Our Alphabet Extravaganza started with A is for Girls. Today we move right on down the line to letter B. B is a tricky letter. Many of the best known B names for girls are nicknames – think Becky and Betsy – or nouveau names like Britney. But there are a few gems to be […]
READ MORE >>Spotlight: Phoebe and Daphne
Today we turn the spotlight on two truly phabulous names: Phoebe and Daphne. They’ve never gotten their day in the sun. Arguably, the most phamous (okay, I’ll stop) famous Phoebe is the quirky Friend Phoebe Buffay; the best known Daphne may be the pretty Daphne Blake from Scooby Doo. More sidekicks or comic relief than […]
READ MORE >>Alphabet: A is for Boys
Aidan and Alexander
READ MORE >>Reviving Grandpa
Most of us have someone in our lives, someone we love and would love to honor with our naming choices for our children.
READ MORE >>Spotlight: Indiana and Alabama
Ever get the feeling that other parents are chucking their baby names books in favor of the atlas? You’re not wrong. It’s tough to take an official count – are any of those little girl Madisons, for example, named after the town in Wisconsin? – but places both exotic and familiar are popping up on […]
READ MORE >>Spotlight: Lorelei and Anneliese
The German language has given us some rather harsh, if very useful, words and phrases: schadenfreude, gesundheit, zeitgeist. Of course, it’s also given us a lovely and wildly popular name for girls, Emma. And while Helga isn’t likely to crack the Top 10, there are two appealing German imports that just might race up the […]
READ MORE >>Obscure Saints’ Names: Girls’ Edition
A few years ago, a friend of mine was expecting. “We’re sticking with the basics,” she told me. “Mostly saints’ names.” At the time, I nodded. I knew what she meant – they weren’t going for anything outlandish, and the name they chose for their son – Matthew – was as straightforward and practical as […]
READ MORE >>Avalon & Astoria: Unusual A Names for Girls
Editor’s note: This post was originally published on January 31, 2008 and was substantially revised and re-posted on January 26, 2013. A is for Apple. As in Apple Blythe Allison, big sister to Moses Bruce Anthony and firstborn of Gwyneth Paltrow and Chris Martin. If that’s too out there for you, consider these slightly less […]
READ MORE >>Ruby, Elise & Sheena: Girls Names from Alt Rock
Editor’s note: This post was originally published on January 29, 2008. It was substantially revised and republished on January 26, 2012. If your muscial inclinations take you lower on the radio dial, you won’t be surprised to learn the following: in 1977, the Ramones released Rocket to Russia, their third LP. Track Six was “Sheena […]
READ MORE >>Shopping for Names: Pottery Barn Edition
It’s been called yuppie porn. And let’s face it, if my house looked as pulled together and interesting as the average Pottery Barn Catalog room, well, I’d be having you all over for dinner to flaunt it. If PB is clearly aspirational, then the names that they choose for their products – and many of […]
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