Baby Names

Many choose to continue the legacy of using family names when naming their bundle of joy. Junior, Trey, etc. are common options for many.  When using a name to honor a family member if the name is dated you can always use it in the middle name spot or you can also use the family member’s middle name as a first name. I would also suggest using a derivative of the name. The classic Katherine can be modernized to Kaitlin or Elizabeth can be replaced by the rare Elspeth, Elsbeth. or Elisabetta. This would be a great route if another family member has already used the original version of the name. You can also use a family nick name as a nick name for your child. If your grandmother’s nick name was Birdie or grandfather’s nick name was Butch, you could also carry that into your little one. If family is important to you and you would like to honor one of your family members keep these tips in mind.

Ethan, Emily, Abigail, and Aiden are names that have ranked high amongst the most popular names. They have appeal and seem to be setting trends. There are others that are determined to go against the grain and select names that are not in the top 10. There are advantages and disadvantages of selecting popular names or uncommon names. Some of the advantages of choosing a popular name is that it is recognizeable, easy to pronounce, spell, and overall likeable. Disadvangtages of selecting a popular name is overused, other kids in the class with the same name (child will have to go by Emily B, or Isabella Taylor) , and the child doesn’t feel unique. However uncommon names have the same issue. There are advantages and disadvantages with uncommon names also. The name can be so rare that it’s never been heard of which may cause problems of spelling, pronounciation, and inadvertly the kid will be embarrased and ashamed. Think about being a kindergartner and being the only Eurydice. Huge identity issues.Causing your child to not being able to relate to others which will create separation from the crowd being a loner and could cause the name to be shorten into a nick name like Yuri. Advantages would be they have their own uniqueness and identity. This may be an ego or selfesteem boast.  Another advantage would be to not being mistaken for another kid in the classroom based on their name. These are just some issues that can occur on each end.

 Having a baby is a very enjoyable experience. But when one discovers that they are having twins or multiples it can be extremely exciting and fun. Many people become so overwhelmed that they feel the names should match, rhyme, or have some similarity. Keep in mind that every child is an individual and have their own identity. It’s confusing enough for them to look alike and to always be mistaken for one another. So try to alleviate from making their like complicated. Twins or Multiples names don’t have to rhyme or match. It’s your choice, but don’t feel obligated to do so. You can be creative with it. They can be the same style of name or a different style name. It’s totally up to the parent. Whether they are identical or fraternal your child is its own unique person with  their own personality.

Here are some names that are beginning to become common and some alternatives to use to have a more formal or uncommon choice.

Emily-Emery/ Emory, Emmeline, Emmanuelle

Ella/ Elle- Elodie, Elowen, Eliana, Elise, Brielle, Gabrielle/ Gabriella/ Noelle, Giselle, Laurelle, Elena,

Jada- Gemma, Jade, Giada

Sarah- Sarai, Sari, Serah, Sariah,

Jennifer-Jenna, Genevieve, Jenacia

Katherine- Kathleen, Katelyn, Katarnia, Katarina, Katharina, Katrina, Keturah, Carys, Catriona

Gwendolyn-Guinevere, Gwenifer, Gwenna

Christopher-Christian, Christoff

Justin-Jude, Judah, Judea, Justice,

Matthew-Matthias, Matteo,  Maddox, Maceo

Jaden-Jasper, Jade, Jad,

Girls

Joi- French : Joy

Koi-Native American: Panther

Jai-Indian/ Sanskrit: Victory

Ella-Hebrew: Goddess

Ava-Hebrew: Life

Jah-African: Dignity

Mya-Greek: Great

Eve-Latin/ Hebrew/ Life

Taj-Hindi/ Sanskrit-Crown

Elle-French-Woman/ Girl

Mya-Greek/ Great Mother

Nia-Swahili/ Lustrous/ Goal / Purpose

Ivy-English/ Eternity

Lux-Greek/ Light

Boys

Coy-Woods/ quiet place

Neo-African-Gift/English-New

Cox-english-Coxswain

Leo-Latin-Lion

Kai-Welsh / Keeper of the Keys

Guy-Old German/Wood

Jett-English/ Black Gemstone

Beau-French/ Handsome

Rio-Spanish/ River

Eli-Hebrew/ High

Croix-French/ Cross

Knox-Scottish / Round Hill

I have been monitoring the name trends and this is what I have detected and what I would expect to see in the future! Take a look

1. Double names – Double names are beginning to become common. Ella Claire, Anna Kate, Layla Grace are some examples of names that are being seen on a rise! Short or Two Syllable first names paired with a filler middle name! This trend has always been aroundand is continuing to grow and evolve!

2. High Fashion Runway -High fashion and the runway is making an impact and inspiring parents on naming their babies. I’ve noticed many names like London, Paris, Valentina, Chanel, Christian, Giselle ,Lux, Dior, etc are beginning to influence parents on naming their babies!

3. Boy names ending in -n– Evan, Ethan, Dylan, all are in the top 10 and all ending with the letter n. Other names such as Owen, Logan, Landon are beginning to become chosen.

4. Unisex names/ Surnames-It is truly a craze. Unisex and surnames are becoming more and more common. Girls being named Harper, Blair, Avery, Greer etc are becoming prevalent and boys being named Carter, Pierce, Lennox, etc are growing!

Girls

Noelle-“Christmas”

Holly-“Holly Grove”

Freya-“Noble Woman”

Avery-“Christmas Elf”

Belle-“Beauty” (Christmas bells/ jingle bells)

Robin-“Wise” (Christmas Bird)

Natalie or Natalia-“Born on Christmas”

Ivy-“Ivy plant”

Eira-“Snow”

Gabrielle-“God is my strength”

Emmanuelle/ Emanuella-“God is with us”

Neva-“Snow”

Boys

Noel-“Christmas”

Gabriel-“one of the Angels”

Jasper-“One of the 3 Kings that visited baby Jesus”

Malachi-“God’s Messenger”

Emanuel-“God is with us”

Christian-“Follower of Christ”

Christopher-“A Christian”

G names are very uncommon. It’s just one of those letters that get overlooked. Maybe now is the time for it to make a statement. Here are some lovely G names that may be just what you are looking for:

Grace– Female/ Grace; Blessing/ Latin

Georgia-Female/ Farmer to Work the Earth/ Greek

Giada-Female/ Precious Green Stone/ Italian

Gracelyn-Female/ Goodwill/ Latin

Gianna-Female/ God is gracious/ Hebrew

Georgiana-Female/ Farmer to work the Earth/ Greek

Guinevere-Female/ White; Fair/ Welsh

Gordana-Female/ Serbian/ Proud/

Gemma-Female/ Latin/ Jewel

Genevieve-Female/ French/ White Wave

Georgina-Female/ Earth Worker/ Greek

Giselle-Female/ Hostage ;Pledge/ German

Gabrielle-Female/ God is my strength/ Hebrew

Gorjana– Female/ Austrialian/ Meaning : Unknown

Gillian-Female/ Down-bearded Youth/ Latin

Graciela-Female/ Grace/ Spanish

Graham-Boy/ English/ Adobe

Gavin-Boy/ Welsh/ White-Hawk of Battle

*Greer-Boy or Girl/ Watcher/Greek* Great for a boy or girl

Grayson-Boy/Son of Gray/ English

Garrison-Boy/ Strong/ German

Garrett-Boy/ Strength of the Spear/Germanic

Gideon-Boy/ Hebrew/ Mighty Warrior

Gabriel-Boy/ God is my Might/ Hebrew

Galvin-Boy/ Sparrows/ Gaelic

Grant-Boy/Big; Tall/ English/ Gaelic

Gunnar-Boy/ Battle, Warrior/German

Have you discovered your naming style?Your naming style is important in selecting a name for your bundle of joy. This is a wonderful way to help us select names for you and for you to begin a list of names.You may not have just one. You may have more than one. You may like atleast one name in all the naming styles,which is perfectly fine. Here are some various naming styles that may help you in deciding which style is best for you.

Classic/ Traditional:

People that tend to like names that are safe, classic, and timeless names. Elizabeth, Catherine, Cecelia, and Julia would be great girl names for you. Paul, Matthew, Luke, and Samuel would be great boy names for you.

~Our Favorites for this style~

Girls: Julia, Cecelia, Annabelle, Audrey, Gabrielle, Camille

Boys: Paul, John, Luke, Samuel, Nathaniel, Jack

Modern/ Contemporary:

New age, present, and up to date names .

~Our favorites in this style~

Girls: Layla, Maya, Alyssa, Nayla

Boys: Landon, Gavin, Dylan, Seth

Quirky/ Edgy/ Unusual/Unique/ Fun/ Playful

Names that are vibrant, playful, uncommon, and real zesty. Nature Names, color names, character names may be some great names to choose from for you. You may like Fiona, Ivy, Phoebe, or Piper for girls and Guy, Beau, Brody, and Jett for boys.

~Our Favorites for this style~

Girls-Felicity, Ivy, Fiona, Piper

Boys-Brody, Tucker, Guy,

Classic/Unusual

Traditional and classic names that are a little unusual, uncommon, underused, and unique.  Not the usual Mary, Jane, Matthew, and Michael. You may like Genevieve, Julianna/ Juliana, Lydia for girls and Tobias, Julius, and Liam for boys.

~Our Favorites this style~

Girls: Georgiana, Claudia, Guinevere, Naomi, Elodie

Boys: Jude, Liam, Xavier, Vincent,

Ethnic/ Exotic

Unusual ethnic names that are not traditional American names. This style is for those that are into multicultralism and like sultry and exotic names.

~Our Favorites of this style~

Girls: Valentina, Raphaela, Giselle, Svetlana, Giada

Boys: Diego, Giovanni, Emanuel, Raphael

Romantic/ Literary Names

Names that may have been found in novels and other literary publications. Character names in plays, books, and various productions. People that tend to gravitate toward this style are the artsy and fine art lovers. Those that have an appreciation for art, literature, and love stories.

~Our Favorites of this style~

Girls: Persephone, Daphne, Arabella

Boys: Orlando, Phineaus, Gideon

Fantasy/ Goddess/ Deity Names

Names of Greek goddess and gods,  Spritiual names, ethereal, and whimscial names, Mythological names. Another group for the artsy and literary lovers.

~Our Favorites of this style ~

Girls: Apollonia, Pandora, Minerva, Grace

Boys: Dionsyus, Adonis, Ascelpius,

Unisex Names

Unisex names are beginning to become popular. This style is for those that like names that are suitable for a boy or a girl or those that like traditionally boy names on girls and vice versa.

~Our Favorites for this style~

Girls: Camryn, Kendall, Sydney, Blair

Boys: Ashton, Christian, Sean, Jordan

What is your favorite naming style and your favorite name according to your style?