Baby Name of the Day: Armistead

Armistead Maupin reads from Mary Ann in Autumn...

Author Armistead Maupin reading from his works; Image by larrybobsf via Flickr

He’s a literary rarity with a harsh – and yet still romantic – sound.

Thanks to Sarah for suggesting Armistead as our Baby Name of the Day.

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Baby Name of the Day: Adair

Glenveagh Castle

Glenveagh Castle; Image via Wikipedia

Looking for a lighter form of the clunky Edgar?  Searching for a truly distinctive name that leads to the heard-everywhere Addie?

Thanks to Kristin for suggesting Adair as our Baby Name of the Day.

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Baby Name of the Day: Kipling

Rudyard Kipling's signature

Image via Wikipedia

He’s a surname choice with playful literary associations, as well as a tie to engineering.

Thanks to Jen for suggesting Kipling as our Baby Name of the Day.

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Baby Name of the Day: Rayna

Rayna Knyaginya

Image via Wikipedia

Today’s name falls somewhere between trendy nouveau coinages and undiscovered gems.

Thanks to Racheli for suggesting Rayna as our Baby Name of the Day.

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Baby Name of the Day: Eliza

A My Fair Lady movie poster, in which Bell's w...

Image via Wikipedia

She’s the stylish short form of Elizabeth worn by the unforgettable Audrey Hepburn.

Thanks to Lemon for suggesting Eliza as our Baby Name of the Day.

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Sunday Summary: 4/17/11

17

Image by Leo Reynolds via Flickr

Did you hear that Sweet Valley High books have been rebooted?  Actually, the Wakefield twins, Elizabeth and Jessica, have been fast-forwarded to the age of 27, circa 2011.  (No, the math doesn’t work.)  I read them obsessively once upon a time, and I’m curious to know how many of the original characters return.  There were some great names among the cast: Enid, Bruce, Lila, Betsy, George, Winston.

On to the naming news:

  • Did you see Nancy’s post about Kexin?  Nope, it isn’t a name for Jaxon’s brother.  Instead, Kexin is the name of a gold medalist in gymnastics from the 2008 Olympics.  It was given to a handful of girls in the US last year.  Nancy notes that, in her native China, Kexin is pronounced kuh SHEEN.  Wonder how they’re saying it in the US?
  • Hat tip to Photoquilty for this gem from Yahoo! Answers: “My favorite name would be Madison, it’s so cute. :) My least favorite would be McKenzie, I can’t stand those stupid trendy names.”
  • What would you name baby #3 if your first two are Homer and Dorothy, called Dolly?
  • Lorelei is rising fast.  Could the literary Virelai follow?  I’m already seeing creative constructions like Avalei;
  • Speaking of creativity: ForReal spotted Brexlie, Haili, and Zeddicus.  Google tells me that last one is from a Terry Pratchett novel;
  • Think we’ll be seeing babies named after characters from A Game of Thrones?  A neighbor tells me the books are addicting.  Nancy has a list of options to consider;
  • For a very different set of names borrowed from the small screen, check out Elisabeth’s post on Upstairs, DownstairsPersephone and Hallam, anyone?

On to celebrity news:

Here’s something of interest: after much buzz about the arrival of Peyton and Ashley Manning’s twins, several of the stories disappeared.  Apparently, Mrs. Manning has requested the blackout.  I can understand new parents’ anxiety, but I almost feel like there’s MORE buzz when the official announcement is never made – like Isla Fisher’s second baby or Pilot’s little sister.  If the name had been released, I might’ve long since forgotten it.  But when there’s no news, I tend to return to the thought again and again.

Last week’s Nameberry post was all about Country Music.  I’m still in love with Coy.  We’re going back to Hollywood for this week’s post.

That’s all for now.  As always, thank you for reading – and have a great week!

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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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!


Baby Name of the Day: Camden

Camden Town

Image via Wikipedia

Cross Cameron with London and you’ll end up with this rapidly rising choice.

Thanks to Tracy for suggesting the only name her husband likes.  Our Baby Name of the Day is Camden.

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Baby Name of the Day: Winston

w

W by Too Far North via Flickr

He brings to mind a widely-admired statesman, but is it too much name for a child?

Thanks to Sara for suggesting Winston as our Baby Name of the Day.

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