Girl names starting with U could be called the rarest of the rare. The letter U ranks dead last – 26th out of the 26 letters of the alphabet – in terms of popularity for girls’ names. Look for girl names starting with U in the US Top 1000 and you’ll find zero. None! It’s […]
READ MORE >>Sunday Summary: Contrarian Baby Naming
Now that the new baby name popularity data is out, I’m guessing some of us are experiencing one of two feelings: My favorite name is rising – everyone stop using it! If everyone else is using it, I can’t possibly use it for a child of my own. Oh, wow, my favorite name is falling. […]
READ MORE >>Baby Name Arlo: Cool and Capable
The baby name Arlo blends a cool, current sound with an intriguing backstory. Thanks to JNE and Christina for suggesting our Baby Name of the Day. CHARLES, HILL, BARBERRY TREES The origins of the baby name Arlo are subject to much debate. Here’s a list of contenders: It could come from the Italian form of […]
READ MORE >>Name Help: A Sibling for Lily Alexandra
Name Help is a series at Appellation Mountain. Every week, one reader’s name questions will be discussed. We’re relying on thoughtful comments from the community to help expectant parents narrow down their name decisions. Thank you in advance for sharing your insight! Julie writes: We have an almost three year old daughter named Lily Alexandra […]
READ MORE >>Cora Names: Coralie, Cordelia, and More
Cora names range from the short and sweet original to elaborate rarities, with plenty of choices in between. The baby name Cora has become a Top 100 favorite. I’ve had my eye on Cora since 2015. Why? The Downton Abbey effect. The graceful, gorgeous, kind-hearted Countess of Grantham answers to Cora, and while the show has ended, […]
READ MORE >>Fastest Rising Girl Names: Gianna, Magnolia, Lennon
Every year, we talk about the fastest rising girl names. But we usually mean the names that gained the most in terms of rank. Which name leapt from #755 to #373? (It’s Haisley. More about that name later in this post.) Make no mistake, it’s fascinating to look at names new to the Top Ten […]
READ MORE >>Baby Name Brooks: Polished and Rugged
The baby name Brooks mixes a polished style with a outdoorsy, country vibe. Thanks to Leah for suggesting our Baby Name of the Day. BY THE BROOK So many surnames evolved from the places our ancestors lived. Ashley referred to an ash tree clearing; Whitaker, a white field. Some remain obvious, all these generations later. […]
READ MORE >>Best New Baby Names 2021: Jones, Jovie, Mazikeen
These are my choices for the best new baby names 2021. By new, I mean names that returned to or debuted in the US Top 1000 for the first time in calendar year 2020. That data was released on May 7, 2021. You can catch up on all the names – 47 for girls and […]
READ MORE >>Sunday Summary: Mother’s Day Edition 2021
If you’re celebrating Mother’s Day today, sending you warm wishes! And if today is hard for you? Thinking of you, too. I’m off to visit my mom. It’s a surprise – she thinks she’s meeting just one of my sisters for a picnic in the park by her house, but actually? My daughter and I […]
READ MORE >>New Girl Names 2021: Artemis, Etta, Wrenley
Looking for the new girl names 2021? Every year, the US Social Security Administration releases their Top 1000 lists – the most popular names given to newborn girls and boys in the prior calendar year. The May 7, 2021 update includes data on births from January 1st through December 31st of 2020. And every single […]
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