Architecture baby names borrow from building and design terms that might wear well as a given name. But they can also by inspired by famous first names, surnames, or even nicknames of leading architects and designers. If you’re a fan of all things architecture, from ancient history to the present day, the perfect inspiration for […]
READ MORE >>Baby Name Prairie: Warmth and Grace
The baby name Prairie is rare, but makes an appealing possibility for a girl’s name. Thanks to Deanna for suggesting our Baby Name of the Day, and to Mills for requesting an update. GRASSLAND The Latin pratum means meadow. While it’s not obvious, Prairie is of French origin. The Latin word became praerie in Old French, before […]
READ MORE >>Boy Names Starting with H: Henry, Huxley, Heath
Time to discuss baby boy names starting with H. As first initials go, H isn’t a breakout star. It’s no A or J, letters we love for our children’s names year over year. But it’s easy to think of possibilities starting with the letter H, in every category. Classics and trendsetters, rarities and rising favorites […]
READ MORE >>Sunday Summary: 9.10.23
Congrats to Coco Gauff on her US Open Victory! The question on my mind: will Coco rise in the name popularity rankings? Football and basketball stars frequently influence baby names. But both sports feel a little different. Fans follow those sports steadily, across an entire season. It’s easy to imagine a couple expecting a baby […]
READ MORE >>Name Help: A Sister for Andrew and Marnie
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! Jemima writes: I would love your and your readers help choosing a name […]
READ MORE >>Baby Name Orrin: Versatile and Rare
The baby name Orrin blends more than one backstory for an intriguing, culture-spanning possibility for a son. Thanks to Jess for suggesting our Baby Name of the Day, and to Jenny for requesting an update. SAINT ODHRAN Saint Odhran, sometimes written Odran, was a fifth century companion of St. Patrick, and helped bring Christianity to […]
READ MORE >>Mardi Gras Baby Names: Rex, Nola, Giacomo
Mardi Gras baby names celebrate the city of New Orleans’ eclectic roots and irrepressible spirit. There’s something about the Louisiana city. Credit Anne Rice or zydeco, jambalaya or dozens of movies and television series. It’s nowhere near as big as Paris or Los Angeles, but New Orleans competes with the most storied cities on Earth […]
READ MORE >>1924 Girl Names: Ione, Inez, Lula
1924 girl names blend antique charm with a certain freshness. After a century in style limbo, many of these feel fresh and interesting again. Or not. Some 1924 names are still languishing in obscurity. Are we ready for the return of Eunice and Beulah? Maybe not yet. Other favorites from one hundred years ago are […]
READ MORE >>Name Help: Ezra, Archer, or Ellis
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! Sarah writes: Help! We’re due in two weeks with our second child. It […]
READ MORE >>Nature Names for Boys: Most Popular
Nature names for boys have always been around. Glenn, Cliff, and Craig all had their moments in the not-so-distant past. And it’s not just American families in the last hundred years, either. Many cultures bestow names based on nature, and have for millennia. Many of them stay under the radar. We tend to think of […]
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