It’s ambitious.  It might even be insane.  But we’ve decided to launch a Name of the Day feature here at ApMtn.

Kicking us off is a J-name that manages to sound interesting and distinctive, despite being the letter that brought us such unfortunate monikers as Jayden and Jazzlyn.  

Let’s hear it for Juniper.

Juniper is a fresh choice, a nice alternative for parents who fear that Willow is now too common.  (Willow ranked #529 in 2006; Juniper has never appeared in the Top 1000.)  And, of course, we can’t help but note that the similar Heather was a Top Ten name from 1972 to 1987.  In fact, the Winona Ryder/Christian Slater dark comedy Heathers was the Mean Girls of its day.  So while it is an unusual choice, it is far from outlandish.

Junipers are evergreens.  It’s a nice connotation for a child’s name – steadfast, enduring, constant.  

The only possible downside to the appellation is that juniper berries are used to make gin – but we didn’t know that until we hit Wikipedia, and really, did you?  Unless you work for Tanqueray, odds are slim.  And if you do work for Tanqueray, then perhaps this name is even more appropriate – though your colleagues might do a double-take.

And, of course, should your darling daughter find her name a bit too hippie chic, she can always be known by the throwback, calendar girl nickname June.

Check back tomorrow for more.