Here are the names in the news 9.29.24!
The Two Ingrids
As an Abby, I always realize there might be another Abby in the room. She’s probably younger and if I’m at a place like Starbucks? I don’t want to grab whatever interesting drink a 14 y.o. ordered when I am in rather desperate need of a very strong Americano.
But the other morning, I watched two Ingrids bump into each other at the same Starbucks, reaching for the same paper cup. They laughed and marveled at the experience because, well, they’re both always the only Ingrid.
What are the odds?
I can’t begin to calculate a mathematical answer, but it did make me think about this. Even that really unusual name you’ve purposely chosen because it wasn’t even in the Top 1000?
It just might be the same name as your child’s future kindergarten classmate. Or the other person waiting for a latte at a coffee shop in another thirty years.
Achieving a near-zero chance of repetition requires seriously extreme naming. Gravity or Hephzibah or something that’s intentionally, eyebrow-raisingly different.
Even then, it’s not a guarantee.
In some ways, that’s frustrating. But it’s also freeing. Because if you cannot guarantee that your child’s name will be utterly unique? Then it’s okay to settle on something a little more popular … even if your Ingrid meets another one someday.
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Favorite Blog Posts & Name Lists
The latest Reddit family drama around naming: a woman is expecting; she and her husband choose a significant family name for their daughter. In the meantime, her brother’s girlfriend learns the name and insists that they change it. The reason is heartbreaking: it’s the name of her late daughter. The original poster offers a compromise, but the brother’s girlfriend rejects it … and the brother and his girlfriend argue and end up breaking up. I’m mulling over what I’d suggest, but I think the girlfriend comes off as the villain and that’s probably not (entirely) fair.
What do you think of Jen as a middle name to honor a Jennifer? Yes, just Jen. I’m surprised by how much I like the idea.
Kaos + Megalopolis = another wave of ancient names? Netflix original series Kaos imagines the Greek gods at the center of modern life. It’s dark and twisty, plus Jeff Goldblum makes an excellent Zeus. Hera, Theseus, Alecto, Orpheus … a surprising number of these names seem accessible. Star-studded prestige pic Megalopolis adds in Constance, Claudine, Claudette, Aram. Though I think this isn’t about the specific names, but more about the vibe.
I am wild about Daisy + Dean as sibling names. More appealing pairs here.
Confidential Naming Help
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Featured Names Recently Updated
- I think Billie is the logical successor to Charlie and Millie, and I am here for it. Fun fact: Billie started out as a nickname for Sybil and Mabel, before becoming a feminine form of William.
- Madison can get a lot of hate, but it’s a great name with a fun, compelling story.
- How are we not all naming our daughters Lula, a name that blends the best of Lola and Lulu but feels maybe even more substantial?
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That’s all for this week! As always, thank you for reading and have a great week.
