Sunday Summary 12.4.16I think I start every first of December post the same way: where did the year go?

At the same time, I’m excited. I love all of the year end data-crunching and 2017 prognosticating.

Normally, I begin this process in early October, based on detailed notes I’ve kept since the beginning of the year. It’s carefully planned and organized. Because I ran this blog on the side for so many years, I figured out how to stay three (or four or even five!) steps ahead.

Lately, I’ve stumbled. The simple fact is this: blog long enough, and your blog will grow. And you will have moments when you cannot keep up.

I’ve been frustrated and embarrassed about it for months now.

But when I woke up this morning, it felt like the sun broke through the clouds. Because I haven’t done any of the careful prep that usually accompanies my year-end posts, it’s going to be different. I’ll be looking at data with fresh eyes, because I haven’t conducted my usual monthly check-ins for, well, months.

It’s a tremendous privilege to run this site, and I remain humbled by the chance to be a part of so many lives at such happy moments.

In the weeks ahead, I’ll be sharing my predictions for baby names to watch in 2017. (You can read my Trendwatch 2016 here.) We’ll review the most popular posts of this year – I wonder if they’ll be different from last year, and we’ll update the most popular names on the site, too. (Betcha some of 2015’s favorites will repeat!)

I can’t wait to look back at this wild, madcap year – and I’m feeling like a kid on Christmas morning, because this time, I’ll be surprised, too!

Now, on to the name news:

That’s all for this week! As always, thank you for reading – and have a great week!

About Abby Sandel

Whether you're naming a baby, or just all about names, you've come to the right place! Appellation Mountain is a haven for lovers of obscure gems and enduring classics alike.

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What do you think?

7 Comments

  1. Aw, the story about Lydia is so sad!

    As for Narnia names, I love the name Caspian and would seriously consider it if I have a second son. Although he would have a cousin named Caspar, which might be a bit confusing.

    Don’t feel guilty about posting when you can. I appreciate your excellent posts whenever you are able to do it.

  2. I think the name Dak will be on the rise.

    Dallas Cowboys rookie quarterback has enjoyed a spectacular season so far. His full name is Dakota Prescott. Dakota Fanning has wooed the name over to the girls, but I can easily see parents embracing the one-syllable Dak. It rhymes with the familiar Zack but feels fresher, successful, AND athletic.

    And, Abby, if I read no other blog, my day is incomplete if I don’t read this one. Don’t worry about falling behind. We’ll gratefully take whatever you post! You do excellent work. 🙂