10 Y Names You Never Thought of Using: Boys

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Last week's list featured many historic Mediterranean gems. This week's list looks like the class list for a Northeastern prep school. Well, for the most part. Maybe not Yosemite.

Yale- I mean, you can't get much preppier than Yale. Just make sure he doesn't feel like he has to live up to his name.

Yancy- Yancy may sound like an upper-crust British name, but he actually also has Native American roots. The Native American version Yancey means "yankee," while the British name means "son of Jan."

Yannick- Yannick is a French name that arrived in the U.S. around 1980. He's currently at an all time American high, sitting pretty at #2902. Yannick is a form of John, and would make an interesting way to get to Nick. Other spellings include Yanick and Yannic.

Yarden- Ooh, Yarden is my favorite of today's list. This Hebrew name has ties to rivers and gardens, which I think is lovely. Fun fact: the name Jordan stems from Yarden.

Yeats- Yeats (which rhymes with and means "gates") is the perfect name for the son of poetry lovers. Poet William Butler Yeats is Irish, while his surname hails from England.

Yoel- The Hebrew form of Joel has a much more modern and pleasing sound. He's at #1507 in America, but is trendier in Israel and Spanish speaking countries.

Yonah- At #135, Jonah is a pretty popular name. That's why it's surprising to see that Yonah, the name he came from, is all the way down at #3195. I was expecting top 1500, at least. I mean, even Yannick is more popular. Yonah has everything modern parents are looking for in a boys name--he's short, soft, and ends in -ah. What's not to like?

York- Whether you live in NYC, or just love peppermint patties, York is a great name to have on the list. He's concise but strong--a deadly combination.

Yosemite- I did say these were names you never thought of using. If you're a fan of national parks or love Yosemite Sam, this could work for you. Maybe just as a middle though.

Yule- And, we're back to preppy names. Yule is probably best for a Christmastime baby, but that shouldn't stop you from using him in May (or any month).

Hipster Baby Name or Hipster City?

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There's been some chatter amongst namers lately. It seems like the rest of the world doesn't know what a "hipster baby name" is. This was recently brought to our attention by a few key websites (ahem, Buzzfeed, SF Gate, Daily Mail), making lists of Hipster Baby Names, and 2015 Popular Name Predictions. So I'm here to set the record straight. A hipster baby name is on the cusp of cool. It seems unstylish or out-there to most parents, but then gains favor. On the other hand, a hipster city is a metropolitan area with a high concentration of liberal young adults. Sometimes the two intertwine, but a seasoned baby namer can usually tell the difference.

Take my quiz first to test your knowledge, then come back and read my responses.

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Halloween Candy Names (Updated)

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Happy Halloween, everybody! I updated my Halloween candy post from last year, enjoy.

Expected:

Henry- People probably won't get the connection unless you hand out Oh Henrys.

Joy- Slightly dated, but a lovely name nonetheless.

Kat- Stick with Kit.

Mary Jane- A nasty candy, but sweet name.

Mike- He's definitely a dad name, but I have met some young kids named Mike recently.

Reese- A great name, and who doesn't love Reese's Peanut Butter Cups?

Ruth- Baby Ruths are delicious, and would be a great first Halloween costume for your baby.

Unique:

Heath- A classy name and a classy candy. It's a perfect match.

Ike- I love the nickname Ike, especially for Isaac. More people should consider him an option.

Kit- My favorite nickname for Katherine. She's simple and modern.

York- Ultra preppy. And the peppermint patties are solid.

Unheard of:

Charleston- An extravagant way to get to Charlie.

Honey- I don't think anyone gives out Bit O' Honeys on Halloween, so maybe the name should retire along with the candy.

Pixie- Strictly nickname only, and even that's a little much.

Tootsie- I happen to enjoy Tootsie Rolls, but using her as a name is a little too Dustin Hoffman.

Preppy Names Part Two: Boys

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On Monday we looked at Preppy Names for Girls, and today it's the boys turn. In my opinion, it is easier to name a preppy boy than a preppy girl. There are just more options for boys. Take a look to see what I mean.

Bates
Blaine
Bridger
Brooks
Burke
Carraway
Fairfax
Francis
Fulton
Gaines
Gardner
Hart
Hayes
Jameson
Keats
Macalester
Oxford
Penn
Pierce
Quince
Rafe
Reid
Rhys
Teague
Yale
York
Wells

Geography Names: State Names

We did State Capital Names, but what about the states themselves? These are a perfect way to honor your heritage.

Expected:
Carolina- A nice, fresher take on Caroline.
Dakota- Literally the most unisex name out there- split 50/50.
Georgia- My favorite of this list, she's so sweet and lovely.
Indiana- It works for either gender, if you consider Indiana Jones. Indy/Indie is a cute nickname.
Rhode(s)- You probably have to tack an "S" on the end to make it work, but Rhodes sounds simple and clean.
Virginia- Due for a comeback, and ripe with nicknames.

Unique:
Alaska- Made usable by John Green's popular book- Looking for Alaska
California-Also wearable on both genders, call them Cal or Cali/Callie.
Florida- Better than you think, and comes with the nickname Flora.
Louisiana- A mouthful, but an interesting option for Lulu.
Maine- Crisp and clean. Makes a wonderful middle name for a son.
Tennessee- New celebrity baby name, but still outlandish.
York- Preppy and cool.

Unheard of:
Alabama- Only if you're from Alabama, please.
Arizona- Does the nickname Ari make this one usable?
Colorado- Conjures up images of ski slopes, but I prefer Aspen.
Hampshire- Very cool choice. Only downfall (or plus side)- no nicknames.
Montana- Unexpected, but not too out-there.
Nevada- Better than Vegas, but still a little tacky.
Washington- He might be too much for a little boy to handle. Stick him in the middle.

Halloween Candy Names

Having a Halloween baby? Why not name them after your favorite candy? Here are some useable options.

Expected:

Henry

Jane

Joy

Kat

Mary

Mike

Reese

Ruth 

Unique:

Heath

Ike

Kit

York

 

Unheard of:

Charleston

Honey

Pixie

Tootsie

Halloween Names

Here are some Halloween related words that could work as names:

Apple
Autumn
Candy
Cat
Hal
Hershey
Jack
Reese
Ruth
Tootsie
York

What are you guys going to be for Halloween this year? (I am going to be Hello Kitty :)