British Baby Names

Popular Biblical Names

Biblical names are have been a staple of British appellations for centuries. This weeks' name list looks at the most popular biblical names (with a birth count of 100 or above for 2010) from both the Old and New Testament, and in different translations. Some are straight from the Hebrew, some have been filtered through Greek and Latin and further anglicised. And there are those that have almost lost their biblical feel altogether. 

Aaron Adam Alexander Andrew Asher Benjamin Caleb Christopher Daniel David Eli Elias Elijah Emmanuel Ethan Felix Gabriel Isaac Isaiah Ismail

Jacob James Jason Jeremiah Jesse Joel John Jonah Jonathan Jordan Joseph Joshua Josiah Jude Levi Luke Malachi Mark Matthew Micah

Michael Nathan Nathaniel Noah Paul Peter Philip Raphael Reuben Rufus Samuel Seth Simon Solomon Stephen Thomas Timothy Tobias Zachariah Zachary

Abigail Anna Bethany Chloe Claudia Eden Elizabeth Esther Eve Hannah Jemima Joanna Julia Leah Lois Lydia Madeleine Maria Mariam Martha

Mary Maryam Miriam Naomi Phoebe Rachel Rebecca Ruth Sara Sarah   Tabitha

 

Sibling Spotlight for Jasper

Below is a selection of British siblings with Jasper, from the last century to modern times. The year relates to the decade of birth for the Jasper in that set. 

1840s: Francis Richard Mary Ann Jesse Giles Israel Stephen Jasper Giles William Giles Christiana Julia Jemima Jonathan Charles Henry George Lucy Newdigate Henry Knightley Arthur Felix N Alfred B Owen Theodore Frederick Jasper Caroline Mary Adela Maud Alan De Leyburn Knightly Grey  Malcolm Lionel Eleanor Elizabeth Lumley Douglas Edward   Ruth Jasper / Felix (twins) Ada Caroline Rachel Ida   1860s: Justina Anne Frances Marin Ambler Jasper William Wilding Easthope Harry Elizabeth Anne Alberta Mary Alvena Jennet Jasper Osmund Alice Charlotte William Henry 1880s: Edith Blanche Asher Chapman Thomas Robert Jasper Roland Hildebrand Scott "Scott" Florence Vashti Cecilia Jessie Sidney Royston William John Rosetta Caroline George Thomas Ada Florence Jasper Charles Lillie Violet Caroline Beatrice Daisy John Willcox  Bessie Rosetta Delcie Amelia Jasper Joseph Lennie Alice Rittie Annie Howard Harry Rayner Reginald

1900s: Arthur Carew Jasper Otho John Iris Marie Eric Brian Hugh Sebastian Jasper Theophilus  Julian Arthur  Charles Clive Aileen Dorothy Jasper Alan Mervyn John 1960s: Simon Angus Jasper  1970s: Jasper Nicholas B Timothy Alexander H  Alexandra Katherine M  1980s: Jasper Edward Edwyn Thomas    Jasper James Hugo John Edward Liam  1990s: Megan Christina Jasper Benedict / Henry James   Tristan Alistair J G Jasper Stephane L E Oriana Tamara L M Emeric Louis B E   Max Harvey Jasper Stanley Kitty Olivia Lucas Theodore  2000s: Jasper Philip F Tamsin Jennifer Coralie Roscoe Harry Christopher  Jasper Robert Miles David Sasha Vivian  Barnaby Temple Jasper James Perdita Madonna   Stanley Robert Edward Jasper Ignatius Michael Rufus William Edmund  Jasper Gilbert D Felix Richard H Barnaby Rollo Horatio

 

Manx Names

The Isle of Man has an interesting and rich history. This is in no small part due to the fact that the island is uniquely situated between the coasts of Ireland, Scotland, England and Wales -- stand on its highest point, Snaefell, and on a clear day you can see all four countries.

Between the 5th and 8th centuries the Island came under the sovereignty of various Welsh kings whose reign extended to the Isle of Man. They were styled King of Ynys Manaw, the Welsh name for the Island. The 8th century saw Viking invasion and rule, establishing a Norse Kingdom of Mann and the Isles, and a Manx parliament. Scandinavian rule came to an end in 1265, when the island became caught up in a battle between Scotland and England; control passing between the two. By the 15th century, sovereignty was in the hands of the English Crown, and the Island was governed by hereditary Lordship. The Island now has its own democratic parliament. 

The native language, Manx, was spoken up until the 1970s, when sadly its last native speaker died. It is now beginning to see some signs of revival. Manx, or Manx Gaelic, is a Goidelic language, along with Scots Gaelic and Irish. These Goidelic languages, combined with the Brytholic (Welsh, Cornish, Breton) make up the main Celtic languages. 

Names in the Isle of Man therefore, are a rich mixture of English, Irish, Scottish, Welsh and Norse influences as well as uniquely Manx creations. Many are the popular names you would expect (Oliver, Jack, Olivia, Ruby...) but mixed in are some of the Island's own gems. 

The names below I have sourced from historical documents (census and manorial rolls), scholarly texts on the subject, and from birth announcements from the Isle of Man. Names that have been found in birth announcements from the last five years have been underlined. 

 

Masculine Names:

Abban - A 6th century Irish saint who is commemorated at Keeill Abban ("chaple of Abban") in Braddan. The name is also found in Ireland and means "little abbot."
Aedan - The Manx (and old Irish) version of Aidan, a diminutive of the Old Irish Áed meaning "fire". 
Aleyn - A form of Alan. 
Allow, Allowe, Aloe - A Manx name, used up until the 17th century. The etymology is uncertain. Kneen atrributes it to being derived from the Old Norse element alfr "elf". Gill sees it as a derivation of the Manx surname Callow < MacCalo < Mac Calbach, from the Gaelic name Calbhach "bold".
Aulay - Ultimately from the Norse name Áleifr (Olaf). Olaf Godredsson was 12th century King of Mann, and Olaf the Black ruled the Island in the 13th century. 
Carbry - From the Old Irish Cairbre, "charioteer", The parish of Arbory (Kirk Carbery < Kirk Cairbre) is named for St Cairbre, disciple of St Patrick. 
Cristen - Manx form of Christian. Used historically on both men and women, more so on women from the 15th century but is now found more on boys. Cristen was Prioress of Douglas in 1408. 
Dolyn, Dolen, Donal- Manx form of Donald. From the Old Irish Domhnall "world mighty". The name is found on many medieval religious figures in Manx history. 
Doolish - The Manx form of Douglas and the name of the island's principle town.
Eamon - Gaelic form of Edmund, also popular in Scotland and Ireland. 
Ean - Manx version of Ian, via Eoin, the Gaelic form of John. 
Finlo, Ffinlo, Fynlo, - An Old Manx name, still used today. It derives from fionn Lugh "fair Lugh", Lugh being an ancient Celtic god once worshipped in Mann. 
Gibbon - Manx form of Gilbert. Common in earlier times. 
Gilcrist - Common early Manx name. Literally "servant of Christ". Several other names appear in Manx records with the Gil- prefix including Gilander / Gilandrew ("servant of St Andrew"), Gilcolm ("servant of St Columba") Gilmartin ("servant of St Martin"), Gilmore / Gilmurry ("servant of St Mary"), Gilno 
("servant of the Saints") and Gilpatric ("servant of St. Patrick).
Illiam - The Manx form of William.
Jamys - The Manx form of James, equivalent with the Scottish Seumas.
Jole - An old Manx name name, still used today, derived from the Old Norse Jolfr "Yule".
Juan - Found in earlier texts as Huan, Juan is now seems quite popular in Mann. Either a form of Eoghan via Euan, or a form of John via Eoin or Johan. It is pronounced JOO-un. 
Kerran - Manx form of Kieran. From the Gaelic ciar "black". 
Lonan - The name of several Irish saints. St Lonan, nephew of St Patrick, is the namesake of the parish of Lonan in Mann. The name derives from the Gaelic lon "blackbird".
Mian - A Manx diminutive of Matthew via Matthias. 
Mold - A very common name in the 15th and 16th centuries. The name possibly derives from Maughold, the patron saint of the Isle of Man, which itself is a form of the Irish MacCaille "son of the wood".
Orry, Gorry - The Manx forms of Godfrey. Godred was borne by three Manx kings. The name derives from the Norse Guðfriðr "god's peace."
Pheric - The Manx form of Patrick. 
Rory - Also used in Ireland and Scotland. 
Thormot - From the Norse Þórmóðr (Tormod) "Thor's mind."
Vannin - The Manx name for the Isle of Man is Ellan Vannin. 

 

Feminine Names:

Aalin - From the Manx vocabulary word meaning "beautiful."
Aalish, Aelish, Ealee - The Manx form of Alice.
Africa, Aufrica, Averick, Aurick, Affric - Many noble medieval women of Mann (and others in Ireland and Scotland) bore this name, including the wife and also a daughter of King Olave I; the daughter of King Godred II; and Aufrica de Connaught, heiress of Mann. Some scholars, such as O'Corrain & Maguire, attribute the name as a borrowing of "Africa". Others, such as Macbain and W.J.Watson derive its meaning from the Gaelic ath, an intensifying prefix, and breac "dappled, freckled." Given that Africa and Aufrica appear as Latinised forms of Affric -- and given the archetypal freckled complexion of the Gaels -- the latter explanation has most weight. 
Bahee - A popular Manx name, now fallen out of use. The etymology is uncertain.
Blaanid - A diminutive of blaa "flower". This is the name of a legendary Manx princess, cognate with the Irish Blathnat. 
Breeshey, Breesha - Manx forms of Bridget. The ancient Celtic goddess Brigid was worshipped in Mann as well as Ireland. In Manx, the word bree means 'strength, vigour.'
Calybrid, Calibrid - "Female devotee of St.Brigid." Common name in 15th and 16th centuries, and most likely before. As with the masculine Gil- prefix (see above), Caly- was prefixed to names of saints to form feminine forenames such as Calycrist ("devotee of Christ"), Calyhony ("devotee of the Church"), Calypatric ("devotee of St. Patrick") and Calyvorra / Calyvorry ("devotee of St. Mary").
Ealisaid - The Manx form of Elizabeth. 
Eubonia - An ancient name for the Isle of Man used as a forename in the 18th century. 
Graihagh - From the Manx vocabulary word meaning "lovable". It's pronounced GRAY-ah.
Grayse - The Manx word for "grace", used as a name. 
Ibot, Ibott, Isot, Isott - Manx diminutives of Isabel. 
Joney, Jonee - Manx diminutive of Joan. 
Kirree - Appears to be the Manx version of Kitty, but is also the vocabulary word for "sheep." It is found as the subject of two Manx folk songs: Ny Kirree Fo 'Niaghtey (The Sheep Under the Snow) and O Kirree T'ou Goll Dy Faagail Mee (Oh Kirree, Thou Wilt Leave Me). 
Lilee - The Manx word for "lily", used as a name.  
Malane - Manx form of Madeline. Moirrey Malene is the Manx name of Mary Magdalene. 
Margaid - Manx form of Margaret. 
Moirrey, Voirrey - Manx form of Mary, now found more in the vocative form Voirrey. 
Mona - The poetic name for the Isle of Man. Popular in the 19th century.  
Onnee - The Manx form of Annie.
Paaie, Pyee - A diminutive of Margaret, equivalent to Peggy. 
Sessott, Sissott - Manx diminutives of Cecilia.  
Vorgell - Aspirated form of Morgell, from the Irish Muirgel "sea-bright." 

Plant names, N-O: Beyond Nigella and Olive

Below I have selected a few plant genera beginning with the letters N and O that I think could have potential use as a name choice. 

 

Plant names:

A I  B to C I D to F I G to J I K to M I N to O I P I R to S I T to V I W to Z

 

Nandina - A hardy shrub, commonly known as sacred bamboo (although it isn't a bamboo at all). It's name comes from the Japanese name nandin. In China and Japan the plant was long used to ward off bad luck.

Neillia - Named after Scottish botanist Dr Patrick Neill (1776-1851).

Nemophila - Commonly known as "baby blue eyes" plants. Derived from the Greek νέμος (nemos) 'grove' and φίλος (philos) 'loving'. It could be considered a translation for the English surname Lovegrove. 

Neolitsea - "New Litsea". Part of the laurel family, native to Asia and Australia. Cassia is a species name. 

Nerium - From the Ancient Greek name for Oleander. Oleander is now the species name, which derived from olea, the Greek name for the olive due to the similarity in looks, and makes an interesting alternative to Oliver and Alexander. 

Nicandra - Part Nicole, part Alexandra. These night-shade family plants are named after Nicander (Nikandros) of Calophon (c.100 BC), ancient writer on plants and antidotes. The Greek name Nikandros means "man's victory", from νικη (nike) 'victory' and ανδρος (andros) 'a man'.

Niphaea - Derives from the Greek νιφος (niphos) 'snow', in reference to the plants' white flowers. 

Nitella - Aquatic plants derived from the Latin nitere 'shining, glittering'.

Nolana - "Little bell", a diminutive of the Latin nola 'small bell'. 

Nolina - Named after P.C. Nolin (c.1755) a French writer on agriculture. 

Olax - Derived from the Greek αὖλαξ (aulax) 'furrow' via the Doric olax, believed to be so named because of the two-ranked leaves. Olaf with the fashionable 'x'.

Olea - The Latin name for olive, ultimately from the Greek  ἐλαία (elaia).

Oleandra - "Oleander-like," due to its similarity to oleander leaves. 

Olearia - Commonly known as daisy bush. Some derive its etymology from olea, due to similarity of the leaves. Others believe it to be named after German scholar Adam Olearius (Adam Oehlschlaeger). 

Olyra - A genus of grass from the Greek ολυρα (olyra), a type of grain. She's somewhere between Olivia and Lyra. 

Orixa - Believed to be derived from the Japanese vernacular name for orixa japonica. 

Orthilia - The etymology is uncertain, but it possibly derives from the Greek ορθρος (orthos) 'straight, upright'. 

Ottelia - Similar to fashionable Ottilie, the name is the Latinised form of Ottel-ambel, the ancient Malabar vernacular name for the plant. 

Ourisia - Named after Governor Ouris (d. 1773) of the Falkland Islands, where the genus was first found.

 

Genus names that were already in use as first names include Narcissus, Nerine, Nymphe, Nyssa and Ophelia.

 

Name of the Week

Saintly, Shakespearean, sporty and sophisticated -- there's more to Sebastian
than you might think.

Origin:

From the Roman name Sebastianus meaning "of Sebastia". Ultimately it derives from the Greek σεβαστός (sebastos) meaning 'venerable', which was used as the Greek translation of Augustus. Many cities in Antiquity were named Sebaste or Sebastia in honour of the Emperor Augustus, and later for subsequent emperors.

Usage:

St Sebastian, the 3rd-century Roman legionary shot by arrows, was a frequent subject of medieval art. It was particularly popular in Spain and France.  On British shores the name can be found in more frequent use in Cornwall as early as the 16th century, where it became Bastian. The name was not particularly common during the 18th century but its use was consistent. It picked up a little in popularity in the 1950s. In 2010 the name ranked #58 in England and Wales -- which has been steadily climbing since it reached the top 100 in 2002 -- and #119 in Scotland, also on the rise.

Famous Bearers:

* St Sebastian (d. c.288) was a Roman soldier who was martyred by arrows after it was discovered he was a Christian. He is considered the patron saint of athletes and also a patron saint of soldiers. * Three blesseds also bear the name Sebastian. * Two Shakespearean characters were called Sebastian: one in Twelfth Night, twin brother of Viola; and in The Tempest as brother of King Alonso. * King Sebastian (Sebastião) was a 16th century king of Portugal who went on crusade. * Lord Sebastian "Seb" Coe, KBE is a four-time Olympic medal winner, and considered one of Britains greatest athletes. he is currently organiser of the London 2012 Olympic games. * Sebastian Vettel is a German Formula One racing driver and current World Champion.

Variants:

Sébastien, Bastien (French) Sebastián (Spanish) Sebastiaan (Dutch)  Sebastiano (Italian)  Sebastião (Portuguese) Sevastian (Russian)

Pronunciation:

seb-AST-ee-ən, seb-AST-yən (UK) [key]

Possible nicknames:

Asa, Bastian, Bas, Ben, Ian, Seb ,Stan, Sten, Tio

Sibling Names:

Clementine     Rosalind      Miranda     Lillian     Philippa     Lydia  Theodore      Nicholas     Gabriel     Dominic     Maximilian     Benedict

Name Lists:

Upright Elegance   Saintly & Stylish   Resonant Roman   Royal   Shakespeare

 

If you like Sebastian you may also like:   Adrian, Quentin, Fabian, Crispin, Alban, Augustus, Felix, Orlando, Julian, Constantine

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Finds from 1844

Some finds from the GRO Birth Records for England and Wales in 1844. All are first names and middle names -- the surnames are not included unless indicated by "sn" -- and have been checked against census records. 

I do admit to taking some license in the choosing by not only adding "quirky" names but also ones that I happen to take a fancy to. 

Adolphus Abijah Amato Etienne Louis Amphion William Joseph Armenas Theophilus Athanusius Bonaventura Brooke Joseph Christmas Daniel Claudius Josiah Darius David Daniel Digby Wentworth Bayard Edward Hamlet Edwin Silvanus Esculapius Simon Jude Ethelred Marmaduke Algernon Finsbury Duncomb Flavius Josephus Friend Edward George John Dominicus Godfrey Florentin Henri Godolphin Newnham Osbaldeston Guillebaud Francis Lea Habakkuk Hildebrand Attwood Horatio Posthumous Horton Hastie Ismoleo Doole Ivanhoe Stanley Jacobus Elfredus Jehoiada John Julius Caesar Jorath Ivor Lauchlin Michael Lothian  Lockington Dale Louis Naphtali Luca Peter Gregorius Melchisidec Edmund Mephibosheth  Nabo Napoleon Austin Lucas Onesiphorus Henry Otto Augustus Penell Isaac Philologus William Pickles Prince Alban Quintillian Quintus John Rafe Oswald  Ralph Archelius Reuben Remus Silvester Augustin Smith William Spencer Percival Stanislaw Jonas Tertius Samuel  Thomas Nephi Thompson Joel Martin Tippoo Thurlow Jeremiah  Voltaire  Weapon Ebenezer

Ada Adeliza Agnes Ursine Alice Antonina Alexandra Rozalia Almena Elizabeth Aminta Anna Anstiss Rebecca Azubah Ziphorah Barbarina Elizabeth Bathsheba Naomi Clara Novello Jane Cleopatra Blanch Cleopatra Cecilia Delilah Jane Desdemona Dona Maria Drusilla Maud Ella Zoe Beatrice Emma Aurora Epiphany Hannah Eustasia Harriet Faith Louisa Francesca Luciane Georgiana Christiana Gundrada Eliza Hannah Penina Irma Victoire Elizabeth Jacobina Elizabeth Julia Marritta Lauretta Lavinia Lavinia Frederica Mahala Myra Marmorice Sarah Melody Elizabeth Merielina Agnes Milborough Mary Ann Miranda Sarah Selina Myra Mary Frances Myrtilla Nessy Eliza Ostley Maria Philadelphia Phoebe Phoebe Parthenia Phronissa Sophia Primrose Isabella Priscilla Orpah Priscilla Septima  Renée Louisa Ricarda Grace Robinetta Rose Angelique Anne Georgina Selina Malvina Septuagesima Ulrikke Eleonore Una Mary Urania Mary Vesperina  Waltress Rosina Zitella Frances Zoe Jemima Zurada

 

French Names

The French have a reputation for being chic and stylish, and it is no less the case when it comes to names.

When you get down to the nitty gritty there is an abundant number of names that Britain and France share. You are just as likely to meet a French David as a British, albeit with slightly different pronunciation. The same can be said for Albert, Anne, Benjamin, Charlotte, and many more. Similarly, there are plenty of French names that have been adopted on these shores for centuries. Claire, Marie and Sophie have been in use for so long that it's easy to forget that they are, in fact, French variations (Clara, Mary and Sophy being original Anglican equivalents).
Indeed, looking at the top 100 most popular names in France there is a great deal of cross-over with British names. On the other hand, there are several gems on the list that are rarely heard of, or even unknown, on this fair isle.  

This, therefore, is a list that attempts to capture names distinctly and stylishly French in their origin or usage, that could easily and fashionably be used outside of their native setting.

Alphonse Amaury Ambroise Andre Antoine Antonin Armand Arnaud Arsène Aubert Aubin Auguste Aurélien Baudouin Baptiste Bastien Benoit Bertrand Calixte Constant Corin Cornielle Deodat Didier Diodore Donat Donatien Émeric Enzo  Évrard  Fabrice Fernand

Firmin  Florent François  Fulbert Gabin Gaétan Gaspard Gaston Gaubert Gautier / Guatier Géraud Germain  Gervais Ghislain Gratien Guillaume Gustave Hercule Hervé Hugues Jacques  Josse Juste Landry Laurent   Léonce Loïc  Loup Ludovic  Maël Marcel Mathis

Matthieu Maxence Maxime Naël Nazaire Nicodème Odilon Olivier Pascal Patrice  Paulin Pierre Rainier Raoul Régis Rémy Renaud   René Rodrigue   Romain Serge Séverin Sylvain Thibault  Thierry Timeo Titouan  Toussaint Ulysse Urbain  Yvan Yves

Amandine Amarante  Anaëlle  Anaïs Angélique  Apolline Athène Aurélie Aurore Axelle Babette  Bénédicte  Bertille Bethsabée Bibiane Blanchefleur Blandine Capucine Claudette Claudie Claudine Clémence Clotilde Coralie Cosette Cyprienne Cyrielle Dominique  Edmeé Éliane Emilienne  Eugénie

Euphémie  Euphrasie  Fabienne  Fanette Fantine Faustine Félicie Félicienne Fidèle  Fleurette Floriane  Gaëlle  Gaétane  Galatée  Ghislaine  Henriette  Honorine  Hortense Iphigenie Irénée Jacinthe Jacquette  Josette  Josiane Laurence Laurentine  Léontine Lilou Lisette Lucienne Lydie Maëlle

Maëlys Magali Marceline Marjolaine  Mariette  Marilène Marilou Meline Mélisande Mireille  Modeste Morgane  Nadége  Nicolette Noémie Océane Odette Odile Ophélie  Philomène Reine Romane Sabine Sidonie  Solange Solène Sylviane Veronique Victoire  Zelie   Zénaïde Zéphyrine

Sibling Spotlight for Eulalia

I enjoyed doing the Siblings for Octavius post so much that I thought I'd do it again for a a different name. 

Below is a selection of British siblings containing a Eulalia, from the last century to modern times. The year relates to the decade of birth for the Eulalia in that set. 

1850s: Margaret Eulalia Fanny Sarah Rebecca Robert Peter Oliver Nathaniel Charles  1880s: Lillian Frances Georgina Clotilda Francis Charles Percy William Eulalia Mary Magdalen Emily Lucy Philomena Joseph Leopold Mary Hilda Miriam Pauline   Bertha Edna Sidney Norman H Eulalia Gladys Mabel Gwendoline Keith Harley  Ethel Sarah Eulalia Millicent Cyril Kerridge Dorothy Annie Sybil Greta  1890s: Eulalia Mary Eunice Lilian Winifred Phyllis  Eulalia Gladys Sadie Patricia Norah Eileen   Eulalia Annie Rosetta Selina E Arthur Thurgood Eric Harold Malvina Eunice Ralph Coningsby Ivy Ursula Iris Irene Norman Aubrey Eulalia Winifred

1900s: Arthur Ernest Sydney Graham Esther Priscilla Stanley Oliver Gordon Felix Lydia Lavinia Eulalia Cicely    Florence Mary Lilian Veronica Philomena Elizabeth Eulalia Walburga  1910s: Eulalia J Diana M  Vincent V    Bertram H Eulalia M C   1930s: Ada D Herbert A K Eulalia D Ursula  1960s: Eulalia Mariela 1980s: Damian Gabriel I Galadriel Eulalia L   1990s: Freyja Ellen Amoret Louisa Eulalia Daisy   Eulalia Ruby  Stanislawa Teresa  2000s: Eulalia Fox Milo Ravi    Eulalia Rosalyn Benjamin Eduardo

What your thoughts about me turning the 'Siblings of...' into a more frequent series? Do you find it interesting enough? Are there any names you would want me to research? All thoughts much appreciated.

 

'Twas Ever Thus...

I love reading the 'Letters to the Editor' section in old newspapers. In this particular letter, S.C.G. enlightens readers of The Morning Post on his thoughts on the meanings of names. 

 

SIGNIFICATION OF NAMES     MR EDITOR -- When I was a child, I often thought upon the variety of men's names, and upon the singularity of their having, originally, but one name; and in recent times, having (what is called) a sur-name, as well as a christian name. When I had been at school a few years, I was able to discover the meaning and the propriety of several names; which I now subjoin, for the amusement of those of your Readers who have had little leisure for such discoveries. I am, Sir, yours, &c July 13, 1826                                              S.C.G           Adam,    signifying Likeness.           Eve ....................  Life giving; two syllables.            David .................. Dear.            Solomon .............. Peace, Perfection.           Cyrus .................. The Sun.           Silvester .............. A Forest.            Cain .................... Gain.           Noah ................... Rest.           Samuel ................ Asked of God.           Jacob .................. The Heel.           Isaac ................... Laughter.           Ruth .................... Sorrowful.           Naomi .................. Comely.           Daniel .................. Judgment of God.           Nod ..................... Fugitive.           Genesis ............... Beginning, &c.           Exodus ................ Departure.            Deborah ............... A Bee.           Laura ................... A Laurel.           Agnes .................. A Lamb.             Melissa (Gr.) ......... A Bee.           Margaret ............... A Pearl.           Cecil .................... Hart Wort.           George ................. A Husbandman.           Cynthia ................. The Moon.           Jesse ................... A Graft.           Dorcas ................. A Roe.           Susannah ............. A Lilly.           Rachel .................. A Sheep.            Phillis ................... A Leaf.           Vincent ................. A Willow.           Aurelia ................. Cotton Weed.           Chloe ................... A Green Herb.           Rupert .................. A Rock.           Fairfax .................. Fair Hair.            Gertrude ............... All Truth.           Gerard .................. All Heat.           Godfrey ................ Good Peace. The Morning Post (London) Wednesday, July 19, 1826

 

I wonder if any prospective parents saw this list and were inspired to use Chloe, Exodus, Genesis, Nod or Fairfax for their little ones. 

 

Plant names, K-M: Beyond Lily and Myrtle

I have selected a few plant genera beginning with the letters G, H, I and J, along with any of their interesting species names, that I think could have potential use as a name choice. 

Plant names:

A I  B to C I D to F I G to J I K to M I N to O I P I R to S I T to V I W to Z

Kalimeris - "Beautiful parts", derived from the Greek kalos 'beautiful' and meris 'part, portion'. 

Kaliphora - "Bearing Beauty", from the Greek kalos 'beautiful' and phero 'to bring, bear, carry'. 

Kelseya - Named for Harlan P. Kelsey, a nurseryman from Massachusetts.

Kerria - Named after William Kerr, renowed collector of eastern plants who introduced the kerria japonica.

Kydia - For Col. Robert Kyd, founder of the Calcutta Botanic Garden.

Latania - The native Mauritian name for Mascarene palm. 

Laurelia - "Laurel-like," taken from laurus the old Latin name for the Bay tree due to the similarity between the leaves. Some suggest that laurus is itself derived from the Old Celtic laur meaning 'green'. 

Layia - Known more commonly as Tidy Tips, these flowers, named after naturalist and explorer G.T. Lay, are part of the daisy family (Asteraceae). A flowery alternative to Leia. 

Leea - Named after James Lee, a notable Scottish nurseryman who introduce many new plant species to Britain. A flowery alternative to Leah. Amabilis "lovable" is a species name. 

Leonotis - Derived from the Greek leon 'lion' and ous 'ear', as it was fancied that the plant resembled a lion's ear. 

Linaria - From the Latin linum and Greek linon, ultimately from the Indo-European root *lino- meaning 'flax' which some species are regarded as resembling. 

Lunaria - Derived from the Latin luna 'moon'. Its species are commonly known as 'Honesty' plants (Perennial Honesty, Annual Honesty etc). 

Mackaya - Named after James T. Mackay curator of the Dulin University Botanic Garden. Bella is a species name. 

Maranta - Named for Italian botanist  Bartolomea Maranti.

Maurandya / Maurandia - Named after Professor Maurandy of Cartagena.

Moraea / Morea - The genus was originally named Morea after botanist Robert Moore but it is said that Linnaeus changed it to the spelling Moraea -- his wife was Sara Elizabeth Moraea, daughter of Dr Johan Moraeus. Amissa and Collina are species names. 

Morina - Named after French botanist and plant collector Louis Morin. 

Morinda - Derived from morus indica "Indian mulberry" due to the shape of the fruits. 

Morus - The ancient Latin name for the mulberry. A nature-related alternative to Morris.

Genus names that were already in use as (non-nature) names include Laelia, Lasthenia, Leucothoe, Lycaste, Lycoris, Melia, Melissa, Mentha, Mila, Milla and Mina