Pregnant in Heels: My Reaction

I was half asleep when Pregnant in Heels debuted on Bravo, determined to stay awake long enough to see Elisabeth on television.  Oh, and check if my guess about the baby’s name was right.  I figured odds were 50/50 that I’d be asleep before the opening credits rolled.

About ten minutes in, I was wide awake, sitting in the dark with a pencil, scribbling down notes.  Spoiler Alert: If you haven’t seen the episode, you may not want to read on.

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Baby Name of the Day: Pamela

Illustration of Pamela: or, Virtue rewarded. I...

Image via Wikipedia

She’s a poetic invention and a twentieth century sensation.  But can she make a comeback?

Thanks to Kelly for suggesting today’s choice.  Our Baby Name of the Day is Pamela – with birthday wishes to Nameberry co-founder Pamela Redmond Satran.

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Baby Name of the Day: Tamsin

T44

T44 by Too Far North via Flickr

Tammy is stuck in the 60s, but this unrelated import could wear well in 2011.

Thanks to Fran for suggesting Tamsin as our Baby Name of the Day.

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Baby Name of the Day: Akira

A Japanese poster for Akira Kurosawa's Seven S...

Image via Wikipedia

Expecting a little samurai?  Looking for a name that suggests artistic genius?

Thanks to Sarah for suggesting one choice that combines both qualities.  Our Baby Name of the Day is Akira.

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Baby Name of the Day: Ismay

Medieval babes to fall in love with

By Eddy Van 3000 via Flickr

The literary Esme hovers just outside the US Top 1000, but this similar-sounding name remains truly obscure.

Thanks to Olive Green for suggesting Ismay as our Baby Name of the Day.

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Baby Name of the Day: Femke

West Frisians (Friesland and Province of Groni...

West Frisian flag; Image via Wikipedia

She’s a Top 20 pick in the Netherlands, and popular in Belgium, too.  But how would this one wear in the US?

Thanks to Emily of All in the Name for suggesting Femke as our Baby Name of the Day.

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Sunday Summary: 4/3/11

Number 3

Number 3 by Phil Parker via Flickr

First, a long overdue congratulations to Carolyn on the birth of Nolan Curtis, a little brother for Meredith.  Wishing you joy!

Second, I’m on Twitter.  Let’s be clear: I haven’t got a clue what I’m doing on Twitter.  If you’d like to follow me while I flail, please do.  I’m @appmtn.

Elsewhere online:

  • Thanks to British American for directing me to a thread where I found the following sibset: Aurora Dawn and Rain Storm. Only they decided Rain didn’t suit daughter #2, so she was rechristend Gwenyvere Rain.  I like Aurora and Guinevere, and even with the daffy respelling, it is a huge improvement;
  • WeeDecor’s Winter list is out. I’m intrigued by Caffrey from the boys’ list, and I’m delighted to see Liv.  Is it me, or is Emmelyn/Emmalyn/Emmeline going to be the next stealth hit;
  • Trafton?  I despair.  But other names spotted by ForReal in Pennsylvania fill me with joy: Tressa Jade, Ivy Wren, Bianca Florentina.  Then there’s Henry Swarm – let’s hope that’s a maiden name passed down after much conversation, and not a sci fi reference I’m missing;
  • There’s a great list of recent additions to the British line of succession up at Mer de Nomes.  Queen Cosima sounds lovely, doesn’t it?
  • Nancy delves into variants of the name Unique, which isn’t terribly unusual at all but makes me think of the pink-spotted Backyardigan UniquaSui Generis, on the other hand, would be a stand-out, though you’d be confused for just plain Sue;
  • Speaking of Sioux, For Real spotted a Gabriella Sioux.  Are the parents from Idaho?  Fans of Siouxie Sioux?  I wonder;
  • There’s a new book out called Bring Back Beatrice! It is a sound concept, but I think the author misses a few things.  First, she describes it as “a clarion call to break away from the pack when choosing a name.”  Great advice.  Trouble is, lots of people like Beatrice.  And Cora.  And Daphne.  It’s probably a decent sourebook if you want to be ahead of the next trend, but falls short of offering truly timeless advice.

In celebrity news:

  • Supermodel mama Eva Herzigova welcomed her second son, Philip, a little brother for George.  I think that’s the kind of slightly off-trend sibset that defies fashion;
  • 30 Rock’sElizabeth Banks welcomed a son, Felix;
  • Okay, Posh named her pooch Luna, so they’re stumped for a girl’s name.  Yawn.  I cannot believe for second that a couple who came up with Brooklyn, Romeo, and Cruz, won’t come up with an inventive name for a girl;
  • Now that Mariah’s due date is approaching fast, I’m paying more attention to suggested names for the twins.  Somehow I think they’re likely to disappoint.

Last week’s post for Nameberry was Power Girl Baby Names; tomorrow’s post is inspired by one of the names on that list – thanks to RachelMarie for the inspiration!

That’s all for this week.  As always, thank you for reading!


March Madness 2011: The Victors!

Trophy

Trophy by ilovememphis at Flickr

It’s official.  The trophies go to Louisa and Nathaniel!

In the final round of play, Louisa bested Elodie, 229 to 140 votes, or 62%.

The boys’ round was more interesting.  Nathaniel, you’ll recall, was wrongly ousted in the Semi-Finals.  He was returned for the Finals, leaving us with a three-way contest.

And wouldn’t you know it?  Nathaniel came out on top, with 157 votes, or 43% of the total.  Archer was in second with 115, or 32%.  Finn finished up in third with 92 votes, or 25%.

Very few of the names profiled here rank in the US Top 100, but the winner of March Madness for the boys came in at #76 in 2009.  In fact, he’s been in the Top 100 since 1978, making him something of a staple.

Louisa is less surprising as a favorite.  She left the US rankings after 1969 and has yet to return.  But with her fashionable first letter and her oo sound, she’s definitely on trend.

Thanks for playing!  And what do you think of the outcome?

Baby Name of the Day: Colette

C

C by fotologic via Flickr

She’s saintly, literary, and on trend.  Best of all, she’s been out of the US rankings for three decades.

Colette is a special Saturday Name of the Day for expectant mom Laura.

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Baby Name of the Day: Laura

laura  002

Laura 002 by Gareth Fudge via Flickr

She’s a classic appellation, almost as evergreen as Elizabeth or Mary.

Thanks to Lola for suggesting Laura as our Baby Name of the Day.

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