Comments on: The Softer Side of Boys

By: Rerun: Predictions for 2009 | Appellation Mountain

Rerun: Predictions for 2009 | Appellation Mountain — Tue, 20 Dec 2011 07:02:52 +0000

[...] a growing number of parents are favoring softer names for their sons, including Biblical choices and ancient names. Sebastian, Julian, Jeremiah and Oliver are already [...]

By: Baby Name of the Day: Ezra | Appellation Mountain

Baby Name of the Day: Ezra | Appellation Mountain — Mon, 28 Nov 2011 12:00:57 +0000

[...] He fits right in with popular picks like Noah and Sebastian, all names that capture the Softer Side of Boys. [...]

By: Saranel

Saranel — Wed, 17 Aug 2011 19:20:01 +0000

I went to high school with a Nehemiah and he was easily the coolest guy in school. His brothers were equally cool Jedidiah and Zebulon. No one in their family was religious. I think their mom just wanted to use very unusual names.

By: Madyson

Madyson — Sun, 14 Mar 2010 04:59:39 +0000

I really like slightly “feminine” sounding names for boys….

Jonah, Isaiah, Josiah, Jeremiah, Ezra, and Nehemiah would have to be my favorites of those listed.

I’m also reminded of the Top Chef contestant “Elia”

They don’t end in “a” but some other “girly” names I love on boys are…
Whitney nn “Whit”, Addison nn “Addy”, Alistair “Alis/Ali”, Blair, Shelby, Lindsay, Shannon, Brittany, Leslie

By: Name of the Day: Sebastian « Appellation Mountain

Name of the Day: Sebastian « Appellation Mountain — Fri, 27 Jun 2008 12:12:08 +0000

[...] with Elijah and Isaiah, Noah and Christian. There’s no doubt that he’s part of the Softer Side of Boys phenomenon we’ve seen in recent years. And the long history of use makes this name [...]

By: Name of the Day: Simeon « Appellation Mountain

Name of the Day: Simeon « Appellation Mountain — Sun, 15 Jun 2008 11:45:37 +0000

[...] all, obscure names like Hezekiah and Zechariah now make the Top 1000. And, as we reported in The Softer Side of Boys, Elijah and Isaiah are positively chart-topping. Plus, Simeon’s Eastern pedigree may appeal [...]

By: coolteamblt

coolteamblt — Wed, 04 Jun 2008 14:32:12 +0000

I think Luca is definitely masculine. It’s not girly sounding to me at all.

And you’re right. My father in law Ken named his son Kevin. Of course, if Bean here is a boy, he’ll be James, so I guess we’re going back to the harder side of our boy.

By: appellationmountain

appellationmountain — Sat, 31 May 2008 16:35:26 +0000

I stand corrected! Thanks so much for that catch, Allison.

As of 2007, Luca comes in at #313 and Luka at #751. Both for boys – neither ranks for girls. So there’s definitely a non-Biblical ends-in-a choice that bears consideration – Luca is definitely rising, from #626 in 2000! And Luka wasn’t even in the Top 1000 until 2004, so again, it’s an emerging option.

Jennie Garth does have a daughter called Luca Bella, and I think it is the kind of traditionally masculine name that wears well on a girl, too. But that’s one girl – odds are that the next Luca we all meet will be a boy.

By: Allison

Allison — Sat, 31 May 2008 15:25:29 +0000

There’s also Luka, but I think to an American ear it sounds decidedly feminine.

By: appellationmountain

appellationmountain — Fri, 30 May 2008 16:36:23 +0000

HA! It’s nice to be wrong in cases like this.

Bring on the Biblical boys, Elisabeth! It’s a big book.

And thanks for the raves about my little guy. I figure I had to have something to keep pace with your lovely little avatar and page model.