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: Beulah

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Letter B by psd via Flickr

Quick: name a name you’d never give to a child.  GertrudeEthel?  Today’s choice often makes that list, but it wasn’t always so.

Thanks to Emily G. for suggesting one from her family tree.  Our Baby Name of the Day is Beulah.

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Baby Name of the Day: Claus

User JodyB as Santa Claus

Image via Wikipedia

It’s one of the many names attached to big guy in the red suit.

Thanks to Molly for suggesting our Baby Name of the Day: the seasonal Claus.

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Sunday Summary: 12/12/10

Little Red Riding Hood, illustrated in a 1927 ...

Little Red Riding Hood illustration from 1927; Image via Wikipedia

I’m always surprised when I realize that Valerie remains so popular.  She ranked #138 in 2009, not too far from her peak of #60 in 1959.  Nothing against the name – I know some lovely women who answer to Valerie – but it makes me think of The Monkees.  (Though the song title is Valleri – not sure why.  Anyone know?)  She could be due for another boost in March, when the reboot of Red Riding Hood is released with Amanda Seyfriend donning the iconic red cape.  The wolf is a werewolf.  Not only does her character have a name – Valerie – but she’s more Buffy the Vampire Slayer than sweet girl en route to grandma’s house.

On to the name news:

The maternity ward at Hollywood Hospital has been relatively quiet these days, but that hasn’t stopped the star baby name stories:

That’s all for this week.  As always, thanks for reading, and have a great week!

Sunday Summary: 9/5/10

For those of you in the US, hope you’re having a happy Labor Day weekend!  There won’t be a Name of the Day post tomorrow, but there is something else headed your way.

Fall brings with it the return of network television, which means lots of new character names to consider.  Hellcats – heavily advertised in the Mall at Annapolis – will feature a Marti, plus fellow cheerleaders Dan, Lewis, Savannah, and Alice.  Marti reminds me of Marni, Kristin Bell’s charater in upcoming chick flick You Again.  I wonder if Marti/Marni will catch on, along with Sadie and company?

Speaking of the Mall, in about three weeks the good people at Pottery Barn are going to deliver a piece of furniture to me.  His name is EmmettA post I wrote way back in early ’08 was all about the names Pottery Barn gives to their product line. Who names their rugs and desks and bookshelves?  It must be an interesting job, and should there ever be a need, I think we could crowd source names for consoles and side tables right here!

Which brings us to the news of the week:

In starbaby news:

And remember, if you want to submit a Reader Baby Name Story? Now is a great time!

That’s all for now – thanks for reading, and I’ll see you soon!

Baby Name of the Day: Tabitha

She’s a Biblical babe revived by a pint-sized television witch, and more recently, a tough-as-nails hair stylist.

Thanks to Danielle for suggesting the intriguing Tabitha as Baby Name of the Day.

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Reader Baby Name Story: Beatrix and Juniper

When I posted Jodi’s stories about naming big sisters Pippa and Romilly, I intentionally didn’t divulge the names of her two other darling daughters.  Readers, the suspense is over!  The most charming quartet of girls answers to Pippa, Romilly, Beatrix and Juniper!  Read on for more, including their lovely middles.

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2009: Most Popular Girls’ Names at AppMtn

If you’ve reviewed the Top 20 Boys’ Names of the Day, you might recall that it was a mix of names that are, indeed, rising in use for our sons and those that are probably mere curiosities.

The girls’ list tends more towards the wearable, but there are a few surprises.

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Name of the Day: Constance

We talk about categories of names being hot.  Grace is all the rage, as is Ava.  And yet here’s a classic, virtuous name with a Hollywood pedigree – and she’s barely used.

Thanks to Corinne for suggesting the neglected Constance as Name of the Day.

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