I often say “use the name you love.” It’s the right advice, a reminder that no matter how popular or obscure, if it feels like The Name for your child, no good can come of talking yourself out of it. Easy, right? Ha. No. Because you is plural. With a few exceptions, “you” almost always […]
READ MORE >>Mae: Baby Name of the Day
Small but mighty Mae packs serious style into a mere three letters. Thanks to RockingFetal for suggesting our Baby Name of the Day. All the Trends Every generation embraces a few mini names, from antique Ida to current favorites Mia and Ava. But Mae falls into even more on-trend categories. As a month, it qualifies […]
READ MORE >>Name Help: Eleanor Scout or Scout Eleanor?
Name Help is a series at Appellation Mountain. Every week, one reader’s name questions will be discussed. We’re relying on thoughtful comments from the community to help expectant parents narrow down their name decisions. Thank you in advance for sharing your insight! Linsey writes: Ever since we started trying for a family, I had one […]
READ MORE >>Bellamy: Baby Name of the Day
Bellamy recently debuted in the US girls’ Top 1000. Could it be the next Avery, Isabella … or is it a little bit of both? Our Baby Name of the Day comes from this list, with thanks to Danielle for the original suggestion. Belle + Amy At first glance, this looks like a smoosh name, […]
READ MORE >>In Praise of Boring Baby Names
I’m here today in praise of boring baby names. In a world dominated by Instagram, it’s easy to imagine that everyone is naming their babies something fabulous. Clever and unexpected. Just different enough. You’re stuck between Grace and Rose for middle names, but your old roommate just named her daughter Eleanora Fig. Or you’re fretting […]
READ MORE >>Sunday Summary: Tallahassee, Columbus, Wichita
I finally watched Zombieland. It’s not for everybody. I mean … I’m not sure it’s really for me. It’s heavy on gory and bleak. But … it also peeks at how personal names might evolve during a zombie apocalypse, and I found that part nothing short of fascinating. Without giving away any spoilers, there are […]
READ MORE >>New Names Showdown 2019 Winners
Ready for the New Names Showdown 2019 winners? We started with eight boy names and eight girl names, all new or recently returned to the US Top 1000. (See the full boys’ list here, and girls’ list here.) From those sixteen names, we voted all the way down to two finalists each: Bellamy or Zora […]
READ MORE >>Name Help: Strong Boy Names for a Fourth Baby
Name Help is a series at Appellation Mountain. Every week, one reader’s name questions will be discussed. We’re relying on thoughtful comments from the community to help expectant parents narrow down their name decisions. Thank you in advance for sharing your insight! Lauren writes: We have three children: Charlotte Amelia, Walker Navy, and Penelope River. […]
READ MORE >>Scout: Baby Name of the Day
Scout could join fellow To Kill a Mockingbird names Harper and Atticus as a fast-rising favorite. Our Baby Name of the Day comes from this list of new names for girls. Listen Up In French, écouter means to listen. An earlier form of the verb was spelled escouter, with the same meaning. It came from […]
READ MORE >>Finn: Baby Name of the Day
Finn wraps up American literature, Irish legend, and pop culture in one brief, complete package. Thanks to Kim for suggesting our Baby Name of the Day. Finn MacCool This name reads Irish, and indeed, it comes from the Gaelic Fionn mac Cumhaill. He’s a major figure in legend and lore, a warrior and commander. MacCool […]
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