What are the most popular word names right now? It sounds like an easy question, but it’s not always obvious. Once upon a time, mason was a job. But now chances are that Mason is a child (or teenager, or even a grown-up) these days. To make this list of most popular word names, it […]
READ MORE >>Name Help: The Y Problem
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! Kirstyn writes: I’m Kirstyn. My husband is Dylan, and our son is Hayden. […]
READ MORE >>Helen Names: Elena, Helene, and Nell
Helen names make for an intriguing bunch. The original Helen of Troy appears in Greek mythology, the most beautiful woman in the world. The daughter of Zeus and Leda, she was promised by Paris of Troy by the goddess Aphrodite. This sparked the Trojan War, a legendary conflict leading to many of the most famous […]
READ MORE >>Baby Name Madrigal: Whimsical and Wearable
The baby name Madrigal has existed as a musical possibility for years, but not until Encanto did it feel like it might just catch on. Thanks to Emmy Jo for suggesting our Baby Name of the Day. LITERARY, MUSICAL MADRIGAL Madrigal’s exact evolution is tough to pin down, but it seems to begin with a Latin […]
READ MORE >>Baby Name Alta: Lofty and Rare
The baby name Alta is brief, upbeat, gently vintage, and has a great meaning, too. Thanks to Meghan for suggesting one from her family tree as our Baby Name of the Day. LATIN ORIGIN The baby name Alta most likely comes from altus, a Latin word meaning high. If you know your Olympic history, the […]
READ MORE >>Girl Names Starting with C: Charlotte, Collins, Calla
Let’s look at the girl names starting with C – from the most popular choices, to the ones that might be new to you. C is for classic. While C girl names rise and fall, relatively few ever feel trendy or fleeting. They’re solid citizens, from the chart-toppers to the overlooked. Of course, many C […]
READ MORE >>Sunday Summary: Style is in the Eye of the Beholder
Here’s something that throws me, even after all these years I’ve been writing about baby names: We use terms to describe styles in inconsistent + sometimes incorrect ways. “We like classic names like Jackson.” “I’m looking for something unique, like Lyla.” “Our kids have traditional names, Liam and Ava.” “We want to avoid trendy names […]
READ MORE >>Baby Name Isla: Romantic Favorite
The baby name Isla has quickly become a twenty-first century staple for our daughters. Thanks to Kayt for suggesting our Baby Name of the Day. ISLAND If your first exposure to Isla was Spanish 101, or maybe Madonna’s 1987 single “La Isla Bonita,” you may have assumed the name was pronounced EES-lah. That’s accurate en […]
READ MORE >>Name Help: A Brother for Millie
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! Courtney writes: My husband and I are really having a hard time coming […]
READ MORE >>Bohemian Baby Names
Bohemian baby names feel artistic and unconventional. They’re vibrant, unexpected, and romantic. In a classroom full of Harpers and Liams, Ellies and Jakes, bohemian baby names stand out. Many of these fail to make the current Top 1000, but nothing says a bohemian baby name can’t catch on. The whole idea of bohemian comes from […]
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