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Before we get to the names in the news 2.1.26, can we talk about friction-maxxing?
It’s a pretty basic concept. Don’t order DoorDash, walk to the neighborhood diner. Bike instead of Uber. Shop at the local store before rather than order online from Buy N Large.
Live analog – at least sometimes – even if it means putting in a tiny bit more effort and accepting the slightest bit of additional frustration.
I love this, for a dozen reasons. And it resonates with me for naming: spell your daughter’s name Saoirse, use that clunky family name, choose something you love, even if you’ll have to explain it sometimes. Even a lot of the time.
Not because it’s necessarily analog and therefore noble. But because the idea of simplifying our lives and identities for faceless others’ potential future convenience?
That feels like a crazy pursuit, an unwinnable race. Rather than imagining future dire outcomes, maybe we should assume the best – and be confident in our ability to meet the challenges with love.
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ELSEWHERE ONLINE
Names with Angelina Ballerina vibes. Why do I love this so much? I am never going to name a cartoon mice, but there’s now a dance troupe’s worth, with names like Lysander, Franz, Rosaline, and Flora cavorting in my head …
Yes, I know Veruca is unusable. But I’m with @prettylittlebabynames – I want to love it anyhow!
What would you suggest as an alternative to the so-popular Oliver? A great round-up of options here. Really loving the less-often-seen picks, like Alder, Jonas, and Finnian.
UPDATING & THINKING ABOUT
Swain was absolutely not on my radar until a reader asked about it, and now I think it’s truly an overlooked gem.
Dior feels somewhere between glamorous and try-hard, but after so many years in the US Top 1000, I’m inclined to put it in the “completely normal name for a child in 2026” category.
Carson is sometimes dismissed as a trendy surname name, but really? This one is a new traditional.
That’s all for this week. As always, thank you – and have a great week!
I love this perspective, Abby! Thank you for putting it into words so beautifully.
“… the idea of simplifying our lives and identities for faceless others’ potential future convenience? … Rather than imagining future dire outcomes, maybe we should assume the best – and be confident in our ability to meet the challenges with love.”
Also, we never considered Oliver for any of our boys, but all three of their names are on that list.