Musical Instrument Names

David Trang via Dribbble

Would you ever consider a musical instrument name for your child? Xylophone or Accordian might be a little too far out there, but consider one of the following.

Banjo- The bluegrassy banjo is great name inspiration for a son or a daughter. It's also a poetic name of sorts, considering well-known poet Banjo Patterson bears the name.

Bell- Belle may be the more conventional spelling, but spell her Bell and you have a musical name! I actually prefer this spelling--she has fewer frills and no princess association.

Calliope- The calliope is a whistly, organ-like instrument most often found around carousels these days. As a name, Calliope is famous for her Greek mythology roots.

Cello- Cello may not seem very name-like at first, but definitely should be. The -el sound is more popular than ever, and no one will argue with a name ending in -o, so feel free to put Cello on your list.

Fife- A fife is a sweet and small flute, very similar to a piccolo. It's not very common as a name, but I could see that changing. If Piper continues her steady rise, we might see more use of Fifer, which Fife makes a lovely nickname for.

Harmonica- Add another syllable to Monica and we get the name of this versatile instrument. It's the type of name that requires a brave namer. I'm too chicken to use it, but I'd be secretly thrilled if someone else did.

Harp- Harp is on my list of names to watch. With Harper so popular these days, parents will undoubtedly turn to alternatives. Why not the name of this lovely string instrument?

Lyre- The lyre is a string instrument that is heavily associated with ancient Greece. In 2016 she's seen as a variation of Lyra, a gorgeous name that really flys under the radar.

Mandolin- I'm surprised we haven't seen more baby Mandolins. She's only a few steps removed from her likewise French sister Madeleine. Plus, you can call her Mandy. For those of you who are more inclined to be cooking, Mandoline (of the same pronunciation) is a--slightly dangerous--kitchen tool used for slicing and julienning.

Marimba- The name of this instrument really emulates its sound. The marimba is a percussion instrument that's especially popular in Latin America. Marimba makes for a fun, upbeat name for a daughter.

Viola- With Violet's soaring popularity, I'm always surprised that Viola doesn't make the top 1000. She's feminine, Shakespearean, and has a musical connection (though the instrument is typically pronounced vee-OH-la, instead of the standard name pronunciation vye-OH-la).

Month Names: March

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Happy (almost) March! March is a usually a gross month in Chicago--it's not quite Spring, and we still have a ton of snow. But, we are getting closer to those warmer months. I've come up with a list of names suitable for a March baby, let me know what you think.

Birthstone:
Aquamarine- Marina, Marine, or Aqua would all work to honor this gorgeous gemstone. Aquamarine symbolizes courage, so Brave would work as well.

Birth Flower:
Daffodil- Daffodil is an eccentric flower name, but don't let that stop you from using her.
Jonquil- However, Jonquil is the other name for Daffodils, and works nicely on a boy.

Birth Colors:
White- Some good white-inspired names are Snow, Ivory, and Lacy, though Snow seems a little out of place on a March baby.

Star Sign:
Pisces- The Pisces symbol is a fish, so oceanic names like Pike, Roe, or Fisher would work nicely.
Aries- Aries itself works as a name, but if you want something a little more subtle, try Ariel or Ari.

Related to March:
Leo Names- March comes in like a lion, so why not use a Leo name? My favorites are Leo, Leopold, Leonie, and Leonardo.
March- March is a great month name, and one of the few that works better on boys.
Spring Names- March is the first month of Spring (hooray!), so any flower name would be perfect. Also consider Primavera, the Spanish word for Spring.
St. Patrick's Day- March 17th is St. Patrick's Day. Check out this list for ideas.

Fall TV Names

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Fall is officially here, and with that comes TV premieres. This year's lineup has some interesting names, and could offer some helpful inspiration to expectant parents.

A to Z
Andrew
Sage (b)
Zelda

Out of all the A and Z names, they choose Andrew and Zelda. Andrew is, perhaps, the least inventive "A" boys name, and Zelda comes in third behind Zoey and Zara. If it were up to me, I would have chosen something like Arlo and Zadie, or August and Zora. Sage is a nice name for a supporting character, though.

Blackish
Andre (x2)
Jack
Rainbow
Zoey

Andre was a good choice for father and son, and Andre, Zoey, and Jack is a nice sibset. I'm really liking Rainbow for the mother character. She's a little bit out there, yet 100% believable.

Cristela
Cristela
Daniela
Felix
Natalia

All these names work really well together. Cristela is the name of the leading actress, and I wonder if this show will give her name a boost.

The Flash
Iris

The only interesting name I could get from this show was Iris, a name more people should embrace. She's vintage and sweet, plus, a flower.

Happyland
Ansel
Gloria

Ansel and Gloria are two names I could see rising a lot in popularity in the next few years. It helps that Ansel is the name of a teen heartthrob, and Gloria has been used by a celebrity or two.

How to Get Away with Murder
Annalise
Asher
Eloise
Laurel
Wes

Annalise is the most talked about name from the Fall TV premieres. It's a great name, but gosh, do I hate that spelling. Anneliese is so much prettier. The names of the students are nice, but would make more sense on babies, not college kids.

Jane the Virgin
Alba
Jane
Petra
Xiomara

What gorgeous names! It's no secret I love Jane, and Alba, Petra, and Xiomara are wonderful as well. I would love to see any of those on a baby, but let's be honest--are any of us brave enough to use Xiomara?

The Originals
Agnes
Bastianna
Cary
Celeste
Davina
Diego
Elijah
Eve
Francesca
Gia
Genevieve
Klaus
Monique
Oliver
Rebekah
Sabine
Thierry

This show wins for best names. Klaus, Elijah, and Rebekah are siblings, which is an okay sibset. Klaus stands out for me with that one. But some of these names are straight-up fantastic. Have you ever heard of Bastianna before? Me neither, but I think she's lovely.

Red Band Society
Dash
Jordi
Kenji
Leo
Quinby
Ruben
Simmi (g)


These names are definitely age appropriate. The characters are children, so it's very believable. Simmi stands out to me, though. I wonder if it's a nickname.

Transparent
Bianca
Davina
Len
Maura
Raquel

I watched this show, and it was amazing. The characters names were very fitting, but I was especially intrigued by Maura. The character in the show was originally Mort, but changed her name to Maura when she came out as a woman. Picking your own name seems incredibly challenging to me. Did you notice this is the second Davina we have listed? Out of all the names, I wouldn't have guessed that Davina would be the one repeated.

EDITOR'S NOTE: It was pointed out that Klaus from The Originals is actually Niklaus. In that case, I like the sibset much better. 

10 U Name You Never Thought of Using: Boys

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On to the boys! I'm actually surprised at how much I like this list--I had never really thought of any U names before. Take a look, and tell me if you feel the same.

Uberto- Uberto is cool and sophisticated. He's a slimmer version of Umberto--another name I considered putting on this list.

Ugo- If Hugo's too hipster for your taste, try Ugo. He's got a similar feel, but is more exotic and interesting.

Ultan- Ultan is an Irish saint name (Happy Saint Patricks Day!) with good potential for the middle spot. He may be a little out there, but if you're brave enough, he would also make a good first name.

Umber- We love color names, but there are few out there for boys. Umber is one of the few, and makes a striking name for a son. He's also a nice way to honor an Amber.

Urban- What better name than Urban to convey your love for city life? He may sound modern and cosmopolitan, but Urban is a very old name, peaking in 1916.

Uri- Ari is racing up the charts, and though he may not seem popular on paper (#417), he is an extremely trendy choice in many areas of the country (including Chicago--I know a million Aris). Uri is the perfect alternative, yet he's not even on most people's radar screens. Uri is a Hebrew name like Ari, but the names have different meanings. Uri means "light."

Urian- The most popular U name for boys is Uriah (#535). That's not popular at all (only 488 boys were given the name last year), but some parents are looking for something almost no one has used. Urian shares many sounds with Uriah, but did not even place in the top 1000 last year.

Urso- Urso is such a cool name. He's an Italian name meaning "bear," which makes him perfect for a subtle animal-themed sibset.

Utah- State names can be great choices for babies. They can honor a parent's home, where the baby was born, a special place to the parents, and more. Utah is an especially rad name for a boy--he's got the feel of a hipster cowboy.

Uzi- He may share a name with a machine gun, but Uzi is not unusable. Wes Anderson choose him as the name of one of Chaz Tenenbaum's sons (along with Ari) for his film The Royal Tenenbaums. That movie helped me see Uzi as a wearable name, but you have to decide for yourself.

May Names

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Hooray, it's finally May! May is one of my favorite months. School begins to die down, and it feels like Summer is on it's way. To celebrate, lets look at some names that would be perfect for a May baby.

Birthstone:
Beryl- May's birthstone is Emerald, which is a member of the Beryl family. Beryl definitely has some charm, which many people don't appreciate.
Emerald- She's getting popular. I prefer Beryl.

Birth Flower:
 Lily- Lily of the Valley is May's birth flower, but many people won't get the connection with such a popular name.
Shoshana- Shoshana means lily, and makes a subtle connection to the month.
Valley- The other half of Lily of the Valley. Fun Fact: My second grade teacher named her daughter Chloe Lily-of-the-Valley, but the next day changed it to Chloe Regina.

Star Signs:
Gemini- People born later in May are Gemini. I'm not sure how useable she is, but it does work.
Taurus- Much better than Gemini, and the only boy name on the list. Taurus is a cool name, and he could be called Tor.
Venus- The planet Venus governs the star sign Taurus, but you have to be brave to use her as a name.

Related to May:
Amy- An anagram of May.
Maia- May is named after the goddess Maia.
May, Mae, Mabel, Maisie, etc.- Any May name works to honor a baby girl's birth month.


P.S. Tomorrow is my blogoversary. Three years old! I can hardly believe it :)

10 T Names You Never Thought of Using: Girls

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Is it already time for T names for girls? Yikes, we only have a few more letters left to do. I am really excited about this list today. There are some really good choices, so pay attention.

Tacy- I'll always have a soft spot for Tacy, after reading the Betsy, Tacy, and Tib books when I was younger. She can be used as a nickname for Anastasia, and is perfect for honoring a Stacy.

Tamar- I love Tamar. She's a strong, powerful name that Americans should embrace. She has never been in the U.S. top 1000, but she is much more popular in Georgia and Israel.

Tamsin- Tamsin is a diminutive of the Thomasina, both of which are scarcely heard in the United States. She would work nicely as an honor name for a Tamara or Tammy.

Tarot- Are you a fortune teller? Maybe an astrology enthusiast? Consider Tarot for a daughter. She has a lovely sound, and would be a great middle name.

Thais- Thais is a gorgeous Greek name that has never been in the top 1000. She ranks at #4873, so it's practically guaranteed that she'll be the only Thais on the block.

Thisbe- Thisbe is a more well-known Greek name--because of her role in Greek mythology. Her story may be a tragic one, but her name is still a perfectly fine choice.

True- True is a Modern Virtue Name that works well on a girl or a boy. Cakies blogger Rubyellen used True for her daughter (with sisters named Brave, Soul, and Glow).

Tuesday- Days of the week names aren't particularly popular, but I think Tuesday is one of the best. She's a quirky day name without Addams family associations.

Tulia- Tulia wins for my favorite of the list. I recently met the most wonderful woman named Tulia, and she made me fall in love with her name. Tulia is perfect if you're looking for a more interesting alternative to Julia.

Twila- Twila peaked in the 1930s, which means she's almost ready for a comeback. Even though we may be a decade early, I think Twila would work really well for the 2015 baby of a night owl.

Explorer Names

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Hey guys, happy Columbus Day! I don't get this day off of school anymore (in Chicago we get Pulaski Day off instead). I thought it would be perfect to honor the holiday by talking about names for your little explorer. So, enjoy, and tell me what you think.

Expected:
Destiny- A little out of style (there are a lot of Destinys my age), but not a bad virtuous pick.
Journey- Wouldn't she make a cool middle name for a girl? I would like to see that.

Unique:
Asra- I've talked about Azra before, but I think I like this spelling even more. He's an interesting and quirky choice, but not too out-there.
Beatrix- Her roots suggest that she could mean "traveler," which is perfect for your explorer of a daughter.
Doran- Doran means "wanderer" in Gaelic, and is a great choice for a boy or a girl.

Unheard of:
Ferdinand- Double points for Ferdinand, he means "brave journey" and is the first name of esteemed explorer Magellan.
Peregrine- A little long and grand for a boy, I'm not sure if he's useable. Maybe if he was called Perry?
Saira- Gorgeous alternative to Sarah.

10 V Names You Never Thought of Using: Girls

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V names for girls are having a moment. Violet, Vivian, and Valentina are all very trendy, and will continue to climb the charts. Not all the good V names are popular--I have a great list of ones that don't even break the top 1000.

Vale- I wrote this post about Vale right after Savannah Guthrie gave the name to her daughter in August. She will probably get a boost as a celebrity baby name, but I wouldn't expect her to be in the top 1000 for next year.

Verona- This romantic name is one of the best for honoring a Veronica. Verona is the Italian city where Romeo and Juliet takes place, so it would be a lovely choice for a Shakespeare fan.

Veronique- Veronique is the French form of Veronica, and much more current. I've heard it on a few American children, and she is definitely wearable in the U.S.

Vesper- Vesper is a cool, mysterious name that means evening. She's perfect for parents looking for a baby name with an edge. However, a Vesper is a type of cocktail, which may be off putting to some parents.

Vida- Could Vida make it into the top 1000 this year? She is currently at #1308, but she's rising quickly--possibly thanks to Matthew McConaughey's daughter. Vida is a super sweet name, and she has the best meaning--"life."

Vienna- Vienna will definitely break the top 1000 in May. She's at #1004, and is experiencing a rapid rise in popularity. She's one of my favorite place names, and is wonderful for honoring Austrian heritage. Want a subtle connection? The popular surname Wiener means "from Vienna," so she'd be the perfect pick if that was your maiden name or on your family tree.

Viola- There are two pronunciations of Viola. The first (and most popular) is like Violet--vie-OH-lah. the second is like the instrument--vee-OH-lah. Take your pick. They are both beautiful (and make a great alternative to Violet).

Vionnet- Vionnet is another French name, pronounced VEE-oh-nay. She's absolutely stunning, and would make a lovely, unexpected middle.

Viveca- Viveca is my favorite alternative to Vivian, I am constantly suggesting her. She's a Scandinavian name, and like Vida, means "life." Viveca can also be spelled Vivica, like the actress Vivica A. Fox.

Vrai- Looking for an exotic virtue name? Look no further. Vrai is the French word for "truth," and she could definitely work in America. If you're not brave enough to use her as a first name, she'd be a unique pick for the middle position.

10 N Names You Never Thought of Using: Girls

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As many of you guys know, N is the first initial of my all time favorite girl name--Nell. Nell is gorgeous, sweet, and lovely, and will not be making an appearance on this list. Instead I've picked some more creative, daring, and unexpected names for you to consider.

Navy- This color name has become more fashionable lately, and it's easy to see why. She shares a -av sound with popular names Ava and Avery, and she's not too long.

Nelia- Nelia is originally a nickname for Cornelia, but she stands nicely all on her own. Possible nicknames include Nell or Lia.

Nemy- A cute, upbeat name that strikes me as more feminine than Remy. She might work better as a nickname though.

Nessa- Nessa could be used as a nickname for Vanessa, Janessa, or even Anastasia, but I'm attracted to her simplicity.

Nettie- She's a spunky, old fashioned nickname with lots of charm. She doesn't need a full name, but if you must, she works for any name ending in -ette.

Nigella- Celebrity chef Nigella Lawson is the most famous bearer of this name, which comes from a spice. I'm not sure many American parents would be brave enough to use Nigella, but you could always call her Ella.

Nika- Have you noticed how many N names are diminutives? Nika is no exception. She comes from Veronika, and sounds much more modern.

Ninon- Ninon is a French nickname for Anne or Nina, and she should probably stay that way. I can't imagine her as a full name, but how adorable would a Nina-called-Ninon be?

Nona- Before you ask, yes, I know that Nona is a popular term for grandma. That may be a deal breaker for you, but she actually means "nine." I think she's pretty darling, especially if you were having your ninth (!) child.

Nuala- Nuala is a pretty Irish name that fits right in with today's most popular. She's got long vowel sounds and the coveted L, making her a perfect pick. I know two Nualas (well, one is a dog), and I can say that the name wears very well.

10 G Names You Never Thought of Using: Boys

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Three weeks ago we talked about G names for girls, and now that I'm finally back, it's the boys turn. I love G names for boys, they are the epitome of cool. This list in particular features some names that guarantee your baby will be awesome.

Gable- An Old Hollywood name that makes a great alternative to the popular Gabriel.

Gardner- A rare -er name that would work well on either gender (but my vote is boy). Name your sons Gable and Gardner for a Classic Hollywood sibset.

Garth- Cowboy cool. Garth can work across many styles, and don't worry- he's definitely not too outlandish for the kindergarten roster.

Gentry- An interesting pick that no one has heard of. If you like unusual, this name is for you.

Gibson- The most popular of this list, yet still rarely used. I'm surprised he's not more popular, Gibson would make a great brother for many top 100 names.

Gill- I know what you're thinking: "Why would you put an ugly name like Gill on this list?" But he's not ugly. Gill is a little old-mannish, which is actually wonderful for people looking for retro names that aren't quite stylish yet. Though, in the next few years I predict he's going to make a comeback.

Greeley- He's a unisex surname with a lot of potential. If you aren't brave enough to make him a first name, go ahead and stick him in the middle.

Gregor- Gregory is dated and boring, but Gregor is cool and unique. He's a nice, modern choice, but he will probably get confused for Gregory.

Grove- What, you don't see Grover's appeal? I understand, but I urge you to take a look at Grove. He's more stylish and streamlined, plus this way you can still honor Grandpa Grover.

Guthrie- I think this one could break into the top 1000 any time now. Guthrie is a great name, with some nice namesakes, including musician Woody, or news anchor Savannah.

Full Names for Bert

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I'm ready for Bert to make a comeback. If not this generation, then hopefully the next. Bert is a great choice if you want to stay ahead of the curve, style wise. He's vintage, handsome, and very charming. If you like Bert or Bertie, here is a list of delightfully old-school full names.

Albert- Albert peaked in 1910 at #14, which means he should have come back in style approximately five years ago. He's currently at #421, while similar name Alberto is at #474. Either one is a cute and not so popular option for the nickname Bert.

Bertell- You would have to be a brave namer to use Bertell. He's quite antiquated, but using Bert makes him usable.

Bertram- Bertram is another oldie who hasn't quite shaken off the dust. This German name might sound a little harsh to American parents, especially in this age of liquidy, vowel-heavy names.

Calbert- Calbert has a much more modern sound. Cal- names are currently in vogue, so that's no surprise. Cal or Bert would be wonderful nicknames.

Elbert- Switch one letter of Albert, and you have a name with a completely different feel. Elbert does not give off the same strong masculine vibes as Albert, and--dare I say--seems a bit more nerdy.

Filbert- Filbert (and brother Philbert) have never ranked in the top 1000, and were each given to fewer than five children last year. So, it's safe to say that if you name your son Filbert, he might never encounter another one.

Gilbert- Much better than Filbert (in my opinion) is Gilbert. Gil is a very sweet nickname, as is Bert. He's one to consider.

Herbert- I'm partial to Herbert, as it's a family name, but I could see him making a comeback. With nickname options like Herb, Herbie, and Bert, how could you not love Herbert?

Hubert- Hubert falls into the same category as Herbert. Hugh or Hughie? Swoon.

Norbert- Norbert could use a few more years to warm up to American ears. According to the 100 year rule, that should be in about 7 years, so watch out for baby Norberts in 2022.

Robert- Robert is the classic choice for a full name for Bert. I've heard some people say they think Robbie might be the next big nickname for Robert, but I've got my eye on Bert.

Talbert- Talbert is an extremely rare name of unknown origin or meaning (anyone know?). That makes him a great name for a future spy.

Umberto- Umberto, or the more modern Uberto could easily be worn in 2015.  I talked about them a few months ago in my post 10 U Names You Never Thought of Using: Boys.

Wilbert- Love Bert, but need to honor a William? Use Wilbert. He's cute, quirky, and lovable.

Celebrity Baby Name Predictions: Volume 6

via Marion WD Tumblr

This month’s predictions features two exciting firsts for me: my first twin prediction, and my first Duggar prediction! I’ve been crossing my fingers for a Duggar pregnancy announcement since I started this series six months ago, and now here it is. But that’s not all the good news this month. Mick Jagger is going to be a dad again, as is Sam Worthington. Plus, Jenna Jameson is having her third baby. This means we’ve got a lot of stylish, alliterative, and probably zany birth announcements coming up. I’ve taken a stab at predicting them below.

Melanie Hamrick and Mick Jagger

Gender: unknown

Siblings: Georgia, James, Jade, Elizabeth, Lucas, Karis, Gabriel (all from previous relationships)

Even though the names of Mick Jagger’s children seem all over the place in terms of sibset cohesion, there’s one thing they all have in common: undeniably British style. I have a feeling baby number eight’s name will fit right in.

Girl: Bryony, Cressida, Gemma, Imogen, Isadora, Ivy, Poppy, Tabitha, Tallulah

Boy: Charlie, Lewis, Milo, Nico, Oliver, Sebastian, Simon, Spencer, Richie, Rex
*Update* Yep, they went British--baby boy is Devereaux Octavian Basil!

Kirsten and Jon Heder

Gender: girl

Siblings: Evan Jane(g), Philip, Timothy

Even though Jon Heder is known for playing a character named Napoleon, his personal naming style is much tamer. His sons have very traditional names, while his daughter has an uncommon, but on-trend unisex name—Evan. Using that as my guide, I made picks for the Heders that would be perfect for their sibset. 
Girl: Anna, Brenna, Claire, Grace, Harper, Kate, Leah, Maggie, Nora, Paige, Piper

Grace Gail and Adam Rodriguez

Gender: unknown

Siblings: Frankie Elle(g)

Frankie is definitely having a moment right now. It’s cute and not-so-serious, and makes a great nickname for some terrific longer names. Frankie Rodriguez is just Frankie though, so I have a hunch Grace and Adam might choose another nickname-y name for baby number two. 
Girl: Clara, Etta, Evie, Georgia, Ivy, Josie, Lena, Libby, Liza, Lucy, Nellie, Rosie

Boy: Arlo, Ben, Gus, Jamie, Jonathan, Julian, Leo, Louie, Milo, Nico, Rudy, Sammy

Molly Sims and Scott Stuber

Gender: unknown

Siblings: Brooks Alan, Scarlett May

The Stuber sibset is preppy as can be, with a healthy dose of Southern charm. If they stick with that theme, I bet their third child will have one of the following names.

Girl: Adelaide, Audrey, Evelyn, Harlow, Laurel, Sadie, Savannah, Stella, Vivienne

Boy: Beau, Clayton, Dean, Hayes, Preston, Reid, Spencer, Tate, Tucker, Waylon
*Update* A boy--Grey Douglas!

Danneel Harris and Jensen Ackles

Gender: boy girl twins!

Siblings: Justice Jay "JJ" (g)

Double trouble--a boy and a girl are on the way for the Ackles family. Twins can be tricky to name. You want the pair to be cohesive on its own, but also fit in with the larger sibset. I’m excited to hear Jensen and Danneel’s choices, especially since their daughter has such a fun name.

Girl: Alexis, Brynn, Eden, Grace, Harper, Quinn, Payton, Rain, Rowan, Skye

Boy: Alex, Beckett, Brave, Hayden, Jude, Phoenix, Rocky, Sawyer, Tristan, Zion
*Update* The twins are here! Baby girl is Arrow Rhodes, and baby boy is Zeppelin Bram. 

Jenna Jameson and Lior Britton

Gender: unknown

Siblings: Jesse Jameson, Journey Jette (both from a previous relationship)

Something tells me this baby is going to have another double J name. Jenna Jameson’s twin sons’ names aren’t a complete match stylistically, so it’s a total toss up in terms of her approach for baby number three. Will she go with a more traditional and well-liked name a la Jesse? Or choose a trendy unisex name like Journey?

Girl: Jacy, Jade, Jasmine, Jayla, Jersey, Jewel, Jezebel, Jolie, Jubilee, Jules, Juliette

Boy: Jace, Jack, Jagger, Jamie, Jaxon, Jayden, Jenson, Jethro, Jude, Judson, Justice
*Update* Not a J name--a girl named Batel Lu!

Lara Bingle and Sam Worthington

Gender: unknown

Siblings: Rocket Zot

Rocket Zot is the craziest celebrity baby name you've never heard of. This Australian couple gave their son a very unique combination of names, and I have no doubt that they’re going to do it again. The only question is, what combo will it be this time?

Girl: Ember, Fable, Moxie, Mystery, Pixie, Rebel, Rumor, Story, Spirit

Boy: Blaze, Breaker, Diesel, Dragon, Legend, Neon, Noble, Storm
*Update* Welcome Racer!

Jessa and Ben Seewald

Gender: unknown

Siblings: Spurgeon Elliot

The Duggars are known for their baby name choices, but Jessa and Ben have promised not to do a letter theme. Instead, it seems as if they are naming their babies after famous Christians. The Seewalds are not afraid to go bold with baby names, so I didn’t hold back when making my predictions. I wouldn’t hold it past them to name a daughter Pink (which I’m secretly rooting for)!

Girl: Annie, Carey, Hedley, Isobel, Lottie, Piper, Pink, Ryle, Susanna, Teresa

Boy: Baxter, Benjamin, Lawson, Leland, Luther, Owen, Paul, Tozer, Washer, Wells

*Update* It's a boy—Henry Wilberforce!

10 L Name You Never Thought of Using: Girls

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L is a super popular letter for names right now. Lily, Layla, Lucy, and Leah are some of the most popular ones, which definitely shows a trend. We like L names that are two syllables, have a strong vowel sound, and preferably a "Y" in there somewhere. The names on this list might not meet all that criterion, but they have something else going for them--their popularity. None of these L names are in the top 1000, so you don't need to worry that your daughter will go by "Leonie F." in school.

Lake- I have a feeling actress Lake Bell will give this one a boost (will we see her in next year's top 1000?) but she still won't be that popular. Lake is a great nature name that works for both genders, but now swings female.

Larkin- A unisex surname that has one of the sweetest nicknames--Lark.

Leatrice- Is Beatrice too popular for you? (she ranks at 593, so I doubt it). Try Leatrice, which is almost the same name, but with an L.

Leonie- Pronounce her however you like (is it LAY-oh-nie, lay-OH-nie, LEE-oh-nie, or lee-OH-nie?) but you can't really go wrong. She's a super cute name, and an excellent way to honor all the Leonas and Leos in your life.

Libra- I've talked about Libra a lot in the past, she's one of the best star sign names out there. Libby would be a nice nickname.

Lilias- She's one of the few full forms of Lily that hasn't become very popular. I think she's the most gorgeous of the bunch; I would choose her over Lillian or Liliana any day.

Lilo- I adore Lilo, she's much more spunky than Lily. But the Disney character has turned me off to her, I wonder if other Lilo lovers feel the same.

Linden- A unisex tree name that I prefer for girls. Linden would make a great modern way to honor a Lindsay.

Lolita- I know why everyone doesn't want to name their daughter Lolita. But gosh, she's such a pretty name. Any brave parents out there?

Lotus- So many nature names this week! Lotus is a lovely, almost ethereal, flower name, perfect for your beautiful, mellow baby girl.

Lucienne- A very sophisticated and French way to get to Lucy. She's much prettier than Lucille, in my opinion.

25 Days of Christmas: Poinsettia

Our Christmas baby name for today is Poinsettia. Poinsettia is a red Christmas flower. She is not ranked in the U.S. top 1000. Poinsettia is very out-there, she's defintely not for the conservative namer.

Poinsettia is a long name, but she has some nickname possibilites. Some of them include Pia, Settia, and Posy. This makes her all the more useable.

She's an interesting Christmas pick, best paired with a short middle name. You have to be brave to use this one. Check back tomorrow for our next Christmas name.

10 Z Names You Never Thought of Using: Boys

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On April 30, 2014, I wrote a post entitled 10 A Names You Never Thought of Using: Girls. Now, over thirteen months and 52 posts later, this little series is coming to an end. Sob! Enjoy the final installment of this alphabetical series. Without further ado, I present to you, 10 Z Names You Never Thought of Using: Boys.

Zacha- Lately we have come to see Sasha as a possibility for boys, but if that's still a little feminine for you, try Zacha. This spelling is definitely more masculine than Zosia (of the same pronunciation).

Zade- Names like Cade, Kade, and Jade all reside within the top 500, so why haven't parents gravitated toward Zade? I don't have a satisfying answer, but if you like modern, invented names, just know that Zade is an underused option.

Zale- Dale is more likely to be baby's grandpa rather than the baby, and that name can be a tough one for honoring purposes. Zale offers a contemporary equivalent.

Zed- Zed is the pronunciation of the letter Z in English speaking countries besides America. So I know he'd be an interesting and usable choice here in the United States, but what about for Canadians and Europeans? (someone tell me). That being said, we name our children Bea, Sea, Jay, Kay, and Elle, so why not Zed?

Zelman- Zelman is a variation of Solomon, which means "peace." If you're looking to put a modern spin on a biblical classic, Zelman is one to consider.

Zen- What better name for the baby of spiritual, meditative parents? Zen requires a brave namer, so if you're not up to the challenge, put him in the middle.

Zero- Zero might not be the best number to name your kiddo for, but after watching The Grand Budapest Hotel a couple of times, I'm convinced it could work.

Zeru- Of course, the name Zeru eliminates the number connotation, all while keeping the same sounds. He's actually a Basque name meaning "sky."

Zevi- If you love Levi, but not his popularity, Zevi could be the right name for you. The two are actually not related--Zevi comes from Zvi, both Hebrew names meaning "deer."

Zorion- Zorion (and brother Zorian) is the Basque form of Orion, a name that is surging in popularity. For a shorter version, you could use Zoran or Zoren, of the same origins.

10 W Names You Never Thought of Using: Girls

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Calling all brave namers. This list is for you. Sure, some of these names are on the tamer side, but the rest of them--not for the faint of heart.

Wandely- Oh yes. Wandely. Never heard of her? Neither has anyone else, so you've got uniqueness covered. She has the same syllable pattern of such popular names as Natalie, so Wandely's not totally out of the fashion limbo. 

Waverly- If you're going for cuteness, Waverly might be the better choice. The Disney Channel series Wizards of Waverly Place helped propel her into the spotlight. She's currently at an all time high of #1854, but I wouldn't expect to see her in the top 1000 anytime soon.

Wendeline- Wendeline (also spelled Wendaline, Wendoline, and Wendolyn), is a variant of Gwendolyn. But, with a name as scarce as this one, you get to make up your own rules. I suggest pronouncing her WEN-dah-line (rhymes with Caroline) for a modern, more unique form of the name.

Westerly- Directional names are all the rage, but Westerly is not often heard. Westerly is a unisex name, but the -ly suffix makes her a great one to consider for a girl. 

Whimsy- See what I mean? Naming your daughter Whimsy would take a lot of courage. She sounds like a name straight out of celebrity-land, but if you love her, go for it. On the other hand, you could always play it safe and stick her in the middle ;)

Willabelle- The syrupy, fantastical -belle names can be hit-or-miss, but I'm kinda liking Willabelle. She may be a bit over the top, but in this day and age, practically anything is useable. Willa is my choice of nickname. 

Winna- I was so incredibly happy when I discovered this name. I thought Winna was perfect. Then I realized she sounds like "winner" and my heart was broken. That doesn't make her totally unusable, but you better live in a place where they pronounce their R's. 

Winslet- Kate Winslet makes her surname an absolutely gorgeous and accessible option for girls. The sounds are slightly tomboyish, but the touch of Hollywood glam makes Winslet decidedly feminine. 

Wisteria- Wisteria is a beautiful flower and purple hue that you most likely recognize from your Crayola box. It's quite rare to find a four syllable name without an obvious nickname, but Wisteria fits the bill. 

Wynne- Wynn is a traditionally unisex name, but the extra E makes her much more girly. If you would prefer to use her as a nickname, some possible full forms are Gwendolyn, Wendeline, Winslet, and Winter. 

10 English Names You Never Thought of Using: Girls

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English names are always popular in America, due to the fact that there is no language or pronounciation barrier. However, trends in Britain are very different from those on this side of the pond. I've picked ten very British names for this list today--any of which would be right at home in America.

Araminta- Araminta is one of those quintessentially English names. She's long and regal, but in true British style, comes with a spunky nickname--Minty.

Cicely- Cicely is the English form of Cecilia. Switch the i for an e, and you have Cecily--who's poised to break into the top 1000. Or, spell her Sicily, and she becomes an Italian place name.

Ginny- Sweet Ginny was long ago replaced by Jenny, though I believe she may be making a comeback. I've met more than one young Ginny at my job, and she sounds very fresh. In these days where we're tired of Jennys and Jennifers, might Ginny be the perfect solution?

Halsey- Halsey is an undiscovered gem. She's a great alternative and honor name for Hallie and Holly, and she fits right in with the preppy surname trend.

Jennison- Like I said before, people are so over Jennifer (well, not everyone, she's actually still at #220). Jennison is a more contemporary option, and shares many of the same sounds--she's honor name material.

Jessamy- If Jessamine is a little much for you, try Jessamy. This less formal variation is bright and chirpy. She means jasmine flower, which is fantastic if you need to honor a Jasmine.

Norabel- If you're looking to expound upon Nora, but aren't a fan of Honora, Norabel could be the right name for you. She's quirky and cute--and much more interesting than Annabel. Best of all, as a smush name, she has a whole new meaning--beautiful light. Can't get much better than that.

Ouida- I always like to throw a polarizing name into the mix. You're either going to love Ouida, or you'll hate her. She's a diminutive of Louisa and Ouisa, and pronounced WEE-dah. Ouida requires a brave namer, but I think she'd be an amazing addition to many European inspired sibsets (Tilda and Ouida, Romy and Ouida?)

Romilly- Speaking of Romy, my favorite full name for her is Romilly. She was originally a boy name, but now would only be considered for a daughter. Romilly couldn't be more perfect for Italian-English families, considering her British roots and meaning of "man of Rome."

Tamsin- Looking for a good name for a twin? Try Tasmin, as that is her meaning. She comes from Thomasina, a name that's almost never used today. If you must use a nickname, Tamsy is much more modern (and more British) than Tammy.

10 Greek Names You Never Thought of Using: Girls

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Greek names are some of the most beautiful--though I might be biased: Sophia is Greek. Nevertheless, I do really like the list I've created today, so take a look, then tell me what you think.

Beta- Beta is the second letter of the Greek alphabet and a widely used tech term. She's synonymous with being second, making her perfect for child number two. Add a syllable and you get Beata--another pretty European name.

Circe- Circe is one of my most favorite C names (behind Clementine), and it's always surprised me that she's not used more often. She means "bird," which I think is just adorable.

Cybele- Cybele (that's SIB-el-ee, though I've also heard sib-EL-ee) is the best name for a strong, powerful, feminine woman, as she means "mother of all gods." She's the goddess of fertility, health, and nature--quite the trifecta for a baby girl.

Eleni- Much like the more familiar Elena, Eleni originally comes from the name Helen. She is quite popular in Greece, and I hope to see her catch on in the United States. With Elena poised to break the top 100, it's quite possible people will begin to look for alternatives--my pick is Eleni.

Evanthia- Evanthia is the Greek version of Evanthe, and she's absolutely stunning. It's difficult to find much information about her. You can seldom find her in a baby name book. Maybe she's meant for those who like a little bit of mystery in their lives.

Hero- I feel like I rave about Hero all the time. There's just something about her. She strikes me as a feminist name, i.e. Hero not Heroine, and girls can be heroes too! Catch my drift?

Lilika- While she might seem like a variation of Lily, Lilika actually stems from Evangelia. That doesn't mean that you can't use Lili as a nickname though, infact, that would be pretty cute.

Petra- There are plenty of ways to honor a Peter (some I've profiled lately), but Petra is one of my favorites. She's definitely a pan-European choice--Petra is most popular in the Czech Republic, Germany, and the Netherlands.

Sophronia- Sophia for brave namers. Sophie seems like the obvious nickname, though Phronsie and Frona are two more unique options. I'm very intrigued by Sophronia--anyone else feel the same way?

Theodosia- Theodosia is another name I've talked about before. She is a mouthful, but I actually think she is usable. In part due to her nicknames: the androgynous Theo or cutesy Dot.

Food Names: Desserts

Did you all have a good Thanksgiving? To finish up our mini-series, we are going to profile names of the final course- dessert. What better than to name your baby after your favorite treat? Here's some inspiration.

Expected:
Angel- For Angel Food Cake. Better on a boy.
Ginger- Gingersnaps and Gingerbread. Second time this week that we've talked about Ginger. She's darling.
Honey- Save this one for a nickname.
Madeleine- Classic, but sounding trendy because of all the Mad- and Add- names.

Unique:
Ambrosia- A little over the top.
Boston- After Boston Cream Pie. Love it on a boy, very unique.
Cookie- I wouldn't.
Suzette- For Crepes Suzette. A little dated, but Suzie makes her cooler.

Unheard of:
Alaska- Very cool and under the radar.
Blondie- Reserved for '80s pop singers only.
Éclair- A "sweet" way to get to Clair or Clary.
Tiramisu- If you are very brave, this could be an option. Susie is a cute nickname.

Word Names

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Word names make great middle names. We see it all the time with celebrities--Charlie Ballerina, Sparrow James Midnight, Buddy Bear, etc. But you don't need to be a celebrity to go big in the middle. The best part about middle name is that they are just that: in the middle! They aren't used on a regular basis, so have fun with it. I've got 150 options here, ranging from the safe and easy to the truly outrageous. It's all after the jump.