Welcome to names in the news 10.13.24!
First, my heart goes out to everyone recovering from the devastation of the recent hurricanes.
And I’m truly thinking of all the families who have welcomed children in the middle of the storms and their immediate aftermath. AdventHealth announced 67 births across the state, and seven arrived at a Sarasota hospital, including this family.
Really, all that matters is that everyone is safe.
But some storms do inspire children to be named accordingly, like this baby named for Hurricane Dorian a few years ago. Or this little girl named Stormy who was born during Hurricane Ian.
I’m not sure if the circumstances of a child’s birth should change their name, but if you haven’t decided? I can imagine that a name like Helene could easily end up in the middle spot, a reminder of your child’s remarkable, perilous entrance into this terrifying, miraculous world.
Exclusively for Everyone
The other day I saw an add for Shake Shack that declared their new menu is “exclusively for everyone.”
I get what they’re going for.
Much like the chain’s black truffle burger, names are open to all. They’re not exactly free, as a certain amount of time and maybe a little bit of money helps finding The Exactly Right Name. But choosing a special name is that rare gift that’s both custom bespoke and incredibly accessible.
It’s why it’s so easy to get obsessed, I think. There are practical limits to how many size newborn outfits most of us can justify – or fit in our homes! – but names? Most of us buy a single stroller, set up just one nursery. (If that! Our daughter’s crib was in our room.) Names, though? We can indulge in our name search up until the very minute we have to fill out the birth certificate paperwork.
For more thoughts on naming, join the AM Baby Names Patreon community.
Favorite Blog Posts & Name Lists
Speaking of the AM Baby Name Patreon … sometimes I weigh in on Reddit questions like this one. In brief: a 17 y.o. legally changed her old-fashioned name. Her 25 y.o. sister-in-law is upset about it, because she likes old-fashioned names. It got weird, and the sister-in-law ended up in tears. My take? Everyone gets to like what they like, and mostly we should give each other space and grace. I have to think about whether I have more to add before I add it to this collection.
Laura explores why every food product is called Mike’s This or That right now. I do tend to walk around grocery stores snapping pictures of labels. (I mean … Minerva Dairy is swoon-worthy.) But I hadn’t really noticed the Mike’s trend. Which might actually be the point?
I definitely didn’t know all of these colors named for people. Though the first one on the list was exactly what came to mind when I read the article’s title …
Want to talk over a naming decision? Calls are open for this month.
Love the #namehelp posts, but don’t want to share your questions publicly? Thanks to your requests, the summer sale is extended and spots are open through October.
Featured Names Recently Updated
- Cool, modern Huxley also feels smart and accomplished, thanks to the family of British thought leaders that made it famous.
- Florence, a vintage name on the comeback.
- Hawthorne, one of those names that feels like it should be more popular – but isn’t yet.
For more updates, join the AM Baby Names Patreon community. (Name of the Day posts are shared to all members, including those who join for free!)
That’s all for this week! As always, thank you for reading and have a great week.
