Image by holeymoon via Flickr

Between writing about Scarlett the other day and finally reading The Help, I’ve had Southern names on the brain.  Kathryn Stockett’s characters answer to names like Raleigh, Constantine, Eugenia and Mae Mobley – the “Southern double name” idea referenced by Nicole Kidman when explaining that her youngest daughter is called Faith Margaret, not just Faith.  There’s also a minor – but critical – character called Lulabelle, an intriguing smoosh of a name that brings to mind Breakfast at Tiffany’s Holly Golightly’s birth name, Lulamae.

This past week also saw a lively conversation about gender-bending names in the blogosphere this week:

• Laura Wattenberg investigated Alison, and all of the ends-in-son names that have followed her rise;
• I wrote In Defense of Riley Anne and Evan Marie: Ten Reasons Boys’ Names on Girls Are Not a Sign of End Times;
• Waltzing More Than Matilda weighed in on the topic, too;
• So did Nook of Names;
• Regardless of where you come down on the issue, parents are not likely to stop borrowing boyish names for some of their daughters, some of the time.  For Real spotted the following sibset: Bella, Cosette, and Reave, three big sisters – yup, even Reave – for Taite Victoria Paige.

Beyond the debate, it was a really interesting week.  I thoroughly enjoyed:

• Swistle’s list of plural-sounding names like Brooks and Wells.  Maternity concierge Rosie Pope gave the name Wells to her younger son; big brother is J.R.  Megyn Kelly of FOX News has a son called Yates;
• What do you think of Perpetua?  She’s featured over at British Baby Names;
• Nancy tallied up baby girls named Monalisa, like the painting – and the Oscar-winning song from Nat King Cole;
• I love the idea of Annecy, and pretty much all twelve of these water names at Nameberry;
• Babynamelover spotted the intriguing Ursula Cherry, a little sister for Hester;
• Unusual names mentioned at the AppMtn Facebook page this week: Betty, Wilbur-called-Willy, Cassity, Fletcher, and Kais, an Arabic name with tons of history, often spelled Qais – thanks to Allison for the name spotting on that last one, and Sarah for filling in the history!

In celebrity baby news, we learned that yes, Natalie Portman and Benjamin Millepied named their newborn baby boy Aleph.  Cue the Have Celebrities Gone Too Far With Crazy Baby Names articles.

We’ve also heard that both Kate Hudson and Victoria Beckham have welcomed their children – a second son for Kate, and Victoria’s first daughter after three boys!  No names announcements – yet.  Something tells me next week is going to be exciting, too …

Some will applaud your choice and add that Alyveah and Jaxin are cute, too.  Several will sigh, and ask what’s wrong with Olivia and Jackson.

I’ll admit to a few snarky comments about Konner and Mackynzee.  So maybe it sounds like hypocrisy – or blasphemy – to now write that perhaps variant spellings are not the end of the world.

The more I mull it over, the more I think that I may have been wrong to object to spelling variants – at least some of the time.  Here’s why:

10. Good luck determining the original. Which came first, Catherine or Katherine?

It’s a trick question.  The name – like so many – comes from the Greek.  The original wasn’t just written in a different language – it was written in a different alphabet.  K and C are equally valid translations.  If a name predates the English language – and many do – there may not be a definitive version.

In our spellcheck world, it is difficult to remember that widespread literacy is quite new, and standardized spellings are even more recent.  In 1880, Catherine, Catharine, Cathrine, Katherine, Kathryn, Katharine, Kathrine, Katheryn and Kathryne all appeared in the US Top 1000.  Go back far enough and you’ll find people who spelled their own name differently in different records.

Pre-widespread literacy, the spelling didn’t matter.  In the era of handwritten records, it wouldn’t have been possible to enforce a correct spelling.  And now?

It’s a little late.

9. The most popular version might not be closest to the original. So if it isn’t possible to pinpoint the original, why not use the most common?  It will save your child headaches, right?

Maybe so.  Hailey ranked #25 in 2008 – far more popular than Haylee, Hayley, Haylie, Hailee, Hailie or Haley.  But the original version of name is an English surname – making Haley the more authentic pick.  Likewise, Caitlin and Aidan are Gaelic heritage choices – but Kaitlyn and Aiden outrank both.

If Jayden is far more common than Jadon, which is the variant?  And will Caitlin take any comfort in wearing the “most authentic” version when she’s spelling her name for the umpteenth time?

8. Making a heritage choice can lead parents to choose an apparently unconventional spelling. Let’s say you’re of Scottish descent. Isobel might feel like the better choice, even if she’s awfully close to the chart-topping Isabella.

Our son was named after his grandfather Aleksander, born an ocean away in Poland.  That leads to the next point.

7. Honoring a loved one can also encourage parents to make a different choice. Our Aleksander became Alexander after immigrating.  That simpled up our decision.  But what if he’d held onto his k-spelling?

Likewise, what if you’re naming your daughter after one of those Kathrynes from back in the day?  Sure, you could update the spelling.  But you can also argue that preserving the spelling is part of passing on your loved one’s appellation.

6. Does it really do any harm? I’ve often argued that Madisyn sounds just as common as Madison, so why put your child to the trouble of spelling her name every. single. time.  And while I think that’s true, it is also true that Madisyn is just a tiny headache.  The world is filled with people named Alison and Krista, Dillon and Stephen who have survived spelling their names.

You can, of course, go too far.  Maddasihnne, for example, is an exercise in pointless excess.

5. Could it do some good? If you’re choosing an unusual name, it can seem like a kindness to try to Anglicize or modernize your pick.  Zofia is a family name on my Polish husband’s side.  Would we maintain the exotic, vibrant Z of Zofia?  (Technically it is pronounced differently – ZAWF yah – though I’ve met Poles who use three syllables in the US – ZO fee ah.) Opt for the chart-topping Sophia?  Or split the difference with Sofia?

What if you’re naming a daughter after Great Aunt Eithne?  Spelling your daughter’s name Enya might save her some confusion – and still honor your beloved aunt.

4. You might honestly think  a variant spelling is correct. I don’t mean this to sound snobbish.  Television and movies, books and songs often pluck names out of nowhere, and their creators take some license with the spellings.  So if you first hear of Damien in a movie, or Lorelai on television, why would you suspect that the name has another spelling?

Or maybe you hear the name Schuyler.  That’s certainly not an intuitive spelling. The phoentic Skyler or Skylar seems more obvious.  It’s easy to argue that any parent owes their kiddo enough research to know something about a name they plan to bestow.  But, of course, plenty of resources online and in print would list Skylar.  And Damien.  And so on.

3. It could possibly minimize pronunciation issues. Parents sometimes choose Madalyn or Carolyn to emphasize that they want their daughters’ names pronounced with “lynne” at the end, rather than “line” or “leen.”

Doubtless they’re really irritated when their kiddo is called car oh line anyhow.  But it is an understandable impulse.

2. It could fit a family tradition. While it can seem a bit much, some families do opt to use the same letter for all of their children’s names.  Or some might pass on a pair of initials.  While it can lead to oddities like the TLC mega-family’s Jinger Duggar, it can also lead to small variations, like Johnathan to honor a grandfather John, or Dianna – an anagram of my maiden name, something my husband thinks is wildly silly, but I still find appealing.

1.  It has meaning. Yes, this is covered under the two related to family names.  And the heritage choices.  Maybe most of the other ones, too.

You can’t make a name “more unique” by changing the spelling – Ryleigh is too close to the Top 100 Riley to be distinctive on a daughter, and Aydin still sounds common on a son.  Better to choose a less-often heard moniker than to monkey with a popular one.

But there are plenty of compelling reasons to opt for an unusual spelling, from heritage choices to family custom to simply falling in love with the spelling Cristina.

Just remember your reasons, and keep your cool when you receive yet another birthday card for your daughter Christina.  

This list could include such enduring classics as Elizabeth and Mary.  But we’ve chosen instead to focus on names that have a more current feel.  Many were not in use before the 20th century.  Some may not remain viable options by the time your granddaughters arrive.  But bestow one upon your child circa 2008 and odds are that it will wear well throughout her lifetime.

So if you’re searching for the elusive normal name, we’ve compiled 25 perfectly sensible, inoffensive, well-known names for your consideration.

1.  Allison:  While big sister Alice is the saintly, regal and literary classic, Allison has a bit more modern verve.  Thought to be a pet form of Alice dating back to the Middle Ages, it entered the US Top 1000 in 1946.  After Mia Farrow played Allison MacKenzie on TV’s Peyton Place beginning in 1964, the name entered the Top 200 – and has been there ever since.  It was #46 in 2007.  Next to trendy chart-toppers like Madison and Addison, Allison feels positively enduring.  Alison is an equally valid variant.  But steer clear of Allyson, Alyson, Allasin and so on – at least if you’re hoping for a sensible name.

2.  Amanda:  After spending the 80s and part of the 90s solidly in the Top 10, Amanda appears to be on her way out.  Not only was the name popular, but it was inevitably chosen for the name of the Most Popular Girl in school on television and in movies.  And remember Amanda Woodward on Melrose Place?  Meow!  Like Alyssa, this name has the potential to sound dated.  But we think Amanda will remain a viable choice for girls in the near future for a few reasons.  First, it sounds right when paired with Sophia, Olivia and other current names.  But more importantly, unlike Alyssa, Amber or Brittany, it has long history to its credit – playwright Colley Cibber invented the name in the 17th century.  In fact, it’s been in Top 500 since 1880.  In 2007, Amanda ranked #112.

3.  Audrey:  Audrey raced up the popularity charts along with Shirley in the 1930s, but was clearly a runner-up; in the 1980s, it rose again, along with sound-alike Ashley.  But while Ashley is dated and Shirley is a relic, Audrey remains fresh.  Perhaps this is due to the lasting allure of actress, style icon and humanitarian Audrey Hepburn.  Or maybe Audrey is just that rare name that never sounds out of step.  As of 2007, Audrey ranked #51.

4.  Brooke:  In 1953, Brooke Marshall married Vincent Astor.  As head of the Astor Foundation, her philanthropic legacy to New York is unquestioned.  What’s more, her name (she was actually born Roberta Brooke Russell) entered the Top 1000 in 1953.  But it would be another Brooke – Shields – who brought the name into the Top 100 in the late 1970s.  Since then, it’s been used for plenty of fictional characters on the small and silver screens alike.  It makes for a curious combination – while the sound could be gender-neutral and even a bit severe, it’s considered a comfortably feminine, frills-free choice.  And while Taylor and Madison are trendy, Brooke is simply a solid and popular option.  As of 2007, Brooke was #45.

5.  Cassandra:  While the sound calls to mind Anastasia, Lilianna, Arabella and other hyper-feminine names, this is a choice that is just shy of frilly.  It could be because the nickname Cassie shouts “giddy-up, cowgirl!”  Or maybe it’s because of the tragic myth of Cassandra.  Apollo cursed the Trojan princess so while she’d see the future, no one would believe her predictions.  In any case, this is the rare name that is undeniably pretty without being lightweight, and while it has history, doesn’t scream to have the title “princess” put in front.  It’s a solid choice for a daughter.  In 2007, Cassandra ranked #260.

6.  Chloe:  As popular as it has ever been, it’s worth noting that this 21st century chart-topper was also a common choice in the 19th century.  Despite being at the height of popularity, Chloe feels like a name with some staying power.  The smart and interesting actress Chloe Sevigny is a notable bearer of the name.  Chloe even appears in the Bible.  And unlike the rhyming Zoe, Chloe seems to be less vulnerable to creative respellings.  To us, Chloe is another Amanda – while the name will drop out of the Top 100, it will never disappear from use.  In 2007, Chloe ranked #16.

7.  Diana:  Given the adoration of the late Princess of Wales, it’s easy to imagine that her name would be the height of fashion.  Not so – either in the UK or elsewhere.  And yet the name has an impeccable pedigree, dating back to the Roman goddess of the hunt.  It’s a possible alternative to Sophia, with it’s tri-syllable, ends-in-a construction.  Diane was a baby boomer staple, and now sounds hopelessly dated.  But this version of the name is appealing without being overexposed.  At #107 as of last year, it’s even unlikely your daughter will share her name with a classmate.

8. Genevieve:  She’s the patron saint of Paris and her name has been steadily used, in both France and the US.  Like Cassandra, it’s the kind of name that is impeccably feminine but just shy of flowery.  The nickname, Gen, has a simple charm, and the “G” gives it some energy that Jennifer lacks.  In 2007, Genevieve ranked #344.

9. Holly:  If your daughter arrives around the Christmas holidays, Holly is a fittingly seasonal and festive choice.  While Molly and Polly started out as nicknames, and seem a bit insubstantial as given names, Holly’s botanical backstory gives this moniker some extra heft.  And Miss Hepburn strikes again – her portrayal of Truman Capote’s Holly Golightly in Breakfast at Tiffany’s is doubtless part of the name’s enduring appeal.  As of 2007, Holly stood at #339.

10. Jenna: While Jennifer is tied to the 1970s, this related name never reached such great heights.  Today, the best known Jenna is probably first daughter Jenna Bush Hager.  The fashionable alternative is Gemma.  But we think that Jenna remains homespun and feminine, and right at home with Hannah.  As of last year, Jenna was #103 in the Top 1000.

11.  Joanna:  While Joan is a medieval maiden and Joanne a baby boomer, the ends-in-a feminine version of John feels current.  When compared to other Jo- names, it’s not as fashionable as the romantic Josephine, but neither is it as dated as Jolene, Joelle, Jodi and the rest of the group.  In the Bible, Joanna was one of the women to discover Jesus’ tomb empty; in history, two Queens of Naples and one Queen Consort of England bore the name.  One of our favorite Joannas is the protagonist of Ira Levin’s 1972 novel, The Stepford Wives - Joanna Eberhart almost discovers the nefarious deeds afoot in idyllic little Stepford.  It’s a name that is nicely everywoman.  Johanna is a possible variant.  As of 2007, Joanna ranked #253 and Johanna #419.

12. Julia:  She’s a patrician in Ancient Rome, a character in the works of Shakespeare, a river in Switzerland, a Catholic saint, a cooking legend and a Hollywood icon.  The name is simply timeless.  But somehow it retains a modern, current feel.  Perhaps that’s because unlike Mary, Elizabeth and Anne, this name has never entered the Top Ten in the US.  Julie is the cute nickname, which actually outranked the formal version for a time in the 1960s and 70s.  Today, Julia stands at #34 and is the preferable version circa 2008.

13. Kimberly:  While her fashion heyday was four decades back, there’s something about this choice that feels current – far more than other 70s hits like Kelly and Kristen.  When compared to current K chart toppers like Kayla and Kaitlyn, Kimberly holds up well.  Kim is a comfortably tomboyish nickname worn by noted actresses Kim Novak and Kim Basinger – though neither were born Kimberlys.  It remains a sensible and safe choice for a daughter.  In 2007, it ranked #53.

14.  Laura: Laura calls to mind the Little House on the Prairie series – pigtails, tin lunch buckets, fields of wild flowers, hard work and simple pleasures.  It’s the quintessential good girl name.  Laura Ashley, the designer of pretty, floral print fashions and home furnishings, adds to this vibe, as does the modest Laura who inspired much of Petrarch’s famous poetry.  Yet it’s not mired in any one historical moment, and we think that Laura also sounds strong, capable and yes, classically current.  As of 2007, it was ranked #183.

15. Lauren: As Laura has fallen somewhat out of favor, Lauren has taken her place.  It’s a more glamorous moniker, bringing to mind legendary actress Lauren Bacall and supermodel Lauren Hutton – who, at the age of 64 is still as gorgeous as ever.  While it’s tempting to lump Lauren and Laura together, they’re simply two related but distinct choices.  As the surname of designer Ralph Lauren (born Lifshitz), the name is synonymous with a privileged, polished American look – think riding boots, rep stripe ties, immaculately tailored jackets and a smattering of plaid.  Lauren ranked #28 in 2007.

16. Leah: The Bible has given us many sensible choices, including Leah, Jacob’s wife and mother of Judah, from whom the Kings of Israel, including David, are descended.  Despite having been in almost constant use throughout the 20th century, it’s hard to pin a persona on Leah.  King of Queens actress Leah Remini is one notable bearer of the name.  Frequently stuffed in the middle spot, Leah is a solid choice for parents seeking a name as honest as Hannah, but not as common.  Standing at #68, Leah is popular – but not wildly so.

17.  Melissa:  Like Amanda, this choice was big in the 1970s.  Also like Amanda, this name endures because it has history.  In Greek myth, she saved her father, Zeus, and eventually ended up transformed into a honeybee for her efforts.  Melissa appears on the map in Greece, Italy, Canada and the US.  Melissa Gilbert played Laura Ingalls on TV’s Little House on the Prairie; Melissa Sue Anderson played big sister Mary.  And the Allman Brothers Band recorded their classic song of the same name in 1972.  More than 35 years later, it remains feminine and pretty, but far less common.  As of 2007, it ranked #137.

18.  Naomi:  Nothing sounds quite like Naomi.  Since 1880, this Old Testament name has never left the Top 500 in the US.  Depending on your perspective, this either makes the name hopelessly out-of-step or a perpetually interesting, familiar and underused choice.  Everyone knows the name, but most of us have to think a minute to call to mind someone with this distinctive moniker.  The French version, Noemi, is an intriguing variant.  But Naomi is the sensible option, especially for parents calling their sons by such Biblical choices as Elijah and Ezekiel.  Last year, Naomi ranked #124.

19. Natalie: Like Holly, Natalie pays homage to the holiday season – the Latin natale domini means Christmas Day.  But somehow this name leaps seasonal boundaries to sound just as right for your summer-born child.  Many modern mothers grew up watching the character Natalie Green on TV’s The Facts of Life; our mothers grew up watching actress Natalie (born Natalia) Wood on the big screen.  In the early 20th century, Natalie was fairly obscure, ranking #598 in 1901.  But it has risen steadily through the years, and as of 2007, stood at #17.

20. Nicole: We’ll admit that we were divided.  While Michelle is clearly dated, both Danielle and Nicole seemed like contenders for the Sensible Names list.  Neither were ever quite as popular as Michelle and all are the feminine version of enduringly classic male names.  Ultimately, we opted to put Nicole on the list because the softer “elle” ending of Danielle seems especially overexposed, with the current crop of Gabrielles and Isabelles on playgrounds everywhere, while the “o” in -cole remains more distinct.  Hollywood powerhouse Nicole Kidman gives this name a very smart and glamorous edge.  In fact, Olympic figure skater Nancy Kerrigan just chose this name for her daughter.  Nicola is a softer, more fashion-forward choice, but as of 2007, Nicole remains a respectable #87.

21. Rachel:  As one of TV’s Friends, her layered haircut inspired thousands of American women; by the time the character called her daughter Emma, both names were quite fashionable.  But Rachel has been a Top 200 choice for over a century, and other notable bearers of the name include environmentalist Rachel Carson and, of course, the Biblical Rachel.  Instead of a fleeting TV-inspired pick, this is one moniker that, like Allison, is bigger than the character.  As of 2007, Rachel ranked #60.

22: Rebecca:  Like Rachel, Rebecca is a Biblical name that brings to mind more recent figures – the children’s novel Rebecca of Sunnybrook Farm, for one; yellow-haired puppy love interest Becky Thatcher in the Tom Sawyer series and the Daphne du Maurier novel Rebecca, adapted into an Oscar-winning movie by Alfred Hitchcock in 1940.  It was the 1938 movie adaptation of the children’s book, starring Shirley Temple, that propelled Rebecca into the Top 100.  It remained in the Top 100 until 2006 – quite a run.  Today, Rebecca stands at #105.  Less popular than in years past, but still a well-known and well-regarded name.

23. Sabrina:  Sabrina has been a Top 300 choice since the 1950s, tied to the eponymous movie starring William Holden, Humphrey Bogart and Audrey Hepburn – her third link to our list!  A name taken from Welsh legend, in the film – and the play upon which it is based – Sabrina recites the line of John Milton’s poetry that inspired her father to choose the unusual moniker.  Sabrinas have appeared on the small screen as one of Charlie’s Angels and a teenage witch in the years since.  Today, the name is ranked 197.  It’s a feminine choice that sounds sophisticated and just a bit mysterious.

24. Sarah:  One of the most international of names, Sarah appears in Hebrew, Arabic, Spanish, Italian, German, Norwegian, Swedish, Portuguese, Slovenian, Serbian and, oh yes, English, with virtually no alteration in spelling or sound.  In fact, it’s currently a Top Ten name in Austria and Belgium and held the top spot in Ireland.  In the US, Sarah was just as popular in 1880 as it is today, almost classing the name with such Biblical staples as Mary and Anne.  Yet Sarah and Sara both feel current in a way that transcends their long histories.  Perhaps it is because the name has never been worn by a monarch or queen consort.  Maybe it is because Sarah sounds so honest and hard-working.  The related nickname Sadie, on the other hand sounds impish and lively – and is sometimes bestowed as an independent name.  As of 2007, Sarah ranked #18 and Sara #81.

25: Veronica: The final, and arguably the quirkiest name to make our 25 Sensible Names list, Veronica has always been in use, but manages to feel a bit off the beaten track at the same time.  Saint Veronica – of veil fame – is the first notable bearer of the name.  Throughout the 20th century, Veronica has remained solidly in the Top 300.  Most recently, Veronica Mars solved crimes on television as a latter-day Nancy Drew.  In the 1989 dark comedy movie Heathers, Winona Ryder played the only non-Heather Mean Girl, Veronica Sawyer; in the Archie comics, Veronica Lodge was the Mean Girl.  But it was Veronica Lake, the 1940s screen siren with her curtain of blonde hair, that keeps the name so fresh.  Like sensible Audrey, chart-topping Ava and starbaby Harlow, this name exudes an old-world Hollywood glamor that gives the name both roots and a great deal of verve.

Schwoo!  It was a tough list to narrow down.  Much thanks to Kayt, Emmy Jo and all the others who contributed their lists.

One final note:  While Emily almost certainly deserves a spot on this list, we’re just not sure it’s sensible to choose a name that has been bestowed upon 20,000 to 25,000 baby girls every year for well over a decade.  Check back in 2018, and she’ll probably be back in the rotation.

For a brief time, the name did even better.

After barely cracking the Top 1000 – it first dipped a toe in back in 1956, but didn’t stay long – this name would rocket from obscurity to familiarity by 1981 (#357) and cracked the Top 100 in 1984, reaching #80 – a notch higher than the song.

Sheena’s run didn’t last. It was out of the Top 100 by 1986, and vanished from the Top 1000 a decade later.

While the name would feel dated today – the “Sh” at the top and the “ee” sound in the middle – it had a good run.

If you’d like the 2008 version of Sheena, here are some nominees:

• Rosemary, from Interpol’s 2004 release Antics. Only trouble is that the song is actually called Evil, and thought to reference either a British serial killer of the same name, or possibly Rosemary’s Baby. (Rosemary was #703 last year.)
• Ruby, released by the Kaiser Chiefs in 2007, and reaching #1 on the UK charts that year. And let’s not forget Rancid’s 1995 Ruby Soho. (#137 last year – and gaining fast. Expect this to be Top 100 by 2010 – if not by 2008.)
• Coco, as in stellastarr*’s 2004 song My Coco. (Has never appeared in the Top 1000, despite Courtney Cox Arquette’s use of the name for her daughter.)
• And, of course, Delilah, the Plain White Tee’s #1 single from last year. In fact, Delilah has been infrequently used for years. Now this Biblical bad girl might find that she has many new namesakes in the 21st century. (#548 in 2006.)

And a few from the wayback machine:

• Caroline, from the Psychedelic Furs’ song Pretty in Pink. Remember the first lyric? “Caroline laughs and it’s raining all day.” Molly Ringwald’s character in the John Hughes movies was, of course, Andie. But it’s the name from the song that reached #81 last year.
• Alison, from Elvis Costello’s very first album, back in 1977. Rolling Stone ranked this name #318 on their list of The 500 Greatest Songs of All Time; in the US, the double-L version – Allison – has fared better on the charts, currently holding steady at #46. It’s been in the Top 100 since 1974 – well before the song was released.
• Charlotte, as in Charlotte Sometimes, is a haunting single from the Cure, back in 1981. It’s based on a novel by the same name. And, of course, there’s the band Good Charlotte – though their frontman is new father to Harlow. (Charlotte was #123 in 2006.)
• Mary also deserves a mention. If you cut your teeth on the Cure, you might know that frontman Robert Smith is married to a woman named Mary. She appears in at least one of their videos and in the vid for Let’s Go to Bed, Robert scrawls her name on a screen. It’s as vanilla as you can get – but in an ocean of Kaylies and Caydences, Jaidens and Hayleas, the stripped down Mary almost sounds like a valid AlternaGirl choice. (Mary was #84 in 2006 – the least popular it has ever been!)

So there you are … eight choices that are surprisingly buttoned-down, but have plenty of indie cred.