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

Baby Name of the Day- Juliette

First I'd like to apologize for not posting a "Baby Name of the Day" for yesterday. My family and I went out of town to be at an Air Show event. We had a blast...and now on with my daily baby name review-

Today's name is Juliette.

JULIETTE
Gender: Feminine
Usage: French
Pronounced: zhoo-lee-ET [key]
French diminutive of JULIE

The SS list, lists the name Juliette at the number 549 spot. Juliette first appears on the SS list at number 606 in 1881. It decreased in popularity until 1892 then slowly rose in popularity until the 1910's. The name became less popular through to the 1970's but held on in the top 1000. After 1972 Juliette fell of the top 1000 for years, and didn't make a return until 1995 when it held the 962 spot. It has slowly but steadily risen in popularity since. It's still a very uncommon name at the number 549 spot, but might increase in popularity due to current name trends.

I personally prefer the Anglicized form of Juliette; Juliet, this spelling was first used by Shakespeare for the lover of Romeo in his play 'Romeo and Juliet' (1596). Juliette has a softer younger feel to it than Juliet. It has become quite a popular suggestion for people to throw out on baby name forums. I can definitely see it's appeal. Juliette has a soft yet modern look to it, but sounds the same as the well known classic version of Juliet. I was very surprised to learn that Juliette is a diminutive name for Julie, and not the proper name to the diminutive sounding Julie.
I think Juliette is a lovely name that suits very well any little girl. It is strong, yet sweet and soft. It's familiar yet not overused and boring. The name is very whimsical and flowing to me. It reminds me of a princess in a fairy tale, a very girly name indeed.

First/Middle names for Juliette I think would need to be either short and sweet or a bit stronger than the more gentle feel of Juliette. Names I would suggest:

Juliette Claire
Juliette Estelle
Juliette Corinne
Juliette Catherine
Juliette Hope
Elise Juliette
Elizabeth Juliette
Christine Juliette
Melody Juliette
Meredith Juliette
Lydia Juliette

The flow is important here. The -et- ending on the name Juliette can be tricky to pair with a strong feminine name with out falling into a default name (as a middle) such as Marie, Rose, Ann, or Lynn. All traditional middle names, and yet boring and uncreative at the same time. It takes a bit more time and consideration to pair a good strong name when using Juliette than say a more commonly used name like Emily or Abigail.

Alternatives for Juliette might be:

Juliet (obviously)
Judith
Judy
June
Julia
Julie
Juliana
Julianne
Julissa
Juniper

I tend to find Judith a nice strong name, but maybe a bit dated. Julianne is a very pretty name that is also underused and would probably be a bit easier and flexible to find a first/middle pair. Julissa is one I don't hear much and has a younger sound to it. Juniper is very unique but not so different as to be trendy. Which ever your choice may be I think these similar names; and Juliette it self, would be a lovely choice in a world full of Emma's, Emily's and Madison's. For public opinion of the name Juliette click on the link to a question I asked in Yahoo!Answers-

http://answers.yahoo.com/question/index?qid=20091011154437AA5Uttn

Overall I think Juliette is a nice choice that will stand the test of time. I find the name whimsical yet not too young, as it will age beautifully into adulthood. The common nickname Julie is also one that works well in the adult world as well as on a young girl. I actually have become a bit more fond of the name Juliette just doing this review, which is a rare thing indeed. :)

J. Kristen

Baby Name of the Day- Reagan

Today's name is Reagan.

REAGAN
Gender: Feminine & Masculine
Usage: English, Irish
Pronounced: RAY-gən [key]
From an Irish surname, an Anglicized form of Ó Ríagáin meaning "descendent of Riagán". The name Riagán possibly means "impulsive". This surname was borne by American president Ronald Reagan (1911-2004).

The SS lists Reagan at the number 141 for 2008 for a girl. The name first appeared on the SS list in the year 1975 for girls at the number 947 spot. The following year in 1976 it dropped of the top 1000 completely only to show up yet again the next year in 1977 at the number 952 spot. Reagan fell off and on the list until 1981. It stayed off the list from 1981 to 1992, the following year in 1993 it showed up at the number 950 and made a huge leap to the number 704 spot in 1994 and again in 1995 at the number 575 spot. It's popularity increased very quickly the last part of the 90s. It peeked out at the number 138 spot in 2005. Reagan holds a strong spot at number 141 for girls.

The SS lists Reagan at the number 972 for 2008. The name first appeared on the SS list in the year 1996 at the number 931 spot. It has had a short run on the list, slowly gaining popularity and peeking out in the year 2004 at the number 595 spot, then slowly falling back down the list to rest at number 972 for boys.

I personally do not see the appeal for this name on a girl. For me it is neither feminine or remotely pretty. I see this as a very masculine name. On a girl it seems awkward and unfitting. On a boy Reagan is strong and well rounded. The popularity for this name on girls I believe started with the movie The Exorcist. The possessed girl, played by Linda Blair, was named Regan. The popularity wavered and then bounced back soon after Ronald Reagan took office as President of the United States.
There are a few alternate spellings for Reagan in the feminine form- Regan, Reagan, Raegan and even Rhegan. For me the most feminine spelling would be Raegan, but pronounced ree-gan not ray-gan. For a boy I prefer the spelling Regan or Ragan.

I don't find this name horrible as a whole, just very masculine. It's hard for me to find a name that fits with Reagan in a feminine sense, while matching masculine names with Reagan is not a problem for me at all. I asked a question on Yahoo!Answers. I wanted to know what people thought of the name Reagan for a girl. Here is what people thought-
http://answers.yahoo.com/question/index?qid=20091009032044AAWz640

First/Middle names for Reagan I think would have to fall into either the extreme feminine or the extreme masculine to help determine which gender this name is on. To use another possible unisex name would invite unwanted questions for your little one for the rest of their lives. I certainly wouldn't recommend using names such as Jamie or Taylor. For me it goes a step further even. With the rise in names being used on girls that for the most part are boys names you'd probably want to stay away from names like Riley, Evan, Kyle, Blake, Avery, Aubrey, and Mackenzie just to name a few popular "stolen boys names now turned girl names".
Some first/middle suggestions for boy and girls would be-

Girls:
Reagan Elise
Reagan Ciara
Reagan Louise
Reagan Kate
Reagan Dawn
Natalie Reagan
Lydia Reagan
Amelia Reagan
Eleanor Reagan

Boys:
Reagan James
Reagan Thomas
Reagan Donovan
Reagan Henry
Reagan Brody
Wesley Reagan
Lucas Reagan
Matthew Reagan
Eric Reagan

Alternatives for this name, obviously first and foremost would be the alternate spellings. Other alternatives for Reagan could be-

girls-
Reegan
Regina
Rehan

some a bit different but similar-
Meagan
Teagan

boy-
Reegan
Reginald
some a bit different but similar-
Fagan
Sagan

Overall I find the name Reagan a nice choice for boys, but one that is not quite feminine enough to sway me to consider this for a girl. I fear in time it will go the way of Brandy, Gerri, and Billie which sound like poor hick names. Reagan on a boy does sound very masculine, but it's over popularity on girls over shadows it's appeal with most people. Which I find a shame. This is one of those names that should have never been touched by feminine use.

J. Kristen

Baby Name Day Off

I am taking today off. I will resume my baby name reviews tomorrow with a new girl's name. Thank you for browsing my site, and don't forget to vote on -The Most Over Used- Poll...the winner of the polls will be reviewed in a blog. :)

J. Kristen

Family Name Review Day- Ronald

*Photo courtesy of my dad, Ronald Shaw*

Today's family name review will be on my dad's name, Ronald.

RONALD
Gender: Masculine
Usage: Scottish, English
Pronounced: RAHN-əld [key]
Scottish form of RAGNVALDR, a name introduced to Scotland by Scandinavian settlers and invaders. It became popular outside Scotland during the 20th century. A famous bearer was American actor and president Ronald Reagan (1911-2004).

The ss lists Ronald at the number 308 spot for 2008. Ronald first appeared on the top 1000 list at number 868 in 1883. The name's popularity rose quickly over the next 20 yrs and by 1908 it was at the number 247 spot. It's peek was in 1941-1943 at the number 9 spot. This was most likely due to the actor, ( and Future US President) Ronald Reagan. From 1950 to 1958; during the time frame my father was born, Ronald was in the top twenty. It slowly lost popularity after 1959 and rests at the 308 spot today.

I love this name. It's Scottish and I'm a huge fan of Scottish and Irish names. For the meaning one had to look up the Scandinavian name that Ronald was derived from; Ragnvaldr which means "counsel, advice" and "ruler". When I think of this meaning and my dad I smile. It's dead on with who my dad is.

I have met a few Ronald's but not many and I think that's a plus when you are looking for a name that most people know, but not too many have. Ronald is a strong masculine name, no stealing for fad girly naming here. Most people who dislike this name make two comments, 1. "It reminds me of Reagan" or 2. "It reminds me of Ronald McDonald". I can understand if you are not a fan of Reagan then Ronald might not be something you'd entertain, but the "McDonald" excuse is just immature really. Sure I'm biased to this name, but it's not a horrible name.

Middles or Firsts for Ronald are not too hard to come up with. Ronald has a nice round feel to it and goes with many many names. some I would consider (or have chosen myself)-

Ronald Gavin
Ronald Garrett
Ronald Thomas
Ronald Marcus
Ronald James
Ronald Connor
Ronald Dean
Ronald Wyatt
Hayden Ronald (what I named my youngest child actually)
Patrick Ronald
Lucas Ronald
Aaron Ronald
Eric Ronald
Benjamin Ronald
Nathan Ronald

I think Ronald makes a great first or middle name. My favorite combo with Ronald as a first name is a middle name that starts with a G. Could be my bias speaking again since my dad's middle name starts with a G, but it does sound nice. I think with Ronald as a middle name a softer ending on a first name is best, usually with an N ending or an S ending such as Lucas or Benjamin.

Alternatives for Ronald might be-
Ronaldo
Reynold
Randall
Roden
Ronan
Rondell
Ronnie
Ron
Ronwen

Some alternatives are obvious, others are a bit more whimsical but I don't think any are too far from the original Ronald to not be a true tribute name. Ronan seems to be one that stands out for me. Said row-nan, it's a very interesting alternative and sounds a bit more modern than the classic sounding Ronald. Ronnie is usually considered a nickname for Ronald so I cannot see this as a proper name, but I do have a soft spot for it because it is in fact, my dad's nickname amongst family, and Ron is his nickname professionally.

Overall I think Ronald's is a well known but under used name. It's masculine and well rounded. Ronald would make a nice first or middle name and flows really well with names that end in N or S. This name is great for a baby and due to it's nicknames (Ronnie and Ron) it is easy to transition from childhood to adulthood with this name. I would like to hear it more often as I find Scottish names very strong and whimsical in a way. A great choice if you're looking for an under used yet very heard of name.

J. Kristen

Baby Name of the Day- Austin

Today's baby name is Austin.

AUSTIN
Gender: Masculine
Usage: English
Pronounced: AWS-tin [key]
Medieval contracted form of AUGUSTINE (1). Modern use of the name is probably also partly inspired by the common surname Austin, which is of the same origin. This is also the name of the capital city in Texas.

The SS lists this name at the number 55 spot for 2008. The name Austin first appears on the SS list at the number 220 spot in 1880. It kept a pretty steady spot in the 200s and 300s until the 60's-70's when it dropped into the 400s and 500s. Slowly after 1972 Austin started to gain popularity again and by 1982 it was at the number 156 spot. Austin entered the top 100 in 1986 at the number 90 spot, and jumped to number 10 in just 9 short years. Austin's peek was in 1996 and 1997 at the number 9 spot for both years. After 1999 the name has slowly lost popularity and now rests at a nice spot at number 55.

I personally love this name. It's one of the few "place names" that I enjoy hearing. There is a certain roughness about it, something that is very manly and chiseled sounding. In my imagination (purely my own silliness of course, lol) I picture a well formed roughneck, dirty and tired from working on the rig. A pair of piercing blue eyes, brown hair, square jaw, nice smile and a slight dimple. A total "Texan", but NOT a cowboy. Just someone really manly and handsome. This could of course be caused by the fact that I was born and raised in Texas, and this is one of the many "good 'ol boy" names used in West Texas were I grew up. There is a collection of names in this area of Texas in which has that rough, hard working, manly feel to them, and Austin is in this category.

I personally enjoy the name Austen (with an e) better, but my love of this name isn't for the rough nature and hometown ties, it's because of Jane Austen the author. I separate the names Austin and Austen as two totally different 'feels'. Austin is rough and manly while Austen is handsome and elegant. Austin is steak and potatoes and Austen is veal and caviar. Also Austin is the state capital of Texas (yes, not San Antonio or Dallas like most Yankees think. *wink*), so i do prefer the Austen spelling as not to seem too corny...I love Texas and I am a proud Texan, but I'm not naming my kids Austin, Dallas, Houston or Antonio; but Austen is great. lol

Middle and First names for Austin-

Austin James
Austin Christopher
Austin Lucas
Austin Brody
Austin Edmund
Vincent Austin
William Austin
Douglas Austin
Kyle Austin

I think Austin is a fairly hard name to pair, but it's not too difficult. Finding the right flow and rhythm is what is the hardest. I think it would be a better first name than middle, though I do like the flow of it with a longer surname when it's used as a middle.

Alternatives for Austin-

Obviously my favorite Austen.
Aubrey (yes, this is masculine but ill leave it for another blog)
Aubren
Auden
Audi
August
Augustus
Augustin
Auren

Many of these alternatives are quite nice. I love Aubrey, but it's over use on girls (dag-nabbit!) turns me off too much. Aubren is a great one, has the feel of both Austin and Aubrey and is very masculine in look and sound. The traditional August and Augustus are great, but may only appeal to certain crowds. Auren and Auden a classic alternative with a modern feel. I think both of those would appeal to a very wide crowd of parents. Any of these names would make a great choice IMHO. For public opinion of this name visit the link listed below-
http://answers.yahoo.com/question/index?qid=20091003191955AAYChOo

Over all I find Austin very appealing and quite uncommon, though heard of. It has a very masculine quality to it that is very nice, and yet spelled slightly different it can have a real regal look. The name fits great with a well chosen middle or first name and balanced surname. The alternatives are great and vast. I really think this is one of those fast risen and fast fallen names that should have stuck around on the top 10 for just a tad longer. It's sparkle has not faded yet.

J. Kristen

What is the most overused name poll winner- Madison

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

MADISON
Gender: Feminine & Masculine
Usage: English
Pronounced: MAD-i-sən [key]
From an English surname meaning "son of MAUD". It was not commonly used as a feminine name until after the movie 'Splash' (1984), in which the main character adopted it as her name after seeing a street sign for Madison Avenue in New York City. A famous bearer of the surname was James Madison (1751-1836), one of the authors of the American constitution who later served as president.

The Social Security Lists this name at the number 4 spot for 2008 for a girl. Madison appeared at number 857 in 2004 for a boy but has since dropped off the list completely for boys. For a girl the name Madison first appears on the SS list at number 628 in 1985. For a boy Madison first appears on the SS list at number 370 in 1880. Clearly marking this name as a "boy name turned girl" fad. Madison for a girl gained in popularity after the release of the movie "Splash" in 1984 and rose as the years went on. It's peek was at the number 2 spot in 2001 and 2002. For a boy Madison has had a very slow but steady decline in popularity since it first appeared on the list, yo-yoing from one extreme to the other; at number 847 in 1990, then at number 626 in 1995 and then at number 875 in 1999.

I personally take the minority view of this name and find it to be very masculine. The very meaning of the name being -son of- just oozes masculinity and not femininity at all. I do, however, see the appeal of the name for girls. Maddy/Maddie is a very feminine nickname and I hear that more often than not as a nickname for this given name when applied to girls. Matty is a common nickname I have seen on boys named Madison and it fits perfectly, IMHO. I certainly would not suggest or consider this name for a child of mine of either gender. For one, it's overly popular on girls; sitting at the number 4 spot any boy named this would probably not appreciate the original meaning. Another thing is it's a bit tired. As an overused name, one tends to get sick of hearing it, cute though it may be.

After a certain point a name just loses it's sparkle, and Madison's sparkle faded out long ago. I suppose if one lived anywhere outside of the US it might be a nice name to consider, but I would like to hear it more on boys than girls. I'd hate to see the over use fad be drug on in another country. That would turn me off to this name forever I think.

Middle names for Madison are vast, since it goes with almost anything. It would more than likely also make a really nice middle name. I will now be forced to do something in which I will loathe (pardon me please while i grit my teeth and...in Monty Python style- "GET ON WITH IT!"). I will have to come up with first/middle name suggestions for Madison for both boys & girls. So here goes:

Girls:
The inevitable and predictable-
Madison Rose
Madison Grace
Madison Emma
Madison Emily
Madison Ann
Madison Leigh
Rose Madison
Emily Madison

The less foreseeable (and even workable..ehh maybe)-
Madison Adelaide
Madison Cordelia
Madison Julia
Madison Caroline
Madison Catherine
Bethany Madison
Brooke Madison
Amber Madison


Honestly I just couldn't bring myself to name a girl Madison, be it first or middle. The ultra feminine names just do not mesh well with the masculine Madison. For me that would be like trying to pair a feminine name like Elise with a masculine name like Henry.

boy-
Madison Henry
Madison Garrett
Madison Thomas
Madison Gabriel
Madison Walker
Nathaniel Madison
Aaron Madison
Lucas Madison
Robert Madison
Jonathan Madison

This is a breath of fresh air for me. Pairing these names together was simple and fun for me. I really and truly love the masculine quality of this name. Though I'd never use it for my own son because of it's over popularity on girls....it's a name I wish I wanted to use. I think I'd sooner use Morgan than Madison, but that's another blog.

You can read public opinion about the name Madison at this link from Yahoo!Answers where i've asked a question about it.

http://answers.yahoo.com/question/index;_ylt=AtTUS_LLkYVa03mdnB_HbuTsy6IX;_ylv=3?qid=20091002160819AAW6cxC

I really do like the appeal of this name for a boy, but it's over popularity on girls is a huge turn off. It doesn't help that Madison also sits on the SS list at number 4. I think for a boy it would be best as a middle name. I'm not fully opposed to having a once mostly used boy-name-turned-girl name on a boy, I actually knew and like the names Courtney, Jody, Carey, Kelly, and Ashley for boys...I just haven't come that far with Madison yet because of the number 4 standing in popularity. Maybe once this name decreases in popularity I will feel differently. Overall it's a classic masculine name that I think could make a come-back for boys in future when the appeal on girls wears out.

J. Kristen

Baby Name of the Day- Troy

Today's name is Troy.

TROY
Gender: Masculine
Usage: English
Pronounced: TROI [key]
From a surname that originally denoted a person from the city of Troyes in France. This was also the name of the ancient city that was besieged by the Greeks in Homer's 'Iliad'.

The SS lists Troy at the number 231 spot for 2008. The name Troy first shows up on the list in 1880 at the number 742 spot. The following year it dropped to the number 859 spot in 1881 but had a dramatic rise in popularity the following year in 1882 at the number 467 spot. From there it's popularity slowly rose over the next hundred years and by 1982 was sitting at the 115 spot. Troy's peek in popularity was in the 60's and 70's when the name held spots from number 67 in 1962, number 40 in 1967 and 1968, number 69 in 1975 and finally lost favor in 1979 at the number 99 spot, after which Troy lost it's place in the top 100. It's popularity has decreased steadily ever since and now resides at the number 231 spot for 2008. A nice spot really.

I personally do not care for the name at all. To me it definitely screams "70's action movie star". I have known a few Troy's growing up..all babies from the 70's during it's most popular peek. The name does have a certain appeal being a reference to Homer's Iliad. However it's abrasive, short sound dates the name terribly I'm afraid. I honestly cannot recommend a name that I truly think has seen it's 'glitter' and has now faded. However, perhaps as a family name tribute I could see my way around the dated "fad" sound of the name. Troy was to the 70s as Aiden is to the 2000's, a "trend" name. I don't much care for trend names, but they have their time in the spotlight and certainly before they became so very popular they were unique and fresh.

Middle names for Troy in my opinion need to be carefully considered. Troy is a very abrupt, abrasive sounding name that something a bit more well rounded is needed in order to balance out the flow. Also taking into consideration the flow of ones surname is important. Someone named Troy Robinson sounds well rounded and full, rather than say someone named Troy Flint which is very abrupt and choppy. You'd have to have a spectacular middle name in the there to win me over with that first/surname combo. So if you have a short surname I'd recommend a decent flowing middle. If you have a long surname I'd recommend a full but short 2 syllable middle name.

For instance-
Troy Deveraux- middle suggestions- Patrick, Clinton, Marcus, Dylan
Troy Smith- middle suggestions- Alexander, Timothy, Christopher, Donovan

Taking ALL names into account pairing Troy will be no problem. I do recommend a name that flows well and is evenly balanced, otherwise Troy just sounds and old and dated as it truly is. Taking the length, middle and surname into account will help you bring a fresher sound to an old classic name. If you would like to see public opinion about Troy click on the link to this question I asked on Yahoo!Answers about it-

http://answers.yahoo.com/question/index;_ylt=Avnx2Xok2F1vUG0xiNc8ggfsy6IX;_ylv=3?qid=20091001083159AA5bHTu

Overall I think Troy is workable if one is prepared to really work with and mull over good middles that flow well from start to finish, otherwise you'll end up with a choppy odd sounding mess. I personally wouldn't use the name Troy because I find it too short and abrasive sounding in general, but if this name was to honor family in some way; or you're just a huge Homer fan, I can understand the significance. An -iffy name with some potential.

J. Kristen