Names in the News 9.8.24

Let’s cover the names in the news 9.8.24!

Do You Look Like Your Name?

I loved this study. It turns out that we look like our names – eventually.

What’s less clear is why. Do we subconsciously choose haircuts that make us look more like an Emily? Or do our parents choose Emily over Sarah at birth because they correctly gauge our future appearance?

I’ll add one more possibility: Emily goes by Emmy because her name doesn’t quite fit, and sure enough, she looks like an Emmy.

Thanks to Elizabeth C for sending it my way.

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Favorite Blog Posts & Name Lists

I’m always curious to see what’s stylish in Paris. Name-wise, that is. Alma and Agathe, Sacha and Gaspard … I’m not sure if all of those could catch on in the US, but I’m watching to see what happens next. Also fascinating: eleven girls were named Olympia the year before the city hosted the XXXIII Olympiad. Will there be even more in 2024?

Ooh, Jenna Ortega’s character in the Beetlejuice sequel is named Astrid. Pop culture absolutely loves this name. If Jenna could convince us to name our babies Wednesday, I might put money on Astrid to trend in 2024 …

Names with two syllables, but just four letters. Why do I love this list so much? Maybe it’s because they feel minimal and substantial, too. Eden, Lyla, Vera, Alma … is that Alma’s second appearance in this section? Why yes, yes it is …

I’m working on a list of gender neutral names. Of course I keep running into lists everyone else has compiled, like this gorgeous one from Name Fairy. And I find myself nodding “yes, I’ve got that one and that one and that one …” and then talking to my screen, “no way! That’s not unisex at all!” Which is why this list is hard!

And one more great list of unisex names from Name Harbour. The family name I often *kick* myself for not using is on this list.

Featured Names Recently Updated

• Luca, the romance language update to classic Lucas and Luke, fueled by a Pixar movie. We all have our favorites. I’m Team Portorosso!
• Speaking of fictional places, I adore Avalon. I think it’s the perfect mix of Arthurian legend, California coast, and Roxy Music.
• Ending with Zakai, an Old Testament name that feels effortlessly new.

For more updates, join the AM Baby Names Patreon community. Name of the Day posts are shared to all members, including those who join for free!

Need help with your naming decision?

Want to talk over a naming decision? Calls are open for this month.

Love the #namehelp posts, but don’t want to share your questions publicly? Thanks to your requests, the summer sale is extended and spots are open into late September.

That’s all for this week! As always, thank you for reading and have a great week!