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Veronica Pearl and Henry Peter.

Happy St. Patrick’s Day to those in Ireland! Join in with out St. Patrick’s Day baby name game - what would you name a boy and girl if the first name had to be a saint’s name, and the second name started with P?

I’d have Sebastian Pierce and Lucy Priscilla.

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Interesting that's it's listed as female. That would be my first assumption upon hearing it.

But then again I have two separate references for it's usage; Merryweather, the fairy in Sleeping Beauty, and Meriweather Lewis, of Lewis & Clark. Interesting that the fictional character by this name is the female, and the real person who wore it was male.

Merryweather

Gender: Female

Pronunciation: MER-ee-weth-er; ME-ree-we-ther

Origin: Old English

Meaning: Fair weather

Ranking in the US top 1000: Not ranked

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Picky Parents Name Game

Nameberry, Baby Name Game forum. There’s a thread called “Picky Parents BNG”. There are hundreds of pages of prompts and responses, but I weeded through the first few pages to find some that I thought would be fun, and were different from each other (there were A LOT for nature names).

So, have at. If a gender isn’t specified, pick which ever you like (or both, I don’t care). Otherwise, the prompt will lay out the parameters for each name.

My answers below.

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1. The name must be 6 letters long, and must start and end with A, and the middle name must start with Z, and be less than 5 letters long.

2. This family is expecting a son. The first name should be longer than 7 letters and contain at least two nicknames. The middle name should start with the same letter it ends with.

3. Baby girl with a first name having something to do with nature and a middle name that honors her grandmothers, Johanna Mae and Belinda Rose

4. First name must start with A and 7 letters long. Middle name should be simple, and start with a J.

5. This couple want their child’s the initials to spell another name. Their last name is Yorkshire.

6. This couple is expecting twin boys. They are searching for names from the Periodic Table to honor their career’s as scientists and middle names honoring famous scientists.

7. This couple is looking for older, interesting, vowel heavy names that have been waiting to be revived. They’re expecting two girls, and want to honor their grandmother’s Ruth and Joy somehow; they’re okay with not using the exact names, as long as the connection makes sense.

8. Baby girl’s parents are both So. Cal. surfers and want a first name that reflects their lifestyle. They want the middle name to honor grandmother, Angela.

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1. Aurora ZaSu* 2. Frederick Otto 3. Rose Romy 4. Aurelia Jane 5. Josephine Olivia (JOY) 6. Cobalt Edison & Copper Darwin 7. Ariadne Laetitia & Eulalia Amity 8. Waverly Angelica

*ZaSu is a new name I came across this week, so how exciting for a chance to use it. The name of an actress who started working in the silent film era, it’s pronounced Say-zoo.

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Lucy Catherine (Keep #1) Minerva Mairi (Keep #2) Susannah Audrey (Swap #2) Mamie Francesca (Change #2) Ruby Ella (Swap #1) Veronica Mae (Change #1)

Here’s the final Keep, Change, Swap challenge in this series! Our last week takes inspiration from the top girls names of 1895. The rules are simple, there are 6 actions that you need to use on these names. For one of each name, choose:

One name combination to keep as is

One name to keep the initials for but change the names

One name to change the first name of the combination only

One name to change the middle name of the combination only

One name to swap the first and middle name around

One name to swap completely

My choices are:

Lucy Mabel (Change #2)

Matilda Rose (Swap #2)

Gracie Lula (Change #1)

Molly Iva (Keep #2)

Ruby Ella (Swap #1)

Hattie Mae (Keep #1)

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Not something I had really considered before, but what a fascinating thought.

The popular naming conventions would probably shift dramatically in a post-apocalyptic world. Inspirational word and virtue names would probably fly up the charts. Names that have lately fallen out of fashion like Carol and Linda would probably make an early return as the living honor the recently deceased. The names of yet-unknown heroes would be honored, as would great leaders. And names we can’t even yet imagine would pop up everywhere.

I know I said it’s not something I had really considered, but I will say that it plays a bit into a book trilogy I read a few years ago; Feed, the first was called. It was the height of the zombie craze, and this series was no different, but interestingly it made a point to go into the popular names of their world. In this particular post-zombie-apocalypse, the most popular names for babies were George, Georgia, Georgina, Georgiana, etc., named in honor of George Romero. Such an inconsequential, but fascinating, bit of world building.

It must suck being the second generation of a post apocalyptic world cause like half the population is gonna be named Hope or some shit

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I knew a girl named Elspeth growing up. It's not a very common name in the US. But it's the Scottish form of Elizabeth, so all in all it's not such a bad option.

Elspeth

So, without further ado, the first baby name going into the candidacy pool is Elspeth. Why Elspeth? Well, because she’s the motherf*cking Sun Champion, that’s why. She’s my favourite planeswalker, and she’s also the first one I ever opened (and a foil one, at that!). On top of that, she’s pretty, she’s courageous, and she’s unique.. But not unique in that “naming your baby after a fruit” kind of way. Furthermore, all of my favourite flavour texts on Magic: The Gathering cards usually revolve around the Sun Champion in some way or another. I’ve included a photo of her most recent card, as well as a link to the WOTC brief bio story on her. And c'mon, let’s face it… Naming her Elspeth will always be better than just naming her Sun Champion. Also, I’m too lazy to look at all the different languages that have translated “Sun Champion” into some sort of esoteric, Selesnya-worthy name. Oh, hey, Selesnya could be a pretty name, too… Hmmm… lol

http://www.wizards.com/Magic/Multiverse/planeswalkers.aspx?x=mtg/multiverse/planeswalkers/elspeth

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Some of my favorite names are on this list (Genevieve, Nova, Ruby). But honestly, I think my favorite in this case is Merope, called Merry.

Come on! A cat with grumpy eyes (Merope) who's happy all the time (Merry). Tell me I'm not the only one who sees how perfect this is.

On the other hand, my cat is fat and named Tank. My other cat is gray and named Stormy. There's a chance I might be the wrong reference point here.

Help me name this smallish bean!! It’s been eight days and I still can’t decide.

She’s big and stocky, with really plush fur. (My friend who works with animals suspects she might be a short haired Maine Coon, or a mix.) She’s very vocal and sweet as pie and needs constant attention. She’s kind of clumsy for a cat and she basically lives in my lap. She has really intense eyes that make her look grumpy all the time, but she never is.

The names I’m currently considering are: Ruby Tara Nova Penelope nickname Penny Genevieve nickname Evie Merope nickname Merry Sophie Fiona

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Naming an Aztec Baby

It was the solemn duty of new fathers to inform the priests of the day and the time of birth. The priests would in turn consult the Tonalamatl, a sort-of almanac, which was structured around the 260-day year. It was very important to know what astrological sign the baby was born beneath. Based on the astrological sign, priests would give them an appropriate name. In addition, the astrological sign would be used to try to predict the baby’s fortune.

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Lifted (and edited) from Nameberry, so you know it’s not mine. Follow the directions for genders, but the names are all yours to choose. Have at. My answers below.

1. If you are 35-45…you have a boy If you are 25-34…you have a girl If you are 18-24…you have twin boys If you are under 18…you have twin girls If you are over 45…you don’t have a baby this round

2. If your favorite girls name starts with …A-E…you have a boy …F-K…you have a girl …L-P…you have twin boys …Q-U…you have twin girls …V-Z…you don’t have a baby this round

3. If your favorite boys name starts with …A-E…you have a boy …F-K…you have twin girls …L-P…you have boy/girl twins …Q-U…you don’t have a baby this round …V-Z…you have a girl

4. If you live in a house…you have a girl If you live in an apartment…you have a boy If you live in trailer…you have twins (your choice) If you live in a condo…you have triplets (your choice) If you live in your car…you don’t have a baby this round

5. If you are married…you have a boy If you are engaged…you have a girl If you are dating…you have twin girls If you are divorced…you don’t have a baby this round If you are single…you have twin boys

6. If your favorite color is red…you have a boy If your favorite color is pink…you have a girl If your favorite color is blue…you have triplets (your choice) If your favorite color is yellow…you don’t have a baby this round If your favorite color isn’t listed…you have boy/girl twins

7. If you drive a 2-door car…you have a girl If you drive a 4-door car…you have a boy If you drive a van…you have quadruplet girls If you drive a truck…you have twin boys If you don’t drive…you don’t have a baby this round

8. If you have a cat…you have a girl If you have a dog…you have a boy If you have a fish…you have twin girls If you have a combination of these…you have boy/girl twins you don’t have any of these animals…you don’t have a baby this round

9. you’re a blonde…you have a boy you’re a brunette…you have a girl you’re a redhead…you have twin boys you have grey hair…you don’t have a baby this round you don’t know what color your hair is under all the dye…you have twin girls

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1. Maeve Elysia 2. Minerva Cyan 3. Milo Everett & Madilyn Lyra 4. Max Indigo 5. Matthew Owen 6. Matisse Renee, Monet Marie, & Montgomery Louis 7. Magnolia Audrey, Marigold Francesca, Mimosa Rose, & Marguerite Astra 8. Marceline Zara 9. Margo Azalea

I didn't start this with the intention to have all M-names, but I got a few names in and had all M's to that point so I figured I'd run with it.

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"Tampa's a stupid name for a kid."

A little context for that title: There's this ad that used to air pretty frequently in my area for Tampa, Florida. As in, to attract tourism. But the way the ad began, a boy of about 10-12 is standing in the bathroom brushing his teeth, when his mom comes and leans in the door and says, "So, Tampa, was I right?" It the flashes back to all of the family's fun adventures in Florida. Back in the bathroom, the boy nods vigorously and the ad ends with a "Visit Tampa!" screen or whatever and a website. But you see, I frequently leave my TV on as background noise when I'm doing other things, especially if it's a rerun I've seen before. The first SEVERAL times I "saw" this ad, I really only heard it. And since the only dialogue in the whole ad is the mom's "So, Tampa," line, for the longest time I thought the mom was addressing the boy as Tampa. My roommate and I scoffed about this many times before we actually paid attention to the ad. I felt pretty dumb about it when I finally paid attention, but I stand by my statement. Tampa, is in fact, a stupid name for a kid.

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Archie Alfred (Swap #1) Louis Patrick (Keep #1) Oliver Owen (Change #2) Gideon Theodore (Swap #2) Milo Oscar (Change #1) Edison Hugo (Keep #2)

Welcome to the next Keep, Change, Swap baby name game! This week’s combinations are from 1895′s top boys names. The rules are simple, there are 6 actions that you need to use on these names. For one of each name, choose:

One name combination to keep as is

One name to keep the initials for but change the names

One name to change the first name of the combination only

One name to change the middle name of the combination only

One name to swap the first and middle name around

One name to swap completely

My choices are:

Everett Victor (Swap #2)

Patrick Louis (Swap #1)

Oliver George (Change #2)

Gerard Cain (Keep #2)

Charlie Oscar (Change #1)

Eddie Horace (Keep #1)

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Francesca Elise Bridgetta Rose Ulyssa Audrey Renata Yvette

Welcome to February! Did you know that February is the only month that has ZERO usage on record as a baby name? Perhaps people prefer Valentine. Read more about month names here: http://goo.gl/OBYWhm

For today’s challenge, use the initials FE, BR, UA and RY to name four sisters! #babynames #february

Mine: Findlay Estella, Bria Rosalind, Ulyana Adele, Remy Yesenia

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Boy: Owen Alonzo Girl: Jessamine Shea Boy: Leo Cobalt

Time for another baby name game! What would you name three children with these rules? 

Boy: FN starts with a vowel, MN has the letter Z. Girl: FN is uncommon, MN is traditionally a male name. Any gender: FN is three letters long, MN is a guilty pleasure name.

I would name them Oliver Ezekiel, Amity Rowan & Mia Velvet.

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Francis Richard.

Neither of these names are ones I would use under any other circumstance, honestly.

A baby name game from over at From Solo Cups to Sippy Cups. What would your child’s name be? If you don’t have a significant other, pick the middle name of someone in your life that you’re close to.

I’d have John Adam.

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Poppy Vivienne (Keep #2) Cora Josephine (Swap #2) Elsie Susannah (Change #2) Julia Minnie (Keep #1) Ruby Agnes (Swap #1) Francesca Lillie (Change #1)

I feel slightly guilty ditching Ethel as it was my grandmother's name, but I've never been a fan. Sorry Nannie.

Welcome to another Keep, Change, Swap challenge. This week’s combinations are inspired by the top girls names of 1905. The rules are simple, there are 6 actions that you need to use on these names. For one of each name, choose:

One name combination to keep as is

One name to keep the initials for but change the names

One name to change the first name of the combination only

One name to change the middle name of the combination only

One name to swap the first and middle name around

One name to swap completely

My choices are:

Viola Pearl (Swap #1)

Myrtle Clara (Change #2)

Elsie Mabel (Keep #1)

Georgia Daisy (Swap #2)

Esther Ruby (Change #1)

Eleanor Lucy (Keep #2)

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Names from the Salem Witch Trials

Living and working in Salem, MA with an interest in history, I’m probably slightly more knowledgeable about the Salem Witch Trials than your average person.

Now, there are a lot of things I find interesting about the trials (not least of which being the parallels to the modern era) but of particular relevance to this blog is that some of the people involved had some REALLY unique names.

Some favorites, in no particular order:

Cotton- A minister with social and political influence, Cotton Mather was a major player in the trials. I’ve seen sources list that he received his first name because it was his mother’s maiden name. Though many Puritanical names have fallen out of favor, Cotton hits the mark on several counts for modern naming trends.

Increase- Increase Mather, Cotton’s father, is an excellent example of Puritan name choices. Virtue and word names were common, usually with some sort of Biblical reference attached. In this case, it’s a reference to “God’s increases of every sort.”

Deodat- Deodat Lawson was the minister in Salem Village during the time of the trials. The name is French in origin, meaning given by God. It’s never ranked in the US, making it a unique name to match it’s unique sound.

Dorcas- Dorcas Good is one of the sadder stories of the trials. She was only four or five when she was accused as a witch, along with her mother Sarah. The name Dorcas is a Greek name meaning “gazelle” and is used in the Bible as a translation of the name Tabitha. However, this was not actually her first name. Her name was recorded incorrectly on her arrest warrant. Elsewhere in historical record her name is recorded, correctly, as Dorothy. In the modern world, Dorcas is not likely to be heard, but Dorothy is making a comeback.

Wilmot- Wilmot Redd was a victim of the trials, hanged as a witch on September 22, 1692. Though seemingly a rather masculine name, this particular barer of the name was a woman! Wilmot is a Germanic form of William, typically used as a surname. Unlike most other names on this list, it has actually seen some decent usage as a boys name, though it’s been in decline since the turn of the 20th century.

Tituba- A slave, thought to originally be from Barbados, Tituba is often thought of as a sort of starting point for the trials. There are no clear origins for her name, though there have been a few educated guesses made. Spanish was the primary language of the Caribbean at the time, and in Spanish “titubear” is a verb meaning to stammer. Latin is another possibility, as many slaves we given Latin names. In Latin, “tituba” means “stagger.” There were also several native tribes with names of similar sound. This is an interesting possibility as well, given that she was married to another slave by the name of John Indian.

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Why does this have to be said? If you drop part of a hyphenated first name, you are effectively giving the person a nickname without permission. If a person introduces themselves to you as Catherine, you wouldn't immediately say, "hey Cath." That's just rude. You call them by the name they have identified themselves by.

Also, my generation had no problem identifying Mary Kate Olsen's full name. No one walked around referring to her as just Mary or just Kate. And she didn't even have a hyphen to signify that. All of the Mary Roses, and Ann Maries, of the past didn't have these problems (theoretically). So what's going on now?

Hyphenated Name PSA

If someone has a hyphenated first name, don’t shorten it unless they tell you to. [Name]-[Name] is the WHOLE first name. 

Think about it this way, if someone has a hyphenated last name, and you send them a letter, you use the WHOLE GODDAMN THING UNLESS THEY TELL YOU NOT TO. Yes, the same applies to hyphenated first names. 

Seriously, it’s like everyone has left their brains at home for how to handle  hyphenated first names. 

This has been a public service announcement.

PS ppl with hyphenated first names are begging you to reblog this to help get the word out.