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If you’re celebrating America’s 250th anniversary this weekend, I hope you’re enjoying the holiday. Nancy collected a few stories on how parents were inspired in 1976 and way back in 1876 to name their children accordingly. I’m particularly intrigued by the trendlet in favor of Centennial circa 1876.
There’s no shortage of names inspired by American history, of course. Martha might be ready for a comeback. And I’m partial to Franklin – as in Benjamin – for boys, but there are plenty.
Centennial, though? It’s irresistibly specific, isn’t it?
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Laura’s timeline of top names by generation is fascinating. On a related note: my family has been loving the Mind the Gap board game (not an affiliate link), and it’s amazing to realize what knowledge my Gen Z kids have from the Boomer-era.
I don’t know much about the influencers behind American Family Road Trip, but their kids’ names make for quite the list: brothers Gunner, Schofield, Audie, Swift, Uriah, Aquila, and Boone, plus sister Kinsey. Parents JD & Britney are expecting their ninth this fall.
According to BabyCentre UK, the most popular girls’ name is now Eliana. Could it be? Eliana just rocketed into the girls’ Top Ten in the US. And Olivia has been on top for ages, so … maybe a shake-up is coming.
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Mini Mae is a fascinating blend of down-to-earth and sophistication, a name that’s easy in American English but also effortlessly international. Not bad for three letters and a single syllable.
Is Joel a quiet classic? Slightly dated? Or just plain overlooked? I can argue every one of those descriptors.
Laura was a big deal back in Joel’s heyday, but in this case, there’s no question in my mind: Laura is properly considered a classic.
That’s all for this week. As always, thank you for reading and have a great week!
