Table of Contents
Name-inspired news and notes for your Sunday reading.
Influencer and podcaster Trisha Paytas is expecting her third child and first son. Like any professional oversharer, she’s already attracting attention with her names list. After all, Paytas and husband Moses Hacmon are parents to two girls: Malibu Barbie and Elvis.
I know. Whoa, right? She mentioned that her girl name list includes things like Furby, Sugar Cookie, and Paper Mate. But a) it’s a boy; and b) Paytas realized baby three needed a “movie poster” name, too. Their firstborn has Barbie; their second child, Elvis. So they want “another iconic name poster” to complete their family.
One idea she floated: Aladdin. Elsewhere, I’ve heard her mention Benihana and Lemon. So … they’re interesting choices, bordering on the outlandish.
In fact, I’m not sure if I should amplify them. Two thoughts: first, I don’t think their given names will be the strangest thing about growing up in the spotlight like this. Second, I do think the names feel a little too flashy, as if they don’t quite leave enough space for a child to chart their own course.
And yet … I do think most truly different names end up working out just fine. Even the eyebrow-raising ones, like Apple and Pilot.
So I’m eagerly awaiting the birth announcement and also feeling like maybe I shouldn’t be, all at the same time.
Looking for even more deep dives on all the names and name talk you love? Join us on the AM Baby Names Patreon. Join for free to keep up with featured names. Upgrade and unlock even more great content!
ELSEWHERE ONLINE
“Names to go with Arlo” feels like a frequent request, so I was delighted to stumble on this design blog. I’d call Kelly mainstream stylish in an upbeat, accessible way, and nicely name-knowledgeable, so it’s a pleasure to read. I don’t believe they’ve grown their family as of now, but I really enjoyed hearing her thoughts. Also, yes – her Arlo is partly a Disney shout-out, so she’s definitely a kindred spirit!
Do you know your Enneagram type? I did a super quick test, and didn’t feel like it really matched me. But then this list at Nameberry did include some of my favorites! Read the breakdown here. (And if you know a great Enneagram test, please share the link in the comments!)
The most popular names in New Zealand look like the most popular names throughout the English-speaking world. But the Maori names are a peek into a completely different culture. So much to love here.
UPDATING & THINKING ABOUT
Ares is a great example of how our perceptions of names change. In an earlier generation, Ares would’ve been very god-of-war. Today? It’s airy. A mix of muscular tough guy and ethereal dreamer, the kind of dual identity that parents love.
So glam Rita deserves a comeback, doesn’t it? After I published the post, I found myself thinking about the Italian ice chain … but is that really a problem? Maybe it’s even kind of a bonus …
No one is naming their kids Swithun, but the story behind the name is fun anyhow. (If you don’t know the whole July 15th seasonal weather prediction legend, it’s worth a read.)
That’s all for this week. As always, thank you for reading and have a great week!
