The Baby Name Wizard

Hmm I'm really not good at this, but it's definitely fun to discuss!

I don't think either one will be the ultimate name of the year but both Bristol and Piper come to mind. Piper was already noted on the last thread from someone who saw 3 in their local area all at once. I don't know whether Bristol is moving by I feel like it may. And maybe Palin too? No to Barack, but maybe Malia. Just some thoughts... now I'll try to get politics off the brain and look for inspiration elswhere:)

Maybe Levi?

I'm suggesting Miley. It's a name that never used to be a name that is suddenly everywhere because of one teenage sensation. It also fits name trends. going right along with names like Kiley and Riley and Kaylee and Hayley as well as near homophones, like Emily and even Miles/Milo. It was destined to be an instant hit as it came onto the national scene right at the time when names sounding like Miley were hitting it big everywhere.

Any of the Twilight names - Bella, Edward, Emse... I think because the frenzy is hitting a peak toward the end of the year, that will mean these names are sticking in everyone's minds...

Huh, shame we used up Barack already- it is definitely the name of 2008, IMO!

I would have to say Isabella and its variations is the name of the year. With the release of the upcoming Twilight movie and the popularity of the Twilight books the name has boomed in the past couple of years. I swear everyother little girl has a name that is a variation on Isabella.

MILEY: the thing i'd question about this, is whether it's really a 2008 name vs. 2007 or whatever. is this year really the year she was everywhere? (i honestly don't know, not having kids myself... although i guess this is probably the year i found out who she was so maybe...)

I would push for something related to Sarah Palin. Ooh, or maybe JOE. As in Joe the Plumber, Joe Six-Pack. It was everywhere and... not sure if the meaning was changed but it had a strong meaning...

I think it's too early for Twilight names.

Gotta be Track, Trig, Bristol, Piper and Willow.

When else has baby names been discussed ad nauseum in a presidental election? Brought the whole Alaska unique naming style to the foreground.

The first girl name that comes to mind is Lily. It was a sound alike to the ever popular Emily and alternate to those who liked Olivia. Then there is also Malia which has been mentioned so I will second it. Also, there is Ivy (2 on our board even)!

As far as the boys names, I nominate Spencer. There is a name that I've heard on a few celeb babies but I can't think of it right now. I will look and return.

the other name that comes to mind is Knox... but Bradgelina were honored a couple of years ago with Shiloh, so don't know if you want to go there again.

I also want to second Malia and Joe.

I think Miley was the BNW NOTY in 2006- sorry all. I am going with Malia on this one. Yes, there's an obvious Obama connection- but the Malia under two I know is white and her best friend- also white- is named Kalia! I think these names are no longer predominatly African-American names.

The don't get the pronunciation Mah-LEE-ah. I would have pronounced it MAH-li-a if I hadn't heard the parents say it first.

I agree with DEH because of the reasons given... I vote for Miley, but if it's chosen, I say DEH wins. :)

I think Isabella is definitely increasingly popular, but it already was number 2 in 2007 so I feel like it can't really be the name of 2008. Bella on it's own though... that was 159 in 2007, 181 in 2006 208 in 2005 so it's rising, but I could see it taking a big jump. Annabelle is similar (although it depends on the spelling). What about something connected to the nn Josie? I feel like that's come up a lot although my perceptions of names I think are skewed by this blog of NEs:)

Maverick. It's not a name I like, but I'm hearing it a lot in small, conservative towns in Colorado, where I live. I think it's the Western vibe the name already has, the buzzword of the Republican party, and Topgun. Names like Wyatt, Cash, and Wesley are coming back now, so the name is a more extreme version of this masculine, rough and tumble vibe. Plus, the movie Topgun left it's stamp on pop culture. It gives the name an even cooler feel than just being a cowboy. I don't even need to explain the whole 'Mavericks in Washington' thing, do I?

I completely agree with Joe. It was everywhere with Joe Biden and Joe the Plumber. Definitely a reflection of the broad "working man" cultural theme. I know a couple of little toddler Joes. Is Joe the new Jack?

I second Wendy's nomination of the entire Palin clan, although I realize that's 5 names! The discussion surrounding these names in all sorts of venues argues for awarding NOTY to the set.

I think Malia and Joe are good guesses. To add to the attention that Joe has gotten from the election, I have noticed an increase in Josephs for babies in my area. I know that popularity isn't the only factor but that does add to the other arguments for me. I could also see Malia picking up. It does have similar sounds as Miley to me which might help it. I've been trying to think of any names that don't have to do with the election but I guess considering how much election coverage was going on that is a little futile.

I second Maverick, Joe, Bristol and Piper.

I think it's too early for the Twilight names, and Isabella/Isabelle/Bella variants have been very popular for a while now.

What about Gracen? I just met someone with a new baby recently named Gracen and I know it's something we've talked about here! I looked on the ssa though and it's not in the top 1000! I feel like for me it feels a little played out, but that's probably because we talk about the -ens so much here. Maaybe it's going to pop up this year though!

I also like all the comments about Malia, it just furthers my first instinct about it above.

I'm voting for Malia, too. I think it will really rise in '09, but we'll probably see a disproportionate jump in '08.

I'm going to vote for Vivienne for second place.

Third: Heath? I'll go with Heath. Dark Knight was a huge hit in the summer, and of course his death had him much in the news early in the year. The name sounds like Keith but also fits with Hayden.

Some of the Twilight names are already too popular (Isabella/Bella, Jacob), and I think the movie hits too late in the year to make much of an impact namewise on the less popular ones.

We'll see if Edward is a big riser in '09. Despite my misgivings about those books, I'll be tickled if it is.

omg people are seconding Joe! I'm so excited!

MAVERICK: Do you think McCain losing has any bearing on this? I know a lot of times a name can be big despite negative associations (e.g. Katrina) and I also suspect that there are folks who love this name for reasons unrelated to McCain or that associate it with him but still love it and the ideas behind it no matter the outcome of the election. Idk... I feel like with Republicans losing power, Maverick would be on the downswing... although I guess popularity is not key to NOTY...

PALIN NAMES: If I had to pick one, it would be Bristol. I think we've talked about her name the most on this board. Of course the pregnancy puts her in the public eye more than her other kids. And I think we've considered it more seriously than Palin's other kids' names.

GRACEN: If this had a year, I think it would have to have been when Joshua Gracin was on American Idol.

Sorry, am i being overprotective of my nomination? LOL.

Henry.

It's suddenly new again, and EVERYWHERE.

gotta comment on Malia... it is Hawaiian, not African American origin...

Joe would be my second choice given the Joe the plumber and Joe Six Pack comments in the election cycle...

Since I have yet to meet any Mavericks (I know people have used the name just don't know any personally)and since the most popular useage of the word maverick in 2009 was as a description, not a name I can't vote for it... although if there is a sudden explosion of Maverick as a name in 2009 I could vote for it then.

I like Joe, too, and agree that if I were pressed to pick one Palin name it would have to be Bristol. Malia is also a good choice, esp if you're considering a possible future bump in popularity for new babies.

I think Jasper is a contender for name if the year. Sure it's a bit early for Twilight to have an effect on this name's popularity (and I'm sure it will in a couple of years) but everywhere I go it seems little Jaspers are popping up. People who claim to have the name as a family name, people who have loved the name forever...the list goes on.

I don't think the Brad/Angelina twins names have made big enough of an impact yet. However, one (unexpected) name from this family I have seen lately is Jolie. Two baby girls I know of have been named this in the last three months. Has anyone else met a little Jolie lately?

I kind of want to vote for Joe too, because it was possibly the most prevalent name of the year, but I don't know that the name was actually "transformed."

Maverick, on the other hand, did see a sort of transformation as it is now so heavily associated with the Republican ticket.

I am with everyone on the political thing. I feel like it is all anyone has talked about for the last year, and has been on here multiple times too. I think that Bristol will be more popular and Malia as well. I dunno about Joe though. It was pretty popular to begin with and personally I wouldn't name my baby joe because of "Joe the plumber"

I'll second the suggest that Henry exploded this year!

Malia too will probably see an upswing.

Lilah - related to Delilah which was a runner up last year, and also has the flowery, feminine name and the ending a sound. I've heard of 3 this year.

Other picks - Piper and Malia. All of the human interest stories on candidates familys were hard to resist, whatever your politics are.

From what Laura has listed as criteria, it's not about popularity, so I don't think actual usage on newborns is relevant here. We're talking about transformation and zeitgeist. And with that said, I am leaning more towards Maverick.

PhilippaTheFirst-
Actually, I think the 2006 name was Shiloh. I don't think Miley has ever been the name of the year.

It really is too bad we can't use Barack two years in a row. It seems like the obvious choice, but Maverick does have potential as well. My favorites are Miley, Malia, Joe, and Maverick.

I don't really hear much about the Palin children's names outside of this forum, but that's just me.

DEH:

Per Laura, 12/18/07 "Despite many nominations, Miley was out of the running for 2007...because it was already named a runner up for the 2006 Name of the Year!"

I agree about Barack; I would vote for it hands down for 2008.

And you're right, Shiloh was the winner that year.

I'm going with Vivian and variations...Vivien, Vivianne, Vivienne, etc. Its trendy because of Brangelina but very much a classic, "real" name. Its easy for parents to use and not have people say, OH, Brad and Angie, as opposed to something like Shiloh. It fits with the group of Olivia, Sophie, Isabella. Its a little old fashioned without be old.

And Joe is my runner up, for Joe the plumber, Joe Six Pack, and most importantly - Joe Jonas. Jonas or Jonah might show up as well.

Others that I don't think will be tops but will be up there include Maverick, Malia, Piper, Edward & Bella. I think it is too early for the supporting Twilight cast names, but Edward and (Isa)Bella are already out there.

Another vote for "Joe." It would be an excllent runner-up -- a nice counterpart to "Chuck," perhaps. In addition, it has Joe Jonas (of the Jonas Brothers) going for it.

Gotta say - It's Joe all the way. And I think it kind of underwent a transformation - or promotion. I grew up saying John Doe, but I think Joe will become the standby generic guy's name now.

I also have to go with Joe, no question. Joe the Plumber, Joe Biden, Joe Six-Pack. It was the defining name of the election and the election was a defining moment in history. Runner up: Maverick.

Coll, I think Heath is an interesting choice. In addition to the Ledger connection, I believe it's also Sarah Palin's maiden name. Not sure how many people will make that connection, but those who would consider Palin for that reason might be interested in Heath as well.

Yes, Miley was runner up in 2006, and nominated by a lot of folks (including me) last year anyway--I think Miley's had its time in the spotlight already. It's not doing anything new in 2008.

But Malia--which has the same consonant sounds--is in the spotlight, and in a way that's bound to inspire more Malias. It catches the moment so well--a Hawaiian name, but a name that's been used across ethnic groups. Its sounds that match the zeitgeist (see Miley, Millie, Miles, Milo, Maya, Lea, Julia, Amelia, Talia, etc. etc.). And its bearer, at a very young age, is already being noticed for her wholesome but funky style.

That, and whatever they name the puppy--that'll be a hot pet name next year, guaranteed.

I think Juno and Kaylee both deserve a nod for NOTY.

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I second the vote for Malia. Then I'll also throw in Sasha (nickname for the younger Obama daughter), but also popular through Sasha Baron Cohen. My final vote is for Jonas. The Jonas Brothers seem to have exploded this year and I think it has a sound that could skyrocket as a first name.

I see a lot of Bristol and Piper...but no Willow? Is it because she is another forgotten middle child? :)

In an election year, all of the names that have come to our attention deserve a vote: Barack, Maverick, Malia, Sasha, Track, Bristol, Willow, Piper, Trig, Heath...and definitely Joe.

SRG: My friend is expecting in April and if it's a girl, she will be Jolie.

(embarrassing sidenote: realized my argument against Maverick could also be used against Joe. darnit!)

CB: Oh Juno is good too! I was *trying* to think of names from earlier in the year... but why Kaylee? Oh, the baby whose mom is on trial?

I vote for Hussein. Never will Americans be able to look on the name with certain distain again. Hussein is no longer attached solely to "the enemy" but also to our leader.

Although, I don't believe new parents are going to run out and starting naming their children Hussein, I believe that it may impact our use of Arabic names again... maybe names like Tariq will reappear?

Trig and Bristol. Nothing else comes near (except maybe Track and Piper).

I read a magazine article yesterday about a woman who called her daughter Poppy-fe. At first I thought it was a misprint, but all the way through she was called Poppy-fe. I've een wonderng how it is pronounced - Poppy-feh? Poppifer? Poppyfay?

Although I think it might be too early for Twilight names to have an impact, we might see an increase in the old-fashioned Twilighters' names. Alice, Jasper, Edward, etc. I'm so bad at this baby name of the year business. But I pretty much agree with everyone on the Palin kids' names, Heath and Juno.

I don't know if anyone reads Time Magazine, but their humor columnist, Joel Stein, just found out he's going to be a father. He is asking readers to help him and his wife pick a baby name. He used Nymbler! Here's the link to the article:
http://www.time.com/time/magazine/article/0,9171,1858883,00.html

nikkhb -- I can't decide if I'm happy or disgruntled that Joel and his wife are considering Laszlo (however unseriously). This has long been one of my faves, and although I'll never get to use it, I'm ambivalent about it being in a Time poll.

I personally think Ezra Stein sounds nice.

While I can't say I have personally enjoyed 2008, I can assert with confidence that it was a great year for NEs! I can't ever remember a year in which names and their relevance were discussed so much. Of course, we picked up on those conversations much more than most, but I think that almost every American would have an opinion about the political names that you all have mentioned here. How many articles were written about the use of the term "Joe Six Pack" or "Joe the Plumber" (especially since the guy's name isn't even Joe!)? And how many times did we hear Barack Hussein Obama's name discussed (not his candidacy, but his name!)? And when before now were articles ever written about what the candidates' choice of names for their children said about them?! What an exciting time for an NE!

I have two choices for NOTY: 1) Maverick. I second all the reasons given above and add that this political season has imbued the word with special significance. Since there are already lots of children named Maverick, I don't think it will take too much of an imaginative leap on the part of parents to choose that name for their sons (or maybe even daughters in a nod to Palin). I don't think too many Democrats will name their kids this--at least, not now--but I think McCain's loss will actually help fuel the name. Had he won, his ticket would have been identified with tons of other adjectives. As it is now, naming a child Maverick might be a nice way for some people to pay tribute to their own sense of loss about the election while also giving their kid a spunky name.

2) Palin. Sarah Palin's last name sounds like a popular name. It rhymes with Kaylin, is a surname, and is a tribute name. And it conjures up the frontier naming style that she used for her own kids. Again, had she and McCain won, I don't think her name would be given to too many children, but I wouldn't be surprised to see baby Palins popping up in states like Utah (thanks, Blythe, for your detective work!) and Alaska in the next few years.