectful.

Other World Sources

Since the American people are composed of people from many different countries, we can expect a wide variety of names to appear on the landscape, many of which will have broad appeal. Names from countries like France (Yves and Etienne for boys; Pascale and Amelie for girls), Germany, and Italy have also increased in popularity. Middle Eastern, Indian, Chinese, Japanese, and other countries and cultures are contributing names on an ever-increasing basis due to the shrinking globe. Hispanic names, some of which are already quite common, are also increasing in frequency of use. Russian names such as Natasha, Sasha, Ludmila, and Nadia are being used. The names Misha and Nikita are being given as names for female children, even though in Russian they are traditionally male names (Misha being a diminutive for Mikhail).

For parents who are looking into ethnic names, there are numerous websites and books that cover each country or region and give meanings and origins of the names as well. It is particularly important for parents who have little or no background with a certain country or group to look into the meanings and associations with certain names.

For example, the name Tristan (popularized by Brad Pitt in Legends of the Fall) actually comes from the French word triste meaning sad, and Mallory means unlucky. Many parents would not wish to have their children stuck with names with such dubious meanings.

Place Names

Maps have long provided inspiration in the naming of children, whether because the locale had a particular significance to the parents, or just because they liked the way it sounded. Many children share their names with cities, states, countries, and regions.

Celebrities appear to be spearheading the revival of this trend; Madonna named her daughter Lourdes; David Beckham named his son Brooklyn; and then there is Paris Hilton. Names like China and India have been around for a while. Some state names have become quite common, like Virginia, Georgia, and Carolina. Other states are now starting to appear on birth certificates, like Dakota, Indiana, and Montana. Cities are also inspiring parents: Savannah, Austin, Houston, Atlanta, and Phoenix. Even ancient lands and cities, such as Troy and Atlantis, are popular names. Country names often used include Israel, Cuba, Kenya, and Jordan. Many of these names are considered unisex; some are primarily one or the other depending on whether the sound of the name is more feminine or masculine to the parents.

Biblical Names

The Bible is and always has been perhaps the most prolific source for baby names in the United States. This is particularly true of boys’ names. Many staples of American naming are taken directly from the Bible (Matthew, Mark, Luke, John, Peter, James, Mary, Deborah, Anne, Rachel, Rebecca, and Sarah, to name a few). However, a recent trend in American naming is to find less well-known or even obscure names from the Bible, names like Ezra, Elijah, Amos, Havilah, Naomi, and Dinah. Some of these names have been popular in the past and then dropped out of fashion. The Bible has a wealth of names. These names appeal particularly to parents who wish to convey a message with a name; for example, Hosea means savior or safety, and Neri means my light.

Many names from the Bible are so commonly used people do not really think of them as from the Bible. However, many of the more obscure names may sound quite foreign. If a child is given such a name, they may often be asked the meaning of the name and how to spell it.

Given that the Bible is well-known throughout much of the world, biblical names have been adapted into many languages. As a result, for many of these names there are countless variations and spellings. Parents looking for a unique name often find one amongst them.

Mythological Names

Mythology has always been a source of names for children in America. This is particularly true of Greek and Roman mythological figures and places. These names are associated with certain characteristics; for example, Athena/ Minerva was the goddess of wisdom. Other popular names from Greek and Roman mythology that are becoming popular are Apollo, Evander, Odysseus, Hector, Callista, Delia, and Medea.

Recent trends have also seen a rise in names from other world mythologies, including Norse, Indian, German, and Celtic. Parents again are cautioned to do their research. Some of the stories surrounding these mythological characters are less than pleasant (for example, Medea kills her own children to punish Jason).

Mother Nature

Always a source of inspiration, Mother Nature contributes many names to children around the world. Recent trends have shown an increase in popularity of these names. Popular girls’ names from flowers and plants include Ivy, Lily, Rose (and variations), and Willow (also sometimes used as a boys’ name). Studies show that parents want girls’ names to confirm femininity while reflecting individuality whereas boys’ names tend to be chosen to express tones of individuality and strength. Popular boys’ names include River, Stone, and Lake. Seasons such as spring and summer were used for girls’ names in the seventies, but now Winters and Autumns are beginning to appear.

Once a very common source of girls’ names, precious stones and minerals are making a comeback as well, sometimes even for boys’ names, like Jade and Diamond. Names like Opal, Pearl, and Ruby may sound old-fashioned, but as previously discussed, these trends tend to move in cycles. The heavens are not exempt from this trend; names like Stella, meaning star, are also beginning to reappear.

Hyphenated First Names

Many people do not have a distinct first and middle name but two first names. The trend of hyphenating two first names, particularly for girls, actually caught on in the eighties but not to a great extent (Tracy-Anne, Mary-Elizabeth). Now, this trend is re-emerging on the American naming scene, thanks in part to the popularity of such Hollywood stars as Mary-Kate Olsen.

There are many reasons parents choose to hyphenate a first name. By hyphenating, parents do not have to choose between two names which perhaps have special significance, or it can be a compromise between two favored names (one child, two favorite aunts or uncles). Either way, the hyphenated first name is a way of assuring the names are said together, not the first given prominence and actual usage and the second being relegated to formal use. Children with hyphenated first names may or may not also have a middle name, depending on parental preference.

Created Names

Do-it-yourself is a huge industry in America today. This trend also appears to influence naming. Many people are now creating their own names. Perhaps they fear their child’s name will lack originality if they go the traditional route of naming, or maybe they just like the way a particular sound combination sounds. Sometimes parents combine two traditional names by taking parts from each. This is a creative way to come up with a unique name. However, parents are again cautioned to do their research. This sound combination may be a word in another language and may carry a meaning the new parents do not necessarily wish to have attached to their child. Also, bear in mind the child will have this name for a lifetime (well, in theory, anyway). What sounds cute for a newborn or toddler may not sound quite so distinguished at a college graduation ceremony.

Spelling Variation

One of the hottest trends in naming is to create unique spellings. This is often done by changing y to i or ee (Amy, Amee, Ami) or doubling a consonant or even slightly changing the sound (Zara to Zarai) or with many names ending in a, adding an h (Zara to Zarah). While changing the spelling often creates a name that is unique-looking and maybe even pretty to look at, parents must remember that the child will probably have to spend the rest of his or her life spelling out his or her name. Some children may like this aspect of their given name, whereas others may find it a bit of a hassle.

Whether you want your child’s name to be in keeping with the latest fashion or you want your child’s name to be anti-trendy, it is important to know what the latest trends in naming are. There are many websites and books that discuss trends in naming. One of the best places to look for naming trends in the United States from the past (1879 to the present) is the Social Security Administration’s website, http://www.ssa.gov/OACT/babynames.

One of the biggest decisions couples face when expecting a child is whether or not to learn the sex of the baby before birth. If the parents are in agreement, it’s easy sailing. However, one parent may want to know the sex, whereas the other may not. This can create tension in the household, especially if each feel strongly about the matter. A compromise could be that one parent does in fact find out the sex and the other simply doesn’t. But will the one be able to keep such a secret from the other? It’s advised that the couple sit down and weigh the advantages and disadvantages of each option. Remember, once you make the decision to know the baby’s sex, there’s no taking it back. So make sure you are certain of your decision.

Advanced technology has made preparing for baby easier than ever. You can now know the sex well ahead of time and start stocking up on boys’ or girls’ accessories, choosing a specific name, and educating yourself on specific gender needs. You will no longer have to call the child such generic names as It or Baby but can instead use the more intimate Son or Daughter. You won’t have to worry about returning gifts that are inappropriate for your child’s sex. You won’t have to stick with gender-neutral colors but can instead decorate in the colors that are traditional for your baby’s sex. You can also decorate the nursery with gender-specific baby accessories. All this is great, but are you willing to give up the surprise to gain it?

Being surprised, for a lot of parents, is one of the biggest rewards received after delivery—second, of course, to the child itself. Who doesn’t love a bit of anticipation? Couples can have a blast during the pregnancy dreaming of the different futures their child will have if a boy or a girl and creating separate baby-names lists for each. And who cares about traditional colors? Green is a favorite anyway, and that can work for either sex. The thrill of discovering the sex after nine long months compounds on that of giving birth to a healthy baby. It is the ultimate surprise.

Of course, if you want to keep the element of surprise and still know the sex of the baby beforehand, you can always simply keep the sex to yourself. Don’t allow your family or friends to be in on the information. Keep them in suspense and hide your secret. You will be able to experience the surprise secondhand, which isn’t quite as good, but better than not at all. Plus, it might have the added bonus of bringing you and your significant other closer together. Sharing such an important secret will create a fun and lasting bond.

Whether or not you decide to find out the baby’s sex before birth, you will need to give some special considerations to each gender’s sex when composing baby-naming lists. There is also the rising popularity of unisex names to consider. The following sections will help you to determine the gender implications of names and decide whether a unisex name is right for your baby.

Girls’ Names

It has been said that females are the more complex of the sexes, and if the number of baby names to choose from is any indication, then females have hit an entirely new scale of complexity, leaving the males far behind. For your daughter, you will have several different types of names to choose from: the traditional feminine names, the feminine names with flair, the straight-cut feminine names, the feminine names derived from masculine names, unisex names, and even masculine names. The choices seem endless. However, each category comes with its own set of implications and guidelines, so please be aware of this fine print before settling on your daughter’s name.

Let’s conquer the largest group first: the traditional feminine names. Traditionally, girls’ names are a bit more elaborate than boys’ names. On average, they have more syllables and are much more decorative than boys’ names. They sound and look prettier. They are dressed-up in a sense—but not overly so. Consider them the cocktail dresses of girls’ names. They have a simplistic and soft elegance but are still comfortable at the same time. You will find most of the classic and popular girls’ names in this category. They are the middle ground for parents who don’t want their daughter to seem either overly flirtatious or rooted so firmly to the ground she never moves. These names are decidedly feminine without the curls and lace.

The biggest advantage to this category of names is that these names are familiar as being feminine. A daughter can easily embrace her name and feel good about being a girl. No one will question your child; there will be no need for the pink bow taped to the head. There are no limits, and, for the most part, these names do not come with expectations or assumptions. The most popular names will fall into this category, as many of these names have already stood the test of time and many more will accomplish the feat. The following is a brief list of traditional female names.

The next category is the feminine names with flair. These names are the girliest of the girly. They are considered to be frilly names with lots of soft sounds, dripping with femininity. These names will never be mistaken for anything other than feminine; they are the embodiment of all that is girl. Consider them the evening gowns of girls’ names. They are all dolled-up, straight from the salon, showing off the curves, and ready to turn the boys’ heads.

One of the advantages to these names is that your daughter will feel girly; she will embrace her femininity and likely use it to her advantage in every aspect of her life. She will be the woman every man wants and every woman envies. Her name will carry with it associations of beauty, gentleness, cheerfulness, and yes, sex appeal. Many women debate the power these names hold. Some women say that there is nothing better for the feminist movement (in terms of name bias) than for a woman with an ultra-girly name to make her mark with strength, power, and femininity in this world. Others argue that women with such names are already pigeonholed as being beautiful but dumb and therefore never given the opportunity to hold positions of power. Regardless of your stance, there’s no denying the femininity of these names. The following are a few examples.

The next category of feminine names includes the straight-cut names. These are feminine names without the frill. There’s no denying that they are girls’ names, but they lack the extra dose of girlishness of the