Wendy

A name created by J.M Barrie for his classic tale ‘Peter Pan’, Wendy peaked back in 1970 at number #28 but has managed to stay in the Top 1000 till this date. As literary names continue to influence baby names and with such a classic tale such as ‘Peter Pan’, I doubt that Wendy would ever not be given to a baby but it seems the love for this name is dwindling out.

Wendy Darling
http://pinterest.com/pin/51228514482725704/

Wendy was created by Barrie for his play from his nickname ‘fwendly’ that was bestowed upon him by a young friend. The nickname means ‘friend’ and whilst many literary names don’t have actual meanings, I think it can be said that this name can take on the meaning of ‘friend’ which is a nice meaning to have. The name could also be an interesting nickname for Gwendolyn other than the typical Gwen which will give the name the additional meaning of ‘white, fair, blessed’.

The name is currently sitting in the US Top 1000 (though the current list is of 2011) at #677 with 413 girls given the name and 5 boys given the name as well. The name is also ranked #246 in France, though going down, and #470 in the Netherlands, though it entered the charts for the first time in 2011.

As for me, I quite like the name Wendy, it brings up images of the tale and about a girl who came around to believe in fairies and learnt it was okay to grow old but to never fully grow up but unfortunately, in America, Wendy seems to be past it’s used by date. Many see it as a mum name, which is explainable when looking at where the name peaked but as an Australian, I can honestly say I have never met a mum with that name and it might be seen as fresh and exciting for cultures other than American. For me, it fits in with names like Betty and Hattie rather than Susan and Barbara and I think it would be darling (pun noticed as I typed it out) on a little 21^st century girl. 

Taken From The Movies: Clara Bow

In a new segment at Histornamia and inspired by this post over at Nameberry from last November, I shall be taking a look back at some screen legends and the characters they played on screen. In honour of the fact that my Clara Bow biography finally came in the mail, I shall be starting with her. The original ‘IT’ Girl, Clara was a star of the silent-films and was in over 50 films between the years of 1922-1933. She was also used as inspiration for Berenice Bejo’s wonderful performance as Peppy Miller in 2012’s Oscar Winning, The Artist as well as staring in the only other silent film to win Best Picture, the 1927 Wings (yes, only two silent films have ever won best film at the Oscars). Also of note, she was the inspiration behind Betty Boop.

As well as the characters below, Clara played characters with names typical from the period like Helen, Molly, Norma, Ruby, Gladys, Stella, Nancy, Clara, Cynthia, Dorothy, Mary, Lila and Alice (among others).

Here are eleven character names that Clara portrayed on screen:

Clara Bow

Orchid (from the 1924 lost film, Grit) – in Clara’s seventh film, Grit, Clara played Orchid McGonigle. Pronounced ohr-KID, it is a rare exotic flower name. While it would make an interesting choice it does come from the Latin ‘orchis’ and Ancient Greek ‘orkhis’ which unfortunately means ‘testicle’. If the meaning is overlooked and technically, most people would think of the pretty flower, it would make an interesting name choice. In 2011, 6 baby girls were given this name.

Grizette (from the 1925 lost film, Kiss Me Again) – in this other lost film from 1925, Clara played Grizette. A variation of the word Grisette, the name refers to a French working class woman from the last 17^th century. In 1964, a French dictionary described it as ‘a woman of lowly condition’. This type of woman is found in many French operas and musicals, including La Boheme and Les Miserables as the character of Fantine is this type of woman.

Lolly (from the 1925 lost film, The Keeper of the Bees) – in another lost film of Clara’s (though a trailer exists from this one), Clara played Lolly Cameron. A sweet inspired name, it would be more likely to be found as a nickname rather than a given name. It is a diminutive of Laura which means ‘bay laurel’ though it could be used as a nickname for many a name including Talullah or Dolores.

Prudence (from the 1925 film, My Lady of Whims) – in this film from 1925, Clara plays Prudence Severn. A virtue name meaning ‘caution’, this is a name that would more likely be found on a birth certificate than the ones above. It has puritan charm but beware of the ‘prude’ connotations. Prue is an excellent nickname and it seems that parents like this name as well as in 2011, 80 baby girls were given the name.

Kittens (from the 1926 film, Dancing Mothers) – in this 1926 film, Clara played Kittens Westcourt. Probably along with ‘Bubbles’ to be the least likely to be given to a child, though would make a cute nickname, is Kittens. Obviously taken from the baby cats, Kittens does give off a sweet connotation though, might make an interesting middle or nickname.

Betty Lou (from the 1927 hit film, It) – in the film that made Clara a true ‘It’ girl and star, she played Betty Lou Spence. This was Clara’s biggest hit and the name Betty means ‘pledged to God’ (and ranked #3 in the year of the movie’s release) and Lou means ‘renowned warrior; (and ranked #304 in 1927). In 2011, Betty was given to 163 babies while Lou was given to 16 but also has the virtue of being a celeb-baby name as the name of Heidi Klum and Seal’s youngest daughter.

Hula (from the 1927 film, Hula) – in this film directed by Victor Fleming (best known for Wizard of Oz and Gone with the Wind), Clara played Hula Calhoun. More commonly associated with a ‘hoop’ or the banned baby name from New Zealand (Talullah does the Hula in Hawaii), Hula could make an interesting name on its own. The only meaning I could find was Native American for ‘eagle’.

Bubbles (from the 1928 lost film, Red Hair) – in this film Clara plays Bubbles McCoy. Indeed a rare name, Bubbles is a word name and is probably most associated in today’s culture by three other things – a) Michael Jackson’s chimp, b) one of the Powerpuff Girls and c) one of the fish-tank fish in Finding Nemo. Has possibility as a nickname.

Trixie (from the 1928 lost film, The Fleet’s In) – in this lost film Clara played Trixie Deane. A diminutive of Beatrix, Trixie contains the meaning of ‘she who brings happiness’. Fitting it with celebrity baby name Dixie, in 2011 the name was given to 7 baby girls as a given name.

Pepper (from the 1930 film, Love Among the Millionaires) – in one of her ‘talkie’ films, Clara played Pepper Whipple. Recently given to a celeb-tot and the girlfriend of Iron Man, Pepper is a name in the spotlight. With the meaning of ‘berry’, Pepper is a name for those who like Saffron and Sage. In 2011 it was given to 116 baby girls, much I think from the influence of Iron Man and I think it could grow thanks to the Avengers, but we will have to find out in May if that is correct.

Nasa (from the 1932 film, Call Her Savage) – in her second last film, in this ‘talkie’ Clara plays Nasa Springer. Today we associate the name with space travel, Nasa could make an interesting space tribute instead of Nova or Stella. I can’t currently find a meaning to the name though I have found that it comes of Japanese origin. If anyone has any more information please bring forth as I would be fascinated to know. 

In Retrospect: 1880 - Names Given To Eight Children

Firstly, I must apologise for being away from the blog for so long, it was one of those times when life just got in the way. In any case, I am back and I thought that the best thing for me to get back in the swing of blogging was another installment of In Retrospect. This time we are looking at names given to eight children in 1880.

For boys, names being used in modern times like Reese, Benedict and Archer appeared on eight boys in 1880 while for girls, Millicent, Leslie, Margery, Faye, Elena, Camille and Bernadette were given to eight girls. Boys names on girls were here in this section as well with Thomas, Walter and Ray given to eight girls in 1880.

Here is my selection of names Given to Eight Children in 1880:

GIRLS:

Arizona – (pronounced: ah-reh-ZONE-uh) is a place name derived from Papago Indian origin and means ‘little springs’. It peaked on the charts two years later before the state was named as such. In 2011, it was given to 53 baby girls which may be in part thanks to the state itself but also due to the popular American model, Arizona Muse.

Inga – (pronounced: ING-gah) is a name of Scandinavian and Old Norse origin and is the feminine form of Inge. With the meaning, ‘guarded by Ing’, it is a sister to the more popular name Ingrid which was given to 305 baby girls, Inga has not charted since 1914 and in 2011, was given to 21 girls.

Kattie – (pronounced: CAT-ee) is on Greek origin and is another short form of the classic girls name Katherine, and it has the meaning of ‘pure’. It has the vintage feel to the name while also being a nickname that works as a name that is becoming popular. Be aware of the possible ‘catty’ associations with your child if you name it as such. It last charted in 1940 and in 2011, it was given to 25 baby girls.

Lavinia Swire in Downton Abbey

Lavenia – (pronounced: LAH-vin-ee-ah) is a variant of the name Lavinia which is of Etruscan origin and is taken from Roman Mythology with a meaning unknown. The Lavinia is legend was the daughter of a King and the ancestor of the Roman People. It was a popular name during the Victorian era. In 2011, less than 5 or none at all were given the variant as a name while 39 were given the original spelling. I can see it rising, maybe not dramatically, due to the character of Lavinia on Downton Abbey. The original spelling was also the middle name of Ava Gardner, whose name is now ranked #5 in the USA. For a more subtle tribute to the actress, this might be an option.

Magnolia – (pronounced: mag-NO-lee-ah) is a name of English origin that is a flower name. The Magnolia was named after the French botanist Pierre Magnol and already has two nice nicknames, Maggie or Nola, and the character, Magnolia, in the musical Show Boat also goes by the names Noa and Nollie. It has a Southern Belle feel to it and was last ranking in 1940 where it placed #815 before never charting again. In 2011, it was given to 185 baby girls and the amount has been steadily rising in the last few years and I can see it making the Top 1000 in the next few years. So if you are looking for a flower name that is unique enough without being completely uncommon, this is a possible choice.

Media – (pronounced: ME-dia) is a variant of the name Medea and is of Greek Origin and has the meaning of ‘ruling’. This would make an interesting name, though I think the original spelling would be better if you fear the first being pronounced wrong. Surprisingly, both versions of this name, despite a rise in popularity of Greek names, was given to less than five or no babies at all in 2011.

Orilla – (pronounced: OR-il-lah) is a variant of the name Orela and is of Latin Origin with the meaning of ‘announcement from the Gods’. It has a similar feel to Arella (given to 18 girls in 2011), Ariella (449 girls in 2011), Oriel (5 girls in 2011) and Ariel (1426 girls in 2011) but despite that, the name was given to less than 5 or no babies at all in 2011. It seems to be a name lost back in the 1880s but could make a revival along with other names that have a vintage past.

Rowena – (pronounced: ro-EE-na) is a name of Welsh origin and means ‘famous friend’. The name has not charted since 1963 but it does have literary cred thanks to Rowena Ravenclaw in the Harry Potter series and the heroine in the tale Ivanhoe. Its old fashioned charm could win people over. In 2011, only 15 girls were given the name which surprised me due to it being a name in Harry Potter. Despite it being in rare use, you can guarantee that at least people will have heard of it at the same time.

Tabitha – (pronounced: TAB-i-tha) is a name of Aramaic origin that means ‘gazelle’. It is currently in the Top 1000 but reached its peak in 1978 at spot #126. The name is currently on its way out, now ranked at #676, a few spots lower than what it was in 1880 (though in 2011, 413 baby girls were given the name). It does have celeb-baby power behind it with Sarah Jessica Parker and Matthew Broderick choosing it for one of their adorable twin girls and it also has ‘Tabby’ as a quick go to nickname. Also, it was the name of the daughter in TV’s Bewitched.

Zona – (pronounced: ZOH-na) is a name of Latin origin that means ‘belt, girdle’. It last ranked in 1941 before disappearing from the Top 1000 and in 2011, only 7 girls were given the name. For all the star gazers out there, Zona would fit in with Stella and Luna as it is the name of the stars that make up the belt in the constellation of Orion, and for all the literary lovers, the first woman to win a Pulitzer Prize in drama was novelist and poet, Zona Gale.

BOYS:

Silent Film Star, Buster Keaton

Buster – (pronounced: BUS-ter) is a name of English origin that denotes a person who ‘breaks things’. Maybe not a thing that you would encourage a child to do, but Buster could have its charms with people who like nicknames. Definitely the most famous bearer of the name was the incredible silent film-star and director, Buster Keaton, though Buster was not his birth name. Actor Jonny Lee Miller, who currently plays Sherlock Holmes in Elementary, gave his son the name Buster a few years back. The name has not charted since 1957 but peaked back in 1909, before Buster Keaton was even making films. In 2011, 14 boys were given the name Buster, though I would presume that more pets, especially dogs, were given the name than baby boys.

Crawford – (pronounced: KRAW-ferd) is a name of English origin that is common a surname that was derived from a place name meaning a ‘ford where crows gather’, the name has not charted in the US since 1951. In 2011, the name was given to 33 baby boys but I would say that you would most likely hear this name as a surname, not a given name, but since surname-names are making it, this name I am sure has a chance to be used.

Ephraim – (pronounced: EE-free-im) is a name of Hebrew origin that means ‘fruitful, fertile, productive’. Also a Biblical name, Ephraim was the second son of Joseph and founder of one of the twelve tribes of Israel. The name has literary cred thanks to appearing in Dickens’s Little Dorrit, in Goldsmith’s The Vicar of Wakefield and dare I say it, even in the Twilight series. It is also the name of one of the seven brothers in one of the most beloved musicals of all time, Seven Brides for Seven Brothers. The name last ranked however in 1914 and in 2011 it was given to 169 boys, and after looking a few years before this, it seems that the name is being less used ever year. However, it continues to lurk just under the Top 1000 (last year’s #1000 was Ethen which was given to 192 boys), with Biblical names in more popularity, the name might just need a celebrity endorsement to crack the Top 1000 once more (and wouldn’t it be interesting if it cracked it in 2014?)

Harlan – (pronounced: HAHR-len) is a name of English origin that comes from a surname that means ‘hare land’ in Old English. The brother name to Harlean, it last ranked in 1982. It does also lend itself to the name Harlem. In 2011, it was given to 159 boys as well as 15 baby girls.

Hayes – (pronounced: HAZE) is a English surname-name of Old English origin that means ‘hedged area’. It came back to the Top 1000 in 2009 and currently sits at number #776 with 286 boys given the name. Also, 16 girls were given the name in 2011. The name has Presidential pedigree and celeb-baby rights as Kevin Costner gave to the name to his son.

Jonah – (pronounced: JO-na) is a name of Hebrew origin that means ‘dove’. For Australians, I think the name is remembered in connection with a character off Summer Heights High that is anything but peaceful. Jonah Hill is currently an actor who has probably helped the name rise in popularity, it currently ranks at #144. The name has Biblical credit as well and would be a less popular choice than Jacob.

Marquis – (pronounced: mahr-KEE) is a name of Old French origin that means ‘nobleman, lord of the borderlands’. A name currently ranked #697 in the USA, Marquis is a name in the vein of Prince, Earl and Duke as names that are given to stations in nobility, lower than a Duke but higher than and Earl or Baron, it is a slightly more subtle choice in making your child feel like nobility. In 2011, 331 baby boys were given the name.

Orange – (pronounced: Oh-rinj) is a name of English origin that means what it says, ‘orange’, whether you take that to be the citrus fruit or the colour orange. It last ranked in 1901 for boys, and never ranked for girls, but with children being named after numerous other fruits, the name could be possible, but preferably as a middle name or match it with a more common name. In 2011, less than 5, or none at all, baby boys or girls were given the name Orange.

Rutherford – (pronounced: RUH-ther-ford) is a name of Old English origin meaning ‘catlle-crossing’ but is probably best remembered as the name of the 19^th President of the United States, Rutherford B. Hayes. A name that would fit well with Wellington, the name has not ranked since 1905. In 2011, the name was given to less than 5, if none at all, baby boys.

Shelby – (pronounced: SHEL-bee) is a name of Latin origin that means ‘estate on the ledge’. It last ranked in 1999 for boys and has instead found its way within the Top 1000 for girls, currently placed at #218 though the name is not slowly moving down the list. Always more popular for girls, ranking as high as #33, compared to the boys peak at #386, Shelby would make a unique choice for a son today. In 2011, 42 baby boys were given the name Shelby. 

Bathory

Happy Halloween! On this spookiest of days I decided to highlight the surname of the most famous family to rule over Transylvania, the noble Bathory family. The most famous member of this family was Elizabeth Bathory who was better known as ‘The Blood Countess’. As the historical figure that Count Dracula was based on, she seems like the perfect person to look at on a name-blog based around historical figures.

Bathory (pronounced: BATH-ohr-ee) is the surname of a group of Hungarian Nobles and is from the word “bator” meaning ‘valiant’. For such a noble meaning, the family in history has not exactly lived up to this meaning. They reached the height of their power in the 16^th and 17^th century and while there were some good members, like King Stephan Bathory of Polland, the more brutal and sadistic are the ones that have been remembered today. Even an uncle of the most famous, Elizabeth, was a Devil worshiper.

Whilst Elizabeth was considered a beauty with raven hair and pale skin, she did have, let’s say, her problems. She was promiscuous, vain, narcissistic and highly sadistic and she was considered a vampire in her own time due to her enjoyment of torturing servants, especially young women. Elizabeth became so fearful of losing her youth and beauty as she got older that according to folklore when a servant girl accidently pulled her hair when styling it, Elizabeth struck the girl drawing blood and when she washed the blood off her hands she thought that her skin had become youthful and supple again.

Long story short, Elizabeth went on to kill hundreds of girls from the lower ranks and got away with it before starting to kill high ranking girls and that would be her undoing. She enjoyed torturing them and it is famously suggested that she bathed in virgin’s blood. Creepy and fit for Halloween? I think so. When she started killing high ranking girls she got caught but was never charged and instead was confined to house arrest in 1611 and died in 1614.

Bathory has never been a popular name and I doubt that it has ever been used as a given name. It does have Rory as a possible nickname, however, and could fit in with other popular three-syllable-names such as Melody and Emily as well as other surname-three-syllable names like Kennedy, Bellamy and Flannery. However, if you know your history, this name might not sit well with you. I think that Elizabeth Bathory is a fascinating person to look at but as someone I would want my daughter to look up to and aspire to be, well, not so much. It might be for someone however and would make for an interesting three syllable choice. 

Picture source: http://pinterest.com/pin/147492956516666419/

Friday

According to the popular nursery rhyme, Monday’s Child it would seem that Friday’s child is ‘loving and giving’ but the name Friday itself is not being used by the modern parent even when other names such as Wednesday, the child full of woe and Sunday are now being used by parents.

Frigg, Norse Goddess of Love that Friday
is named after

Since 2000, in every single year less than five babies were given the name Friday to possibly none at all. I like to think that someone out there has used the name but you can never be completely certain. It’s surprising that not more people are using this name as many people do look forward to Friday, being the end of the typical school/work week and for those macabre folk and Addam’s Family fans such as myself, you will know that Wednesday Addam’s middle name is indeed Friday.

Friday (pronounced: FRY-day) comes from Old English origin meaning ‘the day of Frigg’, which in turn is to honour the Norse Love Goddess, Frigg. In turn, Wednesday Addams is not the only character to bear the name, there is also a Friday (male) in ‘Robinson Crusoe’ and in the ‘A Series of Unfortunate Events’ series, there is a female Friday who appears in the final book and is the daughter of a man named ‘Thursday’.

However, in many cultures, Friday is seen as un unlucky day of the week. For sailors, they believe it is unlucky to start a voyage on a Friday. Also, Friday the 13^th is seen as an unlucky day in modern times and whenever one of these Friday’s occur, it may be called “Black Friday.” However, Scottish Gaelic culture believes that it is a ‘lucky day for sowing the seed’. Friday is also connected with the planet Venus and the Astrological signs Libra and Taurus. Friday is also important in Christian Religion as ‘Good Friday’ was when Jesus Christ was crucified and for anyone who goes to work in an office setting, Friday is the best day at work as it is Casual Friday!

Overall, Friday is just as plausible for a name as Wednesday, Tuesday and Sunday are but I think the connotation with Friday the 13^th and the doom and gloom brought about by it are turning parents away. It seems like it is fine to be macabre, just not unlucky.

* Note: I have skipped over Wednesday and Thursday but it was not on purpose, life just got in the way, so they will be done next week. 

Photo Source: http://chamakoso.deviantart.com/art/Frigg-118277426

Berlin

Scanning through some names given to babies in 2011, one name caught my attention and that was Berlin. With other cities of the world being used on children including London, Paris and Sydney, the German capital of Berlin seems like a natural choice as a successor to these names.

Marlene Dietrich in 'The Blue Angel',
the epitome of Weimar Germany Style

Berlin (pronounced: BEHR-lyn) is of German origin and means ‘borderline’. I don’t think that place names generally are chosen for their meaning but for what the culturally represent to the parents of the child. In the 1920s, Berlin became an epicenter of culture and was the heart of the Roaring Twenties thanks to the Weimar Republic that was established at the end of WWI. Films such as ‘Metropolis’, ‘Blue Angel’ starring Marlene Dietrich and ‘Pandora’s Box’ starring Louise Brooks where made in Germany at this time and the movie and musical ‘Cabaret’ starring Liza Minnelli is a good look at what Weimar Germany was all about.

Berlin is of course also known for the Berlin Wall that divided Berlin during The Cold War. Of course, I prefer the imagery of 1920’s Berlin but of course, the Berlin Wall was an iconic structure connected to the city for a time.

In 2011, the name was given to 97 baby girls and 5 baby boys. This is compared to other capital names such as London (given to 3145 girls and 448 boys), Paris (given to 927 girls and 74 boys) and Sydney (given to 3942 girls and 66 boys)/Sidney (given to 412 girls and 227 boys) or even the popular non-capital place name of Brooklyn (given to 7115 girls and 77 boys), the name Berlin is a rare and unique choice when it comes to selecting a place name for your child. 

In Retrospect: 1880 – Given To Seven Children

In this next segment of In Retrospect we take a look at the names that were given to 7 babies in 1880. There wasn't as much name choice in those days as there would be in future years (much joy to me when I try and narrow down babies in 2011 to just 10 for each) which means that many of these names have been heard of as they did make the Top 1000.

Like in the last segment, names that have modern use like Lea, Katy, Jessica, Felicia, Eugenie, Carol and Angela were given to 7 girls, and Miller, Duke, Roderick and Elliot where given to 7 boys. Vivian was given to 7 boys this year (it was given to 22 girls) as was Rose, Lindsay, Jennie and Connie and while there weren't any startling male names on the girls, though feminine variants were to be found.

Here is my selection of names Given to Seven Children in 1880:

GIRLS:

Albertina – (pronounced: ahl-ber-TEE-nah) is another feminine diminutive of Albert. The variant Albertine was given to five babies but this variant of Italian, German, Dutch and Portuguese background that means ‘noble, bright, famous’ was given to 7 in 1880. In 2011, sadly no babies received this name. I have a favouring towards the feminine Albert variants and with Alberta the only one listed (with 9 girls in 2011), I wish that more would see the charm in the names.

Clarence – (pronounced: KLAIR-rence) is a name of Latin origin, it means ‘bright’. This name is more typically seen on males but there is a possibility that this name could be seen on some little girls as an extended form of Clare. For males, the name has been steadily declining for some time, finally ousted from the Top 1000 in 2010 so maybe this is a chance for the females to take it on. However, in 2011, it was still given to 190 boys while less than 5, if any, girls were given the name so there would still be a long way to go to see this change.

Delphia – (pronounced: DEL-fee-ah) is a name of English/Greek origin and is possibly derived from the Greek city of Delphi. It is also a possible variant of a Greek word meaning ‘dolphin’. Greek names with historical or place significance always seem to have an air of intelligence to them and this bears no exception. This would fit with people who like Athena and Penelope. It was given to less than 5 or no babies in 2011.

St Eulalia

Doshie – (pronounced: DOE-she) is a name derived from the Latin language and means ‘one who is a gift from God’. Now I had heard nothing quite like this name in the recent charts or even something that looked like it. I think it is charming vintage-esque-nickname-name that is ever so popular right now so that works for it. In 2011, it was given to less than 5, if any, babies.

Eulalia – (pronounced: yoo-LAY-lee-ah) is a Greek name meaning ‘sweet-speaking’ or ‘to talk well’. It was the name of a notable Saint and Martyr who was born in Spain and is the patron Saint of Barcelona. In 2011 it was given to 25 baby girls. The alternative, Eulalie, was used by Edgar Allen Poe in his poem ‘Eulalie – A Song’ and was given to less than 5, or none at all, in 2011.

Hedwig – (pronounced HED-vikh) is a German name that means ‘war’. There was a 13^th Century German saint with the name and a 14^th century Polish Queen but nowadays, it is a not heard as a name except on Harry Potter’s owl. It was given to less than five, or none at all in 2011 and I think this name might be one that was given to none.

Maymie – (pronounced MAY-mee) is either a variant of the name Mary meaning ‘star of the sea’ or a diminutive of Margaret meaning ‘pearl’. It is close to the name Mamie, seen on Meryl Streep’s daughter. It was given to less than 5 to none at all in 2011 but it fits in with the nicknames-as-names trend that is quite prominent at the moment, especially in the UK.

Neppie – (pronounced NEP-ee) is a Greek name meaning ‘weaver; duck’. It is also a diminutive of Penelope and was a common nickname from the 17^th to 19^th centuries. It might be an interesting choice as a nickname as 1847 girls where named Penelope in 2011, which might even rise in the coming year thanks to two celebrity babies (Tina Fey’s daughter and Kourtney Kardashian’s daughter) given the name this year. It would be different to the other nicknames of Penny and Nell. As a given name though, it was given to less than 5, or none at all in 2011.

Rillie – (pronounced: RIY-lee) is a German name meaning ‘brook’. The name could be an alternative to Riley (ranked #47 for girls in 2011). Surprisingly, with so many people liking a variation spelling, this name was given to less than 5 or none at all in 2011.

Yetta – (pronounced: YEH-tuh) is a Yiddish name meaning ‘light’. While the meaning is quite nice, there is something I can’t quite put my finger on with this name. In 2011, the name was given to less than 5, or no girls at all, which is not much of a surprise to me.

BOYS

Alcide – (pronounced: AL-seed) is a name of Greek origin meaning ‘the strong kind’. Alcide was given to less than 5 babies last year, despite the fact that it is the name of the main werewolf on HBO’s True Blood. The name that it is derived from, Alcides however was given to 7 babies in 2011.

Eligah – (pronounced: i-LIE-jah) is a name of Hebrew origin meaning ‘my God is Yahweh’. It is a spelling variant to the wildly popular ‘Elijah’ which is now currently ranked at #13 on the US charts, #78 in Canada, #44 in Australia, #424 in France and #332 in the Netherlands. However, this spelling was given to 14 boys in 2011.

Hollis – (pronounced: HAHL-is) is an English surname derived from Middle English meaning ‘holly trees’. It has not only been used on males but was also used on girls though it had more popularity on the male side but as a feminine choice would be suitable for those who like the name Wallis. In 2011, 101 boys were given the name Hollis and 60 girls were given the name.

Math – (pronounced: math) is a name of Welsh origin of uncertain meaning. Math was a divine figure in Welsh legend who was the son of Mathonwy and ruled over Gwynedd in north Wales. Unfortunately, to me, it just reminds me of the dreaded school subject. In 2011, less than 5 were given the name, however, it would be a plausible nickname for a Mathew or Matthias.

Orson Welles

Miller – (pronounced: MILL-er) is an English Occupational Name meaning grinder of grain. It currently ranks itself on the US charts at number #925 with 215 boys given the name last year, it was the first time it has appeared on the charts since 1943. Miller is also a common surname.

Orson – (pronounced: AWR-son) is a name of Latin and English origin meaning ‘bear cub’ The name brings back memories of Old Hollywood aka. Orson Welles. It currently does not rank in the US and only 33 boys were given the name last year. It is a shame as I think that this name has a lot of potential as a first name.

Percival – (pronounced: PUR-si-val) is a name from Welsh Mythology created by the 12^th century French poet Chretien de Troyes whose poem, ‘Percival, the story of the Grail, depicts the story of one of King Arthur’s Knights. With this gallant imagery behind it, the name actually means ‘one who pierces the valley’. The name does not currently rank in the US but was given to 13 boys last year.

Raoul – (pronounced: RAH-ool) is a French variation of the name Ralph and means ‘wolf-counsel’. There are plenty of namesakes for this name from the literary characters of The Phantom of the Opera’s Raoul and Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas’s Raoul Duke to the real life people of French Painter, Raoul Dufy and Raoul Wallenberg, the Swedish businessman who rescued thousands of Jews from the Holocaust. The name does not currently rank in the US and was only given to 6 boys last year.

Theron – (pronounced: F-ron) is an Ancient Greek name meaning ‘hunter’. The most famous person bearing the name today is South African actress, Charlize Theron who bears it as her last name. The name however does not rank in the US but was given to 87 boys last year though I could also see it as a possible girls name as well. It would fit along with the Archer’s and Hunter’s.

Tobias – (pronounced: to-BIE-as) is a Biblical name of Greek and Hebrew origin and means ‘God is good’. Currently ranked at #538 on the US charts with 470 boys given the name last year, it is also popular in Europe with it currently ranked #2 in Austria, #20 in Denmark, #79 in the Netherlands and #6 in Norway. The name has plenty of namesakes as well Tobias ‘Toby’ Raggs from Sweeney Todd, the first name of Professor Snape’s father is Tobias in the Harry Potter series and Tobey Maguire’s birth name was Tobias.