Most of the time, I avoid talking about world events. Practically speaking, the posts here are meant to be helpful whether you read them this week, next month, or two years from now.
It’s also a deliberate choice. Names thrill me. They’ve always been an escape into a different kind of thinking – language and culture and tradition. If you’re here, there’s a good chance you feel that way, too – whether you’re actively naming children or not.
But names are also a window into the future. Every new life is a chance to re-make our broken world. And whether you name your kids Everly and Jaxon, or Alfred and Guinevere, or Olivia and Mason, I believe that you name your children with great hope.
Hope is, after all, a name. (Given to 1,265 girls last year – no pressure.) So while I’m deliberately posting as if things are normal-ish – whatever that means – please know that I’m thinking of you and yours, and all the amazing children that bring parents and future parents to this site. Thank you for being a part of this community.
Now, on to the name news:
Annie and Edward are the internet’s newest stars. They’re two of the Shedd Aquarium’s rock hopper penguins, and their handlers took them on a walk to visit the other exhibits while the facility is closed. I’m in love with everything about it, and I find their names especially charming. (Related: I may have spent some time looking up penguin names in other aquariums.) Currently going to the top of my post-pandemic travel wish list: Chicago, home of the Shedd Aquarium.
Heard any great names from movies lately? We streamed Frozen 2, which reminded me I was overdue to get those production babies’ names posted. Also Knives Out, which has me wondering about Benoit. I think it’s maybe even less wearable than Sherlock, except we are wild about Ben names. And I’m crazy excited to see Onward, but I’m thinking that Barley can’t catch on … can it?
A handful of color names come from people. Alice Blue is my favorite story, but oh, how I’d love to hear Isabelline in real life …
Thanks to Ava to Zeke for including March Madness baby names in their list of what to read while you’re social distancing. May I in turn suggest one of my favorites from their archives? Their post on Baby Name Regret remains one of the best things I’ve ever read on the subject.
A round-up of baby names that mean hope … Because it feels like the right note to end on today.
That’s all for this week. As always, thank you for reading! Wishing you a safe and calm week ahead.
What we class as ordinary feels like it’s ground to a halt… So to be able to come on here and take time out and read your posts when possible is helpful. Thankyou
Thanks, Laura! Glad to know you’re here.
Appellation Mountain is such a nice thing to have at a time like this! Thank you so much, even more than usual.
Thank you, Imogen. I (hope I) always appreciate how kind and thoughtful everyone strives to be. But right now? I’m so, so very grateful for a respite from the news of the world. And a chance to focus on brighter days ahead.