Baby Name of the Day- Poll Winner: Brody

Today's baby name is Brody.
Brody was the poll winner- Which name is best?

Brody won with a total of 7 votes for 30% of the vote.

BRODY
Gender: Masculine
Usage: Irish, English
Pronounced: BRO-dee [key]
From a surname which was originally derived from a place name meaning "ditch" in Gaelic.

Brody is the number 70 name for the year 2008 on the US's SS list. Brody first appears on the SS list in 1976 at the number 980 spot. Brody stayed pretty low on the list during the late 70s and early 80s, and was even absent from the list in the years: 1977-78, and again in 1982-83. Brody didn't make it to the top 100 until 2008, sufing pretty low from number 612 in 1992 till 2007 when it made the number 105 spot. Brody's jump was significant within the last five years.

I personally think that Brody is a very nice masculine name. It's modern and yet familar. Brody has a certain appeal to it that has the same feel to it as Logan, Nolan, Wesley, and Owen. A bit spunky, a bit laid back and "down home". It's certainly reminds me of being a bit Southern in feel as well. There is a style to Brody that is very flexable and versitle. I can imagine this name on an infant as well as a toddler, a tween, teen and adult...and even a little old man. It's a wonderfully full sounding name, yet retains a kind of nickname-ish feel to it that's not too formal.

Brody is a great laid back name for someone looking to completement their easy-going out look on life. It's a very Earthy name as well to me. It's not too "hippie" yet not so preppy you picture the little tyke wearing baby Ralph Lauren.
I can definately see Brody gaining in popularity even further over the next 3-5 yrs, and I'm not sure if I like that idea at all! There are some names that are unique and wonderfully origional and you never want to see them become cliche. I do feel Brody will be one of these flash in the pan names for some namers. For true lovers of this name however, it will be treasured for the brilliant handsome name that it is, and will see it's potential as a true classic name, and not a fad.

Middles/First for Brody are so easy to find, pair and love that it's impossible to list all the name I find fantastic with Brody. I will try to break them down into categories to make it much easier.

Classic Style:
Brody James
Brody Thomas
Brody Matthew
Brody Alexander

David Brody
Aaron Brody
Kevin Brody
Nathan Brody

European *upper class* Style:
Brody Charles
Brody Luca
Brody Alejandro
Brody Manuel

Edward Brody
Harrison Brody
Victor Brody
Leopold Brody

Trendy Style:
Brody Rylan
Brody Decker
Brody Peyton
Brody Jenner

Heath Brody
Carson Brody
Kai Brody
Trenton Brody

Predictable/Filler Style:
Brody Lee
Brody Scott
Brody Dean
Brody John

Michael Brody
Ethan Brody
Jacob Brody
Jared Brody
etc.

Some common alternatives for the name Brody might be something like these:
Brock
Broden
Broderick
Brogan
Bronson
Brooks
Bruce
Byron
Burton

I quite love the names Broden, Brogan, Bronson and Byron. I find them a bit modern feeling with a bit of the same Gaelic feel of Brody. Broden espcailly sounds like the more grown up version of Brody. Broden would make a wonderful proper name with Brody as a nickname. Brogan as well is a great name with a rich full masculine feel to it. I like Bronson and Byron because they sound very cultured and refined. A tiny bit more "country club" than the other names. For public opinion of the name Brody please view the question I've asked on Yahoo!Answers about it by following this link:
http://answers.yahoo.com/question/index?qid=20091227164120AAzvMZj

Overall I find Brody to be a wonderfully delightful name. I do see the down side of this name though as it becomes steadily popular, thus perhaps it might lose it's sparkle. I still hold hard onto this name as one of the cutest names to hit the name scene since the Logan, Owen, Hunter, Mason 'phase'. Here's hoping it's just a fluke and it stays in the uppper 100s for years to come, making it a great choice and an uncommon (but fabulous) name to see.

J. Kristen

Baby Name of the Day- Noah

Today's name is Noah.

NOAH (1)
Gender: Masculine
Usage: English, Biblical
Pronounced: NO-ə (English) [key]
Derived from the Hebrew name נוֹחַ (Noach) meaning "rest, comfort". In the Old Testament Noah was the builder of the ark which allowed him, his family, and animals of each species to survive the great Flood. After the Flood he received the sign of the rainbow as a covenant from God. As an English Christian name, Noah has been used since the Protestant Reformation, being common among the Puritans.

The Social Security List, lists Noah at the number 15 spot for 2008. Noah first appeared on the SS list at the number 130 spot in 1880, but fell into a decline in the years following. By 1893 Noah was at the number 205 spot. In the 1950's Noah was in the height of its disfavor in the 600's, but after 1968 Noah quickly went from the number 574 spot to the number 180 spot by 1981. Noah made it into the top 100 by 1995 at the number 100 spot and by 1996 jumped 50 spots up to the number 50 spot, the next (1997) at number 38. By 2000 Noah was the number 27 spot and by 2008 now rests nicely at the number 15 spot.

I personally predict Noah to gain in popularity for another year or two before settling into a top running place for a while. I do not particularly care for this name, simple due to the fact that it is very much over used. It's a new "fad" name...one that will fade out sooner than later. As one can tell from it's sporadic history, Noah has always been a bit faddish; jumping in favor for a couple years then dramatically falling out of favor.
I do find Noah extremely masculine and old world sounding. A traditional name, I think it suits many different cultures well. I can see this name in middle America as well as the UK and see it fitting each child carrying this name very well.

I do not like the more modern trend of some parents naming their daughters Noah and Noa. Any way you slice it, it looks extremely masculine and down right cruel to name a baby girl Noah/Noa. Nora/Norah is a perfectly wonderful feminine alternative and I do not see the need for the "fad" use of Noah/Noa on a girl. dropping H's doesn't make things feminine....Mica(h), Jona(h), Noa(h), etc. It's just odd; in my humble opinion, to do that to a little girl.
The accepted feminine alternative for Noah/Noa would be No'ah.

NO'AH
Gender: Feminine
Usage: Biblical Hebrew
Other Scripts: נוֹעָה (Ancient Hebrew)
Hebrew form of NOAH (2)

Derived from the Hebrew name נוֹעָה (No'ah) meaning "motion". In the Old Testament this was the name of a daughter of Zelophehad.

Still for me, Noah/Noa or No'ah on a girl is just tacky.

Middles/firsts for Noah are vast. Noah seems to fit with a wide variety of names from classic to trendy. Here are a few that I find pleasing to the ears and eyes:

Noah Blaine

Noah Thomas

Noah Wyatt

Noah Parker

Noah Sean

Noah Kevin

Noah Gavin

Noah Kyle

Marcus Noah

Bradley Noah

Austen Noah

James Noah

Oliver Noah

Brody Noah

Dylan Noah

William Noah

Justin Noah

Jonathan Noah

There are many possibilities for a first/middle name for Noah. Noah seems to be a well rounded name in sound to fit just about any name big or small (2 syllable to 4 syllable).

Alternatives for Noah might include the following:

Nolan

Noam

Norton

Norwood

Noel

Noble

Norman

Norris

I think Nolan, Noel, Noble and Norris would be fabulous alternatives to the super popular and on the rise, Noah. Nolan has a bit of a "good 'ol boy" feel to it, which I liken to baseball legend Nolan Ryan. Noel is a great masculine name (said no-wul). A fabulous pick for a December baby. Noble is a virtue name that truly speaks of masculinity to me...seldom do virtue names appear masculine but Noble (and Valor) do. I think Noble might be a cute middle as well. Norris is a great well rounded name in the family of "surname turned given name" category. Such a category I am fully open to and embrace even, considering such names as Connor, Brandon, Whitney and Lesley are also common surnames turned given names. Norris reminds me a bit of Harris which I find a bit lacking, preferring Harrison. Norris however has a nice round feel to it, nothing is lacking, nothing is flat. I can definitely picture a little boy with big brown eyes named Norris (nicknamed Norr- *said noor*). For public opinion on the name Noah, please visit the link to the question in Yahoo!Answers where I asked about the name:

http://answers.yahoo.com/question/index?qid=20091202111414AACdG2u

Overall I find Noah common, over used and a bit predictable. I do find Noah to be extremely masculine however and I'm not totally opposed to the name if it were to be used as a middle. I do not like the "masculine boy name stealing for girls trend name" crowd, and actually find it quite a bit more annoying that usual for this particular name. I tend to prefer the alternatives for Noah as a given name rather than Noah itself, but I can (and do) appreciate the masculinity and history behind this well used name.

J. Kristen

Baby Name of the Day- Bryan

Today's name is Bryan.

BRYAN
Gender: Masculine
Usage: English
Pronounced: BRIE-ən [key]
Variant of BRIAN

BRIAN
Gender: Masculine
Usage: Irish, English, Ancient Irish
Pronounced: BRIE-ən (Irish, English) [key]
The meaning of this name is not known for certain but it is possibly related to the old Celtic element bre meaning "hill", or by extension "high, noble". It was borne by the semi-legendary Irish king Brian Boru, who thwarted Viking attempts to conquer Ireland in the 11th century. He was slain in the Battle of Clontarf, though his forces were decisively victorious. The name was common in Ireland before his time, and even more so afterwards. It came into use in England in the Middle Ages, introduced by Breton settlers. It subsequently became rare, but was revived in the 20th century.

The name Bryan is at the number 82 spot on the Social Security List for 2008. Bryan first appears on the SS list at number 812 in 1883. Bryan falls on and off the list over the next 11 yrs until 1894 when Bryan makes the number 740 spot and the following year making a huge jump in 1895 to the number359 spot followed in 1896 at the number 116 spot. Bryan yo-yoed over the next several decades until the 1920's where it finally steadied out and slowly rose in popularity from there. By 1959 Bryan was in the top 100 at the number 94 spot. In 1971 Bryan made it to the top 50 at the number 48 spot. Bryan peeked in 1977 at the number 42 spot, then slowly decreased in popularity until 2008 where it sits nicely at the number 82 spot.

The SS list, lists the name Brain at the number 87 spot for 2008. This spelling first appears on the SS list in 1925 at the number 872 spot. Brian gained in popularity very quickly and by the 1940s it was in the top 100. Brian peeked at the number 8 spot in 1970 and again at the number 8 spot from 1972 to 1977. By far more popular than the Bryan spelling of the same year 1977 at the number 42 spot. After 1977 Brian decreased in popularity steadily till the current rating in 2008 at the number 87 spot.

I personally prefer the traditional spelling of Brian. I don't mind the -y- spelling, but see it as a bit too trendy looking and too similar to Ryan. Brain/Bryan is a very nice strong and masculine name. It's a bit common, but i really do like it a lot.
I've known quite a view Brain's/Bryan's growing up and I cannot think of one that was cruel, or mean hearted; all were very good guys. I think Brian/Bryan might make a very nice middle name these days since it's first name appeal has somewhat faded. Brian/Bryan conjures up images of a hulking football player, a bit of a nerdy guy, a friendly outgoing young man, and a bad boy...all at the same time. This name is extremely versatile in that way. I think Brian would be wonderful for a little boy and ages quite well, while I think Bryan would make an okay name if you're more into the trendy spellings and looking for a more spunky look. Brian would be a great middle name as well, but I cannot say the same of the spelling Bryan for a middle. It's just too trendy.

First/Middles for Brian/Bryan that might appeal to people:

Brian James
Brian Walker
Brian Wyatt
Brian Thomas
Brian Austen
Brian Wayne
Brian Donovan
Brian Laurence
Brian Chase

Bryan Edward
Bryan Cody
Bryan Liam
Bryan Wesley
Bryan Carson
Bryan Lee

Robert Brian
Marcus Brian
Samuel Brian
Patrick Brian
Levi Brian
Anthony Brian

I really love the idea of Brian Cody (though I have it as Bryan Cody). I think something a bit more formal like Brian Laurence is wonderful. I do like Bryan Wesley a lot as well in the -y- spelling. Patrick Brian and Anthony Brian are very striking.

Alternatives for Bryan/Brian:

Byron
Bradley
Brady
Brice/Bryce
Brett
Brent
Bryant
Brycen/Bryson

I am very fond of the alternatives Byron, Bradley, Brent, and Bryant. Bryant and Bryce/Brice are the more literal alternatives for Brian/Bryan. I think Bradley and Byron are more of a stretch but they work none-the-less. I think if you like the feel and sound of Brian/Bryan but are concerned by it's popularity, then any of the alternatives would be great, as they have the same feel. For public opinion on the names Brian & Bryan visit this question I asked on Yahoo!Answers:

http://answers.yahoo.com/question/index?qid=20091129110617AA46jCb

Overall I think Brian is a wonderfully masculine name and though common it is still a very nice choice for first or middle. I think that Bryan is a good choice for trendier parents looking for something heard of, but still spunky looking and fun.

J. Kristen

What is the Most Over Used Name Poll Winner- Rose

Today's baby name is the poll winner. My Poll- What name is over used? Winner- Rose

ROSE
Gender: Feminine
Usage: English, French
Pronounced: ROZ [key]
Originally a Norman form of a Germanic name, which was composed of the elements hrod "fame" and heid "kind, sort, type". It was introduced to England by the Normans in the forms Roese or Rohese. From an early date it was associated with the word for the fragrant flower rose (derived from Latin rosa). When the name was revived in the 19th century, it was probably with the flower in mind.

The Social Security List, lists the name Rose at the number 344 spot. Rose first appears on the SS list in 1880 at the number 30 spot. The name wavered in popularity between the years 1880 and 1929, then slowly lost favor over the next 8 decades.

The name Rose was voted most over used not for it's first name status, but it's middle name status. Rose is as common place as Marie, Lynn, Renee, and Grace. It has become "filler" as a middle name. Almost predictably boring and uncreative, Rose has lost it's appeal for many as a middle name contender.
As a first name however the name Rose is fresh and under used. Its a vastly different view from first to middle with this name, which I personally find quite interesting indeed. Rose has been one of those long standing names that over time still hasn't lost it's loveliness, or it's appeal to young parents. I find the name wonderful as a first name and wish I saw it more often. I've had the pleasure of meeting a few Rose's in my life. One was 3 years old, strawberry blonde hair and big blue eyes. The other was 17 yrs old, brunette, green eyes and loves to smile, and the last was (at the time) 23 redheaded and light blue eyes, she was a happy, sweet woman and wonderful mother of one.
The name works well from childhood to adulthood. For public opinion on the name Rose as a first name and as a middle name see the link to the question I asked about it on Yahoo!Answers-
http://answers.yahoo.com/question/index?qid=20091125085923AAcLWDr

First/Middle name suggestions.

Rose Charlotte
Rose Corinne
Rose Estelle
Rose Miranda
Rose Christine
Rose Catherine
Rose Daphne

Melanie Rose
Jordana Rose
Melinda Rose
Sabrina Rose
Samantha Rose
Darcy Rose
Natalie Rose

I personally prefer Rose as a first name, though I can fully understand the appeal of Rose as a middle. It is a lovely name and flows with just about everything. Still...I don't like the over use as a middle name.

Alternatives for the name Rose

Rosemary
Rosalie
Rosamund
Rosa
Rosaleen
Roseanne
Roseanna
Rosemarie

Of the alternatives listed I really like Rosamund, Rosemarie, and Rosalie. Do to Twilight though Rosalie is a bit popular itself.

Overall I think the use of Rose as a first name is quite lovely and very well adaptable from childhood to adulthood. The use of Rose as a middle name is over used, and a bit uncreative. Rose in general though, is a very lovely name and has a very wide spread mass appeal. This name should be around for a long time to come, whether first or middle.

J. Kristen

Baby Name of the Day- Amelia

Today's name is Amelia.

AMELIA
Gender: Feminine
Usage: English, Spanish, Italian, Dutch, German, Ancient Germanic
Pronounced: ə-MEE-lee-ə (English), ə-MEEL-yə (English), ah-ME-lee-ah (German) [key]
Variant of AMALIA, though it is sometimes confused with EMILIA, which has a different origin. The name became popular in England after the German House of Hanover came to the British throne in the 18th century - it was borne by daughters of George II and George III. Another famous bearer was Amelia Earhart (1897-1937), the first woman to make a solo flight over the Atlantic Ocean.

The SS List, lists the name Amelia at the number 68 spot for 2008. Amelia first appeared on the SS list in 1880 at the number 96 spot. Amelia slowly lost popularity over the next 100 yrs, coming in at number 314 in 1980. After 1980 Amelia started to slowly gain popularity and by 2004 was in the top 100 at the number 96 spot. Amelia continues to rise in popularity till today at the number 68 spot.

I personally adore the name Amelia. It was at one time my favorite name for girls. Only recently sliding down to the number 2 position on my favorites list. Amelia is a very sweet feminine name. It has always brought to mind a sweet little girl, with bouncy curly hair and deep blue eyes. I also love the historical background of this name to Amelia Earhart. She was a strong woman who braved a world who was none too accepting in the advancement and equality of woman, yet her name is so soft and feminine. To me this is the epitome of womanhood. A strong woman need not have to have a "masculine" name to be considered an equal among men. Far too often I see little girls with masculine boys names, as if the parents are trying to make up for not having a son; or perhaps because to them giving them a masculine name some how makes them feel as if their child will be more of an equal among men. I find this truly sad, because a woman can have a beautiful feminine name and be strong.

There are many first/middles that I find nice with Amelia. The -a- on the end lends a very wide variety of names that would flow very well with Amelia. Names ending in -a- (in my opinion) are very easy to pair with harsher or blunter sounding names, perhaps ending in a -k- sound or an -r- sound.

First/Middle combos-
Amelia Claire
Amelia Joy
Amelia Corinne
Amelia Rebecca
Amelia Dawn
Amelia Jocelyn

Catherine Amelia
Louise Amelia
Jacqueline Amelia
Genevieve Amelia
Darcy Amelia
Verity Amelia

When it comes to first/middle combos a bit of thought does need to go into it, but Amelia is a fairly easy name to pair and it matches very well with a wide variety of names. For public opinion about this name click on the link to the question I asked on Yahoo!Answers:

http://answers.yahoo.com/question/index?qid=20091107185450AA6rphD

There are a few alternatives for Amelia that I truly do love, and some that I don't much care for. However, I will post all alternatives that I can find.

Alternatives:
Amelie
Amena
Amery
Emily
Emele
Emilia
Emilie

I do like Amelie and Emilia. I think they both have great potential and are very nice uncommon alternatives to Amelia. I don't think something overly unique like Amery or Amena would be doable as an alternative for Amelia, and to be honest I don't think they would be great names at any rate. They are a bit childish in pronunciation and awkward in spelling.

Overall I find the name Amelia one of the sweetest, loveliest, and well rounded feminine names. This name will grow very well from childhood to adulthood. The name is very powerfully feminine and I would suspect that Amelia will be a very nice strong feminine name for years to come.

J. Kristen

Baby Name of the Day- Declan

Today's name is Declan.

DECLAN
Gender: Masculine
Usage: Irish
Pronunciation: DECK-luhn
Anglicized form of Irish Deaglán, which is of unknown meaning (though there are theories). Saint Declan was a 5th-century missionary to Ireland.

The SS list, lists Declan in the number 347 spot for the year 2008. The name Declan first appeared on the SS list only a decade ago in 1998 at the number 710 spot. Declan has slowly risen over the last 10 years.

I personally love this name. On first glance it might be difficult to figure out how to pronounce this Irish name if one is unaccustomed to Irish names. I myself had no idea how to say this till I looked it up myself. Once I had established how to say Declan I let the name roll around in my mind for a while. I really started to warm up to this name over time and now it's probably one of my favorite Irish boy's names. Declan has a very interesting history. Declan came from the traditional Irish name Deaglan, from dag "good" and lan "full" suggesting "full of goodness." St. Declan was the founder of a monastery at Ardmore in County Waterford and may have preached in Ireland before the arrival of St. Patrick. Many miracles are attributed to a rock on the beach at Ardmore known as St. Declan's Stone. According to legend, on a trip back from Wales one of his disciples, Runanus, forgot Declan's sacred bell. But a prayer from Declan and, miraculously, the stone carried the bell over the waves back to Waterford.

Declan is a very nice uncommon name. I think it would be a great alternative D name to the more popular, David, Douglas and Dean; but it's not overly creative and/or "yoo-neek" such as Dekker, Draven, or Denim. Declan has a really nice traditional feel to it that I find really appealing to wide variety of name styles.It pairs well with most traditional, modern and even classic name style.

Middle/First name suggestions for Declan:

Declan James
Declan Connor
Declan Thomas
Declan Henry
Declan Eli
Declan Cale
Declan Bennett
Declan Brody

Joseph Declan
Cody Declan
William Declan
Jacob Declan
Nathan Declan
Benjamin Declan
Ryan Declan
Byron Declan

I really adore Joseph Declan, Declan Cody, Declan Thomas and oddly enough I even like Nathan Declan (I usually cannot stand the name Nathan). So this is one name that would even make the unattractive look nice. :)

Alternatives for Declan are many, but none have the same truly unique appeal. Declan is one of those names that people should be looking towards when wanting a unique name, but instead get caught up in the Jaydon/Kaylee etc crowd. There is unique and then there is "yoo-neek". Unique names are interesting and lovely, "Yoo-neek" names are ridiculous and childish. For public opinion of this name please click on the link below. I asked a question about Declan in Yahoo!Answers:
http://answers.yahoo.com/question/index?qid=20091105120012AACdqTU

Alternatives for Declan:

David
Decker
Deion
Deacon
Dean
Dayton
Dalton

As I stated before, I truly prefer Declan to it's alternatives. Though Deacon, David, and Dalton are quite nice. I find Declan much more original, and "stand-out-ish".

Overall I think Declan is a seriously masculine strong name. It has great potential and can even spruce up names that I usually consider bland, boring or filler. I think this name is an up-and-comer for the US. A strong established name in Ireland already, Declan is certainly a name that will stand the test of time through childhood into adulthood.

J. Kristen

What is the most overused name poll winner- Michael

Today's baby name is the poll winner. My poll- What name is overused. Winner- Michael.

MICHAEL
Gender: Masculine
Usage: English, German, Czech, Biblical, Biblical Latin
Pronounced: MIE-kəl (English), MI-khah-el (German) [key]
From the Hebrew name מִיכָאֵל (Mikha'el) meaning "who is like God?". This is a rhetorical question, implying no person is like God. Saint Michael was one of the seven archangels in Hebrew tradition and the only one identified as an archangel in the Bible. In the Book of Revelation in the New Testament he is portrayed as the leader of heaven's armies, and thus is considered the patron saint of soldiers.
The popularity of the saint led to the name being used by nine Byzantine emperors, including Michael VIII Palaeologus who restored the empire in the 13th century. It has been common in Western Europe since the Middle Ages, and in England since the 12th century. It has been borne (in various spellings) by rulers of Russia (spelled Михаил), Romania (Mihai), Poland (Michał), and Portugal (Miguel). Other more modern bearers of this name include the British chemist/physicist Michael Faraday (1791-1867) and basketball player Michael Jordan (1963-).

The SS list, lists Michael on the number 2 spot for 2008. Michael first appears on the SS list at the number 46 spot in 1880. Michael dropped in popularity just before the turn of the century but bounced back quickly during the 1900s and steadily gained favor. In just a matter of 10 yrs (between 1933 and 1943) Michael went from the number 53 spot in 1933 to the number 10 spot in 1943. Michael became the number 1 name from 1954-1959, and at it's longest stretch from 1961-1998. It's been at the number 2 spot since 1999 and is holding the spot firmly to this day.

For me personally, this is my least favorite boys name. I don't necessarily find the name awful sounding or looking, but it is very common. I think everyone knows a Michael, Mike, or Mikey or even a Mick. This name has been used so much that it is one of those that most anyone will have in their family tree. The continued usage of Michael I've concluded is due to two factors.
The first factor- Family Tradition. Many people who chose to use Michael do so because it's a family name. Either dad, grandpa or even great-grandpa carried this name (maybe even an uncle, cousin or brother). I myself have an Uncle Mike and a first cousin Michael. While well meaning as this may be, I'd rather use a less common name. For instance My Uncle Mike's full name is Michael Warren A. I would much rather use Warren as a way to honor him than Michael. My cousin Michael's full name is Michael Scott, and while Scott is also common it's not near as over used as Michael. Another alternative way to honor a "Michael" family member would be to use a variant, such as Micah or Michel.
The second factor- Lack of creativity. Michael is a default name. It's one of those names that truly "fits" any name on the planet. Everything from Michael Bronx to Kingston Michael to Thomas Michael and Michael Lee....it just goes with everything. I've seen some people using it as a middle name to 'tone down' a wild first name. I've seen some people use it as a middle name to buffer an awkward first name. I've seen it used as a filler name when nothing else could be thought of.

For the most part I've seen Michael used for family, but on occasion I've seen it used in a desperate subconscious attempt to normalize a trendy first name. By using the well known Michael some parents hope to make it "acceptable" to name their child things like Falcon, or Blaze, or Jaxon, or something equally "yoo-neek" in sound or spelling.
I have no misgivings about the legitimate strength of the name Michael. Michael the Archangel gives one a very powerful visual of the name Michael. Hair of spun gold, handsome face, broad shoulders and masculine features....ah yes, and those ivory colored wings of course. ;)
In all honesty Michael carries no such visual appeal for me personally. Michael's in my mind are tall, slightly rough looking, dark hair and olive complected; a bit cocky and very obstinate...a ladies man so-to-speak. That is just my impression and oddly enough has no resemblance to the relatives who carry said name; in fact, both are blonde, reserved, single, and somewhat attractive...not handsome, but pleasant. For public opinion on this name here is a question I asked about it on Yahoo!Answers-

http://answers.yahoo.com/question/index?qid=20091104120249AAhRYKR

I find the "middle/first" combo section of my review utterly pointless as Michael goes with anything really, but for the sake of doing this review properly I suppose I should put forth the effort. lol Some name suggestions I detest, but I wanted to put across my point that this name truly is a default.

First/Middle suggestions for Michael-

Michael Weston
Michael Bradley
Michael Hayden
Michael Sean
Michael Donovan
Michael Chase
Michael Rikker
Michael Brody
Michael Connor
Michael Jaydon
Michael Camden

Felix Michael
Aidan Michael
Henry Michael
Phoenix Michael
Bronx Michael
Thomas Michael
James Michael
Foxx Michael
Finley Michael
Rainier Michael
Warren Michael
Tennyson Michael

etc.

Alternatives for Michael (are much much nicer than Michael IMHO and should be considered more often and more seriously!)

Micah
Michel (French, pronounced Mee-shell)
Michon (mee-shawn)
Micaiah (muh-kye-uh)
Miguel
Mika (mee-kuh)
Mikhail
Mikko
Mitchell
Mitch
Marshall
(a stretch the last 3, but still)

The alternatives that I like the most are Micah and Mitchell. Micah is such a wonderfully under used name on boys, and I'd love to stop this trend with using it on girls. I find nothing about that name girly in the least. It's a darn shame how we are butchering our traditional boys names today into "tryndee" garbage for girls.

Overall I find the name Michael DOA in this day and age. I don't think it's an awful or socially awkward name, but it's boring non-the-less. I would highly recommend an alternative name or a different one all together. I would really love to see this name drop in popularity and other names like Marshall and Mitchell, even Micah and Mikhail take some of the brunt of the Michael over load. It's about time for a refreshing change to the SS leader board!

J. Kristen

Baby Name of the Day- Clara

Today's name is Clara

CLARA
Gender: Feminine
Usage: Italian, German, Spanish, Portuguese, Catalan, Romanian, English, Late Roman
Pronounced: KLAH-rah (Italian, German, Spanish), KLER-ə (English), KLAR-ə (English) [key]
Feminine form of the Late Latin name Clarus which meant "clear, bright, famous". The name Clarus was borne by a few early saints. The feminine form was popularized by the 13th-century Saint Clare of Assisi (called Chiara in Italian), a friend and follower of Saint Francis, who left her wealthy family to found the order of nuns known as the Poor Clares. As an English name it has been in use since the Middle Ages, originally in the form Clare, though the Latinate spelling Clara became more popular in the 19th century.

The SS list has the name Clara in the number 206 spot for 2008. Clara first appears on the list in 1880 at the number 12 spot. It gained popularity over the next 5 yrs, peeking out at it's top rank of number 7 in 1885. From then it slowly decreased in favor for many years. By 1978 it topped out at it's lowest rank at number 597. Clara started to regain favor in the 1990's and by 200 Clara was at the number 354 spot. It still is gaining popularity and I believe this name will come full circle in the next ten years and might even make it to the top 10 again.

I personally think the name Clara as wormed it's way into my favor. It's one of those names that one has to warm up to, mull over, rethink over and over a bit before finally settling on liking it or not. At first it honestly did remind me of a cow- Clarabelle. Lately though I've been seeing it recommended more and more on baby name forums and it has really come to be quite lovely to me. It has a young, yet vibrant feel to it. There is something very classic, yet edgy about it. It's also a lovely alternative to Claire, which is also a favorite of mine, but has risen in popularity a bit too much to my liking. I love those, classic, elegant heard of...but not over used type names.

Clara is one of those names that sounds absolutely adorable on a newborn baby, but at the same time sounds perfectly mature and grown up on an adult. It has a whimsical feel to it on a young child...at the same time as a sophisticated feel to it on professional adult.
Clara could be a kindergarten teacher, or a high power attorney. Clara could be a simple small town girl, or a big town socialite. It's so versatile and well rounded.
For public opinion about the name Clara, see the question I've asked on Y!As...click the link below:
http://answers.yahoo.com/question/index?qid=20091019222835AADCG1S&r=w

I have surprised myself yet again, as I can say without doubt, that Clara is one of my new favorites that I will be adding to my own "favs list", as soon as I find the perfect middle name. And speaking of perfect middles...and firsts. I can see a wide variety of names fitting nicely with Clara. I think I personally prefer something classic/traditional, rather than modern/trendy...but both could still work. Therefore I'll recommend some first/middle combos in both styles:

Clara Eleanor
Clara Iris
Clara Estelle
Clara Emmeline
Clara Noelle
Clara Everly
Clara Hailey
Clara Violet
Clara Fallon
Clara Raine
Daphne Clara
Elizabeth Clara
Lillian Clara
Natalie Clara
Everly Clara
Verity Clara
Helen Clara

I think a well chosen first or middle would have to be one w/out the "ah" ending so that it doesn't clash with the "ah" ending of Clara. Names with N endings or Y endings seem to work well. I think the more interesting combos like Clara Everly and Verity Clara are very strong and unique with out being too "tryndee".

Alternatives for Clara are vast, but these are some that I find lovely:

Clarice
Clarissa
Claudette
Claudia
Claire
Cara
Cora

I particularly love Clarice, Claire, Claudia and Cora. Wonderful under used names. I think any would make a great choice.

Overall I think Clara is a great name, whose favor is fast on the rise. I think it's a great well rounded name that would suit any little girl and age beautifully on her. It's a name that is timeless and classic and molds to just about any circumstance. Great names are versatile and this one takes the cake.

J. Kristen

What is the most overused name poll winner- Aiden

Today's Baby name is the poll winner. My poll- What name is overused. The winner- Aiden.

AIDEN
Gender: Masculine
Usage: English (Modern)
Pronounced: AY-dən [key]
Variant of AIDAN

AIDAN
Gender: Masculine
Usage: Irish, Scottish, English (Modern)
Pronounced: AY-dən [key]
Anglicized form of AODHÁN. In the latter part of the 20th century it became popular in America due to its sound, since it uses the same fashionable aden suffix sound found in such names as Braden and Jayden.

The SS list, lists Aiden at the number 16 spot for 2008. Aiden first appeared in 1995 at the number 935 spot. Aiden has steadily gained popularity ever since. Within the last 5 years Aiden has become the new "It" name among baby boys. It's peek is at the number 16 spot for 2008, and at the rate it's going it looks like Aiden will be moving up into the top ten very soon.

I personally think the popularity of this name will make it an easy contender for the top 5. I have met many little Aiden/Aaden/Aden/Ayden/Aidan's. The name is a very nice masculine one. It matches a wide variety of middles/firsts. It's one of those names which could be used with any name really. I think this is the main reason for it's appeal, the ease in which it is to pair it with a middle/first name. I think Aiden might be the new Michael.
I do fear that the popularity of this name will be it's ultimate demise. It will rise and rise, and then ultimately fade into "trend" name history. I do find that a shame because it really is a very fine sounding name. It's hard NOT to like Aiden, but the turn off for people lately is its very popularity. For public opinion of this name please click the link below to read a question I asked about it in Yahoo!Answers-
http://answers.yahoo.com/question/index?qid=20091012101539AAC4LlR

Middle/First names for Aiden are quite easy to come up with. The ease in which Aiden flows with just about any name makes it a tempting choice indeed. Some suggestions I would say for a middle/first name for Aiden-

Aiden Thomas
Aiden Mitchell
Aiden Lucas
Aiden Brennan
Aiden Blaine
Aiden Charles
Aiden Collin
James Aiden
Douglas Aiden
Keaton Aiden
Henry Aiden
Edward Aiden
Patrick Aiden
Christopher Aiden

Alternatives for Aiden are vast as well. Aiden has spurred a menagerie of "like-sound" names, such as: Jayden, Braden, Caiden, Zayden, etc. These would be obvious alternatives to Aiden. Some different alternatives might be-

Aden
Ayden
Aidan
Adam
Adrian
Afron
Aimon
Alan
Aldan
Alden
Aldon
Altan
Alton
Aaron
Arden
Aren
Auden

Some of these alternatives are more literal than others, but for the most part they have the same feel of "freshness" that Aiden had the first couple of years it gained popularity. Now it seems that Aiden has become too common place, and people are starting to branch out, searching for that next "It" name. These alternatives have that potiental. Some old classics that could come back into favor, and some little used classics that cold be nice to an audience of fresh ears.

Over all I tend to agree with the majority of voters here that Aiden is over used. Though My vote would have gone to the well over used name Michael, Aiden is an up and coming "once a nice name" contender. It's a shame too, because Aiden has such a lovely sound, and ease of speech. It also pairs nicely with a wide variety of first/middle names. I can see it's appeal, but it's continued over use is making it one of the most disappointing fast risers that's ever hit the top 20 list in a long while.

J. Kristen