The Baby Name Wizard

I just received a second email from the publisher, it is definitely interesting what they have to say!

"ISBNs are specific to the exact book and format. In other words, a title released under the same ISBN as a previous release will be the identical book in the same print format as the previous release. It will not be a new book, but a reissue of the same book. The trade paperback edition of this title, ISBN 9780767917520 is a reissue of the 2005 edition and is scheduled for release on 7/14/2009. ISBN 9780767931595 is the eBook version of the same book, and is scheduled for release on 7/7/2009. There are no new or revised editions of this title at this time."

Yes, I've thought about purchasing the eBook, however on the Random House website they specifically say that eBooks cannot be printed. Which may be find for regular fiction, but is frustrating for more of a reference book.

On a positive note, all of the Barnes and Noble stores around here have cleared out their current stock of BNW books (all stores say "out of stock"). I called my local one and they said they have 5 on order that should be here in about a week. Here's hoping they are the new ones!

Be back soon to weigh in on the name discussions. :)

It's Tuesday, July 7, and where is THE BOOK? I just called two B&Ns in my area. The first said that the book is on order but had no idea when it might come in. The clerk seemed to think this would be the revised edition, but she mentioned it as a reissue dated Feb. 2005. ??? A clerk in the other B&N thought at first they might have it, but then realized that they just had an order for it -- and definitely it's the revised edition this customer is seeking. He seemed to think they can get the new edition for me, so I ordered a copy too. Again, ???

Then I tried Borders: the edition they have is dated Jan. 2005, but the clerk found something in her computer about a July 2009 edition. However, she had no information concerning when/if they would be getting that edition.

I looked online again too: both B&N and Amazon are using the photo of the new cover, but there's still contradictory info about the book, making me hesitate to order from them.

I hope any lucky NE who finds one of these 'rare treasures' will let us know where you found it. The fully revised Baby Name Wizard seems rarer than Tickle Me Elmo was several Christmases ago!

I also thought I'd email Amazon as another reader did. This is the response I received:

Hello from Amazon.com

I've checked our website and confirmed that the item "The Baby Name Wizard: A Magical Method for Finding the Perfect Name for Your Baby" is the old edition of February 8, 2005 and it is not the new one.

Currently, we don't have any more stock of "The Baby Name Wizard..." in new edition right now, and we're not sure when we'll be able to get more.

I'd suggest checking our website from time to time to see if this item is available. If anyone is selling it, you'll see a "More Buying Choices" box on the product detail page; if it's not available from any sellers, you might see an "Order it used" or "Alert me" link. "Order it used" allows you to place a
pre-order for the item in case another seller lists the item for sale later. "Alert me" allows you to sign up so we can e-mail you when Amazon has stock available for purchase.

I'm sorry I don't have better news. We hope to see you again soon.
---------------------------
I think the best way to go is to keep checking with local stores so that you can be sure you get the new version. I don't think amazon really knows what is going on.

Thanks, Patricia -- that namenerds site is quite helpful!

jenmn,
that email from the publisher made me do a double take. they don't even know that they are printing a new edition, apparently. this is extraordinary. i mean, generally they're correct about new ISBNs (i work in publishing as well), but honestly...that's less than helpful! (not to mention completely false in this particular case)

bianca,
you're actually making me rethink my favorite names because i would never want someone to think my children had flowery names! i can definitely see how adelaide could be perceived that way (i'm picturing prim, delicate ladies at a tea party here) but like it anyway because it feels old and british. eleanor and charlotte don't though (to me). to me, flowery romantic names are generally things like: isabella, sophia, samantha, gabrielle, danielle (anything that ends in elle/ella, come to think of it), valentina (obviously), angelina, jasmine, stephanie, genevieve, makayla, etc. now that i'm looking at that list, i'm seeing there is kind of a pattern (usually longer names, often ending in elle/ella, ia, ina, etc). to me they're names that scream femininity--sort of like the girl versions of butch and spike. and i would rather not use names like that (not that they are not good names--i think several of them are lovely, actually; i just don't want to use them). however, i do like names that are clearly girls' names, as opposed to androgynous names. i won't be using taylor, blake, riley, logan, etc either. so obviously i'm going for some sort of middle ground--which in my head is called "feminine but not frilly"--however, perhaps i ought to do some rethinking. if eleanor and charlotte are flowery, i've got a problem.

Oh boy, no kidding on the name nerds site. I haven't looked at that one since I was pregnant, but I followed the link and clicked around until I rediscovered this hysterical list of theirs: "It Came From The Baby Name Book"-- http://www.namenerds.com/uucn/itcame.html

Maybe it's because I'm a little sleep deprived at the moment, but I couldn't stop cracking up reading that--both because of how ridiculous some of the names are, and because there are some on there that are now almost mainstream (Pax?), and some I'd almost consider using. You have to read the intro and disclaimer first, though--that's key. PPP, any tips on how to pronounce Toirdhealbhach or Maolbheannachta? My best guess without cheating and looking it up would be something like Tarthalvah and Melvawnahta--did I land anywhere near the right neighborhood?

hyz,
hilarous article. one of the girls' names was florida. what are the odds that she has a little brother or sister? :D

Hmm...yeah, I'm having no luck finding the book either. I've gone to Barnes and Noble, Borders, and Hastings, and none of them have it. I tried special ordering it at each of those places, and they can't even find it in their databases to order??? Same thing with Amazon and another local bookstore. Harumph!

Also, I was wondering if I might be able to get some baby names reviewed by you all. This is my first time on here, so let me start by saying we already have a son, and his name is Solomon Grey. I'm not pregnant yet, but we plan on TTC in the near future. Here are my ideas:

Boys:
Ambrose William
Atticus Charles
Caius Benjamin (kie-us)
Frederick Ambrose
Gareth (no mn yet)
Louis (loo-is)
Phineas John
Reuben Daniel
Leander Bennett

Girls:

Colette Isabella
Eloise Violet
Rosalie Jane (too Twilight?)
Francesca (no mn yet)
Gwendolyn Rose
Louisa Charlotte
Mabel Adeline

Opinions? Which do you like the sounds of, and which make a good sibset for Solomon?

lol, emilyrae. Re: Florida, it depends. Do we know if her sibling has a name? If so, does it happen to be Khrystalline or Dalieass? Also, do we know how tall Florida is, or whether she plans to name her children after herself? All of this is crucial information.

a quick note to laura,
if this is a frustrating day for those of us who have long been anticipating the release of bnw2, i can only imagine how you must be feeling. since you haven't posted for a while, i'm hoping you're working with your publishers to try and ameliorate the mess they have made.
i hope your problems will soon be solved, and that we, your devotees, will shortly be holding copies of bnw2 in our hands.

bianca, emilyrae,

Adelaide, Charlotte flowery?? I object ;-) Lily is flowery (don't like flowery, do like Adelaide and Charlotte).

daisy_kay, I love Solomon's name so I wasn't surprised to find two others that I am unbearably fond of: Ambrose and Mabel. I think I like Charlotte better as the mn for Mabel, but William is quite nice with Ambrose.

Laura, I second what conana said above about how frustrating this must be for you. I hope it gets sorted out soon and we all get that lovely new BNW!

My Captcha: Sophia Osgood :)

Which reminds me, for whoever is considering Sophia as a name for her daughter, if you and your dh have loved it for years, I think you should seriously consider using it. Will she run into other Sophias? Yes. Should that be a deal-breaker? No. (And believe, I'm a 40-yr-old Amy so I should know about sharing a popular name with loads of others!)

Daisy_kay, I like Phineas John (nn Finn) and Rosalie Jane. I think they go well with Solomon Grey and I like the symmetry of the 3-1 syllables with your son's name. Rosalie isn't that common and she's just a minor character in Twilight so I don't see a problem with that.

Emilyrae, of your suggestions I like Eleanor the best. Followed by Lucy, but I'm worried Lucy Lee is too similar to Lucy Liu (the actress). I like the fact that Eleanor can be shortened to Ella, Ellie or Nora, with a pet name of Nori! I think I'll put Eleanor Leilani on my list. My friend actually has four daughters named Megan (adopted, not sure if she picked the name), Audrey, Eleanor (Ella) and Natalie. I like her names, hopefully she wouldn't think I'm copying her if I picked those (she lives in another state though).

Laura, have you thought about doing a Kindle version in addition to the Ebook? Might increase sales. I can't wait to get a copy of the book as well. I gave my last one away after I had my daughter.

anna, bianca:
everyone thinks differently! this is something i like about names though.

IMO, I don't see Charlotte as flowery or frilly, maybe delicate? But I mean someone who maybe appears delicate and beautiful, but is acutually quite strong.

daisy_kay: I love Leander and Colette! And love Solomon too. (Wonder if I can convince dh into Leander or Solomon-- we already both love Colette)

I think JennyLeigh posted about New England BookFair in Newton,MA as an avenue to pursue in pursuit of THE BOOK.I went today--nothing-and spoke to the expert there. She was frustrated, too. I then went to my lovely, local place Brookline Booksmith and the very young and helpful boy/man suggested he order it(with a memo of 2009 edition)--and if the right printing comes along it is mine..

I found a baby name book from a couple of years ago floating around, and was laughing at some of the titles of the lists in the front. One in particular caught my eye, since Ursula has come up a few times on this board.

The list is called "You Just Don't Like This Kid, Huh?"

Girls: Antigone, Bathsheba, Elspeth, Flannery, Millicent, Minerva, Muriel, Thomasina, Ursula, Zuwena.

Boys: Ambrose, Dakarai, Gershom, Godfrey, Humphrey, Ignatius, Marmaduke, Mortimer, Thelonius, Wolfgang.

Seems a bit arbitrary. There are also lists like "Will Work in a Funeral Home" and "The Next Tammy Faye Baker or Billy Graham." Entertaining lunch break reading for me!

Punk Princess PHD.. I love Fionavar Olwen..love the sound, love the "V" and then the"W"...love Fion as a nn.It sounds so poetic to me. And great to honor your m-i-l. to boot.I have been saying the name all day. Also am quite partial to Saoirise(sp?) Verity Grant-McKay .Lovely choices.

Oh, and I love the hawaiian middle names!!

PPP: I'm happy you are making progress. My favorite out of your first names is actually Aoibheann! I think Saoirse is pretty but after your previous discussion, I'd choose Fionavar as my 2nd choice. could you not use one of my 1st name choices as a mn? Maybe then you could use Fionavar Aoibheann, which I love.

@hyz:

I think you're close on the ungainly pronunications - perhaps Toirdhealbhach would be more like "Tir-ghyal-vok" but that depends on regioanl dialect as well.

Maolbheannachta is pretty much spot on: "Mel-vann-ockta"

Now, you all know I love the esoteric Irish names, but I gotta say these are new ones for me. I'm familiar with them as words/phrases, but not names. For those interested, T= "Instigator or Provacateur", and M= "devotee of blessings"? The Maol prefix is normally used to denote a servant or devotee of a particular Saint (Maol Eoin = devotee of Saint John, etc).
Wow.

On a personal note, thanks for the encouragement and suggestions on the name combos. I feel better about the process knowing that we both haven't lost our minds. There comes a point when you feel like you no longer have any objectivity regarding names at all!

e.g. "Maolbheannachta? Sure, love it. Put it on the list."

Thanks, guys!

PPPhd-- Sorry, Saoirse Verity...didn't spell check using Gaelic Dictionary!But the name is dear..

I'm still a bit stunned at how high Sophia has climbed, even though it's been floating around for years and, like the other "pretty", slightly ornate traditionals-- Olivia, Isabella, etc., just kept gathering steam.

About 15 years ago (or was it 20?), when I noticed that babies of my acquaintance were being given this name, I thought it represented a nice option.

But alas, its freshness has ebbed away (for me, at least) through too much recent use. If I ADORED the name, and had to bestow it, I'd give a less mass-appeal form like "Sophronia", and use nickname "Phronsie", like Phronsie Pepper! Undeniably though, Sophie is a charmer of a nickname.

Bette Midler's account of how they arrived at their daughter's name-- I believe it's something like "Sophie von Hasselberg"?-- is amusing. You can probably Google it. I think her daughter is in her mid-twenties now...

As per above..."It Came From the Baby Name Book",
caught myself thinking, "Oooh! Plantagenet! What a fantastic name! If only I did medieval English history, rather than contemporary Irish..."

Academia, hormones, and baby naming DO NOT MIX.

Since I looked it up, I thought I'd post it:

Bette, two weeks shy of her forty-first birthday, gave birth to her and husband Martin Hasselberg's only child, Sophie Frederica Alohilani von Hasselberg on November 14, 1986. Contrary to popular belief, Midler did not follow her mother's idea of naming her children after favorite entertainers. Bette chose her daughter's first name because she liked it, not to name her after Sophie Tucker, one of her favorite singer/comedians. The name Frederica was for Bette's father, Fred, and Alohilani is Hawaiian for "bright sky."

emilyrae- I also don't see Charlotte and Adelaide as flowery, though certainly feminine. Flowery is Annabella (Annabelle too but the extra 'a' adds to it for me). I also always associate Adelaide with Guys and Dolls, she's a great comic part!

Tess- Oh it was me! If Brookline booksmith gets it for you pleeeeeeeease let me know!! That's near to me also:).

PPPhd- I dunno I kind of like the nn Plant. He'll be a natural naturalist;)

PPP, I like the following (in this order):

Aoibheann Verity
Saoirse Olwen
Aoibheann Orlaith
Fionavar Olwen

I intentionally chose one of your dh's mn faves so perhaps you could get your fn fave! (Truthfully, I like a lot of what you've listed. Sorcha is probably my least favorite b/c I don't care for the pronunciation.)

daisy kay:

i pretty much love every name on your list! especially the boys. i don't think you can go wrong. just one thought - to me at least, solomon and reuben would sound very old testament as a sibset. i adore ot names, so i wouldn't mind - but consider whether, if you were to have a third child, you'd feel like he/she had to have an ot name as well.

keep us posted!

PLEASE HELP!

I am wanting to potentially name my son Dhaltin. It is supposed to be pronounced
D-hal-tin not like Dalton. The hal makes the same sound as the name Al in Allen does. Or like the name Dhalia sounds in the begining. I just am wanting spelling suggestions so that he doesn't have to put up with mispronounciation his whole life.
Or do you think it is ok spelled Dhaltin?
Any input would be great.

Guest (#228), fwiw I would have pronounced Dhaltin as Dalton, but I also pronounce Dahlia more like dolly-uh rather than dally-uh (with dally to rhyme with Sally). I'm afraid Dhaltin isn't intuitive for me with regard to getting the pronunciation you're going for. I wish I could think of a spelling that would get you there, or maybe I'll be the odd-one-out with this problem.

Daisy kay - my favourite 3 from your boys' list:

Frederick Ambrose
Ambrose William
Louis Theodor

Girls: I've been creative - hope you don't mind. I think a "nice flow" means something very different to us because I wanted to swop most of your combinations around or change the -a/-e endings.

Isabella Colette
Francesca Eloise
Charlotte Louise

Guest #228:

Is there a particular reason behind using this spelling/pronunciation combo?

It might be easier to come up with alternatives if not, but if it's important for you to use it - say, to honour a relative, etc - then don't let the prospect of constantly spelling/correcting the name for others.

In other words, how much does this 'version' of the name matter to you?

I guess another way to explain how I want it pronounced is like the name Dallin. But w/ the tin on the end of it. Uh so difficult.

Guest (#228), unfortunately I had the same reaction as Amy3. To clarify you're looking for Da-Hal-ton? Hal as in Sally? Could you add an 'a' like I sounded it out above? Dahalton? I don't know if that will get the 'a' sound you want but it will get the 'h' out there. Or D'halton? Depending on where you live the 'a' sound may be less of a problem than it is for me. We talked on this blog relatively recently about our accents and I tend to use a long 'a' when many others use short 'a's (I say Pah-sta, Drah-ma). Good luck!

Guest (#228), while I was typing looks like you clarified, if you don't want to say the 'h' I don't know if my suggestions will work for you...

hmmmm I think that Dahalton is as close to anything I've come up with.

Thanks for the help!

Jenny L3igh-
I dont minds so much if the 'h' gets pronounced as I do if the name is pronounced Dalton.

Does Dalltin not come a little closer to both objectives - i.e. the similar name and the desired pronunciation?

For me it does but I'm afraid its only because I know how I want it to sound. If you seen it on a roster spelled Dalltin would you think to pronounce it D-hal-tin?

I still don't understand how you want it pronounced. To me, Dalton and Dhaltin are the same. Do you want the first syllable to be like Dallas or doll? I pronounce Dalton like doll.

"For me it does but I'm afraid its only because I know how I want it to sound. If you seen it on a roster spelled Dalltin would you think to pronounce it D-hal-tin?"

No, I wouldn't. I would pronounce any name that approximated this spelling as Dahl-tin until I was told otherwise. (Although it's funny, I would immediately pronounce Alton with the Al- from Alan.)

If you opt for this name, whatever the spelling, you'll have to resign yourself to correcting people. It's much like many names that have multiple pronunciations. Ariel and Ana come to mind, but many have been brought up here in the past.

Like Dallas.

I think the closest spelling to what I think you want would be Dallton or Dalltin or Dallten or Dalltan (just bringing up options), as suggested above. An 'h' anywhere would make me say dahl-

Ok so how would you all pronounce Dalston.
Doll-ston or D-al-ston (like the Dal in Dallis)?

Marie: Fav would be
Sophia Charlotte
Mira Sophia
Anna does seem a bit common to me.

goldenpig: Favs are-
Boy
Jonah Kilohana Lee
Zachary Alexander Lee* (almost my ds's name)
Noah Alexander Lee
Jeremiah Jacob Lee* (alliteration works for me)
Julian Dexter Lee
James Kilohana Lee
Some of the others worked for flow but these were my favs.

Girl
Violet Juniper Lee* (just because Leafy can't LOL)
Charlotte Noelani Lee
Clara Noelani Lee
Audrey Noelani Lee
Catherine Noelani Lee
I like intial nn's sometimes. I think my favs overall are Julian Dexter/Audrey Noelani.

Noelani; Aolani; Hokulani; Wailani; Naia-these are are nice and would also work for you I believe
Leilani; Lokelani-these are pretty but might be a bit L heavy with your LN

Kilohana; Makana-like these two the best

PPP: these combos are my favs for you-
Fionavar Verity*
Fionavar Avalon
Fionavar Sinead
Fionavar Orlaith
Saoirse Avalon*
Saoirse Serenity
Saoirse Orlaith* (best imo)
Aoibheann Firinne
Aoibheann Olwen*
Aoibheann Sinead
Aoibheann Rukia
Saoirse Rukia

Btw, I don't get the bleach association.

Guest#228-Dahlton/Dalton/Dallton all sound the same to me with a pron a bit like "doll". I kind of knew the Dhalton pron was different because of the placement of the H. If the sp is important to you as well as the name I would just get used to sp/pronouncing it. If it is just a kre8tiv thing you like then I would maybe do an apostrophe or something to get D'halton.

daisy_kay: My favs to go with Solomon Grey are-
Ambrose William
Frederick Ambrose* (best)
Gareth William
Louis Frederick
Leander Rueben

Colette Isabella*
Rosalie Jane
Francesca Louise*
Gwendolyn Rose

Also, re new book: I also went into my local shops today. Borders had 2 old copies on shelf along with several other competitor books. B&N did not have ANY of BNW. Although several copies of others were on shelf. So, maybe as others have said above B&N is aware and restocking accordingly. Although I spoke to no staff in either store. Stay tuned.

Oh! I found an example in my own family* of passing on the father's name. *Note that there is not a strong tradition of honouring and naming after parents in Scandinavia.

My grandmother's father was Johan Something Johansson and her older sister (the firstborn) was Johanne Abelone.

Did any of you watch the Michael Jackson Memorial? I have to admit that when Brooke Sheilds sent out her love to his kids "Prince, Paris and Blanket," I did a little double take. I guess they really do call him Blanket. I wonder how long it will take him to shake that nickname.

From wikipedia: His kids are-
Michael Joseph Jackson, Jr. (also known as "Prince"), and a daughter, Paris-Michael Katherine Jackson, and Prince Michael Jackson II (also known as Blanket). Aside from the fact that he (was) a celebrity (similar to George Foreman), why would you name your first child Michael and call him Prince and then name your next Prince and call him Blanket?? His naming style fits right in with our honoring conversation though.

@zoerhenne:

Apologies for the obscure reference - 'Bleach' is a Japanese anime/manga that is a favourite of my husband's. Think something like ninjas with magical powers who fight to protect the souls of the dead. You get the idea. Anyway, the main female character is called Rukia.

Guest:

Please don't take this wrong way, but we're only trying to give you advice based on the systemic, logical rules of common English phonetics. If you prefer to go with a counter-intuitive spelling/pronunciation combo, that's your perogative, and certainly should be your choice is you feel strongly about it. But please don't assume that everyone else will automatically "get" the name right.