Fireworks by bayasaa via Flickr
Back in 2008, I made a raft of prognostications for the coming year. Overall, I’d rate my crystal-ball gazing a B-. It isn’t that they didn’t come true – at least in part – it is that they were so vague that I could declare victory no matter what happened.
Part of the puzzle is this: baby name trends ooze. The following names were still in the girls’ Top 100 in 2010: Ashley, Sydney, Lauren, Jessica. For the boys? Jason, Eric, Kevin. For every parent searching for something new, there are plenty that prefer the familiar.
And yet I cannot resist. To make my predictions more trackable, I’m listing plenty of specific baby names this year – so there’s no weaseling out in December 2012!
12. The boys’ name likely to enter the Top Ten and stay for a spell … Mason. He’s a surname, he has that long a sound, he ends in n – all hallmarks of current trendy favorites like Jayden. But M is a faithful stand-by for boys, from Michael and Matthew to Mark and Max. And that M is all that’s separating him from former Top Ten staple Jason is that letter. He’s a style favorite with celebrities, from Laura San Giacomo to Melissa Joan Hart to Kourtney Kardashian. Of course Mason was already #12 in 2010, so predicting he’ll tip into the Top Ten isn’t a stretch.
11. The elements most likely to repeat … El and Ev. Sounds catch on, maybe more than names do. Madigan is a great, distinctive choice – but it is also terribly close to the wildly popular Madison and many spellings of Madeline. And no one really needs to talk about the -aidens.
Two elements on the upswing? El for boys, as evidenced by Elijah (#18) and Eli (#65), but also Elias and Elliott (plus Elliot and Eliot). Also spotted? The literary Ellis and the jazzy Ellington, though both can read unisex.
On the girls’ side, Ev feels unstoppable, even if she’s sometimes buried in names. In the Top 100 there’s Evelyn (#39) and Eva (#91), plus Genevieve (#279) and Evangeline (#333). Is Evie the next Maddie? Or does that distinction belong to Lily – because if a girl’s name doesn’t contain the letter v, it almost surely boasts a l or two.
10. Two classics likely to have a good year … Charlotte and Henry. Neither name could ever be dismissed as trendy, but even the most evergreen appellations rise and fall.
My heart belongs to Caroline, but Charlotte’s trajectory has been impressive. At #45 in 2010, parents seem to think of her like Elizabeth – even if there’s one on your block, she’s still so enduring that your daughter’s name isn’t diminished because it is shared.
Henry has been a favorite with Hollywood parents and, at #67 and climbing in 2010, feels like he could be headed back for the US Top Ten, a place he spent three decades.
9. Name that should resurface in the Top 1000 … Hattie. Liam and Stella were already stylish when Tori Spelling gave the names to her first two children. But baby #3 could be a trendsetter!
Before the Spelling-McDermotts chose the name, one of the four babes profiled in the 2010 documentary Babies was San Fransisco resident Hattie, a name that appeared on movie posters with fellow tots Ponijao, Mari, and Bayar.
Hattie was last ranked in the US Top 1000 in 1968, and Harriet disappeared after 1970. Hattie is a possible successor name to the popular Sadie, too, just as likely to be given independently, even if she started out as a diminutive.
8. The next unexpected retro revival to anticipate … Edith. It sounds like a long shot, but then, Sophia was once a fading old lady name, too. From Ava to Isabella to Olivia, vowel names are big. With possible nickname Edie, Edith shakes off her fusty image and feels just right on a little girl. The literary appeal of Edith Wharton gives this one some extra oomph. Taste-maker tee shirt label Edith A. Miller takes the name in another direction.
7. Unconventional middle name on the upswing … Shalom. If two moms as different as reality TV star Michelle Duggar and rock star blogger Rebecca Woolf can give this middle name to daughters, then Shalom – a Hebrew word of greeting that translates to peace – could be one to watch.
6. The unstoppable variant spelling … Zoey. One of the reasons I’ve found myself defending variant spellings is that there are so many cases where the more historically authentic spelling has taken a back seat to the version we know and love today. Thanks to the mounds of data we can access, it is now possible to see it happening in real time. Kaitlyn eclipsed Caitlin as we all watched; ditto Aiden and Aidan. Khloe is gaining on Chloe, and with Disney introducing a pint-sized princess called Sofia, perhaps Sophia is vulnerable, too. But my pick for new dominant spelling is Zoe-with-a-y.
Zoey got a big boost from Nickelodeon’s Zoey 101, but I also suspect she’s an intuitive spelling for many of us. Who doesn’t know a guy or two who answers to Joey? In 2000, Zoey ranked just #409 while Zoe entered the Top 100 at #98. Today Zoey is #47, not far behind #31 Zoe.
5. The next big ends-in-e name for girls … Penelope. Ends-in-e feels like a big category for girls right now, from Zoe and Chloe to Daphne and Phoebe. But Penelope was one celebrity birth announcement away from exploding – and the witty Tina Fey just gave the name to her second daughter a few months ago.
Another candidate in this category could be Esme. Though some dismiss her as a Twilight-inspired vampire matriarch – and a rather minor character, to boot – the name had been quietly catching on for years, at least since Michael J. Fox and Tracey Pollan used the name for one of their daughters.
4. Gender neutral name most likely to stay gender neutral … Rowan. Conventional wisdom has long held that once a name “goes girl” parents will simply dismiss it for sons. Except that’s not quite what happens in many cases, and in our era, some names do seem to begin truly gender neutral – and stay that way. File nature name Rowan in this category. It continues to surface for boys and girls at a steady pace. Call Rowan the new Payton.
3. Place name that’s going places … London. When Disney’s Suite Life With Zack and Cody debuted in 2005, London ranked just #536 for girls, and read as a riff on Paris Hilton – like Ms. Hilton, London’s daddy owned a hotel. But something happened, and London is the new Brooklyn – a name that appeals regardless of whether the parents have an actual affinity for the place. At #108 in 2010, London has gone mainstream – and that’s more than a year before the Olympics arrive in the United Kingdom’s capital next summer.
2. Nature name to watch … Echo. She’s kind of out there, a name that darted into the Top 1000 just twice in the 1980s, but this could be her moment. She shares sounds with mega-hit Chloe, and feels like an option for parents disappointed to discover that Willow is worn by so many girls. She’s a smidge less trendy than Harlow, but edgier than Margot. She recently surfaced in a Nameberry thread on fierce names.
1. Boy’s name you’ll be surprised that your son shares … Asher. What’s not to love about Asher? He’s Biblical like Joshua and Noah, nickname-proof like Ethan and Logan, and masculine without being too aggressive, a brother for Gabriel or Landon. The trouble is that lots of parents like those same qualities. Add in that powerful ends-in-r construction, and Asher is a great name, but he’s the worst kept secret in baby naming.
And so a Happy New Year to all, and stay tuned … whether I’m right or wrong, following baby name trends is a blast!
Wane made our top ten girls list. I love it, but I love Agatha and Imogen more. Lol.
I have noticed an upswing in the use of the name Asher, and from people who don’t know or care about its biblical connection. It is one of those cool guy named that will probably take off in popularity. Hopefully not as trendy as Aiden.
I met a little one named Poem Alexandra the other day. Poem sounds so sweet and soft on a little girl. It was a surprise to hear it.
Poem? Really lovely, though totally unexpected. I like Poet, too. Is it crazy that Poet feels more masculine to me, while Poem strikes me as feminine?
I can’t find fault with any of these predictions! I think maybe Zooey Deschanel’s rising popularity could help Zoey, with parents who like an alternative and like Zooey Deschanel, but can’t handle two o’s.
I’ve been really liking Edith lately – she’s probably the least popular of the three sisters on Downton Abbey, but her name is far more interesting today than Mary or Sybil.
Oh no. I’ve wanted to name one of my sons Asher since my sister wasn’t born a boy 19 years ago. Now I’m worried I won’t be able to use it due to popularity.
I really see the ends in -ee girls names taking off, I already know loads of little Phoebe’s over here, not so many called Daphne or Penelope (one icky personal favourites) but I bet they are not too far behind.
As classics Charlotte and Henry are beautiful no matter how popular they get 🙂
Whoops, that should have read as Penelope is one of my personal favourites-don’t know what my predictive text did there!!!
I just had a baby Edith born in my extended family this month! In her case it was definitely chosen because it was a family name, but I agree that the sound is actually very current (the E- beginning, the soft sounds in general) and I think it definitely has the potential to catch on with two groups of namers – those mostly preoccupied with choosing something “classy, with a history” and those who base their likes and dislikes mainly on whether the phonetics are in harmony with current trends. It seems like Lillian is a good example of a name that probably appeals to both demographics and has rocketed as a result.
I think you are spot on for a lot of these. I do see a lot of Mason’s. I just hope when the stats come out in May, they don’t link it with Twilight (Edward Mason Cullen) like Jacob & Isabella.
Zoey is big. I think she will surpass the original Zoe. My best friend wants to name her future daughter Zoey and she mentioned that she likes it because it starts with a Z and ends in a Y. I asked her “so you are going to spell it Z-O-E-Y? ” She said “Yes, how else would I spell it?” Ha!
I usually only spot Edith in the Telegraph so interesting pick, though I have seen a few Edie’s here in the States, but they are bypassing the formal Edith, just like I see more Hattie’s here than Harriett.
Happy New Year!
As someone who had a daughter last April, naming her Evangeline, nn Evie. Yes, it’s all over the birth boards. My cousin had Evelyn, nn Evy in May. Evelyn and Evangeline are all over the place. I think you are spot on with this one!
Oh–question though! Many of the older folk in the family insist on Evie being pronounced Eh-vee, whereas we are pronouncing it Ee-vee. My cousin spelled her daughter’s nn Evy to give it that Eh-vee sound.
Which way are you predicting the nickname will sound like?
In the US, I think the long E – ee-vee – is dominant now, with names like Ethan and Eva influencing our thinking. BUT I’m starting to hear more parents say, “Oh, no, Evie is pronounced ehVEE, for Evelyn.” I know one already … so, I can see it changing – or becoming one of those constant sources of confusion.
Since you mentioned several of our agreed upon names (Henry, Hattie and Edith) I hope you’re wrong… But since time has proven over and over again we tend to all fall in love with the same names at the same time, I’m guessing your predictions are pretty good.
I predict Ruby hits the top 100 and as an extension other gemstones like Pearl and Opal take off.
I also blindly predict that whatever name Jay-Z and Beyonce name their child takes off, but I hope it isn’t the name that the internet is buzzing about… I can’t imagine Beyonce naming her child after a Disney princess.
Oh yes … Beyonce’s baby name is going to be BIG! Whatever it is … of course the rumors about J Lo’s twins were right, even when I thought there was no way.
I recently met a toddler named Esther, nn Hettie, so I think Hattie is all its variations of formal and nick names is on the rise. Blame it on Despicable Me – Hattie, Margot, Edith, and Agnes. (Let’s just hope Gru doesn’t catch one).
Esther called Hettie? Swoon!
I know two newborn Masons. One boy, one girl.
I also completely agree with you on Shalom.
Dollhouse could give Echo a tiny boost, though the show wasn’t very popular. I really like it, but I wonder how quickly kids would point out the -ho.
Great predictions, but I do hope some of them don’t come true. I love Edith, so I’m hoping she stays tucked away so that someday I may use her. Also, let’s keep quiet about Caroline and her awesomeness. Just from family, friends and acquaintances I can say that Evie is a definite contender for the title of next Maddie, and don
Love your predictions!
12. I don’t know any Masons but Arab friends in Philly have a 1 year old Mazen and have relayed to me their surprise that everyone mistakes it for Mason. Um, I could have told you that…
10. I love Charlotte and Henry and I agree. Also, there is something different about a Top name when it’s so classic.
8. I do like Edith, would love to see her resurface!
7. I’ve had the combo Zaina Shalom on my list since I started making name lists. It translates to “good peace” in Arabic and Hebrew 🙂
6. I know a 10 month old Zoey. Sorry, I don’t like that spelling. Reminds me too much of Zooey Deschanel; I like her but that spelling is bananas.
5. If Penelope rises and we learn to pronounce that final e, does that mean there’s hope for Eirene? 😉
3. My sister loves London. I know a few, all girls. I also know a 3 year old Landon.
1. Yes! Though Ash is a great nickname, so I wouldn’t call Asher totally nickname-proof. My colleague was thisclose to using Asher but they felt it was too “yuppie”. Their toddler is Noah instead.
I knew a Mazen in high school and always thought it was a great name. It retains the Arab feel but fits in with more all-American naming trends. Which I guess is sort of the problem for these parents!
Landon & Mason seems to be a popular sib-set here, I hear that combination (plus Liam and Carter) ALL THE TIME.
I never thought of myself as a trend follower but I guess I am! I am considering the names Asher and Rowan for any future boys and my 11-month old daughter’s name is Lily. One of the few names on my short list not mentioned is Hazel. Perhaps that name falls under prediction number 13? I guess I will just be happy to have some good company with the crowd of other parents possibly considering the same names.
HA! I almost wrote about Haz- on this list. 🙂
Love the predictions! Just found out I am pregnant, so now I can REALLY start obsessing over names! =) My fave boy at the moment is Everett, but I’m starting to worry that its going to pick up a trendy vibe soon. Other than that, I think I am in the clear, though I must say most of my girls’ picks do contain at least one ‘L’.
Congratulations! Everett is very handsome and a few Ls won’t do any harm.
Oh congratulations, Caroline! And Everett is great. 🙂
“a raft of prognostications” is such a good title for…something. Still trying to settle comfortably into a name both my husband and I love for our girl due in three weeks. Thanks for a wonderful year of appellations, etymology, and lots of good fun.
Three weeks! That’s any second now, isn’t it? So excited for you!
Fun and interesting, as usual! I’ve been a lurker here for quite some time but have to comment– my husband and I are expecting our first child in May and Henry is our boys’ name. Henry was my grandfather’s name and I’ve wanted to name a son after him since I was a teenager– but now “my” name isn’t so original, after all. I’ve got my fingers crossed that it doesn’t hit the top ten anytime soon … I’d hate for Henry to become Aiden (or Jason, of the 80s).
Oh, congrats Leanne! I love Henry. Even if he was the #1 name in the US, he’d stay on my shortlist.
What great predictions! I’d love to see Henry in the top 10 again. I would even be happy for Mason to breach the top 10 – anything to get rid of Aiden and Jayden, please. I think Charlotte is destined for top 20 status, if not higher. I’m in love with Edith and Penelope. I could definitely see those getting more popular.
I’m going to have to agree with you on just about every one of these.
11. El- names for boys seem to be among the few boys names that rise in popularity hanging on the coattails of the girls. Normally the boys have been setting the trends but I think El- names came first for the girls and are now becoming more popular for the boys. Not that I mind, I adore El- names for boys. My favorite, Eller, is distinct yet I think would fit right in with all the Eli’s and Elliott’s.
8. I can understand the appeal of Edith, Edie is my absolute favorite, all around perfect girl name. If I had a daughter right now, Edie is what I would name her. Edith isn’t bad but being a Katherine called Katie my entire life, I find that proper full names that take a back seat are pretty much irrelevant. Edie is one of those nicknames that I feel has stand alone power and is very wearable on a child or an adult. I just hope it doesn’t catch on as much as Evie or Ellie.
5. Penelope, Ends-in-e…or starts with P? I’ve been seeing a lot of Pippa’s, Piper’s and Phoebe’s lately. It makes me wonder if P is the new E for girls. Penelope with the adorable nn Penny fits right in with these.
I enjoyed your predicitions and having just discovered your blog this year, I’m looking forward to the next…Happy New Year!
My own personal prediction…Lydia is the new name to spot. I predict it will make a big jump in the stats for 2012.
That’s a really good addition to the list, Katie – I can think of two little Lydias. It is a logical step from Olivia and Livvy.
So fun and interesting!
Echo is intriguing. This will be a fun one to watch.
I’ve been surprised at the popularity of London (and also other British place names), especially when there is no connection. I know of little girls called London and Kensington (not related). These aren’t expat babies or people who spent a semester in the UK (although, I am pretty sure I know at least some of the influence behind London’s name… her middle name, Che|se@, clued me in… dad is an uber-fan of said London soccer team… even if the name rings a bit like York Bronx or Francisco Berkeley to me). In both cases, the kiddos have siblings with place names, too.
V certainly feels like a letter of the moment. Could F/Ph and Th take over in 5 years time? (That’ll be my one guess at the midterm.)
I like a lot of the names on the list… so it’s fun to read about them… That really sets your predictions apart for me. I’m rooting for Penelope and Echo and Shalom and Hattie and Edith!
Thanks for the fun! Happy New Year!
I know a Kensington too. She goes by Kenzie. I didn’t really get a British vibe from them either. Devon is one that makes me think of the British place name.
As an expat I wish I could have worked a British place name into my kids names – but Liverpool or Beeston or Nottingham don’t work so well. In the end I did end up with “English Rose” and then two British kings.
I like that you went a more subtle route 🙂
I could really see the letter “F” take off for boys. I thinking the celebrity influenced Finn and Flynn… along with the neglected classics Frederick and Frank. Fox, Fabian, Felix and Fletcher could also become really hot.
That’s a great observation, Julie – I know a little Frank and I’ve heard a little Frederick at church – oh, and a Francis!
Oooh, what fun predictions!
Agree on Mason. It was #1 for boys in Wisconsin for 2010 – up from #5 the previous year. I don’t think I actually know any though!
Ev- makes me think of Everett because a friend has a 10 month old grandson with the name.
Henry – wish it wouldn’t go top 10. Though like you said, it’s not trendy and my 4 year old Henry likes it when we spot other Henrys. He’ll start 4 year old preschool this fall and I’ll be anxiously awaiting if he has to be Henry B in his class. Plus I knew it was top 100 and on the rise when we picked it in 2007. Oh and I had Charlotte on my 2005 list but my husband didn’t like it. I don’t know any Charlottes, but a friend did tell me that that’s her top pick for any future girl they may have.
Edith – wish I’d jumped on that one – probably as a middle name. It’s my mother’s middle name, my grandmother’s middle name and I think it was my great grandmother’s first name. There was an ‘Auntie Edie’ in there somewhere too. My Mum skipped a generation by not adding it to my name (she didn’t like the name, I guess) and now I didn’t use it either. An online local friend just had an EdieJ@ne – names in honor of her Grandma. She did the smush to avoid “Eddie” pronunciation, but says it still happens.
Good call on Shalom – though if it sticks as a middle name, I guess we won’t have the stats to know the popularity.
Penelope – agree! I know a 2 year old Penelope. The family picked “ends in -e” names for their 3 girls.
Echo – a Flickr friend had an Echo this year. Surprised me when older brother is Luke / Lucas.
Asher – don’t think I’ve seen any locally yet either – will have to keep a look out.
My aunt’s named Zoey and my mum’s middle name is Daphne. I feel oddly proud by association.
Hattie and Sadie both seem semi-removed from their formal versions, but Hattie seems too whimsical to me. I just imagine a little girl playing dress up.
Anyway, happy New Year!