In the five short months since we launched Namipedia, it has become an incredible living world of names. Go to almost any name page and you'll find a fascinating collection of real-life siblings. (Sibs for Sinead? Try Aoife, Eimear, Darragh or Senan. Ernesto? How about Armando, Claudio, Oswaldo and Lidia.) I've also learned a lot from the reader commentary, and I'm often surprised by the ratings the community gives names.
The most amazing contribution, though, is the names themselves. I launched Namipedia with over 6000 names, and users have since added thousands more. From the Albanian name Besnik to the feline-inspired Lynx, the name list grows richer every day.
There are limits, though. We ask users to consider whether a name will really contribute to the quality of the site, based on criteria like cultural significance, popular appeal, and the quality of supporting information offered. We try to be inclusive, especially when the name in question is clearly borne by real people. Sometimes, though, it's a tough call.
Take, for instance, Bree'undra. From the description, the name was custom-constructed to honor two relatives. It exists in the real world, but does it have relevance outside of that family? Or Mako, which would be straightforward enough if it had been submitted as a Japanese name...but it was submitted as a type of shark. Should they stay or should they go?
It strikes me that this kind of decision would be a lot more fun to make with friends. So from time to time, I'm going to put borderline names up for vote on Twitter. Stay or go, you be the judge! Remember, though, you're not voting on whether you LIKE the name, just whether it deserves a place as one of thousands in Namipedia search results. The feed to follow on Twitter:
http://twitter.com/BabyNameWizard
To vote on a name, just reply with @BabyNameWizard [name] stays or @BabyNameWizard [name] goes.
p.s. Yes, I realize that the internet is divided into two kinds of people: those who use Twitter and those who wish everybody would just shut up about Twitter already. If you fall into the second category, just think of it like this. Twitter is like social networking minus commitment and minus self-revelation. Want to be private and anonymous? No problem. Twitter doesn't care about your age or your education or whether your relationship is "complicated." It just wants you to find interesting comments to read, and maybe write some back if you feel like it. Very low-stress, I promise.
Now vote!
Comments
Laura, for you, I may just have to get over myself and check out Twitter!
Couldn't the Mako entry just be edited to also reflect its status as a Japanese name?
Ok, I am on twitter but I just couldn't vote one way or the other. I think if the entry is edited to add that it is also the name of a Japanese actor then it should stay. If it is left only as the reader submitted it then no.
Amy3 - I, too, have been resisting the lure of Twitter, but this might just be enough to get me on board.
Name alert: I just found out my sister goes to high school with a H@yleyem. Maybe the parents assumed there were so many Hayleys that she would always be known as Hayley M. and named her accordingly.
Sigh, maybe I will have to cave to Twitter.
On another note, sibsets:
Tyler, Gabriel
Cole, Morgan
Melia, Amanda
Phillip, Zachariah
Mira, Lila
Jack, Bailee
Naomi, Alan, Brenda
Connor, Kelsey
Moses, Alicia
Dest1nee, Louisa
Jalen, Elijah
Samuel, Hannah
Anne with an E- Of those I think I'm most surprised by Dest1nee/Louisa and Jalen/Elijah... hmmm.
Anyone notice the purple stork add on the side of this page?
The babies in the ad are "Addison Ruth" and "Fergus Malcolm." I get the first one-- but the second is so unique!
@Aybee. No, Fergus Malcolm I totally get. Those are two uber-Scottish names. Think 'MacBeth'
re: Melia: Is it pronounced like Malia? Or like Amelia? I know someone who is Melia pron Malia...
The retro sound of Alan and Brenda is also interesting.
I said Melia: Meh-LEE-a ... and it stuck me as odd paired with Amanda.
I thought maybe Melia was short for Amelia, but I'm not sure. I don't actually hear these names, I just see them...so sadly I have no idea about pronunciation!
And also, I don't think names like Bree'undra necessarily should be in the namipedia, because they're not likely to ever be used by anyone else. Unless maybe there's some way to have them in namipedia without having them be searchable, then they wouldn't 'clutter up' people's search results?
hmm. I originally voted against Mako, but it is a Japanese name. I'm in favor of keeping it as a name, altered to be Japanese, maybe with a mention of the shark in the comments
I really like Laura's twitters (tweets) - always little tidbits that don't get into the blog (usually) but are really cool to know anyway. (I'm @sensuoushelp over there)
btw, according to wikipedia (not the most reliable source, I know, but usually right for all that) the mako shark is after a Maori word - no connection to the Japanese at all.
Interestingly enough, "Melia" is for some people, a surname-name. One of the Irish surname branches of our family was Melia-- they were originally Spanish but must have emigrated to Ireland.
Later, someone in the family used it as a first name for a daughter. Pronounced "MEEL-ya" of course.
Would make a nice shortened form of Amelia...
Speaking of sibling names...I am looking for suggestions for our second child, due in October. Big sister is Unity Jane. My partner and I have difficulties agreeing on names but here's a few we like:
Harriet, Juniper
Solomon, Loki, Cyrus, Dexter.
Any suggestions?
My understanding is that Melia is the Hawaiian word for the plumeria flower, a fragrant flower used in leis. Meh-LEE-uh.
Re Mako, the shark is pronounced MAY-ko. The Japanese name is pronounced MAH-ko. So they aren't the same name phonetically.
Tirzah raises an interesting question. Should there be separate entries for different names with the same spelling? What about just variant pronunciations?
I think my daughter might be a budding NE. She has a book by Quentin Blake called A Sailing Boat in the sky, and the inside covers have a list of names. She loves to point at names and ask me what they are, and then where they come from (many are French) and whether they're boys or girls names.
Liz & Louka,
I believe that currently the Namepidia is set up so that one name can have multiple pronunciations. I think it should stay that way and here is why. It helps people see that their favorite name might be perceived differently than what they have in mind. The classic example is Helena. Helen-a? Heh-lay-na? Hel-een-a? Having them all on the same page gives more information to a person thinking of using that name than having separate pages for each one.
I saw the name Maylea on a local hospital birth list recently. Although I think this name is a derivative of Melia, I would pronounce Maylea differently. This one is going to keep growing in popularity.
Although I didn't vote for Payton/Peyton in the Baby Name Pool because I thought it had run its course, that may have been a mistake, since births over the last couple of months around here show tons of little girl Payton/Peytons.
OT - Just decided to post a short list of new baby names (with siblings)- a rather mixed lot of styles, I thought.
Robert Samuel
Hayden Robertson (Daisy)
Andrew (Evan/Emily)
Adrienne Leone
Aaden Mackenzie [g!]
Sophie Anouk
Devyn Pyper (Kyra/Solenne/Torin[b])
Lucy Elizabeth Rose (Charlotte)
Madeleine Sloan Aileen
Chantelle Leslie (Charlotte)
re: Maylea: Or could it be a variation on the Chinese name Meili/May-li?
PhillippaTheFirst--
I understand it's origin-- my point was I'd guess there's about 100 Addisons for every Fergus... So I thought it a unique choice for the ad
Tirzah if the Mako shark is indeed derived from a Maori word then the pronunciation of the shark and the Japanese name are the same. In New Zealand we pronounce the shark mah-ko.
I recently gave in to peer and family pressure and got a Facebook page.
I don't think I can embrace that and twitter all in one month, though I am fascinated by the whole question of when a thing is also a name.
Um, the fact that someone submitted "Mako" ID'd as a type of shark doesn't make it less of a name. It's as much of a name in Japan as "Elizabeth" is here. The question is, is your site focused on the U.S.? No.
PS: The fact that the search doesn't offer middle name searches is laughable.
I, too, don't understand why everyone gets such a hard-on for sibling names. Sure, for the first 18 years of your life and somewhat beyond, these named individuals will be associated with one another for most of their acqauintances. But the middle name is much more intrinsic, personal, and relevant to a naming site. Whether or not Jane's name "goes" with Johnny's is a lot less important than whether Jane's name is complete in itself, to most people.
I think because sibling names are the names chosen by the same two people-- usually-- and so represent a certain style.
For instance, I knew a sibling set called Jane, Samuel, and Joshua. I also knew a sibling set called Sierra, Laurel, and Wren. I think these names as sets have a lot to do with one another. MOST parents do not choose names at random, but names that fit with their own personal style, even for subsequent offspring. You would be much less likely to find a sibling set of a Martha, Nevaeh, and Lars, for instance. :P
Middle names are often chosen to either honor family connections, or sound nice with the first name. Rose, Marie, et al. I think the sibling names are very relevant and it's one of my favorite features of the Baby Name Wizard book. It's interesting to see what the "real life" sibling names are.
Although I wish something could be done about the selection process. Perhaps we could edit sibling names as well as add them? My delete finger gets rather itchy looking at "Edward."
Just quickly announcing the birth of our twins, James and Patrick! For those interested in sibling names, they join Juliet, John, and Charles.
ailiel, I'm with you on the ability to edit sibling names. So often I've come across the same name as a sibling!
I have a baby due in 3 wks (in the US), and I am hoping for a bit of wisdom. Jemima has topped my list for the last 2 children, who turned out to be William and Henry. Now again, it's risen to #1. I love the name, the meaning (dove), the biblical context ( Job's first daughter after he lost everything, and subsequently had it restored), and the fact that she can resort to Gemma if the syrup jokes become intolerable.
I am just wondering (please be blunt, I'm clearly not sensitive if I'm considering Jemima) the following:
1) Does it work with our other children's names, or do I need to visit the "runners up" list?
2) Does anyone have middle name edits (I always do 2 mns) or thoughts on placement, syllables, flow, etc.?
If you are especially ambitions, I tossed some boy names at the bottom (after all, there is a 50% chance) that you can tear apart as well.
(Last name is one fairly choppy syllable)
Other children...
Fiona*
Wesley*
Molly*
William*
Henry
possible girl...
Jemima Ingrid Emmeline
Jemima Caroline* Rosamond*
Jemima Ingrid Rosamond*
Jemima Eve* Rosamond*
runners up (for first name)...
Allegr@* (can I use nickname Greta for this?...I know it's a stretch)
Harriet (called Hattie*)
Winifred* (Winnie)
Beatrix
and boy...
Joseph* Oliver Gray
Joseph* Edward* Gray
Joseph* George* Edward*
*indicates name of relative (add 1 point I guess?)
Ooh, Allegra, I love Jemima and I think you should go for it. I met a 12 year old Jemima the other day (in Sydney) and her nickname was Mimi. And I think Jemima flows well with your two boys names- kind of an English vibe.
I think sibling names are really helpful on sites like these, because they give an impression of the "feel" a particular name gives off. I've been turned off by some names I initially liked (Isabel, for example) because I'd see the name paired so frequently with something else I don't care for (Ava and Ella). The sib sets help me understand how others view a name.
I always heard "Amelia" as an independent, spunky, somewhat offbeat name, but in recent years, it seems to have developed more of a sweet, proper, English vibe. I see it in combination with "Charlotte" all the time, whereas I would've paired my "Amelia" with "Lucy" and "Greta."
When naming our own children, the only things we've avoided were very similar sounds (e.g. love "Ian," but already have "Liam") to their sibs, and names that don't sound right with our last name "McSomething." (Mackenzie, for example. I don't mind so much if our kids names "match" each other.
Congrats Louise and Jane, mother of 5!
Allegr@ - there have been several heated discussions about the use of Jemima recently on this blog (which you can find using the search feature). I'd recommend reading through those comments. Be warned that some people have VERY strong feelings about this name and its negative slavery and African American stereotype associations in the US. If you really want to use the name, I'd go into it with your eyes open to the reactions this name evokes.
Allegr@,
Jemima or Allegr@ would be a burden rather than an asset to your daughter. I think you should go with a name that is similar in feel and functionality to William, Henry, and Joseph. However, Harriet is a female form of Henry. Winifred is nice, but you already have two kids with 'W' names. I think Beatrix is your best option.
PJ - It's difficult to think of names that work with Unity. I like Solomon or Harriet best from your list. Do you have any other criteria behind what you're looking for? I'm intrigued.
Allegr@ - I hear Jemima, I think syrup. But it's a nice name, and I think it's time we got over that association. I'd take DRDS's suggestion though and look at the discussion. I much prefer Greta to Allegra, and like Winnie. I know a lot of people like Beatrix lately, but I find it really witchy sounding. For your boy names I like Joseph Edward Gray. You have a classy taste, and I think combining Oliver and Gray makes the name sound trendy.
Re: twitter. I hadn't tried it before - I loved the article link with the old French names from Canada!! I am always wondering what, if any, names could be considered notably Canadian. All I can think of is Evangeline, and I don't know of any names coined in Canada. Does anyone out there have an idea?
Allegr@: I was not involved in the Jemima discusion, and think that it is a cool name-- esp. with the nn Jemma or Jem and vote for one of the Rosamond mn combos.
allegr@ (cute nn Greta) is my huge favorite for 2nd choice
and agree with Joseph Edward Gray for b
On your use of 2 mn's, have you ever had a problem on forms, etc? Do you just use one letter for the middle initial? I'd like to use my maiden name as a second mn for each of my children (all in the future) and am having a bit of trouble convincing my dh on the practicalities.
Two Briannas in my local listings this week. It's a relatively short list too--maybe about 30 names. At first I thought this name was sort of past its prime, but then I started thinking maybe it's a new classic. It's familiar, non-trendy... maybe was date-stamped in the past but will be increasingly less so?
Allegr@: I think Jemima works with your sons' names. To me, people often go so different in naming sons vs. daughters that I don't expect much of a "match." Like I do think your boys' names seem more classic and girls' more adventurous but I think a lot of people swing that way.
Allegra, are you American? If not, I think that makes a difference.
--PS: The fact that the search doesn't offer middle name searches is laughable.--
@ Guest
Putting aside how rude it is to complain about a FREE service, what exactly do you mean?
This is the second comment about a middle name search feature, but how would that differ at all from a first name search? It's not like there are set names that you can or cannot use in the middle, and you already have the option of sorting by syllables, which seems like the most useful way to find a middle name. A list of common middle names for a particular first name would be almost impossible to compile because those statistics aren't available and probably boring (Grace, Rose, Lynn?)
Forgot to add:
Allegra, you mentioned liking Jemma and Greta as nicknames for Jemima and Allegra...but what about as first names? I think both of these names stand on their own, fit with your boys names, and don't have the negative associations that Jemima and Allegra have.
Allegra:
What about just naming the baby Gemma. It's beautiful and doesn't have all the horrible associations Jemima does. Also Gemma sounds wonderful with William & Henry. Gemma Eve Rosamond sounds very elegant to my ears. From your other suggestions I like Beatrix the best.
Also for boys I second the Joseph Edward Gray.
A new baby announcement for Brayden (a girl). First cross-over of that name I've heard, although I guess it was only a matter of time . . .
Re: Deleting names from sibling clouds in Namipedia:
You can use the "Report Inappropriate Content" link on the Namipedia page to let Laura and the site administrators know that individual sibling clouds have errors. They can then delete inappropriate entries.
i know of a guy named Maple. that could be canadian.
I can not be the only one who is confused by Guest's insistence on middle name searches. Is the meaning of a name different if it's used for a first name than a middle name? No. Just use the regular name search to search for a middle name, jeez. Also it couldn't hurt to lighten up a little bit and say thing in a friendlier tone.
New Baby:
K3ll3n R!ley (B) sister is Lilly.
@Allegra, despite the fact that I love both Jemima and Allegra, I will echo the suggestion of using Jemma/Gemma or Greta as the full name. You avoid the unfortunate association with the allergy med for Allegra and the profoundly damaging association with slavery and its aftermath that Jemima sadly drags around in the US.
(If you won't be living in the US--even though the baby will be born here--then you could consider either. And if you were to choose one over the other for a US-resident kid, then I'd vote for Allegra.)
Just to muddy the waters further, I'm also a huge fan of Beatrix.
For a boy, I like Joseph Edward Gray.
Nikki- How interesting, I totally would have pegged K3ll3n R!ley as a girl, even though I actually like those names better for a boy. Says something about hearing all those girl R1leys...
New baby:
Finn Y@le LN... I think the middle name is Yale, that's what it sounded like, but I haven't seen it written. It was really interesting because I was talking to a coworker of the mom and the coworker mentioned thinking the parents had an unusual naming style. I really wanted to launch into a recap of our "All the Fins in the Sea" blog talk!! But I restrained myself since we were at a conference:)
Allegra- I agree that you should check out our conversation on Jemima if you live in the US. Either way I think the name is great! I almost watched Chitty Chitty Bang Bang last night and that is a great source for the name. That said I also love the suggestion of Gemma Eve Rosamond. For the name Allegra I think you could use Greta as a nn, but you will always have to explain that her name is Allegra. Depends on whether that will bother you. Greta is very nice on it's own too as others have mentioned.
And interesting that we hear of new girls named Aaden and Braden today... SOO nms.
Anne with an E- some of those sib sets are so interesting! Naomi seems totally different from Alan and Brenda (those sound like her parents to me), Dest1nee and Louisa seem extremely different, and Moses and Alicia also strike me as unusual. Thanks for the post, I always enjoy those!
I think the Guest who wants middle names' point was that it would be helpful to have a middle name cloud, much like a sibling name cloud...
I do agree that this would be difficult-- because of a lack of middle name data and because many of us don't know the middle names of sibsets we encounter. Personally, middle name data would not be useful to me since I plan on using middles to honor relatives.
It continues to surprise me how much Jemima comes up on this board. Allegr@,I will echo the others who suggest you read previous comments.
On another thought-- this goes back to a few posts ago.
But I saw an ad in the mall for a bridal registry: advertising to "Bonnie Bride" and "Gary Groom." I think the last time a Bonnie married a Gary was in my parents decade. I think Brittany/Becky/Beth Bride and Greg/Geoffrey Groom would be more accurate!
@Jenny L3igh, I had a similar reaction to the Alan/Brenda/Naomi list. In fact (me and my suspicious NE mind) I kind of wonder if Alan and Brenda ARE the parents. Those names are from these birthday reward cards that my place of business gives out to kids on their birthdays, and when I encounter ones like Alan and Brenda, I tend to wonder if someone isn't just making up imaginary kids in order to get a discount!
But I agree that Moses and Alicia seems like a really surprising sibset too. Granted that people seem to go more traditional for boys than girls, it still seems odd to me.
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