Like Anne Hathaway, the subject of my first As Worn By post, Christina Ricci started out as a child star before taking on roles in everything from edgy indies to big screen blockbusters.

In honor of her February 12 birthday, here’s a look at the names she’s worn.

Ricci graduated from grammar school plays in the Jersey ‘burbs to a plum role as Cher’s daughter in 1990’s Mermaids.  Her character’s name – Kate – was forgettable, but Ricci made an impression.

  • Her breakout role was gleefully ghoulish Wednesday Addams in the big screen adaptation of The Addams Family.  It’s a name that hasn’t caught on – and really, could you name your daughter after a creepy kid who guillotines her Barbies? – but the similar Summer and Autumn are now mainstream;
  • In two retro roles, Ricci played Kathleen in Casper and Patti in That Darn Cat.  Neither character inspired a revival;
  • But in 1997’s Buffalo ’66, Ricci played dance student Layla.  Sure, Layla is mostly about Eric Clapton.  When both the original song and the unplugged version charted, the name rose, too.  But after leaving the Top 1000 in 1997, Layla re-entered in 1998 and has climbed every year since;
  • The same year, she was Lucy in Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas, and in 1999, Ricci played Lillian in No Vacancy.  Both are now solidly ranked in the US Top 100, along with lots of other names sharing the first letter.  Call her comfortably ahead of the L-name craze;
  • She played Katrina Van Tassel in 1999’s Sleepy Hollow.  But it couldn’t stop Katrina’s slide.  The name had just inched into the Top 100 in the 1980s, but was a distant #717 by 2008.  Despite widespread affection for Kate-names, Katrina now means “natural disaster” to many;
  • In 2001, she wore everything from the unusual Rayna to the classic Elizabeth.  For The Laramie Project, she donned the leafy rarity Romaine;
  • In 2002 Ricci played con artist called Miranda in a movie of the same name.  While her Shakespearean vibe keeps Miranda in use, her best days were back when fellow Bard baby name Jessica topped the charts;
  • Remember when Charlize Theron won an Academy Award for her portrayal of serial killer Aileen Wuornos in 2003’s Monster?  Ricci played Wuornos’ lover.  In real life, Wuornos’ galpal was Tyria, but for the big screen, it became Selby.  Selby has never charted in the US Top 1000, but who knows?  The surname/Michelle-spinoff Shelby remains in Top 200;
  • On the small screen, she’s guested as Joey’s little sister Mary Teresa in the Friends follow-on and turned in an Emmy-nominated performance as Hannah on Gray’s Anatomy;
  • In 2006, she was part of the Silas Marner-inspired, Mississippi blues-infused Black Snake Moan.  Ricci wore the name Rae.  It’s not in US Top 1000 for girls, but is big in the middle spot;
  • Then there’s 2008’s modern day fairytale Penelope.  Unlike many of Ricci’s roles, this is one time you’d want your daughter to be just like the character.  (Though perhaps without the pig snout.)  The name was already in the rise when the movie debuted, coming in at #358 in 2008;
  • The same year, Ricci rocked Trixie in the big screen adaptation of Speed Racer.  Trixie has been Speed’s girl since the ‘toon was imported from Japan in the 1960s.  But today, it is one more reason Beatrice is gaining.  After several years in and out of the Top 1000, Beatrice ranked #833 in 2008;
  • Another name that seems primed for a comeback is Camille.  Ricci wore it as part of the ensemble cast in 2009’s New York, I Love You.

Coming back full circle, she also filmed All’s Faire in Love last year, a romantic comedy set a Renaissance Faire.  Her character was called Kate.

Ricci’s next big role is Clotilde in 2011’s Bel Ami.  Robert Pattison is playing the male lead.  (No witches or werewolves in the movie, either.)  We’ll have to see if it lives up to the buzz.

Overall, Ricci’s worn quite the mix of names.  She can’t be credited with sparking any name crazes  – yet.  Wouldn’t it be something if Clotilde caught on?

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About Abby Sandel

Whether you're naming a baby, or just all about names, you've come to the right place! Appellation Mountain is a haven for lovers of obscure gems and enduring classics alike.

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3 Comments

  1. Clotilde? Oooh, I’ll have to catch that one! I have an inordinate fondess for Clotilde and feel quite alone in my adoration.

    Black Snake Moan’s Rae did nothing for me, but hearing Lazarus on a regular basis there made my night.

    Trixie’s been a favorite since I was small, between Speed Racer cartoons & Trixie Belden mysteries, I’m smitten. Although, I prefer the more straight to Trixie, Beatrix.

    I’ve always liked Christina Ricci, she gleefully portrays her characters. Usually to the point I forget she’s actually Christina. I hope to see lots more of her in the future!