Baby Name of the Day: Asha

Asha

Asha (Photo credit: zigazou76)

There’s a category of names that feels especially at home in the twenty-first century: the non-specifically exotic.  They’re not Arabic or Mandarin or Hawaiian, exactly.  They’re just not exactly European, even though they often share the same sounds.  Think of all those kids you’ve met called Maya and Kai.

Thanks to Pree for suggesting another one that fits in this camp.  Our Baby Name of the Day is Asha.

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Baby Name of the Day: Ian

English: Royal standard of Scotland Scots: Rya...

Scottish Royal Standard; Image via Wikipedia

He’s a super-short appellation with a Scottish vibe.

Thanks to Jessie for suggesting a name inspired by her grandfather as our Baby Name of the Day: Ian.

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Fetching Names: Borrowed from the Beatles

English: The Beatles wave to fans after arrivi...

You might not recognize Lady Gaga or Katy Perry, and you’re forgiven if you can’t tell the difference between Coldplay and Franz Ferdinand.  But very few of us don’t instantly know a Beatles song.  Plenty of the titles are pleasing appellations, and even more names are mentioned in their lyrics.

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Baby Name of the Day: Fiona

Princess Fiona

She’s the princess-ogre in Shrek, an Irish(ish) option with an appealing sound.

Thanks to Melissa for suggesting Fiona as our Baby Name of the Day.

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Baby Name of the Day: Nico

Nederlands: Nico Buwalda

Nico Buwalda; Image via Wikipedia

Today’s pick is a fascinating gender neutral name with a certain sparky, international vibe.

Thanks to Findley for suggesting Nico as our Baby Name of the Day.

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Baby Name of the Day: Cecilia

She’s an alternative to the mega-popular Olivia, a classic boosted just the tiniest bit by a  sitcom staple.

Thanks to Dan for suggesting Cecilia as our Baby Name of the Day.

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Baby Name of the Day: Lars

Lars Ulrich

Lars Ulrich of Metallica; Image via Wikipedia

Laurence wears a bowtie, but this Scandinavian variant is pure heavy metal.

Thanks to Kristin for suggesting our Baby Name of the Day: Lars.

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Baby Name of the Day: Aaliyah

A

Image by mag3737 via Flickr

She’s a regal Arabic appellation boosted by an ill-fated recording artist.

Thanks to Alia for suggesting Aaliyah as our Baby Name of the Day.

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Baby Name of the Day: Harpo

Harpo Marx and Young 'Uns

Image by John McNab via Flickr

Lest this post come to the attention of the good people at Gawker, let me begin by saying this: I do not think you should name your child HarpoHarper, yes.  Harlow, why not?

And yet today’s Baby Name of the Day has a fascinating history, touching on two 20th century cultural phenomenons.  Thanks to Jen for the suggestion.

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Baby Name of the Day: Blake

Blake Carrington

Blake Carrington; Image via Wikipedia

He’s a color name, a surname name, and a very popular choice.

Thanks to Kelly for suggesting Blake as our Baby Name of the Day.

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