Name Help is a series at Appellation Mountain. We discuss readers’ name questions. 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! Melanie writes: I am due with our fifth baby early in 2024. Names have always come easily […]
READ MORE >>Invented Girl Names: Aerith, Lilliandil, Yvaine
Invented girl names draw lots of criticism. And that’s no surprise – reasons abound to prefer names with history and backstory, too. Except every name was invented at some point. Sure, sometimes it was Shakespeare doing the inventing, which seems … better than me dreaming up names here by my lonesome. Made-up names do stand […]
READ MORE >>Name Help: We Used Our Girl Name for our Son …
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! Danielle writes: We are THOSE people. We had two girls names. Our daughter, […]
READ MORE >>Baby Name Avonlea: Beloved Literary Choice
The baby name Avonlea comes from one of the most beloved fictional places of all time. Thanks to Kaeli for suggesting our Baby Name of the Day. ANNE of GREEN GABLES Avonlea is, of course, the setting for Anne of Green Gables, Lucy Maud Montgomery’s perpetually popular novel, as well as the sequels that followed. The pronunciation is […]
READ MORE >>Girl Names Starting with M: Mia, Magnolia, Monet
Girl names starting with M range from the mini Mia to elaborate Magnolia and Magdalena. In some ways, the list is still dominated by Mary and Margaret. Multiple popular M names for girls connect to those classic, enduring names – if only in a subtle way. (Looking at you, Molly + Margot.) Other sounds dominate […]
READ MORE >>Sunday Summary: 11.12.23
Here’s a super common, pretty easy piece of content to write: These names used to be everywhere, now you never hear them anymore. And that’s sometimes true. Back in 1883, Bertha, Ida, and Frank were Top Ten names. They’re pretty unusual – maybe even nearly extinct – by 2023 standards. Still, this Fatherly article struck […]
READ MORE >>Baby Name Cashel: Cool Irish Import
The baby name Cashel combines current style with a rich history. Thanks to Kristin for suggesting our Baby Name of the Day. MEANING OF THE NAME CASHEL Cashel comes from the Irish caiseal – stone fort or ringfort. It’s the name of a town in South Tipperary, Ireland, but the specific meaning is so much […]
READ MORE >>Name Help: Choosing Honor Names from Both Sides
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! Kristina writes: Our first child will be here by the end of the […]
READ MORE >>Modern Virtue Names: Haven, Noble, True
Modern virtue names pick up where the Puritans left off. Of course, we’re still using plenty of virtuous names from earlier eras. Think of Felicity and Grace, Faith and Mercy. They’d feel right at home on Plymouth Rock way back when, or on a playground right now. Plenty of names have virtuous meanings, but aren’t, […]
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! Kate writes: My partner and I have a three year old daughter named […]
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