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Name-inspired news and notes for your Sunday reading.
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I’ve never been into Irish names. I mean … I’m not Irish. Neither is my husband. But so, so many people are – it always felt like they had it covered. Even back in the early days of the internet, I could dig up lots of resources about names like Saoirse or Cillian.
But lately? I’m realizing my oversight. Credit to my daughter, who has fallen hard for Irish music and history. Among other things: we binge-watched Derry Girls, and even flew to Belfast this summer.
And along the way, something shifted. Names like Orla and Darragh click for me suddenly. After all these years, I feel like it’s time to revisit the Irish names posts I’ve written and see what (so much!) can be improved.
Which is interesting, sure – but I’m even more intrigued by the way we can discover entire categories of names, even after thinking about the universe of naming for so many years.
Do you have a favorite Irish name? Or a category of names you’ve recently discovered?
ELSEWHERE ONLINE
Thanks to Caroline for asking my thoughts about Marjorie. The name’s rise is tied closely to Taylor Swift’s song, part of her Eras tour set list, and a song that honors her opera singer grandmother. One thing I neglected to mention: nickname Rory works for Marjorie at least as well as Lorelei, and I think makes the name even better.
I really like Clare’s advice on reinventing grandma names. I had Linden for my aunt Linda on my list for ages, plus Paxton for my grandmother Irene. Do they work? My rule has always been “it’s an honor name if you intend it as such.” Which reminds me: I love this list of ways to honor a loved one with your child’s name without using their (actual) name.
Most of the top names in the Dominican Republic are familiar, but whoa – Elianny is gorgeous, and seldom heard in the US. Ismael is fascinating, too, and already rising steadily in the US.
UPDATING & THINKING ABOUT
Thayer is an obscure cousin to Taylor, but I think it has real potential as a first in the 2020s. I might be the only one who thinks this …
Melody entered the US Top 100 for the first time ever in 2024. Kinda love the vintage, Irving Berlin vibes on this one.
Ian has always been one of my favorite familiar-not-trendy names for a son. It shares qualities with Julian and Jack, but it seems timeless and steady – more like Graham than Liam.
That’s all for today. As always, thank you for reading and have a great week!
