Rare Baby Girl Name Poll Winner- Adelaide

The winner of the Rare Baby Girl Name Poll is Adelaide.


ADELAIDE
Gender: Feminine

Usage: English, Italian

Pronounced: AD-ə-layd (English)

From the French form of the Germanic name Adalheidis, which was composed of the elements adal "noble" and heid "kind, sort, type". It was borne in the 10th century by Saint Adelaide, the wife of the Holy Roman Emperor Otto the Great. The name became common in Britain in the 19th century due to the popularity of the German-born wife of King William IV, for whom the city of Adelaide in Australia was named in 1836.

Adelaide first appears on the Social Security list in 1880 at the number 186 spot. Adelaide slowly decreased in popularity into the first half of the 20th century. In 1946 Adelaide dropped off the top 1000 list completely, but showed up again the following year in 1947 at the number 987 spot and again in 1948 at the number 949 spot before disappearing from the list again in 1949. From 1949 to 2004 Adelaide remained off the top 1000 list. In 2005 Adelaide reappears at the number 901 spot, and then decreased in popularity again in 2006 at the number 924 spot. The popular 'older name' fad has helped Adelaide out since 2007, jumping to the number 713 spot and in 2008 moving up further to the number 552 spot. Adelaide has rested in at the halfway mark in the latest updates from the SS list at the number 567 spot for 2009.

I myself was hoping for a bigger jump in Adelaide's popularity, but it might pick up again. More and more I see older names being used these days. I think parents are looking for something different, rare, unique..and yet familiar and classic. A good trend if you ask me. Sure Adelaide isn't as popular as the fan favorite Emma, Abigail, or Isabella, but it has the same classic feel and sound. Addie seems to be a favorite nickname among baby name forums I frequent. It's a cute twist on the more popular Abbie/Abby. And that is what parents are looking for, cute, familiar...but different.

I think Adelaide is a wonderful name with great personality, style and femininity with out being cutesy or goofy. The spelling is unique enough to please the trendier set, yet classic enough to make the 'old school name lovers' very happy. I don't see this name becoming overly popular unless, of course, we have some other sort of die hard "twi-ish" book/movie/etc come out in the next 5 years with a female character/lead whose name happens to *be* Adelaide. Cult like movies/books seem to happen each decade, so maybe in 2020 Adelaide will be the next Isabella...who knows.

Adelaide's nickname possibilities do not stop at Addie alone. If Addie is just not your cup of tea, or too close to the more popular Abbie/Abby, other nicknames include:
Dell
Dela/Della
Lainey
Elle
Ellie
Ella
Adele/Adelle
and even Ida

First/Middles for the name Adelaide for me will be an absolute joy to come up with. Since I find the name Adelaide so fun, refreshing, and adorable I have tons of ideas jumping through my head. Paired w/a modern name, a classic one, a romantic one....they all sound fairly great. I think a 2 syllable middle sounds best, but honestly it's the flow of the total package that makes the name, whether it's 1 syllable or 6, 7, 8..etc.

First/Middle name suggestions for Adelaide might be:

Adelaide Constance
Adelaide Joy
Adelaide Elise
Adelaide Claire
Adelaide Rosalie
Adelaide Fleur
Adelaide Catherine
Adelaide Celeste
Adelaide Liliana

Lucille Adelaide
Carmen Adelaide
Delphine Adelaide
Beatrice Adelaide
Bethany Adelaide
Gillian Adelaide
Romona Adelaide
Gwendolen Adelaide
Willow Adelaide

Alternatives for the name Adelaide might be something like:
Adele/Adelle
Adeline
Adalina
Adelphine
Adrienne
Adrianna
Audrey
Auden

Of the alternatives listed I really love Adele, Adeline, Adrienne, and Auden. All are equally 'rare' names and would be darling. The more extreme rare: Adelphine has it's own charm as well. For public opinion on the name Adelaide please visit the question I've asked about it on Y!A

Overall I find the name Adelaide a very sweet, classic, romantic, darling name. It's rarity is half it's charm. I think many first/middle combos would work here, esp. if you're trying to come up with an elegant feminine name for your little one.

J. Kristen

Baby Name- Ruby

Baby Name- Ruby.


RUBY
Gender: Feminine

Usage: English

Pronounced: ROO-bee [key]

Simply means "ruby" from the name of the precious stone (which ultimately derives from Latin ruber "red"), which is the birthstone of July. It came into use as a given name in the 19th century.

On the SS list Ruby first appears in 1880 at the number 149 spot. Ruby made the top 100 list in 1888 at the number 94 spot and made the top 50 in 1901 at the number 49 spot. Ruby's top ranking spot was at number 22 in 1911, then Ruby made a steady decline over the next two decades. In 1946 Ruby fell from the top 100 list at the number 105 spot. Ruby stayed w/in the top 500 names for the next several decades, and has recently had a boost in popularity. In 2009 Ruby sits at the number 108 spot, and I suspect that it will continue to rise in popularity.

Personally I have to be honest. I've had my ups and downs with this name. I used to really not care for Ruby, but have since come to like it quite a bit. I still think it's a 'go to' cutesy name, but it's one of the better ones. I think it will become a bit more popular over the next 2-4 years then fade out in popularity again, but will remain a steady name on the top 1000.

Middle/First name suggestions for Ruby might be:
Ruby Elise
Ruby Catherine
Ruby Charlotte
Ruby Estelle
Ruby Corinne
Ruby Paige

Madeleine Ruby
Evelyn Ruby
Vivienne Ruby
Claire Ruby
Alexandra Ruby
Caitlin Ruby
Sienna Ruby

Alternatives for the name Ruby might be something like:
Rue
Rowena
Rudy
Ruth
Rowanne

Of the alternatives I really love Ruth and Rowanne. Both would be a bit more rare than Ruby, but have the same stylish feel to them. For public opinion on the name Ruby please visit the question I've asked about it on Y!A

Overall I think Ruby is a very nice name, solid, feminine, and will be a popular favorite for many years to come.

J. Kristen

Baby Name of the Day Poll Winner- Ronan

Oh my! It's been a long time since I've done one of these. Do forgive me! It was a crazy summer filled with kids, vacations, and of course the homecoming of my husband who was overseas for 8 months. Now that things have settled down I think I will be doing several of these blogs today. I've been in a blog mood. :) First up, the Rare boy name poll winner (also please vote on the new poll- Rare Girls names).

Favorite Rare Boy Name Poll Winner- Ronan.

RÓNÁN
Gender: Masculine

Usage: Irish

Pronounced: RON-awn [key]

Means "little seal", derived from Irish rón "seal" combined with a diminutive suffix.

Ronan first appears on the Social Security's list in 2001 at the number 861 spot. Though this name is very old in Ireland it's quite a new and unique name to the US. Ronan has slowly, but steadily, moved it's way up the list in the last 8 yrs. As of 2009 (the latest list of names to be released by the SS offices), Ronan sits at the number 566 spot. I expect Ronan to gain popularity over time, as I've seen it being suggested more and more on baby name forums and blogs.

I personally find this name refreshing, new, inventive, yet with a solid foundation in history and tradition. I do have a heavy bias for Irish names, but Ronan truly is a nice name. It's strong, masculine, has substance, and will age well on a boy into adulthood. Pronounced as RON-awn overseas, the US pronunciation tends to be ROW-nan. Both are nice, but being American I do prefer the US pronunciation. I find Ronan to be very similar in sound and feel to Roman (another favorite of mine) and equally as rare and unique. Ronan is a unique name in the sense that it's not some tacky, trendy, cr8tvly spelled monstrosity that I've been witnessing lately.

I think that parents looking for a trendy or unique name could even appreciate the qualities that Ronan has to offer as a name for their sons. There is a very mature and "cool factor" to the sound. Having deep Irish roots this name has true substance and will not be another flash in the pan trend name. I believe, truly, that this name will hold up for years and years, and will continue to become more popular. I can only hope though that Ronan doesn't become the new Aidan (commonly spelled Aiden and Ayden, or even Aaden). Nothing would break my heart more than to have it become a trendy mess as the fabulous Aidan has become.

Ronan brings to mind a dark haired (or soft brown haired) little boy w/long dark lashes over beautiful hazel or deep brown eyes. I can see a very likable yet 'tough' boy w/this name. A really masculine boy, athletic, tough, spunky, and fun. This name will age brilliantly and I can imagine an adult man w/this name to be extremely handsome, brave, confident and almost mysteriously alluring.

Ronan has some great first/middle name possibilities. It's such a great well rounded name that anything you pair with it should only enhance it's handsomeness. I think many styles would suit this name, be them modern, traditional, unusual, or even bizarrely trendy (not that I'd like the last suggestion much). Some ideas for first/middles might be:

Ronan Wyatt

Ronan Paul

Ronan Thomas

Ronan Wesley

Ronan Tucker

Ronan Pierce

Ronan Jackson

Ronan Bennett

Ronan Scott

Ronan Keith

Everett Ronan

Elliott Ronan

Jacob Ronan

Anthony Ronan

Caleb Ronan

David Ronan

Blaine Ronan

Marcus Ronan

Silas Ronan

Lucas Ronan

Alternatives for Ronan are many. R boy names seem to be very strong in nature as a given. Some great alternatives are:

Roman
Robin
Ronald
Ronnie
Rollin
Rowan
Ruhan
Rudy

Of the alternatives listed I really love the sound of Roman, Ronald, Rowan, and Ruhan (which sort of reminds me of Cohen). For public opinion on the name Ronan, please visit the question I've asked about it on Y!A

Overall I think Ronan is a very masculine, very handsome name that is a rarity these days in the US. I think it will be a great addition to any baby name lovers list of favorites, or to expecting parents list of possible names for their little boy. It's masculine, handsome, strong and unique in a very good way.

J. Kristen

Baby Name of the Day- Siobhan

Continuing the baby name of the day marathon (lol), the next baby name is Siobhan.


SIOBHAN
Gender: Feminine
Usage: Irish
Pronounced: shi-VAWN

Irish form of Jehanne, a Norman French variant of JEANNE.

Siobhan is another Irish form of Joan meaning "God is gracious." A popular name in Ireland where the anglicised versions are often used. Siobhan McKenna, an Irish actress who died in 1986, was considered by many as a woman who personified all that was good about being Irish.

Siobhan first appears on the SS list in 1979 at the number 629 spot. It lost favor over the next decade and in 1987 was at the number 911 spot. After 1987 Siobhan fell off the list and has never returned. Siobhan only enjoyed nine years in the top 1000.

I personally have loved the name Siobhan for years. Said shi-VAWN, the name is more popularly used in the US when spelled Chevonne. I prefer the traditional Irish spelling myself. It has character, origin, charm and grace. The Gaelic language is fabulously rich and full. A very round delightfully musical language.
Siobhan is a fabulously beautiful rare name. It's elegant and sweet. The name is quite uncommon in the US, but very popular in Ireland. Siobhan has been a favorite of mine for a very long time, and though most people I've shared this name with give me a strange double take (esp when they see the spelling), I find it a very refreshing change from all the Emma's, and Isabella's, and lord knows what else. I think parents seeking a rare and unique name would do well to look to traditional Irish names for something different. None of those misspelled trendy names- Ahliveeah is still Olivia, even if you spell it jacked up, and there is nothing unique about a common name misspelled to the point of ridiculousness.

Siobhan conjures images of emerald green fields, and castles by dark lochs. Cliche of me? Perhaps, but it's a romantic image that I adore. So I will hold true my picture of the romantic Siobhan.

First/Middle names for Siobhan I find can be from any origin and style. Everything from the common to the elaborate seem to flow well w/this name. Some examples of First/Middles for Siobhan might be:

Siobhan Corinne
Siobhan Kelsey
Siobhan Emmeline
Siobhan Eve
Siobhan Sarah
Siobhan Madeleine
Siobhan Clara
Siobhan Lola
Siobhan Anastasia

Leila Siobhan
Marissa Siobhan
Rose Siobhan
Natalie Siobhan
Lydia Siobhan
Elise Siobhan
Cora Siobhan
Evangeline Siobhan

Alternatives for Siobhan might be (and this is based on SOUND, not particularly spelling):

Shahan
Shannon
Shalan
Shalom
Shania
Shanna
Sharee
Sharla
Sharon
Shauna
Shelby
Sheena
Sheri
Sheryl
Shirley

Cherie
Cheryl
Chevonne

Some of the alternatives are a bit of a stretch and I'm really not all that fond of the -sh- sound names other than the more classic sounding ones like Sharon, Shannon, Cheryl and Shirley. For public opinion on the name Siobhan please visit the question I asked about it on Y!A.

Over all Siobhan is a sweet under used name in the US. It pairs beautifully with many different styles of first/middle names and will age brilliantly on a baby into adulthood. I find Siobhan a diamond in the rough type of name.

J. Kristen

Baby Name of the Day- Sebastian

Today's name of the day blog will be a multiple group actually...so not just one name but many blogs today. :) This should be fun!
So without further ado, the first name for today is Sebastian.


SEBASTIAN
Gender: Masculine
Usage: German, English, Scandinavian, Polish, Finnish, Romanian
Pronounced: ze-BAHS-tee-ahn (German), sə-BAS-chən (English), se-BAHS-tyahn (Polish)

From the Latin name Sebastianus which meant "from Sebaste". Sebaste was the name a town in Asia Minor, its name deriving from Greek σεβαστος (sebastos) "venerable" (a translation of Latin Augustus, the title of the Roman emperors). Saint Sebastian was a 3rd-century Roman soldier martyred by arrows after it was discovered he was a Christian. Due to the saint's popularity, the name came into general use in medieval Europe, especially in Spain and France. It was also borne by a 16th-century king of Portugal who died in a crusade against Morocco.

Sebastian first appeared on the Social Security top 1000 in 1881 at the number 851 spot. Oddly Sebastian jumped the following year in 1882 to the number 642 spot before completely falling off the list in the year 1883. Sebastian reappears in the 1886 at the number 835 spot. Sebastian yo-yoed on and off the top 1000 list for the next several decades. Falling off the list in the years- 1887-88, 1890-91, 1893-94, 1896-97, 1899-1900, 1902, 1906. Finally in 1907 Sebastian manages to hang onto the top 1000 at the number 806 spot and rises over the next four decades. During that time it peeks at the number 492 spot in 1916. Sebastian kept between the 400's and 900s during this four decade rein. Then in 1950 it dropped off the top 1000 until 1957. In 1958 Sebastian reappeared at the number 961 spot, then fell off yet again in 1959 only to show up again in 1960 at the number 902 spot and slowly climbed the list. During the 1960's and 70's Sebastian stayed in the 600-700 range, then finally broke through to the top 500 in 1987 at the number 471 spot. Sebastian continued to increase in popularity. In 1999 Sebastian jumped from it's spot at 152 to number 81 in the year 2000. I personally think this jump into the top 100 was due to the movie Cruel Intentions (a remake of the popular 1988 movie Dangerous Liaisons), which came out in 1999. The lead male character's name in the movie was Sebastian (Sébastien). Some might claim Sebastian became popular after the Disney hit The Little Mermaid, but nothing in the SS list indicates a huge spike after the 1989 animated film, the jump in popularity didn't happen until a decade later.
Currently Sebastian is sitting nicely at the number 70 spot for 2009.

I personally adore the name Sebastian. There is something extremely romantic feeling about this name. It's a powerful masculine name, but also can be gentle and romantically handsome. Sebastian has that Georgian feel to it, ladies in massive dresses poofed out by there wide panniers, men in tight breeches and elaborately decorated court waist coats.
I know, a very formal feel but for me this name is like something out a romance novel. I could even see it in more of a Regency style (think Jane Austen)- with long breeches and cravats tied into intricate knots. Lovely ladies in flowing chemise gowns and tiny slippers, performing a country dance with the greatest of ease. A tall handsome Regency man w/that beautiful curly floppy hair style of the Regency era shadowing a strong brow and penetrating green eyes under black lashes...and his name: Sebastian.
Okay, I will get my head out of the clouds now and review this name properly!

Sebastian has a very nice round masculinity about it. A very wonderfully under used name. It is masculine, but doesn't have the harsh undertone of a William or Donovan or Thomas. Sebastian i liken to more of a feel to Christopher. Masculine, and yet gentle and refined in sound and look. I can picture a small boy w/dark (or light hair really) and big searching eyes. A smart child with a creative outlook on life. A child that takes his time to understand the things around him. Sebastian is an artistic sounding name. It's a heard-of rare name in my opinion. I've never met a Sebastian, ever. Yet I love this name, and it absolutely was on my own favs list for my own children.

First/Middle names for Sebastian I feel should be either something very masculine and strong to balance out the gentleness of Sebastian, or something equally rare and romantic. If you are going to more of a strong traditional feel, a stronger masculine name would suit best. If you are going for something a bit more artistic then the rare romantic type would suit.
Some suggestions for first/middle names might be:

Sebastian Blake
Sebastian Ethan
Sebastian Christopher
Sebastian Everett
Sebastian Patrick
Sebastian Grant
Sebastian Reid
Sebastian Lucas

Jonathan Sebastian
Marcus Sebastian
Wesley Sebastian
Joseph Sebastian
Garrett Sebastian
Oliver Sebastian
Henry Sebastian
Edward Sebastian
Gabriel Sebastian

Some really nice ones there, and of course if you'd want something a bit more modern you could always go with something like:
Sebastian Cohen
Sebastian Cale
Sebastian Brennan

Bennett Sebastian
Wyatt Sebastian
Ellis Sebastian

Alternatives for Sebastian might be something like (and Sebastian really is a one-of-a-kind, so these suggestions ARE a stretch):

Seamus
Selas
Selby
Seeley
Sable
Sabriel
Saber
Samson
Samuel

As I said, Sebastian is really one-of-a-kind, so finding alternatives was pretty thin. I had to get pretty creative in the lettering, sound, origin, etc.
If you would like to know public opinion on the name Sebastian please see the question i asked about it on Y!A

Overall I think Sebastian is a wonderfully romantic name that will suit any little boy. It will age wonderfully and surely give the ladies something to swoon over once he's a man. A handsome man, with a charming smile and a romantic name is so very hard to come by these days. Sebastian fits that bill to a T!

J. Kristen

Poll Winner- Petra

The winner of the Favorite Rare Name poll is Petra.



PETRA
Gender: Feminine
Usage: Greek, German, Scandinavian, Finnish, Dutch, Czech, Slovak, Slovene, Bulgarian, Croatian, Hungarian, English
Other Scripts: Πετρα (Greek), Петра (Bulgarian)
Pronounced: PET-rə (English) [key]

Feminine form of PETER. This was also the name of an ancient city in the region that is now Jordan.

Petra first appeared on the Social Security list in 1881 at the number 574 spot. This name yo-yo'ed back and forth between the 500s and 800s until the 1950s. In 1951 Petra was at the number 942 spot. The following year (1952), Petra fell off the top 1000 list entirely, only to bounce back on again the following year (1953) at the number 875 spot. Petra fell off the list again in 1955, 1958-59, 1961-63, 1969, and 1972. Petra made a final appearance on the top 1000 list in 1973 at the number 987 spot, and then fell off the following year (1974) and never returned to the top 1000 again to date.

Petra is a wonderfully under used rare name. I absolutely love the connection this name has to the City in Jordan of the same name: Petra. Petra is a mysterious and wonderful place. Most of you will recognize it from the Indiana Jones movie: Indiana Jones and The Last Crusade. Petra has a very ancient and elegant feel to it. A very sophisticated sounding name. This name will age brilliantly with a young girl and will sound very lovely on a grown woman, and very professional at that.
I find this name charming and so very unique. The *true* unique, not the 'tryndee' 'yoo-neekly' misspelled or created names I see many parents using these days.

Petra sounds like a very sleek, classy, smart and exotic name that would enhance any roll-sheet in kindergarten. If one is looking for a name that truly will be rare, and yet heard of then Petra is right up your alley. I hear from many parents wanting a name that is not used often. They want a name that perhaps only their child will have. They don't want a cookie cutter name that every third child carries, and Petra fits that bill perfectly.

Alternatives for Petra are few, and some are a bit wildy creative in sound and look. Some examples might be:

Perdita
Petronelle
Petronella
Petula
Petunia
Penny
Persephone
Perdy
Pernilla
Perlita
Perrin

First and Middle names for Petra should flow well and have that same sophisticated feel to them. No Marie, Grace, or Rose will do for this lovely rare beauty. Something with more substance is needed to balance the elegance of Petra. First and Middle name suggestions might be:

Petra Clarice
Petra Celeste
Petra Aveline
Petra Bernadette
Petra Letitia
Petra Magdalene
Petra Odette

Miriam Petra
Daphne Petra
Evangeline Petra
Camille Petra
Ophelia Petra
Helene Petra

Of the suggested first/middle names for Petra I find Petra Odette, Petra Aveline, Miriam Petra and Helene Petra the most attractive in my opinion. Any rare, yet elegant name might lend a wonderful rounded sound to this rare name.
For public opinion on the name Petra please visit the question i asked about in on
Y!A

Overall I think Petra is a lovely under used name. I think parents looking for something rare and unique will find this very interesting and perhaps if not picked at the name, it will open them up to more unique possibilities. Petra will age well and sound lovely on a grown woman. First and middle name combinations should reflect the same rare elegance as Petra so as not to cause Petra's sparkle to fade into the background. I look forward to doing more rare name polls in future.

J. Kristen

Poll Winner- Christopher

Today's baby name is the poll winner- Christopher.

The most common baby name poll winner is Christopher.

CHRISTOPHER
Gender: Masculine
Usage: English
Pronounced: KRIS-tə-fər


From the Late Greek name Χριστοφορος (Christophoros) meaning "bearing Christ", derived from Χριστος (Christos) combined with φερω (phero) "to bear, to carry". It was used by early Christians as a metaphorical name, expressing that they carried Christ in their hearts. In the Middle Ages, literal interpretations of the name's etymology led to legends about a Saint Christopher who carried the young Jesus across a river. He has come to be regarded as the patron saint of travellers.
As an English given name, Christopher has been in general use since the 15th century. In Denmark it was borne by three kings (their names are usually spelled Christoffer), including the 15th-century Christopher of Bavaria who also ruled Norway and Sweden. Other famous bearers include Italian explorer Christopher Columbus (1451-1506), English playwright Christopher Marlowe (1564-1593), and the fictional character Christopher Robin from A. A. Milne's 'Winnie-the-Pooh' books.

Christopher first appears on the SS lists of baby names in the year 1880 at the number 141 spot. Christopher took a very subtle decline in popularity over the next 50 years. The highest Christopher has been on the top 1000 list was in 1933 at the number 376 spot. In the 1940's Christopher regained some popularity and moved swiftly into the top 200. Picking up momentum, by 1949 Christopher was in the top 100 at the number 81 spot. By 1965 Christopher made it to the top 20 at the number 18 spot and only two years later (in 1967) made it to the top 10 at the number 9 spot. Christopher never did make it to the number 1 spot, but came very close at the number 2 spot in the years 1972-1973, 1979-1994. From 1994 to 2008 Christpher still held on to the top 10 list, until 2009 when it slipped to number 11.

I have loved the name Christopher since I was a little girl. I remember vividly a little doll (a monchichi to be exact) that I had as a little girl who I named Christopher. Christopher is one of those longer, older, well-rounded names that I personally think will be around as a favorite for many more years to come. It's not a name that seems too pretentious or formal though it is a long name at 11 letters long. There is something very warm and fuzzy about the name Christopher. It's one of those names that sounds perfectly fitting on a newborn baby cooing and babbling away in his crib, and yet handsome and romantic sounding on an adult man. I also find it very professional sounding for an adult. I do realize this name is very popular and quite common and some might shy away from using it because of that very fact, but I will always have a huge soft spot for this well used, and well loved name.

For public opinion on the name Christopher please see the question I asked on
Yahoo!Answers


First and middle name suggestions for Christopher will be quite fun for me since I love this well-rounded name so much. First and Middle names I would suggest using for Christopher would be:

Christopher Weston
Christopher James
Christopher Everett
Christopher Thomas
Christopher Ashton
Christopher Blaine
Christopher Dean

Lucas Christopher
Bennett Christopher
Brennan Christopher
Asa Christopher
Joseph Christopher
Aaron Christopher

Alternative name suggestions for Christopher might be:

Christian/Cristian
Christos
Crispin
Crisiant
Cristiano
Cristo

Of the alternatives I really like Cristian and Crispin. Both are under used, nice, masculine, and very strong names. I think Christopher can still hold it's own even though it's popular but if you are looking for something a bit less well used then these alternatives are a nice place to start.

Overall I think Christopher is a wonderfully masculine, well-rounded, professional name. It will age wonderfully well. I think it will be around for a very long time to come, and will be just as handsome in 50 years as it is today. It's alternatives are unusual and different, very refreshing for parents looking for something not so typically 'traditional' as Christopher is. I will always love this name, as it reminds me of my childhood. Bias aside I truly don't think this name is ready to be shelved just yet.

J. Kristen

Baby Name of the Day- Ryan

Today's baby name is Ryan.

RYAN
Gender: Masculine
Usage: Irish, English
Pronounced: RIE-in

From and Irish surname which was derived from O Riain meaning "decendent of Rian". The given name Rian probably means "little king" (from the Irish ri "king" combined with a demunitive suffix).

Ryan first appears on the Social Security List at number 844 in 1906. Ryan then falls off the list from 1907 to 1945. In 1946 Ryan appears again at the number 811 spot, and quickly jumps to the number 692 spot the following year in 1947. Ryan steadily increases in popularity until 1971 when it makes it to the top 100 names at the number 51 spot. By the 1980s Ryan made a comfortable home within the top 20, but never managed to make it to the top 10. The closest Ryan came to the top ten was in 1986 at the number 11 spot. Ryan held the number 11 spot twice more in 1990 and 1991. Though Ryan has declinded very slightly over the last 10 yrs, it has still remained pretty solidly in the top 20.

I personally love the name Ryan. It's a staple classic name. Masculine, simple and strong. I think Ryan has mantained it's appeal over the years because it's look and sound seem to follow modern trends. This name is easily paired with first/middle combos that flatter the charming nature of Ryan. I can picture a smart, senstive, bright eyed little boy with light brown hair as well as an atheltic, tall, and masculine blonde looking boy with a witty smile. The versitility of this name is what makes it appealing. Ryan is a name that encompasses any child's features, skin tone, height, or hair color. It's also a name that is well adapted to many races of children. One cannot say this is a 'clearly' caucasian name as I can see very easily this name used on any number of baby boys from many different races.

For public opinion on the name Ryan as a first and a middle name- see the link provided below to read the answers on the question I asked about the name on Yahoo!Answers-
http://answers.yahoo.com/question/index;_ylt=AnIrSqmdx_VTqRNZQK.fQUTsy6IX;_ylv=3?qid=20100424142040AAARH0F

First/Middle name suggestions for Ryan:

Ryan James
Ryan Blaine
Ryan Thomas
Ryan Keaton
Ryan Wesley
Ryan Parker
Ryan Everett

Joseph Ryan
Matthew Ryan
David Ryan
Bennett Ryan
Weston Ryan
Liam Ryan
Casey Ryan

Alternative name suggestions for Ryan might be something like:

Rylan
Ryker
Ryland
Riley (some spell it Rylie- i dont care for it)
Riddley
Ricky
Rian
Raymond
Rayner
Rayin

Of the first/middle suggestions I really like Ryan Blaine and Ryan Thomas. Both have a classic feel to them since the middle names are timeless masculine names. I really like Joseph Ryan and Liam Ryan of the first name suggestions. They are a bit different in sound and not so popular. I find them refreshing.

Of the Alternatives I really like Rylan, Riddley, and Raymond. Each have a new modern feel to them with out being ridiculously mispelled or made up.

Overall I think Ryan is a nice, traditional, classic, masculine name that will be around for a very long time to come. Ryan just might break through to the top 10 before too much longer. I honestly can say I wouldn't mind that one bit.

J. Kristen

Name of the Day- Cordelia

Today's name is Cordelia.

CORDELIA
Gender: Feminine
Usage: English
Pronounced: kawr-DEL-ee-ə, kawr-DEL-yə [key]
From Cordeilla, possibly a Celtic name of unknown meaning. According to Geoffrey of Monmouth, Cordeilla was the youngest of the three daughters of King Lear and the only one to remain loyal to her father. When adapting the character for his play 'King Lear' (1606), Shakespeare altered the spelling to Cordelia.

The name Cordelia first appears on the Social Security List at the number 204 spot for 1880. Cordelia slowly lost popularity throughout the 1880's and 1890's. Peeking at the number 368 spot in 1899. During the 1900s Cordelia continued to lose popularity and by 1920 it was at the number 661 spot. Cordelia continued to on the low end of the top 1000, and even fell off the list in 1947 and 1949. The last time that Cordelia appeared on the top 1000 list was in 1950 at the number 987 spot. After 1950 Cordelia fell off the top 1000 list and has yet to return.

As far as Shakespearean inspired spellings goes Cordelia is one of my favorites. The sound of this name is very feminine to me and well suited for a child and adult. I see this name as elegant and refined. It has a very timeless classic feel to it that I truly love. One cannot deny that Shakespeare had a good eye for lovely feminine names. Cordelia is a name that I have secretly loved for many years. I say secretly because only until recently did this name start to gain attention among baby namers with a taste for older classic names that started to hit the mainstream name lovers. The femininity of this name I think is what has brought it more to the forefront in the last couple of years.
Of course, one could argue that the successful "Buffy the Vampires Slayer" (created in 1997) & "Angel" (created in 1999) television series' brought more attention to the name Cordelia, due to one of the leading characters on the show, who was nicknamed Cordie.

Cordelia has a "Regency" & "Victorian" feel to it. A time in which Shakespearean plays were very popular entertainment. I can very much see a young woman dressed in a high waisted Regency gown dancing a longways Country Dance, partners lined up in pairs...dancing and weaving between each other in a formation of parallel lines, and her name Cordelia. Very Jane Austen-esque.
I think Cordelia is a lovely name for a child, and I find that it would age beautifully on a young woman into adulthood.
I also love the nickname possibilities of the name Cordelia. Corey, Cordie, Delia, Della, Rorrie, and Lia (said Leah).

For public opinion on the name Cordelia 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;_ylt=AhFwFqtXlkn09BKl3Sr2Xtvsy6IX;_ylv=3?qid=20100325092052AAUtRmc

First/Middle name suggestions that I find go well with Cordelia:

Cordelia Fleur
Cordelia Meredith
Cordelia Simone
Cordelia Rosalind
Cordelia Juliet
Cordelia Selene
Cordelia Esther

Paige Cordelia
Emily Cordelia
Naomi Cordelia
Madeleine Cordelia
Adeline Cordelia
Emmeline Cordelia
Grace Cordelia

Alternatives for Cordelia would be something like these:
Cora
Coral
Coralie
Coraline
Corentine
Coretta
Corissa
Cosette
Courtney

I really like Coralie, Coretta, and Cosette. They all have that same elegant and regal feel to them. They sound like they very well could be Shakespearean. Paired with the right middle name or used as a middle and paired with an equally feminine first name I think you would have a unique and beautiful name for your daughter.

Overall I think Cordelia could use a boost in it's popularity. It's sweet feminine sound and lovely alternates are really a diamond in the rough type name. I hope that more people start to look towards using old classics and giving them new life, instead of all these hideous made up trendy names. Being unique doesn't have to be ugly.

J. Kristen

Name of the Day Poll Winner- Mia

Today's name is the winner of the best name listed poll- Mia.

MIA
Gender: Feminine
Usage: Scandinavian, Dutch, German, English
Pronounced: MEE-ah (Scandinavian, Dutch, German), MEE-ə (English) [key]
Scandinavian, Dutch and German diminutive of MARIA

The Social Security List, lists the name Mia at number 14 for 2008. Mia first appeared on the SS list in 1964 at the number 569 spot. This was probably due to the famous Actress and Model, Mia Farrow who was very popular in the 60s. The name Mia stayed within the upper 400s to mid 300s until the year 1996 when it was at the number 180 spot. Mia made it to the top 100 in 2000 at the number 93 spot and has steadily gained popularity every since.


I personally find the name Mia lovely. It's simple yet elgant sounding. It has a timeless modern feel that makes this name sound fresh and new no matter what generation you're considering. It's a very feminine name and has a sparkle of femininity that I see in only the rare few names these days. It's a name that I don't think I would get tired of, even though it has reached the top 20.

First/Middles for Mia I find are great from any category of style. Be they trendy, modern, elegant, old world or traditional, Mia pairs beautifully with all these styles.
I personally would go for a 2 to 4 syllable pairing since Mia is a 1 syllable name and therefore very short. Something like Mia Lynn or Joy Mia may not sound as round and full as you would like. Unless perhaps you have a very long surname, then a 1-2 syllable first/middle paired with Mia might be better.
For public opinion on the name Mia 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=20100303131953AAEwDMI

First/Middle suggestions that I think go well:

Mia Claire
Mia Alexandra
Mia Shannon
Mia Kylie
Mia Charlotte

Catherine Mia
Evangeline Mia
Caitlin Mia
Natalie Mia
Delaney Mia

Alternatives for Mia are many, and most of them are very pretty as well. Some alternatives might be:

May
Maya
Mila
Mina
Myla
Mya
Myra
Amya

Of the alternatives I think Mila, Myra and Amya have great potential. All have the same femininty that Mia does. All are very fresh sounding and yet simple and elegant.

Overall I think Mia deserved to win the best name listed poll because it truly is a lovely name. It will be cute on a baby, lovely on a young woman and sound very grown up on an an adult. It has character and sparkle.

J. Kristen

Baby Name of the Day- Jolie

Today's baby name is Jolie.

JOLIE
Gender: Feminine
Usage: English, Various
Pronounced: JO-lee (English), zho-LEE (French) [key]
Means "pretty" in French. This name was popularized by American actress Angelina Jolie (1975-), whose surname was originally her middle name. It is not used as a given name in France.

The name Jolie first appears on the Social Security list in the year 1968 at the number 886 spot. Jolie then bounced around between the 900-700 range until 1974 when it was at the number 884 spot, then dropped completely off from the years 1975-1999. In 2000 Jolie made an appearance at the number 821 spot, most likely spurred to life from the Movie Girl Interrupted (1999), due to the Oscar winning Actress from the movie Angelina Jolie. Jolie has gained popularity in the last 10 yrs reaching the number 564 spot in 2008.

I personally like this name a lot. There are the two ways to pronounce it, JO-lee and zho-LEE. Most modern parents who choose this name do so because of the French pronunciation associated with Angelina Jolie. I happen to prefer it as JO-lee (sounds like the names Joe Lee said fast). I have a friend with this name, and said that way. So for me it's a different association that follows this name.
I think this name is very feminine and sweet. It's a great "small town" type name. I see comfortable afternoons spent on a screened in porch while drinking ice tea. I see sunny days strolling through an open meadow...it's a very earthy, comfortable name to me.

Jolie would be a lovely name for a girl with big bright eyes and a winning smile. I think pairing this name needs to be careful, as a name that is too basic or simple as a middle might make it sound more 'country' than light and airy. Something like Mae, June, Louise, or Faye would not work here. I think a middle name would be best elegant, refined and sophisticated. Perhaps one that you might find a bit stuffy and overdone would be softened paired with Jolie. Something like Margaret, Constance, Henrietta, or Adele. Or something a bit whimsical could make this name a true home run with a very playful edge, such as Willow, Brenna, Gemma or Poppy.

The name works well from childhood to adulthood. For public opinion on the name Jolie 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=20100301180418AAnUsu7


First/Middle name suggestions for Jolie (other than the ones listed already)

Jolie Matilda
Jolie Ruth
Jolie Adelaide
Jolie Patrice
Jolie Morgan
Jolie Esme
Jolie Violette

Caroline Jolie
Claudette Jolie
Evelyn Jolie
Michaela Jolie
Brianna Jolie
Charlotte Jolie
Ella Jolie
Serafina Jolie

I think for a very classic sounding, feminine and strong name Caroline Jolie and Jolie Violette (said the French way), sounds very lovely. I think any of the suggestions or alternatives close to them would make for a very well rounded and unique name. Uniqueness of name does not always have to be abrasive misspellings or made up words. There are so many beautiful underused names that can be paired to make a one-of-a-kind name!

Alternatives for the name Jolie are many. I enjoyed looking for alternatives for this name as Jo- names are very musical sounding to me and they make me smile. I think these alternatives are wonderful and should be considered before trying to be "yoo-neekly cre8tiv" with spellings or sounds.

Joyce
Joy
Joella
Joelle
Jolene
Jolisa (jo-liss-uh)
Joni (jo-nee)
Josette

Of the suggestions listed I find the names Joella/Joelle, Jolene, Joni and Josette to be very rare, feminine, creative, and lovely sounding alternatives. I think Joella would be my favorite here. It's very similar to the other -ella- names that are in fashion, but has a wonderful unique flare to it, that is not "trendy" but classic. It's mildly modern sounding and yet retains a wonderful exotic feel.

Overall I think the name Jolie is a wonderful youthful name. If paired with a good well-rounded middle or first it has great potential to become an unforgettable name. It's one that I can see lasting into adulthood quite nicely, yet sweet and airy enough to be playful and fun. A great name.

J. Kristen

(I would like to give a special thanks to my girls Hannah and Cassie for helping me with the middle/first name suggestions for this blog.)

Oh where, oh where has my blog time gone?!

I'm sorry! I know I am very behind. Things have been busy at my house. My husband is getting ready to deploy overseas, so we've been quite busy.

Hoping to Baby Name Blog soon!!

J. Kristen