Table of Contents
Name-inspired news and notes for your Sunday reading.
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A quick PSA:
Even if that meaningful, personally significant name violates every rule of style and fashion, rhythm and flow, consider using it anyway.
Once upon a time, we shrugged as we named our son after grandpa Mortimer or great-aunt Beulah. We loved them, and carrying on their name was important, even if we’d never have chosen it for ourselves. Yes, we often tucked those names in the middle spot or used a nickname instead. But you had to use the name. What could you do?
Names matter. And if we love someone, then their name matters, even if it’s not at all popular or familiar or in any way fashionable now.
That feeling hasn’t gone away, but now we have to freedom to re-invent our loved ones’ names.
That’s a good thing! If you named your daughter Lyla Blue after her great aunt Beulah, I am here for it.
But I just want to say that I’m also here for it if you decide that naming your son John after your dad is the most important thing. Or using that awkward family surname in the middle spot.
You’re under no obligation to dazzle or impress strangers with your child’s name. Just make sure it satisfies you and your partner, and the rest? Will fall into place.
Elsewhere Online
Three this week, all from Instagram.
Pippa, Una, Paloma and more Spring Whimsy with @pearlandlark. I’m in love with this collection!
Swooning over Shepherd Wyatt, Dean Matthew, and Julian Leo. Well, really the whole list @softbabynames.
Fairytale style compound names. So much yes, including to Maribloom, from @namecloud19.
Updating & Thinking About
Everybody loves Nora. No, really. I’ve been asking around, and it’s the kind of name that we all either would personally use or appreciate when someone else chooses it.
The English have long embraced Imogen. I’ve heard it a handful of times in the US, but Americans have really missed out on this gem of a name.
As a not-Irish person, I’d choose Neve over Niamh, but I think this name is glorious, either way.
That’s all for today. As ever, thank you for reading and have a great week!
