The baby name Olivia transformed from lovely Shakespearean rarity to chart-topping favorite. Thanks to Liv for suggesting our Baby Name of the Day. TWELFTH NIGHT William Shakespeare used the name Olivia in his comedy Twelfth Night. In fact, he may have invented the baby name Olivia – though it was in sparing use by the […]
READ MORE >>Imogen: Baby Name of the Day
We whispered Imogen down the alley, a name transformed by history and Shakespeare, too. Thanks to Natalie for suggesting our Baby Name of the Day. Imogen: Literary Maiden The name likely comes from the Gaelic word inghean – maiden. First spelled Innogen – with a double ‘n’ rather than an ‘m’ – it may have […]
READ MORE >>Duncan: Baby Name of the Day
Duncan brings to mind basketballs and doughnuts – but also Scotland and Shakespeare. Thanks to Whitney for suggesting our Baby Name of the Day. Duncan: Way Back Kings aplenty have answered to this name, as early as the 600s. An eighth century Saint Dúnchad might sometimes be recorded as Duncan, too. And then there’s King Donnchadh. […]
READ MORE >>The Great Big List of Shakespeare Baby Names
Shakespeare baby names have charted in the US Top Ten – think of Jessica and Olivia. The good news: more gems await discovery! William Shakespeare innovated with language, shaping the English we speak today. No surprise his work brims with amazing names. All of the names feel wearable, though they range from the familiar, to […]
READ MORE >>Adriana: Baby Name of the Day
Adriana comes with tons of history, but was seldom heard until the mid-twentieth century. Our Baby Name of the Day was inspired by C.’s daughter. Adriana: From the Map This name begins its story on the map, in Northern Italy. The Etruscans called it Atria or Hatria, a port town near the Adriatic Sea. A […]
READ MORE >>Horatio: Baby Name of the Day
Horatio appears in history, literature, and on the modern small screen. And yet this name trends towards obscurity. Thanks to Paul for suggesting our Baby Name of the Day. Horatio: Horace’s Sprightly Cousin Back in the first century BC, Quintus Horatius Flaccus penned some of the greatest works of the Ancient World. We know the poet as […]
READ MORE >>Hal: Baby Name of the Day
Hal comes in at just three letters, but with famous father Benedict Cumberbatch choosing it for his newest son, will it be the next big thing? Hal: Short Traditionally, Hal served as a short form of Henry, via Harry. That sounds like a stretch, but remember Henry came to England with the Normans as Henri. The […]
READ MORE >>Crispin: Baby Name of the Day
Looking for a crisp, autumnal name for a son? The saintly, literary Crispin might be one to consider. Thanks to Arthur for suggesting our Baby Name of the Day. Crispin: Band of Brothers If not for Shakespeare’s Henry V, this name might have faded into obscurity. The play recounts actual events, including the battle at Agincourt […]
READ MORE >>Arden: Baby Name of the Day
Arden offers a compromise between nature names and literary ones, with a tailored, modern style. Thanks to Christina for suggesting our Baby Name of the Day. Arden: Forest of William Shakespeare set his pastoral comedy As You Like It in a forest by the name. Fair Rosalind ventures into the woods disguised as a youth. Hijinks ensue, but all […]
READ MORE >>Name Help: First Girl in a Big Family
Name Help is a series at Appellation Mountain. Every Saturday, 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! Sofia writes: I have a baby girl due in July. I have four […]
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