American girl names celebrate the history of our country. They mix heroic women with patriotic concepts, storied place names with fictional figures. Many American girl names are borrowed from First Ladies, as well as other women associated with the presidency. The original inspiration for this list? Letitia, as in the wife of tenth US president […]
READ MORE >>Name Help: A Sister for Eden and Mariama
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! Melissa writes: I am currently 35 weeks pregnant with our third daughter, looking […]
READ MORE >>Baby Name Liberty: Strong and Patriotic
The baby name Liberty feels strong, patriotic, and unexpected, too. LIBERTAS Liberty means freedom, from the Latin libertas via the Old French liberté. While it’s a weighty concept, names like Serenity and Trinity rank have topped the charts. Parents love a great meaning. But libertas was more than a Latin word. A minor goddess known […]
READ MORE >>Baby Name Grace: Virtuous and Traditional
The baby name Grace might be the ultimate virtue name. Thanks to Melissa for suggesting our Baby Name of the Day. BEAUTY, JOY, CREATIVITY In Greek mythology, a trio of goddesses reigned over beauty, creativity, and joy. The Charites played all sorts of roles in many a story, from party planner to stylist to more […]
READ MORE >>June Names: Juno, Juniper, and Junia
June names herald the official start of warm weather in the northern hemisphere, the long and lazy days of summer. Some feel vintage and traditional. Others sound modern, unconventional, even daring. And while every one of these June names shares the same sound, very few are actually related. We find that great ‘oo’ in favorites […]
READ MORE >>Girl Names Starting with A
Looking for girl names starting with A? It’s the single most popular first initial for our daughters in recent years. It leaves runners-up E, M, and S in the dust. In some ways, it’s nothing new. Anna, Anne, Annie, and Ann alternated their tours in the Top 100, and many appeared in the Top Ten. […]
READ MORE >>Sunday Summary: Image Isn’t Fixed
Here’s something obvious that often goes unsaid: A name’s image is not fixed. It’s true, right? But we forget. A name is impossibly fusty and dated until you meet an adorable toddler called Harold or Cedric or Alfred. Or maybe you just never considered Hannah or Taylor or Caleb, but now it’s the name of […]
READ MORE >>Name Help: Long Girl Names
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! Rebecca writes: I’m due with our third child in July, and we have […]
READ MORE >>Lulu Names: Lucienne, Tallulah, Louise
Lulu names range from traditional Louise to obscure Eluned. If you love a playful, sparky nickname, but want something more substantial for your daughter’s birth certificate, this list is for you. FAMOUS LULUS In the 1930s and 40s, the Sunday comics chronicled the adventures of Little Lulu Moppett. Marjorie Henderson Buell created the character. Miss […]
READ MORE >>Beatles Baby Names: Lucy, Eleanor, Jude
The Beatles may have played their last show long ago, but Beatles baby names still top the popularity charts. Their music occupies a special place in popular culture. In their heyday, the band was so famous that everyone knew their songs. More than fifty years after the release of Abbey Road, we all recognize the […]
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