One of those pearl-clutching moments that happened lots in the 1990s and early 2000s: but if we give children unisex names, what will happen when Jordan marries Jordan?
We could unpack all of that, but instead, let’s just note that Taylor Lautner married Taylor “Tay” Dome, and the world has continued to rotate on its normal axis.
Now Taylor and Tay Lautner have announced their firstborn daughter’s name: Lennon Taylor.
They couple previously shared:
- Their boy name was Taylor, nickname Taylor Jr.
- They seriously considered naming a daughter Taylor, too
But overall? I think that’s all kind of dull. It’s not that different from a Joe marrying a Josie and handing down Joseph or Josephine to the next generation.
What did catch my eye? They’re calling their daughter Lenny for short.
Since this list of boyish nicknames for traditional girl names has been one of the most-read lists here lately? I think the Taylors are on to something.
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I’ll keep this Ted Lasso comment as spoiler-free as possible, but … in season four Ted is back in Richmond, coaching the women’s team, including Irish players named Niamh and Siobhan. The first time he sees them in writing, Kansas City-native Ted pronounces them Nee-ahm and Cinnabon. “Why not spell it like normal Irish folks do?” (Facebook reel link) he asks. Oh Ted …
Canada’s names data is updated, with Noah and Charlotte in the top spots. Could Charlotte hit #1 in the US? My gut instinct is no. A Top Ten name has to appeal in English and Spanish, and Charlotte isn’t nearly as appealing as Olivia, Eliana, Emma, Mia, or lots of popular choices. But I’m prepared to be wrong …
While we’re in Canada, Canadian singer Carly Rae Jepsen named her son Ilya Blue. Yup, she was inspired by smash hit Heated Rivalry. Ilya Rozanov is the name of Connor Storrie’s character. There’s been lots of speculation about whether the name Ilya will get a boost from the ice hockey romance. It’s too soon to say, but it seems very possible in our Ezra-Elijah moment.
UPDATING & THINKING ABOUT
Basil changes so much if we pronounce it the British way, closer to dazzle. Suddenly it’s a little gentleman name with a nature-adjacent vibe. If we stick with the typical American rhymes-with-Hazel? Basil becomes far more herbal. Still handsome, and fits with popular picks like Hayes and Gabriel. But the former feels far more intriguing.
Birdie continues to soar, a mix of vintage nickname style and our love of all sorts of avian-inspired picks for our daughters. 2022 movie Catherine Called Birdy completely won me over.
Selena has become a modern traditional for girls. By 2026 standards, I think it feels more timeless than Sienna, easier to spell than Alina/Alena/Aleena.
That’s all for this week. As always, thank you for reading – and have a great week!
