Celebrity Baby Name Suggestions: Volume 2

Foss Design via Etsy

Celebrity baby naming is unpredictable, but that doesn't stop us from trying! Just as we're shocked when a famous parents chooses something way out of left field for their child (a la Jamie Oliver's Petal Blossom Rainbow or Gwyneth Paltrow's Apple), it's just as surprising to hear them pick a common name (like Michael Buble's Noah or Matt Damon's Isabella). That being said, there are some tricks to celebrity baby name predictions, so let's look into the crystal ball.

Emily Blunt and John Krasinski
Gender: unknown
Siblings: Hazel
Hazel is super sweet and subtly vintage. I think they'll pick another on-trend name with retro roots.
Boy: August, Charlie, Felix, Finn, Julian, Louis, Oscar, Russell, Spencer, Toby, Walter
Girl: Ada, Cora, Fiona, Gemma, Georgia, Helena, Ivy, Phoebe, Poppy, Ruthie, Zara
*Update* Another color-nature name for the Krasinski clan--Violet!

Erica Hanson and Ike Barinholtz
Gender: unknown
Siblings: Foster (g)
The hilarious Ike Barinholtz (Morgan Tookers on The Mindy Project) and his wife Erica went the androgynous surname route for their little girl. I expect they'll choose something similar for baby #2, regardless of gender.
Boy: Coleman, Cormac, Fielding, Gardner, Hart, Holt, Huck, Shepherd, Sumner
Girl: Abbott, Campbell, Connelly, Hadley, Halsey, Hollis, Madden, Sheridan, Sloane
*Update* Another girl--Payton June!

Holly Madison and Pasquele Rotella
Gender: unknown
Siblings: Rainbow Aurora
Holly Madison surprised us all when it turned out she had secretly (and subtly) revealed the first name of her daughter via Twitter. In this article she reveals she likes word names as well as Disney inspired ones. Keeping that in mind, here are my predictions.
Boy: Anthem, Charming, Diesel, Dragon, Echo, Flynn, Hero, Spirit, Temple, Treasure, Valentine
Girl: Ariel, Chrysanthemum, Bliss, Bluebell, Fantasia, Forever, Holiday, Jubilee, Meadow, Pixie
*Update* She does love word names--baby boy is Forest Leonardo Antonio!

Alanis Morisette and Mario Treadway
Gender: unknown
Siblings: Ever Imre (b)
Imre, Alanis Morissette and Mario Treadway's son's middle name, is not one you hear often. It's actually a Hungarian name, which ties back to Morissette's heritage. Might we see another Hungarian choice? Or perhaps something from her French-Irish side of the family? More word names? I guess we'll wait and see.
Boy: Bence, Hawk, Judge. Justice, King, Laszlo, Maverick, Noble, Rogue, True
Girl: Emerald, Fable, Harbor, Haven, Ireland, Lyric, Mika, Rebel, Sailor, Story
*Update*  It's a girl for Alanis Morisette--Onyx Solace!

Lisa Ling and Paul Song
Gender: unknown
Siblings: Jett Ling (g)
Wow, we have a lot of word name-loving celebs this month! Lisa Ling named her daughter Jett back in 2013, and I'm curious to see if she chooses another unisex word name for baby number two.
Boy: Archer, Canyon, Cove, Dashiell, Dax, Fletcher, Fox, Kit, Park, Rex, Rocco
Girl: Bird, Domino, Grey, Indie, Liv, Max, Monroe, Poet, Scout, Sea, Sutton
*Update* It's a girl--Ray Ling Song!

Alexi Ashe and Seth Meyers
Gender: unknown
Siblings: none
Late Night host Seth Meyers' wife Alexi are pregnant with their first. It's hard to make predictions about name choice without an older sibling's name to look to (they do have a dog named Frisbee, not that that helps), but I have a feeling this couple isn't going to choose anything wild and crazy.
Boy: Bennett, Conrad, Eli, Emmett, Ford, Graham, Henry, Jay, Judson, Lawson, Reid
Girl: Amelie, Cecilia, Eleanor, Eve, Fiona, Ivy, Lily, Madeleine, Nadia, Nina, Rosie
*Update* It's a boy, and his name is Ashe Olson--the maiden names of Alexi and Seth's mother. How sweet!

Paige Mitchell and Eddie Murphy
Gender: unknown
Siblings: Eric, Christian, Bria, Myles, Shayne, Zola, Bella, and Angel (g)
It's baby number nine for Eddie Murphy! With this many kids, it's hard to keep sibsets super cohesive. But taking inspiration from his youngest ones, I would expect the baby to be named...
Boy: Ace, Cash, Chaz, Jax, Jayce, Lynx, Phoenix, Xander, Zaire, Zack
Girl: Asha, Asia, Faith, Jade, Jasmine, Jolie, Journey, Liberty, Nala, Skyla
*Update* Hello, Izzy Oona!

Soleil Moon Frye and Jason Goldberg
Gender: unknown
Siblings: Poet Sienna Rose, Jagger Joseph Blue (g), and Lyric Sonny Roads (b)
After three babies, I think we have a pretty good handle on Soleil Moon Frye's naming style--artistic word names. She's a fan of gender-bending though, so I might as well have left off the boy and girl labels.
Boy: Crescent, Drummer, Freedom, Jazz, Journey, Ocean, Mystery, Rhapsody
Girl: Dancer, Dreamer, Fable, Galaxy, Pastel, Silhouette, Swan, Velvet, Whimsy
*Update* Soleil has welcomed a little boy named Story!

Nicky Hilton and James Rothschild
Gender: unknown
Siblings: none
Coming from such a high-profile family, the pressure's on Nicky Hilton Rothschild to choose a marvelous name for her son or daughter. Something tells me it's going to be a little bit dramatic and extravagant, but still wearable.
Boy: Alastair, Augustine, Bennington, Charleston, Maximilian, Reginald, Whittaker
Girl: Angeline, Aurelia, Calixta, Clarissa, Emmeline, Simone, Valentina, Veronique
*Update* Welcome Lily Grace Victoria!

Liv Tyler and David Gardner
Gender: unknown
Siblings: Milo and Sailor Gene
When both of Liv Tyler's sons were born, their names were on the cusp of cool. I suspect she will make a similar choice when it comes to her third child.
Boy: Asa, Cyrus, Dashiell, Finn, Jude, Nico, Otto, Phoenix, Reid, Royce
Girl: Carys, Delilah, Elodie, Ivy, Luna, Marnie, Matilda, Pearl, Tallulah
*Update* I was close with Luna and Tallulah--baby girl is Lula Rose!

Chelsea Clinton and Marc Mezvinsky

Gender: unknown

Siblings: Charlotte

A new Clinton baby will be arriving in the midst of a busy summer for it's presidental candidate grandma, Hillary. First daughter Chelsea and her husband Marc chose the name Charlotte for their first child--ranked at #10 the year she was born. Charlotte is a soft, vintage-inspired name that feels very current right now. My guess is her sibling will have a similar name. 

Boy: Andrew, Graham, James, Jasper, Julian, Harrison, Levi, Paul, Spencer, Thomas, William

Girl: Alice, Annabel, Audrey, Eleanor, Elizabeth, Evelyn, Genevieve, Lucy, Madeleine, Nora
*Update* Welcome Aidan Clinton Mezvinsky!

Full Names for Pia

Tolga Gezginis via Behance

Pia is a true multi-cultural name. She's heard in cultures all over the world, from Asia to South America, and in almost every European country. Pia is such a well-liked, easily translatable name--it's high time America took a page from the global handbook. However, I fear Americans think she's too short to stand on her own, so I came up with a list of possible full name options.

Olympia- Quite possibly the most obvious way to get to Pia. Olympia is gorgeous--stylish and modern with an Ancient Greek feel.

Olympiada- Olympia's even more extravagant sister. The nickname Pia is a good counterpart.

Pacifica- Reminiscent of the soothing ocean--in fact, she means "tranquil."

Pamelia- The Spanish version of Pamela, but much more contemporary thanks to the "Amelia" hidden inside. In today's world, Pia is a more fashionable nickname than Pam.

Pascasia- A lovely feminization of Pascale, Pia and Cassie are nickname options

Patricia- A name that definitely feels dated, but using the nickname Pia negates that.

Paulina- Possibly coming back into style thanks to star power. A Paulina called Pia would be charming.

Philippa- Pippa is usually Philippa's nickname of choice, but Pia works just as well.

Piala- This aged Celtic names perfectly lends herself to the nickname Pia.

Piritta- There are probably quite a few Pirittas called Pia--Piritta is a Finnish name, and you'll find many Pias in Scandinavia.

Portia- Portia doesn't have any obvious short forms, but Pia works as a contraction nickname for her.

Sepia- As colorful as Sienna, but with the added bonus of the nickname Pia.

Nicknames for Isabella

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Isabella is an extremely popular name. She's one of those names that will be tied to a generation--not that that's a problem. Isabella is very elegant, so it's no wonder she's so trendy. But with a four syllable name, you sometimes need a nickname. Here are ten of the best choices.

Bella- She's the classic choice, but Bella's a bit overused in my opinion. I think Belle is a fresher option.

Belle- People have embraced Bella to the fullest, but left Belle out. She's a super sweet vintage pick. I prefer the spelling Bell to combat the Disney Princess vibes.

Ella- Ella is a darling name used mostly in her own right. That being said, I know plenty of girls who used Ella as a nickname. This could be a good compromise for parents deciding between Ella and Isabella.

Elle- Of course, I can't forget about Elle. She's a name girls love having--I know quite a few who chose it as their nickname.

Ellie- Ellie is on the rise in the U.S.. She is at #74 and rising. Considering she's a popular nickname for any El- name, it probably seems like Ellie is even more popular than that. Ellie is very charming, and would be a lovely, unique pick as a nickname for Isabella.

Elsa- Elsa is kind of a long shot, but she works. Isabella and Elsa both derive from Elizabeth, and all the letters of Elsa are hidden inside Isabella. If you need a creative way to get to Elsa, I'd say Isabella is a good option.

Elsie- I think Elsie works even better than Elsa. She's a little more nickname-y. Elsie is climbing the charts very quickly, and is currently more popular than Elsa, which may be something to consider.

Isa- Isa is delightful, almost nonexistent nickname for the Isabel- names. If you're looking for a nickname with some European flair, my suggestion is Isa.

Izzy- Like Bella, I consider Izzy a classic, but for kids my age. Bella is the nickname of choice for the younger crowd, but everyone my age named Isabella goes by Izzy. She's still a very viable nickname choice, and doesn't sound dated to me at all.

Sable- I love Sable as a nickname for Isabella. She's always my first suggestion. Guaranteed no other Isabellas on your block will be called Sable.

Celebrity Baby Name Suggestions: Volume I

via The Modern Mark

Here's a fun and light-hearted post for your Friday. I give some high-profile celebrities suggestions for their future babys' name. Let me know if you like it (and if there are any celebs you want me to include in the next round).

Anne Hathaway and Adam Shulman
Gender: unknown
Siblings: none
Anne Hathaway's sweet personality and understated-yet-glamorous style make me think she'll choose something equally charming for her future babe.
Boy: Arthur, Bastien, Benedict, Conrad, Garrison, Ira, Philip, Phineas, Samson, Teddy
Girl: Agnes, Camille, Celeste, Eliza, Harriet, Linnea, Millie, Ophelia, Rosemary, Tess
*Update* Welcome Jonathan Rosebanks! Definitely a classic and classy choice.

Kimberley and James Van Der Beek
Gender: unknown
Siblings: Olivia, Annabel, and Joshua
They picked three well-liked names for their current children, why not choose one more?
Boy: Elijah, Gabriel, Ian, Jackson, Maxwell, Nathaniel, Owen, Samuel, Thomas
Girl: Charlotte, Elizabeth, Ella, Grace, Julia, Leah, Nora, Piper, Sophia, Victoria
*Update* Baby girl is here--her name is Emilia

Amelia Warner and Jamie Dornan
Gender: unknown
Siblings: Dulcie
Dulcie is quirky, cute, and oh-so-British. Sticking with that theme, here are my picks.
Boy: Archie, Freddie, Harry, Harvey, Kit, Leon, Louis, Ollie, Remy, Rex, Toby
Girl: Cleo, Esme, Evie, Freya, Georgie, Hattie, Marnie, Phoebe, Scarlett, Sylvie
*Update* It's a girl--Elva!

Rose Byrne and Bobby Cannavale
Gender: unknown
Siblings: none
Rose Byrne is incredibly chic and stylish. She's going to be one of those celebrities whose baby's name becomes a national sensation. Her boyfriend is Italian and Cuban, so a cross-cultural choice seems to be in order.
Boy: Carlo, Caspian, Cecilio, Enzo, Ezio, Laszlo, Leo, Marcello, Octavio, Rafe, Silvio
Girl: Allegra, Antonella, Eloisa, Estella, Fia, Flora, Florence, Lucinda, Simona. Zelda
*Update* It's a boy! His name is Rocco, so I was right on with the cross-cultural name.

Chrissy Teigen and John Legend
Gender: unknown
Siblings: none
No doubt such a trendy, high profile power-couple will pick a name to match.
Boy: Anchor, Arrow, Beck, Dex, Ever, Jethro, Neon, Onyx, Quest, Teague
Girl: Avalon, Aziza, Bellamy, Geneva, Lux, Roxie, Salome, Valencia, Zadie
*Update* Welcome Luna Simone Legend!

Kelly Clarkson and Brandon Blackstock
Gender: boy
Siblings: River Rose
River Rose's little brother is going to have an equally on-trend but under-the-radar name (and possibly another double nature name).
Boy: Arrow, Birch, Dune, Echo, Edge, Everest, Indigo, Oak, Pine, Ridge, Summit, Timber
*Update* Not a nature name, but another R name--welcome Remington Alexander!

Luisana Lopilato and Michael Buble
Gender: boy
Siblings: Noah
When celebrities have the guts to choose a top ten name (nevermind the #1 name), they couldn't care less about popularity. Noah's little bro will most likely have an established, top 100 name.
Boy: Ben, Elijah, Gavin, Hudson, Isaac, Isaiah, Joshua, Levi, Nathan, William
*Update* Baby boy is Elias! I was close.

Keri Russell and Matthew Rhys
Gender: unknown
Siblings: Willa Lou and River (b)
Keri Russell is ahead of the curve when it comes to giving her babies names. Her older two kids were named well before their names were on anyones' minds.
Boy: Benno, Bram, Dez, Fintan, Grove, Joss, Ned, Oswald, Roscoe, Thoren, Wells
Girl: Anouk, Clover, Darcy, Frankie, Isa, Lotus, Luella, Pia, Primrose, Poet, Soleil
*Update* Hello, Sam!

Ginnifer Goodwin and Josh Dallas
Gender: unknown
Siblings: Oliver Finlay
Oliver Finlay has that "it" factor. It's a name that sounds so impeccably cool--you kind of want to use it on your own baby.
Boy: Dashiell, Ezra, Henry, Julian, Miles, Nolan, Sebastian, Wesley
Girl: Alice, Cora, Gemma, Hazel, Ivy, Lola, Sadie, Stella, Violet

*Update* It's a boy—Hugo Wilson!

Ivanka Trump and Jared Kushner
Gender: unknown
Siblings: Arabella and Joseph
Arabella and Joseph. Ultra-feminine vs. ultra-classic. These are traditional parents in every sense of the word, so I bet they'll follow the same protocol with baby #3.
Boy: Andrew, Benjamin, Charles, Jonathan, Michael, Nicholas, Samuel, William
Girl: Alexandria, Anastasia, Francesca, Julianna, Luciana, Valentina, Viviana
*Update* It's a boy! Name is Theodore James

Heather Morris and Taylor Hubbell
Gender: boy
Siblings: Eli
Short, sweet, and very casual. If we use that model, Eli will have a brother named:
Boy: Ben, Charlie, Cole, Evan, Finn, Gabe, Jack, Jake, Jace, Luke, Reid, Sam
*Update* Baby boy is Owen Bartlett

10 French Names You Never Thought of Using: Boys

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Last week was our first installment of this new series, and I want to know what you guys think! How is it compared to the alphabet letters? Today's list is all about French names for boys. Americans love French names for girls, but many don't consider using one on a boy (or don't even know their favorite boy name is French). Take a look.

Bastien- Bastien is the French form of the Latin Sebastian, and is often considered an alternate spelling to the more popular Bastian. Bastien, Bastian, and Sebastian are all skyrocketing in popularity, each one at an all time high (with Sebastian at #34). Bas or Baz makes a cute nickname.

Croix- Croix means cross in French, making him a sweet and subtle way to honor both heritage and religion. He can be prononced KROY (like the drink La Croix, most Americans' first association) or KWAH (as it would be said in France).

Emeric- Emeric would make a great import to America. The Em- prefix is very popular right now, and unlike most of them, he's exclusively for boys.

Florin- The Flor- names (mostly Flora and Florence) are experiencing a slight rise in the United States, and they're all over the place in Europe. Florin is quite popular in France, and would be very charming on this side of the pond.

Gable- With Gabriel being so fashionable (#24), it shocks me that Gable isn't even in the top 5000. He's such a wonderful name! Clark Gable makes a dashing namesake, especially if you love Old Hollywood.

Jules- Jules may sound girly to American ears, but in French he's very masculine (and trendy! He's #6). I think it's time for Jules to go back to the boys--we need a swanky nickname for all our Julians and Juliuses.

Mathis- Matthew is an ever-popular classic, and Matthias is on his way to becoming mainstream. Next in line? Mathis. Pronounced like Matisse, he's a slim, stylish variant of Matthew with a lot of potential.

Olivier- Oliver is becoming a big hit in the U.S., and soon parents are going to be searching for alternatives. Olivier (oh-LIV-ee-ay) could be the answer. Oli or Ollie are nice nicknames.

Vardon- I've been hearing a lot of -arden names lately, is that the next big sound? If so, put Vardon on your list before the trend hits. He's a French surname meaning "green knoll."

Yann- Yann is the French form of John, and makes a very preppy pick for a baby boy. He can be a nickname for Yancy or Yannick if you prefer longer names.

Lily's Full Names

Everybody loves Lily. She stands at a popular 15 on the U.S. charts. Even though you could go right ahead and use Lily (or Lili, Lillie, or Lilly) She has some great longer appellations.

Lileas- Also spelt Lillias, this Scottish version of Lily is extremely unique and beautiful.

Lilia- Lilia is super sweet and girly, and has two built in nicknames.

Liliana- Even though she is originally from Spain, Liliana is catching on with many an American parent.

Lillian- Not far behind Lily at 22, Lillian is a lovely choice for parents that want a modest , well-liked full name for their Lily.

Lilith- Lilith is a charming choice for parents that aren't spooked by her meaning of "night monster".

Lilla- A bit of a mouthful, but Lilla seems like the right choice for parents struggling between Lila and Lily.

Movie Names: Amelie

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Have you guys seen the movie Amelie? It's one of my favorites, the story and characters are all so whimsical and charming. One of the perks of watching a French movie is hearing all the characters names. Some of them fit right in with today's top American picks, while others are a bit more out there. Let me know what you think.

Girls:
Amandine- Incredibly French. A great pick if you're looking for a name that honors an Amanda while reflecting your culture.
Amelie- She's becoming an increasingly popular alternative to Amelia, but how can you resist her charm?
Eva- Parents love Eva for her similarity to Ava, but if you want something a little less popular, try Eve, who ranks at 490.
Georgette- It's not very hard to picture a little Georgette called Georgie, even in America.
Gina- Gina sounds a little dated on her own, but the nickname Gigi is oh so cute and trendy.
Madeleine- The French spelling is lovely, but I'd say the Maddie names are overused.
Philomene- Does Philomena remind you too much of the 2013 Oscars? Philomene is just as pretty.
Suzanne- I know I've said it before, but the nickname Susie is ready for a comeback. Suzanne is a great way to get there.

Boys:
Dominique- Dominique is one of the only truly unisex names out there, yet I've only heard it on girls. What's your take on Dom for a boy?
Joseph- An American classic.
Lucien- Lucian ranks 631 on the Top 1000 list, but the French spelling doesn't make it.
Nino- Ever since I saw this movie for the first time, I fell in love with Nino. I can't picture him on an American man (too cutesy?), but I love the idea of a baby Nino.
Raphael- Sleek and glamorous.  
Raymond- One of these days a celebrity is going to use Raymond, and then he will be all over the place. Until then, he is ranked at 264, so use him before he gets hot.

Full Names for Cal

Taylor Pemberton via Dribbble

Cal is one of those nicknames with the elusive cowboy-cool factor. He's effortlessly hip, so it's no wonder today's parents are loving Cal names. The following twelve names make excellent full forms for Cal.

Calbert- One of the more antiquated names on this list, but the nickname Cal livens him up a bit.

Calder- A creative name, thanks to artist Alexander Calder.

Caldwell- An English surname that would work just as well as a first.

Caledon- Caldeon derives from Caledonia (Latin for Scotland), and is most well known as a minor character in Titanic.

Calhoun- A jaunty Irish surname that means "from the narrow wood."

California- This place name swings slightly girl (9 uses in 2014 vs. fewer than 5), but with such low numbers, why couldn't California go boy?

Callaghan- This Irish surname is just waiting to be discovered. He's a great option if you like longer names for boys.

Callum- Sweet Callum is rising quickly up the charts. I think he'll break the top 700 come May.

Calton- Calton is a smoosh name with potential. Colton's at #65, so it's only a matter of time before parents go searching for alternatives.

Calvin- Classic, with a mischievous spirit (thanks to Calvin & Hobbes).

Macalester- A prestigious collegiate name that could answer to Mac, Cal, or Les (take your pick).

Pascal- A charming name that I'd like to see used more often.

Claire Names

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Claire is a modern classic. You wouldn't be surprised to meet a mom named Claire, and it's not uncommon to run into younger ones either. Claire has many variants, which are getting exceedingly popular. Though Claire reigns supreme, I have a feeling Clara could beat her out for the number one Claire name in the coming years. I guess we'll have to wait and see.

Clara- Elegant and vintage, it's no wonder parents love Clara. At #131, is it possible she could crack the top 100?

Clarabella- She may seem like a smoosh name, but Clarabella has real Latin roots. She's quite a mouthful, though. If you must, choose Clarabelle.

Clarabelle- Slightly more subdued than Clarabella. For a slimmed-down version, try Claribel.

Claremont- My first thought is college--but as a high school senior, I have higher education on the brain. I like her sound, and I think she works.

Clarice- My association with this name is Clarice Bean, a funny childrens book series by Lauren Child. Clarice may be a little outdated, but she still fits in on the playground.

Clarinda- I know most of you will hate it, but I think Clarinda is pretty charming! I've explained my love of Lucinda before, I think -inda names are due for a comeback.

Clarion- Clarion is definitely the most contemporary name on this list. I think she's lovely.

Clarissa- Maybe it's her similarity to Melissa, or the '90s TV show Clarissa Explains it All, but I cannot picture her on a baby born in 2015.

Clarity- Clarity is a unique virtue name with an updated sound. Much better than Chastity.

Clary- She's a nickname, but I think Clary would also work well on her own. Maybe as a sister to Sadie?

Eclair- Does Eclair work as a name? She should work in theory--it's only one extra syllable to the name Claire--but she still seems a little off.

Montclair- Switch around Claremont, and you've got Montclair. I could see this one working on a boy.

Sinclair- Another Claire name that swings masculine is Sinclair. He has a sauve, old-timey feel that I love.

Nicknames for Magnolia

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Congrats to Magnolia on breaking into the top 1000! She stands at 981, so while not popular yet, she's definitely on the way up. Magnolia is a great alternative to Margaret, but feels a bit more whimsical. She is a long name, however, and some would say she needs a nickname. If you fall into that camp, take a look at the following list for some inspiration.

Expected:
Maggie- Classic nickname for the Mag- names.
Meg- I recently heard this one on a baby. Very retro-cute.
Lia- With so many other options, I don't think Lia is the right choice of nickname.

Unique:
Mae- Watch out, Mae and May are up and coming.
Molly- I would hesitate to use Molly nowadays considering she's the street name for ecstasy.
Nolia- A little long for a nickname, but still very charming.

Unheard of:
Aggie- People would mishear it for Maggie, but she's a little more interesting.
Nola- Spunky. This would be a fun one if you were from New Orleans.
Nollie- A better alternative to Molly.

Alternatives to Isabella

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People love Isabella. She's ranked number one is past years, and while she's falling, she's certainly still popular. For many she is too popular, in that case alternatives are needed. Here are some great ones.

Sight:
Isabeau- I love the name Isabeau. This is an amazing choice for adventurous parents.
Isadora- Slightly clunky but completely charming.
Isannah- A great exotic choice.

Sound:
Annabella- She has all the frills Isabella has.
Arabella- She's so pretty in her own right, I wouldn't even use the nickname Bella.
Gabriella- Gabriella is climbing the charts, but is not at Isabella's level. Yet.

Style:
Cassandra- I personally prefer Cassie over Izzy.
Ivanna- Not popular, and has a similar feel to Isabella.
Juliana- She would make a great sister for Isabella.

Ten Nicknames for Katherine

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Katherine and Catherine are classics. Katherine has never made it out of the top 105, and Catherine has always remained in the top 200. With names as timeless as these, many nicknames have emerged. A few of them are rather dated, but some are ready for revival. Which one would you choose for a little Katherine?

Cat- The spunky, feline Cat would be a delightful nickname for a Catherine. Spelling her Kat gets rid of the animal association, but that can be part of the fun.

Kate- Kate is perhaps the most enduring of all of Katherine's nicknames. She never sounds dowdy, and I can picture her on women of all ages. Kate (or Cate or Cait) is never a bad choice.

Kath- Kath is a powerful, take-charge name. She means business. Kath may not be the cutest nickname for Katherine, but if you're looking for a strong short form, I think Kath is perfect.

Kathy- Kathy (and Cathy) are the most stale names on this list. They peaked in 1958, so we could use another generation before they make their way back in fashion.

Katie- Katie takes the cake for most alternate spellings. Take your pick of Katie, Katy, Catie, Caity, Caitie, Katey, Kati, Catee, or Catey. It's quite the bunch. Katie is by far the most prominent spelling, and ranks at #244 on her own.

Kay- I'm ready for a Kay comeback. Kay and Kaye peaked in the 1940s, but I could see her sneaking back in even earlier than 2040. People are warming up to May and Fay, so why not Kay?

Kit- Historically, Kit has been used on more boys than girls, but right now the genders are pretty even. I prefer Kit on a girl--she's fresh, not too feminine, and plus, there's that sweet American Girl Doll with the name.

Kitty- The retro Kitty would be darling on a Katherine of today. I happen to know one, and her name wears very well. If you like charming, old fashioned nicknames, give Kitty a chance.

Rina- Rina is beautiful, sophisticated, and rarely heard as a nickname for Katherine. She is a legitimate diminutive, and would be lovely on a little girl.

Rynne- Rynne (or Rynn) is a logical nickname for Katherine, yet, out of all the Katherines I know, I've never encountered a Rynne. She's a nice option for many parents, and with Wynn and Wynne rising on the charts, she might become a more popular nickname.

Name the Blogger Baby: Volume One

via Stephanie Fishwick

Ever since my Celebrity Name Predictions became a hit, I've been thinking of ways to expand the series. Then it hit me: blogger names. Like celebrities, blogger name choices are hotly discussed, and can influence name trends. Just think--Rebecca Woolf of Girls Gone Child single-handedly introduced the world to using Fable and Reverie as names. The best part? Bloggers always seems to be pregnant. So let's get this thing going! What names would you add to the blogger sibsets? And let me know which bloggers you'd like to see in future installments.

Kate Arends
Blog: Wit & Delight
Due Date: July 2016
Gender: Unknown
Siblings: None
Lovely lifestyle blogger Kate Arends announced her pregnancy last week. She has self proclaimed "simple and modern" style, which I used for inspiration when coming up with these names--no frills, pre-nicknamed choices. Kate and her husband Joe have a dog called Winnie Bear, so I'm expecting something a little unexpected in the middle.
Girl: Annika, Anya, Darcy, Evie, Greta, Gwen, Ida, Lainey, Marlowe, Maude, Tessa
Boy: Arlo, Charlie, Cyrus, Finn, Gable, Jack, Ian, Max, Milo, Nate, Otis, Quinn, Rex
*Update* It's a boy! August Joseph Peters.

Jordan Ferney
Blog: Oh Happy Day
Due Date: June 2016
Gender: Girl
Siblings: Roman and Moses
Finally! I can't wait to see what Jordan Ferney names a daughter. She chose two hip but meaningful names for her sons, so the possibilities are endless for this little girl. The Ferneys are world-travelers, (and especially fond of France) so using that as my guide, I came up with these suggestions.
Girl: Anais, Emanuelle, France, Holiday, India, Lark, Marigold, Minnie, Primrose, Tallulah, Zella
*Update* I guess they love that long O sound, because baby girl is Simone!

Chelsea Foy
Blog: Lovely Indeed
Due Date: September 2016
Gender: Unknown
Siblings: Henry
Chelsea Foy has the sweetest son named Henry (but who she calls Tiny Foy), so I think an equally charming, slightly vintage name is in order for baby #2.
Girl: Alice, Clara, Ella, Eloise, Ivy, Josie, Nora, Phoebe, Piper, Ruby, Sadie, Stella
Boy: Asher, August, Charlie, Eli, Elliot, Felix, Levi, Maxwell, Nolan, Oliver, Owen

Liz Stanley
Blog: Say Yes
Due Date: April 2016
Gender: Girl
Siblings: Henry and Elizabeth Jean "Edie"
Funnily enough, Liz Stanley is Jordan Ferney's sister-in-law, and they're both having daughters within months of each other. This first cousin is coming any day now, and I can't wait to see what she's named. Liz's first daughter shares her full name, Elizabeth Jean, but is called Edie. I went with vintage names on the rise for my suggestions--nothing too old-school, because her other sister-in-law Gabby Blair (of Design Mom fame) has that on lock--six kids named Ralph, Maude, Olive, Betty, Oscar, and June!
Girl: Cecilia, Charlotte, Hazel, Ivy, Jane, Lucy, Lydia, Nellie, Rosie, Sophie, Sylvie
*Update* Welcome Dorothea May Stanley! They plan on calling her Dot and Dottie.

Bonnie Tsang
Blog: B for Bonnie
Due Date: August 2016
Gender: Girl
Siblings: Venise
Bonnie Tsang's tween daughter is named Venise--an uncommon name that I can't seem to categorize. However, after twelve years naming styles can change! So I'm very curious to here the name of Bonnie's next daughter.
Girl: Allegra, Calais, Cecile, Ciel, Louise, Opal, Roux, Sabine, Solange, Vesper, Zadie
*Update* Welcome Miss Henri Elizabeth Martin!

10 French Names You Never Thought of Using: Girls

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You guessed it, the next leg of this series is going to be by culture. Today we are going to look at French names, a perrenial favorite among American parents. If you're looking for something beyond Gabrielle or Vivienne, consider one of the following.

Anais- Anais is the lovely French version of Anne, and most people are familiar with her as the name of author Anais Nin. She's got a quirky cute feel, perfect for the daughter of creative parents.

Axelle- French names aren't known for being rebellious, but Axelle is just that. She has legitimate French roots, though most people will think you just made an addition to Axel. Nevertheless, she is an interesting pick. I'm putting Axelle on my list of future celebrity baby names.

Celestine- If you've read this blog for a while, you will know how much I love Celestine. She's been meantioned in six previous blog posts, which is a lot more than most other names can say. Celestine is absolutely gorgeous. For those of you too afraid to put her in the first name position, make her a middle for a short first name.

Delphine- Delphine means exactly what she sounds like, "dolphin." She's a name I often hear meantioned among the baby name crowd, but I've never encountered one in real life. Though most likely the average Joe on the street has never heard of her.

Francoise- Frances and Francis are on the rise. Francesca and Francisco have hit plauteus. The impeccibly French Francoise has never even broken the top 1000, making her a truely unique pick. Adorable nicknames Frannie and Francie are a bonus.

Leonor- Eleanor is just getting more and more popular, but her exotic variant Leonor is practically unheard of. She lends herself to the nicknames Leo and Leonie, which Eleanor doesn't offer.

Lilou- Lilou is a catch-all nickname for all L names in France, and even non-L names as well (I know a French Amelie called Lilou). She's a whimsical option, and a charming alternative to Lily.

Maelys- Maelys has all the right sounds. She's pronounced (may-LEES)--her long vowels and soft consonants make her a great contendor for parents who love liquidy names. There is normally an umlaut over the e, which makes her kind of tricky for American use. However, that should never be a deal breaker.

Magalie- Part Margaret, part Amelie, Magalie is the best French name you've never heard of. She'd make a great import.

Pomeline- Pomeline wins for my all time favorite guilty pleasure name. I would never use her on my own child, but man is she gorgeous. Pomme (the French word for apple) is a sweet nickname.

Full Names for Ash

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Ten years ago, anyone you met named Ash was a girl. Her full name was most likely Ashley, and she was probably born in the late eighties. It's not that easy anymore. With the rise of names like Ashton and Asher, Ash has slowly become an acceptable name for boys. Ash is a great modern nickname for either gender. Any of the following names would be perfect for a full name.

Aishling or Ashlyn- Don't be fooled--these two names are pronounced the same way. Aishling is the authentic Irish spelling, but if you prefer Anglicized names, use the phonetic Ashlyn.

Ashanta- Ashanta is an extremely rare name, fewer than five baby girls were given the name last year. Nonetheless, she's absolutely gorgeous.

Ashanti- Ashanti can be used for both genders, but she's currently more popular for baby girls. This African name is the most popular in Mexico, but ranks at #1146 in the U.S. Perfect for the family looking for a name that's familiar yet uncommon.

Ashari- This lovely name is my favorite of the list. She's quite common in Southeast Asia, but her origins are unknown. Ashari has a beautiful sound, and her similarity to the Hebrew name Shari makes her a good choice for families with blended heritage.

Ashby- Ashby is the most unisex name of this list, being 70% male and 30% female. Even though it seems like a very contemporary name, Ashby peaked in the year 1918. Back then he was only used for boys, but started being used for girls in the late '60s.

Asher- Last year Asher was ranked #104, the highest he's ever been. It seems like he may be hitting a plateau, but he could break the top 100 this year. It's easy to see why everyone loves Asher--he's a very charming name (plus, he means "happy").

Ashland- I figured Ashland would be used slightly more for girls than for boys, but I was surprised how much. 85% of all Ashlands born last year are female, and only 15% are male. I prefer Ashland on a boy--is it just me, or does the -land suffix feel very masculine?

Ashley- This out-of-favor eighties darling is falling quickly, but still remains in the top 100 (at #67 nonetheless). For a 2015 baby, choose one of the other options instead.

Ashton- Ashton Kutcher definitely propelled his name into the spotlight. It reached peak popularity in 2004, and has stayed in the top 200. My guess is that he will drop out off the top 300 in the next few years.

10 E Names You Never Thought of Using: Girls

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E is such a popular letter to begin girls names with. There are seven of them in the top 100. There's a reason E names are so trendy, so many of them are gorgeous. So if you're over Emma and Eva (or even Eloise for that matter) take a look at this list of E names for girls, none of which are in the top 1000.

Early- This word name would be so sweet on a little girl, and it's a pretty way to honor an Earl.

Effie- Cute and spunky. She doesn't need Euphemia to be a full form, use Effie on her own.

Electra- Very electric (hah). This is the Greek version, but for a slightly softer form try the Italian Elettra.

Elke- I've adored Elke ever since Emily of The Beetle Shack used it for her daughter. She's actually a form of Adelheid, which makes her a good choice if you need to honor a Heidi or Adele.

Elspeth- One of the most beautiful variations of Elizabeth. She's a great way to get to Elsie.

Eluned- A name you almost never hear. Perfect if you want a creative way to use the nickname Luna.

Emmanuelle- At first glance she seems like a little much, but she offers a wealth of nickname possibilities. Use Emma or Elle for something classic, or Manny or Nell for something less common.

Enid- Most people consider this an "ugly" name, but all I can think of is Enid Coleslaw from Ghost World. And if she's not a worthy namesake then who is?

Eugenie- Sharing your name with a real life princess? That's something many little girls dream of. Plus Genie makes an unexpected retro-sounding nickname.

Eulalie- She's so charming and sweet, yet non-name-nerds haven't heard of her. I prefer just Eulalie, but if you need something a little more sugary sweet go with Eulalia.


*That's all for this week, as Friday is a holiday. Happy 4th of July everybody!*

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 15

Each family has different traditions and values when it comes to naming their children, and celebrities are no different. Some, like Jessica Alba and Cash Warren, prefer the meanings of their children's names to be packed with significance. Their daughters are named Honor and Haven, which are both quite virtuous. Other stars, like James Corden and Cristiano Ronaldo, place value on family names. Cristiano Ronaldo's oldest son is a junior, which is the utmost way to honor the father in many families. James Corden's daughter is named Carey, for his wife's maiden name.

I'm most interested to see what naming values some first-time celebrity parents will have. Will Nathan Kress choose a name from his side of the family? Would Mindy Kaling pick a name inspired by one of her heroes (like Nora Ephron, perhaps?) I can't wait to find out!

Nicky Hilton and James Rothschild
Gender: unknown
Siblings: Lily Grace Victoria
Nicky Hilton and James Rothschild have a naming style I like to call "accessible royalty." Their daughter's name--Lily Grace Victoria--has a regal sound to it, with the two middles and classic names, but with a modern twist. I think their next child will have a name with a similar feel--rooted in royalty, but appropriate for a baby of 2017.
Girl: Adelaide, Cecilia, Charlotte, Chloe, Elizabeth, Juliette, Madeleine, Ruby
Boy: Charles, Henry, Jack, Jacob, Nathaniel, Oliver, Samuel, Theodore, William
*Update* Another girl--Teddy Marilyn!

Julia Carey and James Corden
Gender: unknown
Siblings: Max, Carey (g)
James Corden and his wife Julia used one of my favorite honor naming techniques--they gave their daughter Julia's maiden name as a first name--Carey. Carey (and its more widely-used form, Carrie) was most popular in the 1970s, while the Corden's son's name, Max, peaked in 2011. I'm hoping James and Julia choose a name that bridges the style gap between the two names, and leads to a cohesive sibset.
Girl: Abigail, Caroline, Emma, Gemma, Gracie, Greta, Laney, Leah, Molly, Phoebe
Boy: Callum, Charlie, Drew, Isaac, Jack, Luke, Miles, Nico, Nolan, Owen, Reid
*Update* A girl—Charlotte!

London Moore and Nathan Kress
Gender: unknown
Siblings: none
Model and actress London Elise Moore and actor Nathan Kress are a young couple with strong family-oriented values. I have a feeling they might choose a name from one of their family trees. It turns out Nathan's side of the family has tons of great options, ranging from the classic to the quirky!
Girl: Alice, Anna, Caroline, Charlotte, Hazel, Janie, Katherine, Margaret, Mamie
Boy: Alexander, Charles, Henry, Jacob, James, Lewis, Marshall, Roy, Stone, Truett
*Update* It's a girl--Rosie Carolyn!

Mindy Kaling
Gender: unknown
Siblings: none
On her TV show The Mindy Project, Mindy Kaling's character has a son named Leo. Considering she has a role in writing the script, I'd bet Leo is a name that Mindy likes (and maybe even made her list at one point or another). Keeping that in mind, I chose some names that share Leo's essence--short, friendly, and charming.
Girl: Emmy, Eva, Josie, Lila, Maya, Mina, Mira, Nora, Nina, Roxy, Ruby, Veda
Boy: Arlo, Asher, Dashiell, Eli, Emmett, Felix, Henry, Levi, Maxwell, Milo, Theo
*Update* Welcome, Katherine Swati!

Jessica Alba and Cash Warren
Gender: unknown
Siblings: Honor Marie, Haven Garner
Jessica Alba and Cash Warren love names that are rich with meaning, particularly those with a virtuous quality. Honor and Haven are modern virtue names--sweeter and subtler than the virtue names of yesteryear like Patience and Chastity. I'm hoping they stick with that theme for baby number three, although I'm not so sure how I feel about another potential H name. Would it be cute or gimmicky?
Girl: Aurora, Ember, Harbor, Harlow, Hollis, Hope, Ivy, Jade, Nova, Sage, Willow
Boy: Everett, Foster, Harris, Henry, Jasper, Jude, Lawson, Linden, Pax, Sailor, True
*Update* Baby boy is Hayes Alba!

Georgina Rodriguez and Cristiano Ronaldo
Gender: unknown
Siblings: Cristiano Jr., Eva Maria, Mateo (previous relationship)
Spanish soccer star Cristiano Ronaldo and his girlfriend Georgina Rodriguez are expecting his fourth child--a brother or sister for the impeccably named Cristiano Jr., Eva Maria, and Mateo. His youngest two children have names that are quite fashionable in Spain, so my bet is that baby number four will have a trendy and stylish name as well.
Girl: Alba, Carolina, Elena, Helena, Isabel, Lola, Lucia, Luna, Marina, Sofia
Boy: Bruno, Gabriel, Iker, Leo, Luis, Marco, Martin, Niko, Oscar, Sebastian
*Update* A little girl--Alana Martina dos Santos Aveiro

Ashley Hinshaw and Topher Grace
Gender: unknown
Siblings: none
Actors Ashley Hinshaw and Topher Grace are huge Harry Potter fans. Knowing how influential the series has been when it comes to baby name trends, I would not be surprised if the Graces chose a name of one of the minor characters. Not necessarily a name that's super out there, like Severus or Artemisia, but something with familiarity--perhaps Phineas or Emmeline.
Girl: Aurora, Emmeline, Honoria, Isla, Maisie, Millicent, Mirabella, Penelope
Boy: Connolly, Dexter, Gideon, Humphrey, Magnus, Otto, Phineas, Zacharias
*Update* Hello, Mabel Jane!

Brooklyn Decker and Andy Roddick
Gender: girl
Siblings: Hank
Hank is one of those old-school, every-man nicknames of the 20th century that is just beginning to have that "adorkable" status among parents. Now that Brooklyn Decker and Andy Roddick are expecting a daughter, I'm curious to hear what they pair with Hank. I'm clearly hoping for another sassy retro name!
Girl: Annie, Edie, Francie, Georgia, Louise, Lucille, Minnie, Nellie, Tess
*Update* Welcome, Stevie!

10 Vietnamese Names You Never Thought of Using: Boys

Brian C. Allen via Dribbble

This is one of my favorite series on the blog. I love introducing you guys to names from cultures you never would have considered for naming inspiration. Like I said last week, I think Vietnamese names are perfect for American use. There are so many of them out there, but I picked ten of my favorites that I would love to hear on a little boy.

An- An is both a Chinese and a Vietnamese name. He's simple (though possibly too breif for some parents) but more than usable in the US. An means "peace."

Bao- Bao is a Vietnamese name meaning "protection" or "security." In China, Bao is mostly a feminine name, though sometimes used on boys as well. One possible downside: the word bao means "bun," and is heard in many a restaurant.

Binh- Like An, Binh means "peace." Binh is one of my favorites on this list--he sounds so sweet and lovely. If you don't love short first names, he'd make a great middle.

Lanh- I don't put much stock into name meanings, so I think of it as a bonus when a nice name has a meaning to match. Lanh is just that type of name. He means "happy, good, and gentle"--you can't get much better than that.

Minh- Speaking of names with good meanings, take a look at Minh! He means "bright and intelligent"--a brother name for Sophia perhaps?

Nguyen- Americans love surname names, so why not use the most common Vietnamese surname as a first? Many people will object to his pronunciation (and it varies by location), but the most common are "new-wen" or simply "wen."

Quyen- Quyen might be the most import friendly name on this list. Sure, his spelling looks daunting, but he's actually pronounced very much like Quinn. So if you're worried about Quinn going girl, I suggest you take a look at Quyen, who's stricly masculine.

Trai- Trai is a Vietnamese name meaning "oyster" (how fun!). Nameberry lists him as a variation of Trey, which was originally used for sons with a third generation name. Either way, I think he'd be charming on an American boy.

Tuan- The Vietnamese masculine name Tuan made it into the top 1000 back in 1982 and 1983. This was a time when many Vietnamese immigrants were coming to the United States, so this isn't too surprising. However, not many other Vietnamese names were on the list, so he must be a popular choice.

Van- Van is most well known as a Dutch name, but there's a Vietnamese version as well. Depending on the accent mark above the A, he either means "cloud," or "knowledge and literature." Apparently he's quite a popular middle name choice for Vietnamese boys, but I think he'd make a great first name too.

Spring Names

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Happy first day of Spring! I am so excited that Spring is (finally) here. If you're having a Spring baby, you might want to consider one of these very appropriate, seasonal names.

Flower Names
I have a full list of Unexpected Flower Names right here. Some of my favorites are Aster, Liatris, Lotus, Posy, and Zinnia.

Holiday Names
Easter- Some classic Easter names are Pascal and Pascoe, and you could always just go with Easter.
May Day- Expecting a baby on May 1st? You can't go wrong with the sweet, old-fashioned May.

Month Names
March- March is a great month name for a little boy, regardless of what month he's born in.
April- April is one of the more dated month names, but I still find her charming.
May- I've written countless amounts of posts on May. Some of my favorites are Full Names for May, and May Names. 
June-June is a lovely name--one that is slowly rising up the charts. She's at #364 now, but I could see her in the top 300 for the 2014 stats.

Seasonal Names
Equinox- The Spring Equinox is tonight, which makes it a perfect name for a baby born today. The nickname Nox makes it more wearable.
Primavera- The Spanish word for Spring is beautiful. Primavera would make a darling first or middle name for a daughter.
Weather Names- With the start of Spring brings new weather--mainly rain for us here is Chicago. Consider a Weather Name for your child, perhaps Rain, Sky, Sunny, Storm, or Rainbow?