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Name-inspired news and notes for your Sunday reading.
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I spend a lot of time creating and updating lists of names curated by season and occasion. And it’s clear that they’re widely read – not just here, but everywhere that offers such information.
Valentine’s Day means an update to the names meaning love. With Mardi Gras just around the corner, this list of New Orleans-inspired names is sure to be popular.
But seldom do we name our children based on their day of birth.
That’s new, believe it or not. In the past, children often were named based on their birthdays. Born on February 16th? You might’ve been called Daniel or Juliana, after saints celebrated on that date. (Catholic.org maintains a Saint of the Day calendar that is fascinating, regardless of your faith.)
It’s why we find names like Christmas, Easter, and even Loveday in the historical record.
We’re not likely to return to such practices, but it does often make me suggest this: if you’re stuck choosing names, or even middle names, consider your due date. Valentine is a great middle for baby born in February. An August baby named Leo or a winter baby called Whitaker – white field – adds just an extra layer of meaning that can make a name feel right.
Finds From Last Week
Welcome to the world, Robbie June! Lea Thompson of Back to the Future fame is a grandmother. Thompson’s daughter Madelyn Deuch – Maddie – is Robbie’s mom. They haven’t commented on the name choice, but Robert is a family name, so it’s possible. (Maddie’s dad, Howard, is the nephew of Emmy-nominated actor Robert Walden.) I feel like Robbie belongs on the same list as Charlie and Billie.
Interior design and DIY gurus Mr. Kate and Joey are expecting another baby! Their firstborn is Moon. (Moon Albrecht Zehr is his full name.) Names like Star and Sunbeam topped everybody’s lists of guesses, and those weren’t too far off. They’re naming her Mars! It’s another four-letter name, and they noted that Mars is the fourth planet from the sun, perfect for the fourth member of their family.
Which reminds me … TikTok’s Jordanna Lamb is already the mother of son Oliver, daughter Star, and daughter Venus. She’s expecting a fourth child later this year. No word on names yet, but 2025 might be the year of bold night-sky names. (I mean … not like Luna, Stella, and Orion are new, but this category just won’t quit.)
Updating & Thinking About
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Ned, because it’s the old school alternative to Kai. Less common than Max or even Gus. And Edward-called-Ned is the logical successor to Theodore-called-Theo. (But I’d thrill even more to meet an Edwin-called-Ned.)
Lake, an alternative to Jane and Wren. I like it better than elaborations like Lakelynn. And it’s a gorgeous middle, for a daughter or a son.
Django, a name that fascinates many, but I think might feel like a bit too much … yes, even in 2025.
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That’s all for now. As always, thank you for reading – and have a great week!
