A distinguished biblical name that's ready for rediscovery, Thaddeus is starting to win over our hearts and the top spots on our list of favorites. Still, it's a slow climb for this buttoned-down, creative, and traditional name.
Showing posts with label Creative Traditional Names. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Creative Traditional Names. Show all posts
October 20, 2015
Thaddeus
Thaddeus ~ Given by God, Heart ~ Greek, Aramaic
A distinguished biblical name that's ready for rediscovery, Thaddeus is starting to win over our hearts and the top spots on our list of favorites. Still, it's a slow climb for this buttoned-down, creative, and traditional name.
A distinguished biblical name that's ready for rediscovery, Thaddeus is starting to win over our hearts and the top spots on our list of favorites. Still, it's a slow climb for this buttoned-down, creative, and traditional name.
September 28, 2015
Zoey, Zoe, and Zoie
Zoe ~ Life ~ Greek
History & Meaning
Zoe comes from the Greek word for life, or ζωή. It's amazing how this ancient name strikes us as so modern and fresh today, making it a spot-on choice for those who love a spirited, contemporary classic with deep roots.
History & Meaning
Zoe comes from the Greek word for life, or ζωή. It's amazing how this ancient name strikes us as so modern and fresh today, making it a spot-on choice for those who love a spirited, contemporary classic with deep roots.
September 10, 2015
Vance
Vance ~ Marsh ~ Old English
Years ago, I was in love with all names that started with V. We lived near a street named Vance, and I thought I'd just found the perfect baby name. Vance manages to be unusual and traditional at the same time, and with its familiar sound and one-syllable appeal, I still think Vance is pretty close to perfect.
Years ago, I was in love with all names that started with V. We lived near a street named Vance, and I thought I'd just found the perfect baby name. Vance manages to be unusual and traditional at the same time, and with its familiar sound and one-syllable appeal, I still think Vance is pretty close to perfect.
October 23, 2013
Reagan, Raegan, and Regan
Reagan ~ Child of the Little King ~ Irish
Way back in the early 90s (oh man, do I feel old), I remember some friends of my parents naming their little girl Reagan. I was shocked to hear of it, thinking her name sounded masculine and stuffy. Like my opinion of this name, times have changed, and now our little friend named Reagan is a successful 20-something with a fashionable name that is so well-liked it is a top 100 choice in the US for girls.
A Royal Daughter
I've seen some sources say Reagan means little king, but it's actually closer to "child of a little king" (or "son of a small ruler"). For a girl, you could further interpret that meaning to something like "little princess". I bring this up because Regina, a similar name, is Latin for "queen", and sometimes you'll see that definition as well. It's not too far off. The name Ryan means little king, making Reagan a perfect name for a daughter of a daddy named Ryan.
Pronunciation
Typically, the spellings Reagan and Raegan are pronounced RAY-gən, while Regan is pronounced REE-gən (rhymes with vegan).
The sounds of Reagan and Regan are a perfect fit with other contemporary name choices like Raven, Teagan, and Megan.
Associations & Spellings
The biggest association for Reagan is, of course, the US President Ronald Reagan. Reagan was president from January of 1981–1989, defining the decade for the US. Some parents purposefully choose to use this name in his honor. When Reagan died in 2004, his surname climbed the name charts by 57 places for girls and 270 for boys. For some, it's a name full of 80s nostalgia. But there are also a lot of parents who simply love the sound of the name and think that the presidential association is either a non-issue or a happy little bonus.
Some parents prefer the look of Raegan, especially if they want to use Rae as a nickname. Others choose this spelling to help distance the name from the former president.
The name Regan, pronounced REE-gan, is used in Shakespeare's King Lear. It's also the name of the girl in the movie The Exorcist. Coming up soon I'll be writing about names used in horror movies, but to summarize my thoughts on the matter: Horror movies don't do much to deter parents from using cool-sounding names, and in fact, often promote them, even if it's the name of an "evil" character.
Is Reagan Unisex?
Like many surnames, Reagan could be used for either a boy or a girl. Statistics tell us, though, that Reagan is used much more often for girls. On the boys' list of the top 1,000 names, Reagan is ranked at #893 and has been sitting between 800 and 1,000 since the year 2007. It's a rare choice for boys these days.
Popularity
More on Reagan
For a little more reading, check out this post from a blogger with the name Reagan discussing how she feels about her name. Would kids today call a girl named Reagan "Ronald"? I doubt it, though it is a more understandable issue for a girl growing up in the 80s.
Way back in the early 90s (oh man, do I feel old), I remember some friends of my parents naming their little girl Reagan. I was shocked to hear of it, thinking her name sounded masculine and stuffy. Like my opinion of this name, times have changed, and now our little friend named Reagan is a successful 20-something with a fashionable name that is so well-liked it is a top 100 choice in the US for girls.
A Royal Daughter
I've seen some sources say Reagan means little king, but it's actually closer to "child of a little king" (or "son of a small ruler"). For a girl, you could further interpret that meaning to something like "little princess". I bring this up because Regina, a similar name, is Latin for "queen", and sometimes you'll see that definition as well. It's not too far off. The name Ryan means little king, making Reagan a perfect name for a daughter of a daddy named Ryan.
Pronunciation
Typically, the spellings Reagan and Raegan are pronounced RAY-gən, while Regan is pronounced REE-gən (rhymes with vegan).
The sounds of Reagan and Regan are a perfect fit with other contemporary name choices like Raven, Teagan, and Megan.
Associations & Spellings
The biggest association for Reagan is, of course, the US President Ronald Reagan. Reagan was president from January of 1981–1989, defining the decade for the US. Some parents purposefully choose to use this name in his honor. When Reagan died in 2004, his surname climbed the name charts by 57 places for girls and 270 for boys. For some, it's a name full of 80s nostalgia. But there are also a lot of parents who simply love the sound of the name and think that the presidential association is either a non-issue or a happy little bonus.
Some parents prefer the look of Raegan, especially if they want to use Rae as a nickname. Others choose this spelling to help distance the name from the former president.
The name Regan, pronounced REE-gan, is used in Shakespeare's King Lear. It's also the name of the girl in the movie The Exorcist. Coming up soon I'll be writing about names used in horror movies, but to summarize my thoughts on the matter: Horror movies don't do much to deter parents from using cool-sounding names, and in fact, often promote them, even if it's the name of an "evil" character.
Is Reagan Unisex?
Like many surnames, Reagan could be used for either a boy or a girl. Statistics tell us, though, that Reagan is used much more often for girls. On the boys' list of the top 1,000 names, Reagan is ranked at #893 and has been sitting between 800 and 1,000 since the year 2007. It's a rare choice for boys these days.
Popularity
- Reagan is in the top 100 names for girls and currently sits at #97.
- Raegan is an alternative spelling that's doing pretty well at #294. It's rising in popularity.
- Regan sits at 828.
Want an explanation of the numbers? Learn more about name rank here.
More on Reagan
For a little more reading, check out this post from a blogger with the name Reagan discussing how she feels about her name. Would kids today call a girl named Reagan "Ronald"? I doubt it, though it is a more understandable issue for a girl growing up in the 80s.
September 27, 2013
Maeve
updated Sept 2015
Maeve ~ Intoxicating; She who intoxicates ~ Irish |
| statue of Queen Medb, Dublin, Ireland |
Maeve is a one-syllable name and is pronounced MAYV. Just to be clear, it rhymes with save and cave. I personally love the look of the spelling. Even though it may be confusing for some people on the first encounter, the "ae" softens this name for me quite a bit. (If you thought Maeve looked tough to pronounce, try the original Gaelic: Méadhbh.)
History
Maeve is a spirited Irish folklore name coming from the Gaelic Méadhbh and Medb, meaning "she who intoxicates". Queen Medb is a character from Irish mythology who is jealous of her husband's wealth, wages war in order to gain a stud bull that will rival her husband's, and has an array of lovers. (Those are just the highlights, you can read the longer story here.)
Medb is also referred to as a Fairy Queen. And some say that Shakespeare's Queen Mab, a fairy from Romeo & Juliet, gets her name from Queen Medb.
Maeve is an ancient name that is held dear to many because of its Irish roots and powerful personality. To the Irish in particular, Maeve will sound like a strong warrior. Any way you look at it, this name has a story to tell.
Popularity
Maeve is having a moment here in the US. Take a look at the line graph from the Baby Name Wizard's NameVoyager tool, which depicts popularity over time:
Variations
- Mab
- Maeva
- Maive
- Mayve
- Meabh
- Meav
- Meibh
- Actor Chris O'Donell's daughter
- Actress Lili Taylor's daughter
- Actress Maeve Quinlan
- Irish author Maeve Brennan
August 26, 2013
Atticus
UPDATE: In light of Go Set a Watchman, I have revisited the name Atticus and our perception of it here. But I also felt it was important to keep this post as it was, especially for those wanting to know details about its history, variations, and celebrity connections.
Atticus ~ From Athens ~ Latin
History
Atticus falls into the category of a literary name, thanks to the Pulitzer Prize-winning novel To Kill a Mockingbird. In the Depression-era story, Atticus Finch is a small-town southern lawyer who takes on the community's racial prejudice by defending a black man. Atticus has been called one of the best fictional characters of 20th century literature. Most of us read To Kill a Mockingbird in school, making Atticus a heroic figure—and a name—that never left our minds.
The other side to this name is its rich Greek heritage. Atticus was the name of more than one Greek philosopher, the most prominent being an aristocrat and senator who lived from the years 101-177. It's why we associate this name with intellect and high class as well. It's hard to believe how long this name has existed, which is another reason it's so cool that Atticus is making a comeback.
Popularity
Despite its Greek historical roots, Atticus wasn't used with any frequency in America until the year 2004. Before I looked up the stats, I knew that this name was gaining some favor and guessed it would be in the 600s. I didn't expect it to be #410 in the US! Every year it becomes a little bit more popular, but where it's sitting now still makes it a (pleasantly) surprising choice.
Variations
There aren't really any "official" variations of Atticus, as most people just stick with the traditional spelling. But here are some different spellings and nicknames.
Famous Namesakes & Celebrity Babies
Fictional Namesakes
History
Atticus falls into the category of a literary name, thanks to the Pulitzer Prize-winning novel To Kill a Mockingbird. In the Depression-era story, Atticus Finch is a small-town southern lawyer who takes on the community's racial prejudice by defending a black man. Atticus has been called one of the best fictional characters of 20th century literature. Most of us read To Kill a Mockingbird in school, making Atticus a heroic figure—and a name—that never left our minds.
The other side to this name is its rich Greek heritage. Atticus was the name of more than one Greek philosopher, the most prominent being an aristocrat and senator who lived from the years 101-177. It's why we associate this name with intellect and high class as well. It's hard to believe how long this name has existed, which is another reason it's so cool that Atticus is making a comeback.
Popularity
Despite its Greek historical roots, Atticus wasn't used with any frequency in America until the year 2004. Before I looked up the stats, I knew that this name was gaining some favor and guessed it would be in the 600s. I didn't expect it to be #410 in the US! Every year it becomes a little bit more popular, but where it's sitting now still makes it a (pleasantly) surprising choice.
Variations
There aren't really any "official" variations of Atticus, as most people just stick with the traditional spelling. But here are some different spellings and nicknames.
- Aticus
- Attikus
- Atti
- Atty
Famous Namesakes & Celebrity Babies
- Son of Jason Behr and KaDee Strickland
- Son of Casey Affleck
- Son of Daniel Baldwin and Isabella Hofman
- Atticus Shaffer, American actor known for The Middle and The Unborn
Fictional Namesakes
- Atticus Finch, To Kill a Mockingbird
- Atticus Kodiak, protagonist from a series of novels by Greg Rucka
- Atticus Shane, character in the TV show The Vampire Diaries
August 27, 2011
Millicent
I have a thing for three-syllable names that begin with M, and Millicent is no exception. Its sweet sound captures some of the flavor of its more popular counterparts like Madeline, Matilda, Michaela, or Melody. But Millicent is more unique and packed with charm. The similarity between the name and the word innocent also adds to our perception of the name, making it on par with a virtue name.
Popularity
Millicent may sound like an "old lady name" at first, because it hasn't seen much popularity in the U.S. since the 1950s. It has even dropped out of the top 1,000 names altogether for the past 45 years. But it's been more popular in Great Britain and Australia, and I think it has lots of potential to appear on the U.S. charts again soon.
The accessible nickname Millie is a major reason for my prediction. Millie was popular in America in the late 1800s, when it shared the spotlight with names like Callie and Nellie. Today, these pioneer names have made a comeback and Millie fits right in. Millie is already making an appearance in the top 1,000 names, and I think it will continue to gain popularity.
While Millicent may be a bit off-beat, it has a sound that's full of frills and charisma. It's a unique choice that is still familiar to most of us. Between that and its irresistible nickname, I think Millicent is a lovely choice.
Meaning
If you look online or through baby name books, you'll find several different interpretations of what Millicent means. The name actually comes from two Germanic words that mean "work" and "strength." I've found the following meanings for the name from 5 different sources:
- highborn power
- noble
- industrious
- ambitious
- mild strength
- brave strength
- strong work
- strong
Famous Namesakes
Millicent Rogers, heiress and fashionista
Millicent Martin, English actress and singer
Millicent Fenwick, fashion editor and politician
Characters
Millicent Bulstrode and Millicent Bagnold from Harry Potter
Millicent Huxtable from One Tree Hill
Millicent Bystander from Flushed Away
January 23, 2011
Penelope
updated Sept 2015
Penelope ~ Weaver; loom worker ~ Greek origins |
| Penelope and the Suitors, John WIlliam Waterhouse |
The name Penelope makes me sigh in a "it's so dreamy" sort of way. I've got a little name crush on this one because it has so many great qualities. It's fun to pronounce, it originates from Greek (I gravitate toward Greek names) and it has adorable variations.
I think Penelope strikes a balance between classically beautiful and contemporary. It has a sort of spunky sound while also carrying an epic historical element that makes it feel more classic than it technically is. The name hasn't been used in America with any consistency, showing a peak in the 1930s, disappearing for awhile, and now returning to fashion.
History & Meaning
It's the name of Odysseus' wife in Homer's The Odyssey, estimated to be written in 8th century B.C. She is known for her faithfulness to her husband through two decades of his absence, as well as her cunning wit and strength of character.
The name Penelope has a somewhat complicated origin, and the meaning is debated. Check out this section of a Wikipedia article if you want the whole scoop.
Name Rank & Popularity
Welcome to the top 50, Penelope! Penelope is ranked at 42 in the US for the year 2014. Since I originally published this post, its continued a sharp upward trend. I'm pretty happy with its success, as it wasn't even in the top 1,000 names ten years ago and is continuing to go up the charts.
Variations
- Lopa
- Nell or Nellie
- Pela
- Pen
- Penna
- Penny, Pennie, Peni, or Penney
- Popi
- Poppy ~a more creative pet form popping up in recent years~
- Penelope Cruz, actress
- Penelope Ann Miller, actress
- Penelope Houston, singer/songwriter
- Jessalyn Gilsig, actress known for her role in Glee
- Taylor Hansen, musician/singer
July 1, 2009
Leonardo & Leonard
Leonardo, Leonard ~ Lion-hearted ~ Italian, German
It's obvious that these names are related, but to me they seem more like estranged cousins than twin brothers. Leonard has variations that are all over the map culturally and with a large range in popularity.
History
The historic reach of both names is quite extensive. Leonard is the German name that started it all. This is evidenced by the Saint Leonard of Noblac, a noble of the 5th century. His charitable work focused on prisoners, and with the permission of the monarch Clovis, he had the power to set free any prisoner he deemed worthy. He is patron saint of prisoners.
Leonard saw its greatest peak in American popularity in the 1920s. But since then, it has been steadily declining as the sound of the name has less appeal. The name Leonard is still apparent everywhere, however. Case-in-point: the nerdy-cool character Leonard on The Big Bang Theory, whose geeky status is upgraded a little by his ability to almost get the girl. You may also be familiar with Leonard as a surname.
Leonardo is the Italian form, most famously borne by Leonardo da Vinci and most recently revived by Leonardo DiCaprio. Da Vinci is best known for his masterful painting, though his inventions and general scientific genius earned him much fame as well. In fact, the very reason DiCaprio has this name is due to da Vinci.
Variations & Popularity
Below I've included the most popular variations along with ranking, followed by lesser-used variations and nicknames.
Len, Lenny, Lonke, Leontes, Linke, Lonnie or Lonny.
Like Leonardo? You may also like:
Orlando, Raphael, Sebastian
It's obvious that these names are related, but to me they seem more like estranged cousins than twin brothers. Leonard has variations that are all over the map culturally and with a large range in popularity.
History
The historic reach of both names is quite extensive. Leonard is the German name that started it all. This is evidenced by the Saint Leonard of Noblac, a noble of the 5th century. His charitable work focused on prisoners, and with the permission of the monarch Clovis, he had the power to set free any prisoner he deemed worthy. He is patron saint of prisoners.
Leonard saw its greatest peak in American popularity in the 1920s. But since then, it has been steadily declining as the sound of the name has less appeal. The name Leonard is still apparent everywhere, however. Case-in-point: the nerdy-cool character Leonard on The Big Bang Theory, whose geeky status is upgraded a little by his ability to almost get the girl. You may also be familiar with Leonard as a surname.
Leonardo is the Italian form, most famously borne by Leonardo da Vinci and most recently revived by Leonardo DiCaprio. Da Vinci is best known for his masterful painting, though his inventions and general scientific genius earned him much fame as well. In fact, the very reason DiCaprio has this name is due to da Vinci.
Variations & Popularity
Below I've included the most popular variations along with ranking, followed by lesser-used variations and nicknames.
- Leonardo, ranked at 170
- Leo, ranked at 227
- Leon, ranked at 502
- Leonard, ranked at 621
Len, Lenny, Lonke, Leontes, Linke, Lonnie or Lonny.
| Celebrities Named Leonard Leonard "Lenny" Kravitz, rock singer/songwriter Leonard Nimoy, actor Leonard Cohen, Canadian poet and songwriter Leonard Bernstein, composer and conductor Leonard Chess, record company executive | Celebrities Named Leonardo Leonardo DiCaprio, actor Leonardo Nam, actor Leonardo Azzaro, tennis player |
Like Leonardo? You may also like:
Orlando, Raphael, Sebastian
May 11, 2009
Annika and Anneka
updated Sept 2015
Annika ~ Gracious, Merciful ~ Scandinavian roots
I wasn't sure what girl's name I was going to feature for the week, when the name Annika came to mind. It's a lovely name used around the world, particularly in Sweden, Germany, England, and other European countries, as well as Australia and Canada. This name comes from the name Anneka, which is a Dutch form of Ann.
Its background across Europe use means Annika is a diverse crowd-pleaser with lots of potential. It has a trendy and global feel and I love the sound of the word, with its familiar prefix (ann) and bright consonant sounds (nika). It has a lot of variations to choose from and room for creativity.
Pronunciation
The most common way to say this name is ANN-i-ka, keeping the "Ann" in the first syllable. A less popular pronunciation is AHN-i-ka, which rhymes with Monica.
Variations
- Ann
- Anneka
- Annica
- Nika
Annika is on a downward trend and ranked at 576 for 2014, while the original Dutch Anneka is not ranked.
Famous Namesakes
Annika Sörenstam, pro golfer
Characters named Annika
- Annika Hansen (Seven of Nine) in Star Trek: Voyager
- Annika Settergren, a character in Pippi Longstocking
- Princess Annika, Barbie and the Magic of Pegasus
January 15, 2009
Franklin
updated Sept 2015
Franklin ~ Free Landowner ~ English |
| President Franklin D. Roosevelt |
Presidential Status & Famous Bearers
The glory days of Franklin was in the 1930s, and particularly 1933, the year Franklin D. Roosevelt took office. He arrived just when our country was in the depths of the Great Depression, promising (and delivering) hope for the future. But the history of the name goes back even further to the "original," Benjamin Franklin. His incredible contributions to society as an inventor, philosopher, and scientist inspired many parents to use his surname as their son's given name. Which is why, even before FDR, Franklin Pierce was the first American president with the name.
History & Meaning
Franklin simply means "free landowner" and was used in medieval times as a term for those owning property. That might sound familiar if you've read Chaucer's Canterbury Tales, The Franklin's Tale. Here, "franklin" doesn't refer to a particular person but is being used as a term for landowner. The name has completely different origins from the full name Frank, which comes from a German surname. It's a little confusing, because Frank is a natural variation of the name Franklin.
A Vintage Charmer
This name has perfectly proper vintage appeal, worthy of a bowtie and a pacifier that sports a mustache. It's got a fantastic Depression-era appeal, with a bit of hopeful Americana thrown in. The nicknames Frank and Frankie are right on pitch if you're looking for something retro chic with boyish charm. I think this name is underused, if you couldn't tell!
- For 2014, Franklin ranked at #453
- Variations: Franklyn, Frank, Frankie/Franky
- Celebrities with this surname include Bonnie Franklin (actress) & Aretha Franklin (singer/soul-queen)
- Franklin is a character from the comic strip "Peanuts"
- Most U.S. states have a city or county named Franklin.
December 17, 2008
Orlando
updated Sept 2015
Orlando ~ Famous Land ~ Italian
History
Few names that sound trendy have such a striking history. Orlando was the name of a character in Shakespeare's play As You Like It, written in 1599. It's the Italian form of Roland, which was also the name of a fictional character in Renaissance literature. The word Roland has German roots, using a combination of the term for "famous" and "land". But it's the Italian form that has us fascinated. And even if Orlando doesn't sound like a typical boys name, it's been in use in America for a very long time, maintaining a quietly steady status and hitting a high point in the 70s.
Popularity
Orlando has fallen a bit in popularity. When this post was originally written it ranked at #367. Today, it's ranked at 558 (for 2014). This name seems to have found a home in the mid 500s, where I think it'll stay for a few years. If you choose the name Orlando, your son will probably never have to share it with a classmate. It's got a beautiful but original feel, and the -o ending is refreshingly on trend.
Potential Nicknames
- Orli
- Lando
- Andy
- Orlando Bloom
- Orlando Jones
- Orlando Brown
December 11, 2008
Fiona
Updated September 2015
Fiona ~ Fair, White ~ Scottish
The name Fiona was invented by a Scottish poet during the early 20th century, who wrote "Let the sighs of Fiona rise." The word was taken from the Scottish fionn, meaning fair. Nothing says Scotland to me quite like the beautiful name Fiona.
The name began to catch on in Scotland and other European countries soon after, but Americans didn't take notice until the 1990s, with the rise of popular Celtic girls names like Caitlin and Brianna. More were drawn to the name when singer Fiona Apple debuted her first album in 1996. More recently, the Shrek movies, featuring Princess Fiona, have brought it to an incredibly large audience and given it staying power.
Popularity & Personality
Fiona is slowly becoming more popular. But I don't consider it a "trendy" name that will fade quickly. Fiona will maintain use in America, particularly among parents with Scottish roots or those who are looking for something different and elegant. Not many girls' names start with F, and I'd argue that Fiona is unique based on its letters alone. Nice vowel sounds make this name airy but not lacking in personality. It's soft and lyrical.
Rank: #204 in the U.S. for 2014
What is Name Rank?
What is Name Rank?
Celebrity Babies Named Fiona
- Jennie Garth and Peter Facinelli's daughter, born in 2006
- Chad Lowe's daughter, born in 2012
- Fiona Apple, 90s pop singer
- Fiona Xie, Singaporan actress
- Fiona Shaw, Irish actress
- Fiora
- Leona
- Fiala
- Iona
November 14, 2008
Dominic
updated Sept 2014
Dominic ~ Of the Lord, Belonging to God ~ Latin
Meaning
Dominic is a name that has been used for a very long time, traditionally for babies born on Sunday. Why? If you are familiar with Spanish, for example, you may know that the word for Sunday is Domingo (the day "belongs to God"). It all goes back to the Latin, dominica, for Lord. The history and meaning is really lovely, especially if you are religious. Several saints are named Dominic, including the founder of the Catholic Dominican Order. It might be that much more appropriate if your son is born on a Sunday as well, or if you have connections to the Dominican Republic.
Popularity
Dominic is gaining popularity right now because of its sound and cross-cultural appeal. It's not overused, and it has a global feel to it. Because it has such deep roots, you can be certain that no one will say they have never heard of it or think it's "out there." After all, it has been gaining popularity in America since the 1900s. I like it because the sound is just a little different, and I find it refreshing since a lot of popular boys' names are beginning to sound alike.
One thing that gave this name a boost in America is Vin Diesel's character in the Fast and Furious movies. His name is Dominic, and he goes by the faster nickname Dom. It's a fantastic way to shorten the name and now we associate Dom with speed, loyalty, and strength.
Dominic is ranked at #69 for 2014. It continues its climb on an upward trend with each year.
Nicknames, Variations, and Alternate Spellings
- Dom
- Domini
- Domingo
- Nick, Nic
- Dominick
- Dominik
- Dominic Purcell, actor
- Dominic Monaghan, actor
September 4, 2008
Raphael
Updated: May 2009
Raphael ~ God has healed ~ Hebrew
The name submitted was Raphael, but I soon discovered that the Spanish-influenced spelling, Rafael, is more popular in America. No matter how you spell it, it conveys global, spiritual, and artistic qualities. Raphael appears in several religious works as the name of an angel in Jewish, Islamic, and Christian traditions. The angel is often associated with healing.
Raphael has a fluid, graceful sound, but still maintains unwavering masculinity. Both spellings are given to baby boys born in Spain, the United States, Germany, South America, Sweden, Canada, the U.K., and Austrailia (in that order). On a global scale, the name can be found in any country with Latin influence.
Its popularity was perhaps helped most by the Italian artist of the High Renaissance, Raphael. His works are celebrated as some of the most influential and beautiful of all time. He had stiff competition—or should I say inspiration—as he painted during the time of Michelangelo and Leonardo da Vinci. The three are often referred to together as the trinity of the Italian Renaissance. If you are thinking Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, you'd be right—their names are based on the artists of this period.
- Nicknames could include Raff or Rafie, spelled a variety of ways
- For 2008, Rafael is ranked at 238, while Raphael is at 630.
- Rafael is the name of a slew of Brazilian football players—meaning soccer players, of course!
- Rafael Ferrer is Rosemary Clooney's son (he is cousin to George Clooney)
- Celebrities to choose Raphael for their sons include: Juliette Binoche, Robert De Niro, and Helene Segara.
August 7, 2008
Gideon
Gideon ~ Warrior, Feller of Trees ~ Hebrew
Gideon has been around for, well, a very long time. In the Bible, Gideon was a humble, average man chosen by God to be a warrior. He is known for requesting a sign from God on several occasions. As the name suggests, he had great success in battle.
The name Gideon became popular in colonial America during the early formation of the country, and it was used in the mid 1800s as well. You may have heard of the Gideons International, a group famous for distributing complimentary copies of the Bible in hotel rooms.
Popularity
This name had completely fallen out of use in America until the year 2000. For 2014, it's ranked at 349. Not too shabby for a name that hasn't been in the top 1,000 for a century! It's gaining popularity because it's Biblical, ends with an "n" (think Aiden) and fits in with other pioneer names but is still unique. I personally like it because it has a strong meaning and hits all my "cute" buttons.
Gideon has been around for, well, a very long time. In the Bible, Gideon was a humble, average man chosen by God to be a warrior. He is known for requesting a sign from God on several occasions. As the name suggests, he had great success in battle.
The name Gideon became popular in colonial America during the early formation of the country, and it was used in the mid 1800s as well. You may have heard of the Gideons International, a group famous for distributing complimentary copies of the Bible in hotel rooms.
Popularity
This name had completely fallen out of use in America until the year 2000. For 2014, it's ranked at 349. Not too shabby for a name that hasn't been in the top 1,000 for a century! It's gaining popularity because it's Biblical, ends with an "n" (think Aiden) and fits in with other pioneer names but is still unique. I personally like it because it has a strong meaning and hits all my "cute" buttons.
- Nicknames: If it seems too odd to shorten this name to what sounds like "giddy," try Gid on for size. Kind of cute, but it sounds almost exactly like "kid". In the end, it might be best to go with the full name on this one.
- Celebrity: Ziggy Marley—yes, Bob Marley's son—had a son with his wife in January of 2007. They named their 5th child Gideon.
July 17, 2008
Micah
Micah ~ Who is Like God? ~ Hebrew
Origins and History
The other day, a new employee was introduced to the company I work for in an email. My coworker called over our cube wall, "Hey, that must be a hippie name, huh?" I thought, truly perplexed. Then it dawned on me: the new guy, Micah, has a name that also sounds like mica, the mineral. And that is something entirely different.
Micah has Hebrew origins. It's a book of the Old Testament, named for a prophet, or a man chosen by God to speak to people. Micah calls the people to change their sinful ways, reminding them of the blessing that would follow. He speaks of mercy and compassion from God.
Micah is very similar to the more classic name Michael, but it's not considered a short form of that name. Micah stands on its own as a full name. And like Noah, this name is proving itself to be quite on-trend.
It's a lovely name with rich Biblical history, but I also like it for the odd-yet-obvious connection my coworker made: mica, the mineral. I used to admire it on vacation in the Black Hills, where it covered the forest floor, making the ground sparkle.
A Name For Boys or Girls?
I have known one person with this name—a woman who was a friend of my older sister's. Though it's traditionally a male name, some use it for girls too, and I can see the charm it has either way.
Origins and History
The other day, a new employee was introduced to the company I work for in an email. My coworker called over our cube wall, "Hey, that must be a hippie name, huh?" I thought, truly perplexed. Then it dawned on me: the new guy, Micah, has a name that also sounds like mica, the mineral. And that is something entirely different.
Micah has Hebrew origins. It's a book of the Old Testament, named for a prophet, or a man chosen by God to speak to people. Micah calls the people to change their sinful ways, reminding them of the blessing that would follow. He speaks of mercy and compassion from God.
Micah is very similar to the more classic name Michael, but it's not considered a short form of that name. Micah stands on its own as a full name. And like Noah, this name is proving itself to be quite on-trend.
It's a lovely name with rich Biblical history, but I also like it for the odd-yet-obvious connection my coworker made: mica, the mineral. I used to admire it on vacation in the Black Hills, where it covered the forest floor, making the ground sparkle.
A Name For Boys or Girls?
I have known one person with this name—a woman who was a friend of my older sister's. Though it's traditionally a male name, some use it for girls too, and I can see the charm it has either way.
- For 2014, Micah is nationally ranked at 109 for boys and 994 for girls. This name is leaning blue, so to speak.
- Micah was the name of a character in Heroes, a child prodigy who has special abilities with electronics.
- Not many celebs are named Micah, but here's one: Micah Alberti
January 5, 2008
Sebastian
Updated Sept 2015
Sebastian ~ Venerable, Respected ~ Greek, Latin
Sebastian used to be a name given to boys who were born in Sebastia, which was an ancient city in Rome. One such boy became a roman soldier in adulthood, and was martyred for his Christian faith during the third century. And that is how Sebastian became the patron saint of infantrymen, and is probably also the reason the name has survived since that time.
Fictional Namesakes
Shakespeare used Sebastian for a character in The Tempest as well as Twelfth Night. If you've seen the movie She's the Man, which is a loose adaptation of the play, you might have been exposed to this name in a more modern context. Fans of classical music will know that this is Bach's middle name. And of course, you might associate this name with a certain comical crab from The Little Mermaid. Sebastian is also a character in the TV show Glee.
Popularity
I think Sebastian is a lyrical name with an air of history and sophistication about it. It's gaining momentum as parents look for fresh-yet-familiar names for their boys, and I can see why. It's in the top 40 names for boys in America, which is the most popular it's ever been in this country. Internationally, Sebastian is a hit as well, and has been for much longer.
Variations
- Bas
- Bash
- Bastien
- Sabastian
- Seb
- Sebby
- Sebasten
January 3, 2008
Susie
Susie (from Susan) ~ Lily ~ Hebrew
Susie Acosta-Rodriguez was the Denver area’s first baby of 2008, so I thought it only appropriate to write about this name as my first choice for the year. The baby, born at 12:50 a.m., was unwittingly named by her brother Brian, who liked to sing “wake up, a-little Susie, wake up!” to her in the mornings. (That’s a pretty adorable way to pick a name, if you ask me.)
Popularity
Susie is a nick-name for Susan that has grown to become a full name in its own right. The name Susie was most popular in America in the 1880s, when names that ended in –ie were especially desirable. Names from that period such as Bessie, Nettie, or Hattie just haven’t survived the way Addie, Ellie, or Mattie have today. Susie falls somewhere in between. Though it’s been declining steadily since that time, the name is still familiar and much more playground-friendly than Minnie, for example. Still, few parents today are using this name.
Meaning
Susie's meaning comes not just from Susan, but from Susanna, which is referenced in the Bible and means lily in ancient Hebrew, and in modern Hebrew means rose. It's a gorgeous and subtle floral name that also hints at a black-eyed Susan.
Famous Susies
Today’s famous Susies include financial expert Suze Orman (the name is spelled differently, but the idea is the same), actress and comedian Susie Essman, figure skater Susie Wynne, and reality-tv star Susie Feldman, to name a few. Women named Susie, Sue, Susannah, or Susan are the subject of many songs in addition to Wake Up Little Susie. The most famous song about a Susie might be Susie Q.
A Sweet Name
I think Susie has a cute, innocent quality, and for most people this name will automatically conjure an image of a little girl. But if that's a problem for someone with this name, she has the option to go by the timeless variation Sue, of course. I do love the meaning of this name and automatically think of a flower when I hear Susie.
So here’s to Susie Acosta-Rodriguez. May she enjoy lots of attention and gifts, and a happy new year of life outside the womb!
Variations
Susy, Suzie, Suzy, Suze
December 18, 2007
Daphne
Daphne ~ Laurel Tree ~ GreekThis name has never broken into popularity, though it's used with enough frequency most people are familiar with it. It immediately makes me think of the Frasier character Daphne Moon, a quirky physical therapist from England. You might also associate it with the indie band Daphne Loves Derby, actress Daphne Zuniga, or the red head from Scooby Doo.
Greek Mythology & Meaning
When I decided to post about this name, I thought for sure the meaning had something to do with the ocean or a fairy. After researching the name (which I always do before I post) I discovered I wasn't entirely crazy. In Greek mythology, Daphne is a nymph of the river. She was chosen by Eros to be Apollo's first love. Daphne ran from Apollo's pursuit of her, asking Peneus to change her form for protection. And so she was transformed into a beautiful laurel tree.
Daphne is referred to in several works of poetry because of the mythological story. The poem Daphne was written by Edna St. Vincent Millay, the first female Pulitzer Prize winner in poetry.
I think this name is beautiful and fits both a little girl and a grown woman just perfectly. If you choose this name for your child, most likely she will be the only Daphne in her class.
Popularity
I'm happy to say that Daphne is doing better every year and hasn't yet reached a peak!
- Daphne was ranked at 356 for 2014
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