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! Jenna writes: In September, my husband and I will welcome our first child […]
READ MORE >>Using Family Names: Six Great Reasons
Once upon a time, family names were ever so common. Every Bill had a Billy. Mothers’ maiden names became firsts or middles. And in some circles, the idea of not naming your firstborn son after grandpa would have been just short of blasphemy. Those days are over, and for the most part, that’s a good thing. No […]
READ MORE >>Baby Name Estella: Vintage Stunner
The baby name Estella fell from the night sky to the pages of a classic novel. Thanks to Caitlin for suggesting our Baby Name of the Day. STAR The baby name Estella comes from the Latin stella – star. It became Estelle in French, and picked up the extra syllable in Latin. Stella appears in […]
READ MORE >>Baby Name Cameron: Upbeat Modern Staple
Count the baby name Cameron among our modern staples – an upbeat choice that feels increasingly traditional. Thanks to Sarah for suggesting our Baby Name of the Day. CROOKED Back in the day, surnames sometimes came from nicknames. Nicknames might refer to a physical trait, like a brown-haired Brown. In Gaelic, cam means crooked and sròn means nose. Chances are […]
READ MORE >>Boy Names Starting with H: Henry, Huxley, Heath
Time to discuss 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 all […]
READ MORE >>Sunday Summary: Happy Fourth!
If you’re in the US, I hope you’re enjoying the long holiday weekend! Looking for patriotic posts? Baby Names from Hamilton Patriotic Girl Names Americana Boy Names Hard to believe the year is halfway over already! I found myself reviewing some of the amazing celebrity baby names from the first half of 2021: Ida Lupine, […]
READ MORE >>Fourth of July Baby Names: Ten Favorites
Fourth of July baby names can be subtle or direct, modern or storied. These are my ten favorites of the moment, but I’m pretty sure this list changes every Independence Day! GEORGE Current US popularity rank: #133 2017 US popularity rank: #124 With Hamilton still sweeping the nation, I’d almost put Alexander in this spot. […]
READ MORE >>Baby Name Polly: Edgy and Sweet
We’ve overlooked the baby name Polly, even as Molly has become a modern staple. Thanks to Claire for suggesting our Baby Name of the Day, and to Nicky for requesting an update. MARY Everyone knows a Mary or three. Long a go-to name for girls, Mary became so popular that nicknames were required. Malle and […]
READ MORE >>Name Help: A Brother for George Patrick
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! Lindsay writes: When our son was born, we didn’t agree on any names. […]
READ MORE >>Frills-Free Names for Girls: Esther, Olive, Kate
Frills-free names for girls fall somewhere between James and Arabella. They’re clearly feminine. And yet, sound-wise, they’re tailored. Even brisk. And they’re not primarily surname names. Blair and Sloane, Harper and Peyton count as frills-free names for girls … but we could just as easily use them for our sons, so they seem to belong […]
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