A Boy Named Sue, or Baby Naming Seven Years Later

Alex at 7If you’ve been reading for a while, you might know that I refer to my firstborn as Aly, short for Alexander.  He’s named after his grandfather, a choice that I’ve never regretted, even if it wasn’t necessarily what I’d have chosen on my own.

But I did not love the idea of calling him Alex, and I was quietly hopeful that another nickname would stick.

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Baby Name of the Day: Alexine

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A by Jutta via Flickr

She’s another feminine twist on Alexander, and while she’s quite rare, is there any steam left in this appellation?

Thanks to Renee for suggesting Alexine as our Baby Name of the Day.

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In Defense of Riley Anne and Evan Marie: Ten Reasons Boys’ Names on Girls Are Not a Sign of End Times

Boy and girl posed, three-quarter length, stan...

Image via Wikipedia

Feeling feisty?  Head to a message board and announce that you’re naming your daughter Addison.  Or Quinn.  Or Mason.

Then run for cover.

Sure, some people will respond positively.  But depending on the forum, you could also find yourself accused of thievery, trendiness, and general bad taste.

I’m sympathetic to parents who feel they can’t use a name they’d long loved, for fear that their son Delaney will be scarred by sharing his name with girls.  But I’m not sure a girl named Ryan is a sign of the coming apocalypse.

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Baby Name of the Day: Arkady

Russia trip, Apr 2008 - 25

Image by Ed Yourdon via Flickr

He’s a literary Russian option, nearly unknown in the US.

Thanks to Jennifer for suggesting Arkady as our Baby Name of the Day.

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Baby Name of the Day: Luca

Boys playing music, illustration of Psalm 150 ...

Boys playing music, by Luca Della Robbia; Image via Wikipedia

Despite his -a ending, he’s a 21st century sensation for boys.

Thanks to Jenna for suggesting Luca as our Baby Name of the Day.

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Baby Name of the Day: Darius

Silver shekel issued by King Darius I of Persi...

Silver shekel issued by King Darius I of Persia; Image via Wikipedia

He’s an ancient ruler and a modern rocker.

Thanks to Fran and Annelise for suggesting Darius as our Baby Name of the Day.

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Baby Name of the Day: Calpurnia

Calpurnia Pisonis was a daughter of Lucius Cal...

Calpurnia Pisonis; Image via Wikipedia

She’s an asteroid, a shrub, a minor literary figure, and an Ancient Roman matron.

Thanks to Paul for suggesting Calpurnia as our Baby Name of the Day.

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Sunday Summary: 3/27/11

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27 by Cappellmeister via Flickr

First, I’m incredibly excited to see who wins March Madness!  Thanks to everyone who voted so far, and if you have not, please remember to weigh in: Boys’ Final and Girls’ Final.

I thoroughly enjoyed compiling Rock’n'Roll Baby Names for Nameberry last week.  This week’s list is equally edgy.  Here’s a hint: Buffy is on the list.

Elsewhere:

  • I haven’t seen Just Go With It, but I’m fascinated by the names.  Nicole Kidman plays a not-so-nice character called Devlin.  Brooklyn Decker plays a girl named Palmer.  The 2011 film is based on a 1969 movie, which was based on an American adaptation of a French play.  Up until now, Palmer’s character called was Toni.  I’ve no idea why they opted for such an unconventional choice in the remake;
  • Swistle posted a reader question about the name Story.  Comments suggested Astoria as a formal name.  I’m torn – Astoria is an undeniably pretty sound, but have you been to Queens?  Then again, a less-than-idyllic setting hasn’t hurt Brooklyn;
  • Which leads us to Nancy’s note about baby boys named Travolta.  More than you’d think, less than you’d fear;
  • From Nomes e mais nomes: which do you prefer Carolina or Catarina?  It’s the kind of question that makes me want to say “twins!”
  • Step into the Wayback Machine.  In 2009, the featured name was Lana.  Last year, it was Orla;
  • I always enjoy her birth announcements, but this one really surprised me: For Real spotted an unusual combination, which just happens to be my cousin’s name;
  • She also spotted Jaxlen McCade, Riggen Joseph, Brawk David, and Dash Ayden.  Oh, and a Dollie Michelle.  I adore Dolly as a nickname for Dorothy, but I think it would be tough to answer to Dolly at 25.

On to Hollywood.  There’s been much chatter over Rachel Zoe’s new son’s name, Skyler Morrison.  It’s not the stylish choice I would have expected, but what really stunned me was a comment in New York Magazine.  The writer congratulated Rachel & Rodger on their healthy baby boy and “also for naming him normally. Baby names shouldn’t be trends.”

I’ll be curious to hear Rachel’s explanation for choosing the name.  Maybe she’ll have the kind of backstory that makes me regret every snarky thought I’ve had about her choice.

In other starbaby news:

  • The conversation of the week should really be this: How did Luca and Matteo become the sibset of moment?  Top Chef’s top chef Tom Colicchio and wife Lori welcomed a son, Mateo Lev.  Mateo joins big brothers Luka Bodhi and Dante at home.  Impeccable Italian heritage picks, right?  Masculine without going overboard, classic but not plain.  Last month, E’s Kristin Dos Santos welcomed a son, Matteo Tomaz, a little brother for Luca Alexander.  And Colin Firth and his wife Livia Guiggioli are parents to Luca and Mateo, too;
  • TLC’s Design Star Vern Yip welcomed a daughter, Vera Lillian Beatrix.  He and partner Craig Koch are also parents to son Gavin Joshua Mannox;
  • Quarterback Eli Manning is a first-time dad.  He and wife Abby welcomed a daughter, Ava Frances.

If you’re looking for more talk of celebrity births and general name talk, check out my Facebook page.

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

Baby Name of the Day: Aleydis

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A by Too Far North via Flickr

She’s hidden in the history books, but if you look closely, you’ll find this intriguing medieval moniker hiding between the lines.

Thanks to Emily of In the Name for suggesting Aleydis as our Baby Name of the Day.

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