POLL WINNERS- Cordelia and Adelaide

Baby name poll winners: Cordelia and 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.
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

Houston we HAVE a problem!

I have been having technically difficulties with my blog. It's taken great time to post ANY blog. For some reason the "publish post" button is not working for me. I have to "Save Now" then click on the EDIT option on my dashboard, then check the box next to the saved blog draft, and THEN click publish blog.
I am also UNABLE to edit ANY of my blogs.

For this reason it is doubtful that I will continue this blog much longer. I might be transferring these blog posts to a new blog, then start w/new posts once I have gathered my blogs from here, and made sure their transference is smooth, posting is working, etc.

The last blog I posted (baby name-Violet) was a draft from 4 months ago (as you can tell by the question on Y!A i asked about it is 4 months old- I asked that question the DAY I did the BN review of Violet). Due to the problems, I left it as a draft and focused on my personal blog, and personal life.

I don't know when I will start moving my blog, since I am still focused on my personal blog and things going on w/my life at the moment. Hopefully I will have things up and running again before the end of the year. Until then, please enjoy my blog as-is and as always, I am always looking for new names to review, so do not hesitate to contact me through comments or email lady_lilly_96@yahoo.com with suggestions, comments, or if you just want to talk baby names. :) thanks. J.Kristen

ps.

For my personal blog visit my page: Jaesus the Blogger

Name of the Day- Violet

Today's baby girl name is Violet.


VIOLET
Gender: Feminine

Usage: English

Pronounced: VIE-lət, VIE-ə-lət

From the English word violet for the purple flower, ultimately derived from Latin viola. It was common in Scotland from the 16th century, and it came into general use as an English given name during the 19th century.

The name Violet first appears on the Social Security List in 1880 at the number 239 spot. Violet Slowly increased in popularity through the last part of the 19th century and into the 20th century. By 1901 Violet was in the top 100 at the number 91 spot. In 1926 Violet was at the number 96 spot and the following year slipped off the top 100 at the number 103 spot. Violet steadily decreased in popularity over the next five decades and in 1972 fell off the list completely, making a quick comeback to the list in 1973 at the number 928 spot and in 1974 at number 944. Violet again fell off the top 100 list in 1975, and didn't make a return until 1981 at number 996 and again in 1982 at number 994, then fell off the list again in 1983. Violet reappears on the list over tens years later at number 904 in 1998, and slowly gained momentum up the list in 2004 at the number 586, and jumped to number 372 the following year in 2005. As of 2010 Violet sits comfortably at the number 123 spot.

I find Violet one of the prettiest flower names for baby girls. It's soft and gentle yet has a great sound and strength to it. I consider Violet to be one of those old classics that are making a comeback lately. I am thrilled to see older names coming back into favor over the last five years or so. I think a great old classic is much more supstantial than some of the new-age sounding made-up or trendy names out there. Violet is a name that a little girl wears well, and one that grows up lovely with a child into adulthood. Unlike some of the more trendy -ee- ending names I have seen popping up everywhere I think Violet can stand the test of time, and will not sound cliche or over used in years to come.

I can picture a little Violet as a dark haired little girl with big wondering eyes, or even on a light haired little girl with freckles. It's a name that will sound professional on a grown woman, but soft and sweet on a little girl. Being one of my favorite flower names, I find it simple and easy to pair with first and middles of all styles. It's a great name that can give flare to a common first or middle name, or downplay a name that might be trendy or over the top unique. It's a name that will bring a smile to people's face upon hearing it 9 times out of 10.

Nicknames for Violet are sparse, but still sweet. They include the typical Vi, and Vivi. Less common nicknames might include: Viola, Vilah, or even Lettie. One of the more strange nicknames I've heard for a girl named Violet was Ollie. I wouldn't recommend it, but if your Violet happens to be a tomboy, it might be right up her alley.

First/Middles for Violet as I said earlier are vast and the styles that Violet will fit are endless. Pairing Violet with any first or middle name seems a breeze for me personally, and I like the variety of styles and choices that this sweet name allows. There is a combo for everyone I think.

First/Middle suggestions for Violet:

Violet Joy

Violet Ann

Violet Danielle

Violet Grace

Violet Matilda

Violet Carys

Violet Ariana

Violet Simone

Violet Brianne/a

Penelope Violet

Emmeline Violet

Rachel Violet

Willow Violet

Olivia Violet

Jocelyn Violet

Natalie Violet

Caroline Violet

Kaylee Violet

Zoe Violet

Tamara Violet

Alternatives for the name Violet might be something like:

Viola

Vera

Vivienne

Verona

Visola

Vlora

Vione

Vienna

Villette

Of the alternatives I've listed I love Viola (I'm biased of course, as this was one of my great-grandmother's middle names), I also like Vera, Verona, Villette, and I am really liking the idea and sound of Visola and Vlora for some odd reason. For public opinion on the name Violet please visit the question I've asked about it on Y!A .

Overall I find the name Violet a great old classic name. One that will age wonderfully well as a girl grows into adulthood. A name that fits many style combos for first/middle names to be paired with. One that will be around for a long time.

J. Kristen

The Unisex Defense

I've heard a lot of arguments lately about unisex naming. But what truly is unisex? The definition of unisex is:

1. Designed for or suitable to both sexes: unisex clothing; unisex hairstyles.
2. Not distinguished or distinguishable on the basis of sex; androgynous in appearance: cultivated a unisex look.

Are names truly unisex then? Can one be? To me most people that argue for unisex name usages have not sited the androgynous qualities of a name, but rather the effeminate qualities of a traditional masculine boys name now used mostly on little baby girls. There is never (that I have seen) the flip side argument for a traditional girls name to be used on a boy instead. The passionate unisex name lover will argue till they are blue in the face that their precious little snowflake should have whatever name she [the mother] deems worthy of her daughter, and that because such-in-such name has been used mostly on little girls lately, it's 'unisex and worthy for their own daughters'.

Look, I get it. Every parent wants to find the perfect name for their child, and each of us have our own little list of favorites and maybe even less common, rare, or random names that we love no matter what anyone else thinks. Obviously this would include some boys names that someone might find appealing for their daughter, instead of their son. Some names we hear mostly on girls, even though they are traditional boys names, so we become accustomed to defining them in a more feminine way rather than masculine.

For instance: The name Ashley. I know it's traditionally masculine, I understand and know the history and etymology of this name. It's still popular for boys in some countries, in fact. Yet the American mentality has deemed this name now unsuitable for boys because it's so widely used on little girls. Even I can understand the association being considered: Feminine. Yet, the fact remains that this name was, and will always be a masculine name, now popular on girls too. Just because a name becomes popular on girls, doesn't mean that is all the sudden changes it's history or etymology or some how devalues it's masculine roots. You cannot erase the past, and the same can be said of baby names. The past (history) of a name will be eternal. No matter the popularity or gender the name is preferred on, it will still have it's historical roots.

There will always be traditionalists when it comes to naming, who resist the boys names on girls trend with everything in their being. Likewise, there will always be those who will be out looking for the newest trend. Using boys names for girls is only ONE of a myriad of trends lately.

So where do I stand on the whole thing?:

I am a traditionalist most of the time, but I have to say the arguments I see justifying the use of traditional boys names on girls leaves me completely unsatisfied. The logic used to make this trend 'legit' is hypocritical at it's best, and utterly ridiculous at it's worst.

Some people I've seen are more reasonable with their opinions and explanations of why they chose to use a boys name for a girl. When someone is just honest about it and states: "Yes, we realize it's a boys name, but I love it, and want to use it on my little princess anyways and I don't care what you think about it either", I think: Okay- I don't agree, BUT THANK YOU for at least being honest. It's JUST your preference, it's not some 'cause' you are trying to shove down people's throats. Good, use it, love it...whatever. At least they said what was true. They know it's a boys name (traditionally)...they just don't care. That's a VALID reason to use a name. Honestly it is. I don't have my head so far up my own ass that I cannot understand that sometimes the love of a name out weighs *anything* that anyone else has to say about it.

What gets my blood boiling about it, are the arguments full of nothing but conjecture. Theses would be the following:

1. "It's used on girls mostly now, so it's not masculine anymore"

- says who? has the name changed it's meaning all the sudden? it's etymology? Has the whole world embraced this thinking or is this a lame attempt on the namers part to justify using the name to themselves? If you truly love it, use it and don't explain it to me or anyone else....what's the point?

2. "It sounds too girly for a boy nowadays"

- when was the memo put out that the second someone found a name 'feminine in sound' it suddenly was deemed "feminine"? and what about any boys with the name that have already been born, and carry the name? are they now effeminate? This argument makes me annoyed more than any other. It's literally bashing ANY parent that chooses this name for their boys and/or insults the boys already named this. the feminine or masculine qualities associated to the SOUND of a name is purely subjective, the history and etymology of a name, is NOT subjective, it's based in origin, usage history, and facts.

3. "Anyone naming their son this nowadays, the son would be teased"

- Why? Just because you deem it unworthy? OR perhaps it's just you grabbing for any validation in your choice of a name. I personally would never want to use a name for my daughter that could possibly be thought of as 'tease worthy" for ANY sex. To use this reasoning as a way to justify your choices for a girl rather than a boy is such a huge insult to any boy with that name. You're saying, your child is more entitled to the name because of her gender. Wake up people, this is called sexism.

4. "It's unisex so I can use it if I want"

- The funny thing about this reason is that most of these people all for unisex names will then turn around and deem said "unisex" name inappropriate for boys, but not for girls. That's not unisex then. That's name hijacking. Turning a traditionally masculine name into a name usable for feminine use while at the same time, making it inappropriate for the opposite sex it originated on, is NOT making the name unisex, it's separating the usage from the original sex and then making it's usage on the traditional sex 'shameful'.

I am so tired of hearing people using these excuses to justify their choice for a name that is traditionally masculine, for feminine use. You never hear people arguing for the use of a traditional feminine name for the use on the opposite sex. It's sexism at it's best.

My conclusions:
If you're all hell bent on naming your little sweetpea princess daughter: Madison Riley Doodlebug McGee....Please don't get your panties in a twist over anyone wanting to use the same names for their boys. If you're going to use the "unisex" defense, then use it properly. To defend the use of a name you deem unisex is to defend ANY usage of the name regardless of gender. If you cannot do that, if you associate a traditionally masculine name with girls only, then DO NOT use this 'unisex' excuse to defend your choices, because you're not truly for 'unisex' names then, you are for the use of boys names on girls. Unisex goes both ways. Period.

-Jae (MW&M)

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