If you’ve spent anytime on a message board, doubtless you’ve heard cautions about a long name. “He’ll never be able to spell it!” or “She’ll never say her name correctly.” Want proof that it just isn’t so? My not-quite-4 year old daughter telling me about a little boy in her class. His name? Shivarama.
Did I mention how much I love living in a place where names are wildly eclectic? The young guy at the take-out counter at a local restaurant is named Perfecto. Really.
Onto other name news:
- Edith Adelaide is definitely one of the best name combinations I’ve seen in a while, over at Names for Real last Sunday.
- A Swistle reader asked if Cohen was a problem, and ending up deciding to name her son Callum instead. I really like the honest and diplomatic way Swistle handled the issue.
- Ren mentioned Hobson this week. It fits in with current trends, doesn’t it? But it reminds me of the phrase Hobson’s Choice – the rough equivalent of “take it or leave it.” What do you think – would Hobson fit in with Huxley and Harrison?
- While we’re on surnames that start with H, how ’bout Hooper? He’s huge on my family tree, but I don’t see him as a great choice, even though I can’t figure out why. FWIW, Swistle’s readers seem to agree, based on the poll results so far.
- Congrats to Brandi on the arrival of her twins! Gorgeous, gorgeous names.
- I love Gulliver, but it seems like a lot of name to pull off. Elea’s list of families who dared to embrace the name has me charmed. I think Elliott Barnaby, Cicely Eden, and Gulliver James is my favorite family.
- Lou’s post on Mungo is pure fun.
- Worried Grace is overexposed? Then why not Praise? Instead of Jake, consider Hale, Vale, or Twain. Yup, I’m all about Blue Juniper’s list of one-syllable ay names.
- Speaking of ay, this essay at Nameberry in defense of Jayden has got to be the best thing I’ve read in a while.
That’s all for this week – as always, thank you for reading and have a great week!
I’m a very faithful Swistle reader, and voted that I like Hooper! It has almost the same sound as Cooper – which I also like – and I’d like to see it used! If you like Cooper, it seems like you should like Hooper. And I l-o-v-e Harper too, which is similar. 🙂
I’m glad they went with Callum instead; apart from the all the controversy, I just think it’s a nicer-sounding name for a first name.
Hooper just sounds a bit oddball for some reason; like Cohen, it doesn’t sound like a first name to me. On the other hand, it is memorable, and would make a cool middle name, imo.
Love Callum — NotD?
Hooper does seem a little wilder than Cooper or such. There’s Mr. Hooper, Hula hoops, etc. Just my 2 cents!
I like the nickname “Hobs.” I’ve never heard that phrase before. I also enjoyed the Nameberry article. It’s too easy to get trapped in name nerd snobbery. That sibset with Gulliver is gorgeous!
I know a guy named Hobson, and it fits him really well.
Oh my! I am in love with Edith Adelaide!
I agree. This is a fantastic name. Love it all around.