Can Baby Names Predict the Future?: My Junior Research Paper

I mentioned a while ago that I wrote my junior research paper on baby names. I loved writing about my favorite topic, and I got to read some of my favorite blogs for research. It's a long essay (nine pages), so I'm putting it after the jump. Enjoy! (disclaimer: I bashed The Secret Universe of Names a little bit, but it's actually one of my favorite baby name books. You should buy it. It's great). P.S. This is my 200th post (wow)!

Names from Arrested Development

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To celebrate Arrested Development coming back to television, I thought I'd do a post on the names of the characters and actors.

Alia- Alia Shawkat plays Maeby Funke. Alia is currently ranked at 763, and is considered a variation of Aaliyah.
Buster- Buster Bluth's name is more popular for pets than it is human. He is currently not in the top 1000, but peaked in 1909 at 238.
Byron- Buster's full name is Byron Bluth. Byron is currently at the lowest point he's ever been in the top 1000, coming in at 540. He was consistently popular until the 1990s.
David- David Cross plays Tobias Funke. His name has always been extremely popular, and currently sits at 18.
George- George Bluth, the patriarch of the show is played by Jeffrey Tambor. His name has been in a slow decline since the 1940s, and is at its lowest point in history, number 165.
George Michael- Michael Bluth's son goes by both his father and grandfather's names. This double-barrel name has never been in the top 1000, but is probably a pretty popular combination for men of all ages.
Gob- The character Gob got his name from his initials (George Oscar Bluth). Neither this spelling, nor the more popular, biblical Job have ever been in the top 1000.
Jason- Jason Bateman plays main character Michael Bluth. His name was a staple in the 1980s, and currently is ranked at 71.
Jeffrey- The name Jeffrey made an incredible climb in the 1930s and 40s. He jumped more than 900 spots in five years. He's not unheard of today, sitting at 238.
Jessica- Jessica Walter plays Lucille Bluth. Her name was very popular in the 70s and 80s, and currently is at 120.
Lindsay- The self-centered Lindsay Bluth Funke is played by Portia de Rossi. Lindsay was popular throughout the ages, but has had a steady decline, leaving her at 524.
Lucille- Lucille is currently on her way up, coming in at 394. She's a great update on the popular Lucy.
Maeby- The name Maeby was made up by the show's creator. She has never been in the top 1000, but was given to six baby girls in 2006, and eight baby girls in 2011. All years in between there were less than five.
Michael- Michael Bluth is the main character in Arrested Development. His name has been popular forever, and currently is at number 6.
Oscar- Oscar Bluth is George's twin brother, also played by Jeffery Tambor. His name is going down in popularity, and is ranked at 177.
Portia- Portia dropped of the top 1000 in 1991, and hasn't been back since. She's a beautiful Shakespearean name, but Lindsay actress Portia de Rossi was born Amanda and called Mandy.
Tobias- Tobias Funke is arguably the strangest character on Arrested Development. His name is currently going up in popularity, coming in at 516.
Tony- Tony Hale plays Byron "Buster" Bluth. His name is a nickname for Anthony, and stand-alone it is way down in popularity, at 409.
Will- Will Arnett plays biggest brother Gob Bluth. His name is commonly seen as a nickname for William, but by itself it has been declining, ranked at 666.

Celebrity Baby Name Predictions: Volume 22

Sibsets with half-siblings can be tricky. Often there is the desire to create a completely cohesive sibset. But new partners can introduce new tastes and preferences for baby names, so a harmonious sibset isn’t always very possible.

When it does work out though, it is incredibly satisfying. Stanley Tucci has done a fantastic job blending the name his youngest child (with wife Felicity Blunt) with the names of his children from his first marriage. This is especially impressive considering there is a twelve year age gap between the two youngest. He and Felicity are set to welcome another little one later this year, and I can’t wait to hear his or her name.

Many other celebrities this month have to deal with this half-sibling sibset conundrum. Kate Hudson is going to be naming a half-sister to Ryder and Bingham, Tyrese Gibson’s wife Samantha is expecting a baby girl who will be a half-sister to Shayla, and Cardi B. will be adding a half-sibling to Offset’s brood of Jordan, Kody, and Kalea.

Whether or not these stars choose to create cohesive sibsets for half-siblings doesn’t really matter (there are no rules when it comes to baby naming, at least, not in the US). The most important thing is that they choose names they are excited about. So if that means that Stanley Tucci goes rogue and names his baby Caiomhe, or Cardi B. picks something totally off base from Jordan, Kody, and Kalea, then I’m cool with it.

Felicity Blunt and Stanley Tucci

Gender: unknown

Siblings: Nicolo Robert, Isabel Concetta, Camilla (previous relationship), Matteo Oliver

When it comes to his children's names, Stanley Tucci has wholeheartedly embraced his Italian heritage. All four of his kids have Italian (or Italian adjacent, a la Isabel) names that work perfectly in an American context. His youngest son was given the very haute name Matteo, so I think for this next baby we will see something similarly en vogue (or, I should say, alla moda).

Girl: Alessia, Allegra, Bianca, Emilia, Fabiana, Lucia, Luna, Viola

Boy: Elio, Enzo, Leandro, Luca, Samuele, Sandro, Santino, Silvio
*Update* A little girl (and correct prediction)--welcome, Emilia Giovanna!

Erin Burnett and David Rubulotta

Gender: unknown

Siblings: Nyle Thomas Burnett, Colby Isabelle

With children named Nyle and Colby, CNN anchor Erin Burnett seems to have a penchant for familiar-but-unusual names with a hint of androgyny. Lucky for her, there is no shortage of options for baby number three’s name. For a girl, I am crossing my fingers for Darcy—a drastically underused name that is super sweet (and how cute is it paired with Colby for a sister-set?). If the baby is a boy, my vote is for Teague. Like Darcy, it doesn’t break the top 1000, but Teague has a modern sound and is ripe for discovery.

Girl: Blair, Bree, Bryn, Darcy, Fifer, Harper, James, Logan, Neve, Rory, Tierney

Boy: Alistair, Brogan, Cian, Errol, Fintan, Gregor, Jett, Lachlan, Quinlan, Teague
*Update* A boy--Owen Thomas!

Cat Deeley and Patrick Kielty

Gender: unknown

Siblings: Milo

British ex-pats Cat Deeley and Patrick Kielty chose the name Milo for their son—a fashionable choice in both their native and adoptive homes. I’d love to see them choose something that’s hasn’t hit the American mainstream for their second baby—something like Elodie or Kit, perhaps—but I have a feeling they’ll go with a name that is both well-liked and well-used in both the United States and the United Kingdom, just like they did with Milo.

Girl: Annika, Edie, Elodie, Esme, Flora, Freya, Marnie, Matilda, Olive, Poppy, Wren

Boy: Asher, Axel, Eli, Felix, Frankie, Jasper, Kit, Leon, Oskar, Otto, Remy, Rex, Rhys
*Update* Another boy--James Patrick!

Samantha and Tyrese Gibson

Gender: girl

Siblings: Shayla Somer (previous relationship)

Although the name Shayla has almost fallen out of the top 1000, back when Tyrese Gibson gave it to his daughter ten years ago, it was still well-used. I expect he and wife Samantha will choose something a little bit more modern for their new baby daughter—there are plenty of contemporary choices that still work well with half-sister Shayla's name. 

Girl: Ashlyn, Chiara, Keeley, Kenzie, Laney, Nola, Olivia, Rylee, Savannah, Sierra
*Update* Baby girl is Soraya Lee!

Kate Hudson and Danny Fujikawa

Gender: girl

Siblings: Ryder Russell and Bingham Hawn (previous relationships)

Kate Hudson's boys have names bursting with family significance. Ryder's middle name honors her stepdad Kurt Russell, Bingham is named after Kurt's father (who was called Bing), and Hawn is Kate's mother's surname. It's pretty clear that there will be an honor name somewhere in her baby girl's name—the question is what that name will be. I'd love to see Kate and Danny use a name that means "gold" to honor Kate's mom Goldie. But considering each of her kids have alliterative first and last names (Ryder Robinson and Bingham Bellamy), it could be fun to find an F name for baby Fujikawa. 

Girl: Aurelia, Fable, Fia, Fleur, Fuchsia, Koko, Mika, Suki, Xanthe
*Update* Hello, Rani Rose!

Cardi B and Offset

Gender: unknown

Siblings: Jordan, Kody, Kalea Marie (previous relationships)

Cardi B and Offset (given names: Belcalis and Kiari Kendrell) are expecting their first child together! Offset already has three kids--his sons are named Jordan and Kody, which have a definite '90s vibe to them. However, his daughter is named Kalea, a beautiful Hawaiian name that feels fresh in this era of Leilani and the like. But Cardi B has Dominican and Trinidadian ancestry, so it's possible we'll see a name with Hispanic roots. I'm curious to see how she will influence this sibset—will Cardi's baby's name match up with Offset's other children's, or be totally incongruent? 

Girl: Angeles, Bonita, Carissa, Dominica, India, Kallista, Kiara, Sabrina, Solana

Boy: Baez, Bronx, Chase, Dylan, Justus, Kade, Quinn, Tevin, Tigre, Tristan
*Update* It's a girl--Kulture Kiari!

Arielle Goldrath and Kevin McKidd

Gender: unknown

Siblings: Joseph, Iona (previous relationship)

Scottish actor Kevin McKidd chose Iona for his daughter back in the early aughts--a Scottish name that remains undiscovered in the US. Considering there will be a fifteen year age difference between his two youngest children, I would love for him and wife Arielle Goldrath to use another Scottish name to cohere the sibset (and as a nod to Dad's roots). 

Girl: Bonnie, Blair, Eilidh, Greer, Isobel, Lileas, Maisie, Nessa, Tamsin, Vaila

Boy: Alistair, Callum, Dashiell, Graham, Ian, Keir, Lachlan, Malcolm, Ross
*Update* It's a boy--Aiden!

Christine Lakin and Brandon Breault

Gender: boy

Siblings: Georgia James

‘90s sitcom star Christine Lakin named her daughter Georgia after her home state. Now she and husband Brandon Breault are expecting a baby boy—I think a Southern gentlemanly name might be the perfect thing to pair with Georgia, and would definitely match this couple’s style.

Boy: August, Beau, Brooks, Clayton, Dean, Heath, Tucker, Walker, Wyatt
*Update* Welcome Baylor B.!

Share a Coke Names: Part One

I made this here.

I'm sure you guys are familiar with the Share a Coke campaign. It's a great marketing scheme, not only because they get free advertising with every Instagrammed bottle, but because people go crazy for stuff with their names on it. While you can put any name on your coke if you order it online, only certain names are sold in store. Here in America, they chose 250 names to be a part of that group. I recorded them all, so I will list them below, then we will talk about hits and misses. It's all after the jump.

 

Disclaimer: This is not sponsored by the Coca Cola company. I actually don't like soda. At all.

W Surnames: Part Two

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A couple weeks back we looked at 10 W surnames that could be worn as first names. Today I have 10 more for you to consider. Take a look.

Wellington- Wellington may seem like quite a mouthful for a little dude, but the nickname Wells makes him worth the while.

Westerfield- Wes and West names are all the rage, but Westerfield is rarely used. Field and Fielder (along with Wes and West) are good short forms if he's a little long for your taste.

Weston- Weston is at an all time high on the U.S. popularity charts, sitting pretty at #136. He's cowboy-chic, a sound many parents are going for.

Wharton- For those of you who like namesake names, Wharton is a great one. Edith Wharton is definitely someone to be inspired by--she was the first woman to recieve a Pulitzer Prize for fiction.

Wheeler- Another name that's cowboy-chic, Wheeler conjures up images of western wagon wheels. He fits in with the occupational name trend, but is relatively undiscovered. He ranks at #3728.

Whittaker- Whittaker is one of the preppiest names on this list, and even more so with the nickname Whit.

Wilkinson- To many people's ears, Wilkinson does not sound like a plausible first name. However, he is a variant of William, and the nicknames Will, Wilkie, and Kinsey make it an option.

Wilson- Considering William's popularity, I'm surprised Wilson isn't more popular. He is only at #594, which is perfect for parents wanting a familar yet uncommon name.

Winton- Winton is an English surname with a sweet meaning--"friend's farm." He's rare but stylish, and you can call him Win for short.

Woodson- Woody hasn't been a popular nickname for decades, but as the Toy Story generation grows up, who's to say they won't bring it back? Woodson is a lovely choice for a full name, espeically if you like the surname feel.


*I'm taking next week off (it's my birthday, and I'm starting a new job), so I will see you all back here on the 22nd.*

10 P Names You Never Thought of Using: Boys

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Are we already on P names for boys? Yikes, I can't believe this series is almost over. I'm really excited about the names I picked out for today. Normally P boys names aren't my thing, but I'm digging these choices. Tell me what you think.

Pace- I can't believe no one has ever thought of Pace, considering his wordiness and similarity to Chase. What a cool name. Pronounced PAH-chay he means peace in Italian, which is nice. 

Painter- Painter is an occupation name that America has not yet embraced, though he is a favorite among the baby name community. You can call him Paine for short. 

Palmer- Palmer is one of those unique names that is extremely unisex. There is an almost equal amount of boys and girls named Palmer, with a just a few more girls getting the name last year. That shouldn't discourage you though, I happen to prefer Palmer on a boy. 

Pascoe- Pascoe is a variant of Pascal, both of which are heavily associated with Easter. Pascoe seems like a more American-friendly choice, and could be worn by a child born any time of year. 

Patton- Patrick is most definitely a dad name, and he's quickly moving into grandpa territory. New parents are going to need a way to honor Patricks, and Patton is ready for the job. He's modern, unused, and has a trendy ending. Perfect. 

Penn- Ultimate prep-school kid name. 

Pike- He's a little fishy, but also streamlined and modern. Pike would be a great honor name for someone who loves to fish. 

Pine- A super rad name for nature loving or northern parents. 

Portland- I adore Portland (the city), and think it makes for a great (yet unusual) name. If Scotland is viable, why not Portland?

Powell- Powell's is the famous bookstore in Portland, so I suggest you pick one or the other. 

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 B Names You Never Thought of Using: Boys

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Time for the boys! None of these are in the top 1000, which is perfect if you are looking for a unique name. In my opinion, some of the best boys names are short and sweet, which is what many of the names listed turned out to be. I tried to include something for everybody, but they all turned out to be two syllables or fewer. Oh well, enjoy!

Baird- A lovely choice, so long as you don't call your daughter Bird.

Banning- It's not often that you find a name ending in -ing. Banning is one that works.

Barlow- Marlowe, Harlow, Charlot, all the -low names are coming back, why not add Barlow to the list?

Bauer- An occupational surname meaning farmer that would make a good choice regardless of your job.

Beacon- He shares sounds with Reese Witherspoon's Deacon, yet has a calming, nature-ish feel.

Beal- It will remind people of Ally McBeal, but that's not a bad thing.

Birch- Hands down the best tree name.

Boone-A fun hero name. Decorate his nursery with a woodland theme.

Brio- Brio fits in with names like Leo and Theo, but is way more unique.

Burke- Preppy names are coming back, Burke should be in consideration.

Long Middle Names: Girls

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Long middle names can sound quite fantastical on girls, especially when paired with a long first name. But even if the first name is relatively short, the long middle name always does a nice job of balancing it out. I have 100 three syllable names that make lovely middle names for you to look at today. Of course, there are many more that did not make this list, so tell me--on this list or otherwise--what's your favorite long middle name for a girl?

Abigail
Alaska
Alouette
Alyssa
Amandine
Amelie
Anais
Annabel
Anneliese
Ariel
Augusta
Aurora
Beatrice
Bonita
Cameo
Carissa
Carmela
Cassandra
Cecilia
Celestine
Clarissa
Claudia
Clementine
Coralie
Dahlia
Dominique
Elena
Eloise
Emily
Eulalie
Francesca
Gabrielle
Geneva
Genevieve
Gloria
Helena
Hollister
Imogen
Isabeau
Joanna
Josephine
Jubilee
Juliette
Juniper
Kerensa
Keziah
Lavender
Leona
Liatris
Lilia
Linnea
Lolita
Louisa
Lucinda
Madigan
Margaret
Maria
Marigold
Marina
Marisol
Melody
Meredith
Mignonette
Mirabel
Naomi
Nigella
Ottilie
Paloma
Peridot
Pomeline
Querida
Quintessa
Reverie
Romilly
Rosalie
Rosemary
Salome
Santana
Saskia
Sienna
Sierra
Simona
Sophia
Umbria
Verity
Veronique
Vienna
Viola
Violet
Virginia
Vivian
Ximena
Zahara
Zinnia