Table of Contents
Name-inspired news and notes for your Sunday reading.
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Oh, this debate!
Is it worth it to use a longer name, if you’re only planning to call them by the shorter name?
It recently came up on Two Parents & a Podcast. (That’s a Facebook link to the specific discussion.) Their first is Tate, not Tatum – though they considered Tatum for a minute.
So … what is the point of the longer name?
My top-of-the-head answers?
- A longer name provides flexibility and options. The Two Parents are Alexa-called-Alex and Harrison. I feel like it’s obvious that Alexa (or Alexandra) preserves a degree of choice if you prefer something slightly more feminine.
- It might just flow better. Maybe you love Josie but your surname is Riley. Josie Riley is fine, and you can call her that 99% of the time … but there’s something about Josephine Riley that sounds better. You’ve definitely gained something with the extra syllable.
- There’s a chance to grow into a longer name. On the podcast, this is Harrison’s argument. Yes, your baby William is probably going to be Billy or Wills or something equally sweet while you’re still pushing him around in a stroller. But maybe he’ll grow up to be William. It’s a nice option to have.
For more on this never-ending debate, check out:
ELSEWHERE ONLINE
Caroline asked our thoughts about overnight sensation Truce, and it’s just a fascinating discussion. We often talk about overnight sensations that actually have really clear origins and slow, steady ascents. Truce is probably the first out-of-the-ether name sensation I can recall.
Over the summer, PopSugar compiled the names influencers considered, but didn’t use. I have to admit, I’m always fascinated by Nara Smith’s discard pile. Adventure and Romance, Dottie and Darling, Chrome and Zinc … it’s quite a collection!
Can we talk about Vega? It’s new to the Top Ten in Spain, and I think it has potential. Call it a night sky name with that sharp letter N. Plus it’s Nova-meets-Stella. With names like Gael and Alma rising, nearly any Spanish-language choice with crossover potential is worth watching. (Remember, top favorites in the US, like Liam and Mia, are there in large part because they’re English-Spanish crossovers.)
UPDATING & THINKING ABOUT
Chance is falling in use now, but I think it still has plenty of great qualities. It feels adventurous, light-hearted, brave.
Flora is a vintage comeback that logically follows Nora, Cora, and Aurora into wider use.
Merritt might be the next Scarlett or Everett … or possibly both.
That’s all for this week. As always, thank you for reading – and have a great week!
