British Baby Names

Name of the Week

 

 
A svelte surname that descends from an ancient
and enigmatic given name.

 

Origin:

A vernacular form of Gervase, an anglicisation of the Latinised name Gervasius. The origins of the name are rather mysterious, and several theories (some rather bizarre) have been put forward over the last few centuries. Gervasius first appears in reference to a 2nd, possibly 1st, century martyr of Milan, twin brother of Protasius (often called Gervase and Protase). The general consensus in scholarship is that the name derived as a latinised form of an ancient Germanic name. The first element is thought to be the Old High German ger "spear," an element which is found in many familiar names such as Gerald, Gerard, Germaine, Gertrude, Roger etc. The second element is considered to be the Gaulish word *uassos "servant"** (vassus in Gallo-Roman), a word that ultimately derives from the Old Celtic *wasso / *wasto*. How two words of a different origin became merged into one name is a mystery, and one that has not been fully investigated. K.M.Sheard* put forward the idea that the whole name could be purely Gaulish (and therefore essentially Celtic) in origin. There are, she argues, several Common Celtic words that could explain the initial Ger- such as *garwo "rough, rugged," *gwariyf "duty" and *gƒri­ "shout, call"*.

Usage:

Gervasius was introduced to Britain with the Normans, where it had modest usage in the anglicised form of Gervase. For example, it represented 0.3% of the male names found in the Devon poll tax of 1377 (the same percentage as Gilbert, Matthew, Hugh, Laurence, Andrew and Gregory)*, and one "Geruas' le tannur" (Gervase the Tanner) is listed out of the some 800 people on the 1292 Subsidy Roll of London*.  The usage of Gervase is further attested by the multitude of surnames that it led to, which also give us a good idea of how the name was pronounced: Jarvis, Jervis, Jervois, Jervoise and Gervis. It was used by the aristocratic Clifton and Markham families from at least 1200, and had spread to several other gentry families, particularly in South Yorkshire, by the early 16th century. The baptism register of Kirkburton, West Yorkshire, in 1558-1560 list the spellings Gervace, Jarvis, Jarvas and Jarves, showing that the spellings could be interchanged.  In the 19th century the name Jarvis averaged from between 10 and 30 birth registrations per year. The UK census pages show how consistent the usage of name was across the century: 1841: 578 named Jarvis; 873 with variant spellings. 1861: 510 named Jarvis; 584 with variant spellings. 1881: 722 named Jarvis; 973 with variant spellings. 1900: 704 named Jarvis; 908 with variant spellings.  Usage of the name dropped down to a handful of registrations per year by the 1930s. In 1996 Jarvis ranked #489 (37 births) in England and Wales. From that point on the name had a count of between 9 and 30 births per year. In 2011 the name ranked #1045 with 25 births. One Jarvis was registered in Scotland in 2010, though there were none in 2011.

Famous Bearers:

History: * St Gervasius (Gervase), 2nd century saint and martyr. * Gervase of Blois, Abbot of Westminster between c.1138 to c.1157 * Gervase of Canterbury (c.1141–c.1210), medieval chronicler. * Gervase of Tilbury (c.1150–1228), English chronicler. * Gervase Babington (1549–1610), Bishop of Llandaff (1591–1594), Bishop of Exeter (1594–1597) and Bishop of Worcester (1597-1610). * Gervase (or Jervis) Markham (c.1568–1637), British poet and writer. * Jarvis Hunt (1863–1941), renowned Chicago architect. * Gervase Elwes (1866–1921), notable and influential British tenor. Contemporary: * Jarvis Cocker (b.1963), singer-songwriter. Literature: * Jarvis Lorry, a character in Charles Dickens' novel, A Tale of Two Cities.

Variants:

Gervasius (Latin), Gervase, Jervis (Old English) Gervais (French) Gervasio (Italian, Spanish), Gervas (German)

Pronunciation:

JAR-vis  [key]

Possible Diminutives:

Jay, Jazz, Raj

Sibling Names:

Rosa     Sybil     Idony     Cicely     Mila     Theda  Leon     Bertram    Guy     Everard     Alden     Griffin

Name Lists:

Dickensian Names

 

If you like Jarvis you may also like:   Jasper, Hugo, Oscar, Curtis, Jared, Giles, Reilly, Willis Gerard, Harris

 

Thanks to Tamba for requesting Jarvis as this week's NotW. 

 

Sibling Spotlight for Cosmo

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

1720s: Elizabeth  Catherine Anne Cosmo George Lewis Adam    1730s: Anne Mary Catherine Susan George John William Cosmo Alexander Charles Henrietta  Elizabeth    1770s: Jane Margaret Anne Janet Catherine Elizabeth Charles William Alexander Cosmo   1830s: Charles Edward Isabella Cosmo    Margaret John Charles Mary Peter Elspeth Cosmo Robert Ann George    1840s:  Mary Ann Louisa Amelia Martha Cosmo Alfred Ada    Ellen Hensley Mary Ann Cosmo William John Percy George Gordon   Mary Louisa Julia Charlotte Alice Jane Cosmo Brice Ernest Charles    1850s: Sarah Ann James Joseph Cosmo Saxon Maria Caroline Elizabeth Saxon Cosmo William  Felix David  George Felix    Ada Cosmo Gordon Cosmo Gordon Cyrus Cosmo Cecil Arthur Dora Louisa Salisbury Meliora (g) Grace Elizabeth Rosa Nina Stanley George L.    George Caroline Emma Adelaide Patrick James Hugh Elizabeth Cosmo Ethel    Marion Janet Sophia Cosmo Henry Georgina James    1860s: Frances Emma James Cyril Edith Sybilla Cosmo Henry Rhoda Octavius  Dora Kathleen    Christian (g) Isabella Margaret Mary Alexander Peter Sylvester Agnes Catherine Cosmo  Charles John  Georgina    Albert Fortescue Annie Coote Mary Madeleine Delamont Hugh Houghton George Powell John Marcus Charles Gage Cosmo Gordon Julian Leslie    1870s: Montague James Malcolm Henry  Henry George  Cosmo Gordon  Katherine M.    William Norman Leonora Frances Thomas Henry Helen Margaret  Cosmo William    William George Henry Cosmo Elizabeth Alexandrina    Archibald William Robert  Jane Middleton Edwin Forsyth  Emma Edith Mary Florence Agatha Clara Minnie Cosmo Rita    1880s: Cosmo William David James Thomas George Grace Felix John Ellen Ann    1890s: Cosmo James Violet Margaret Lovell Conrad  Elsie Sophia Henry John James Spencer   James David Archibald Robert Cosmo Gordon Heckman Mclean Dugal Alexander   John William Cosmo Llewellyn David Charles Iorworth Owen Henry Thomas Hugh Frederick    Helen Margaret Irene Cosmo Richard Cecil Sydney Amy Vera M. Elizabeth Ada J. Beatrice Dorothy K. Florence Frances

1900s: Dorothy Olive Joyce Thirza Agnes Hannah Lily Cicero Conrad Ruth Hilda Cosmo Conan  Cosmo George S Margaret Jane "Jenny" Mabel Louise  Alice Mary John Jesse Annie Sophia Ruby Frances William Thomas Olwen Constance    Cosmo Stafford Janet Ikey Aidan Merivale Kenneth Arthur    Olga Joyce Cosmo La Roche D'Arcy La Roche (g)    Laurence Hugo M. Irene Eugenie G. Cosmo Rutledge Eugene Tristram H. Bernard Lancelot    1910s: Cosmo Rex Ivor Alaric Charles William David Hasting Gerald    Georgina Catherine Alicia Frances Alexander Cornewall Cosmo Lewis    Amelia  Etty J. Cosmo   Cosmo B. David V. Daphne M.    1930s: Cosmo Nova   1950s: Julian James Noel Marcus George Skers Benedict Robert Gordon Cosmo Thomas Aretas    Cosmo M. J.  Virginia H.    Francis P. Cosmo J. Polly E. Sophie    Julian Marcus Benedict Cosmo  1980s: Clementine Priscilla Eliza Mary Cosmo Douglas    Cosmo Charles Francesca Rose    Hugo Denzil Rufus Cosmo Rory Hector Albert 1990s: Cosmo Stephen Ludovic James Humphrey John    Merlin Edward  Cosmo Simon    Cosmo Lucas L. & Esmee Eunice E. (twins) Benjamin Patricio Dominic Pablo Cosmo James Zak Edward    Cosmo Alexander Matilda Lois Imogen    Cosmo Bartholomew Luca Solomon   Bianca Evangeline Cosmo Cornelius Scarlet Columba   Frederick Zeno D. Cosmo Rufus B   Cosmo Florian Dante Raphael Dido Venetia    Iona Flora Lorne Angus Athene Honor Cosmo Augustus   Cosmo Oliver  Anouska Katerina   Emily Dolores Cosmo Ralph E Hugh Xavier T. & Milo Sebastian D. (twins)    Cosmo Alexander Orlando Paul    2000s: Miles Zachariah & Cosmo Xaviar (twins)   Mathilda Rose "Tilly" Olivia Diana Christabel Paula Cosmo Alexander    Willoughby Frederick Charles Cosmo Edward Stanley   Angus Duncan Alexander Orlando Frederick James Cosmo William Nicholas Luke Christopher Æneas   Cosmo Frederick Charles Felix William A. Hector Edward Hugo    Maximilian Fenella Matilda Alice Sebastian Rufus Martin Cosmo Nicolaas Pascioe   Alec Guy Amelia Henrietta Cora Rose Cosmo Martin    Maximilian Charles  Mirabelle Storm Cosmo Ben   Ischia Rose Cosmo Alexander Calder James    India May Beatrice Lily Cosmo Alistair    Cosmo Aquila Freya Renu & Zara Renu (twins)   Matilda Cecily Cosmo Stanley Jemima Victoria Lila Corinna    Cosmo Albert Angus "Albie" Circe Mary   Oliver George Dominic "Ollie" Fleur Mary Elizabeth Cosmo William David Augustine Geoffrey Hugh "Gus"

 

An assortment of British Christmas-inspired names

Over the centuries, parents of Christmas babies have sought to mark the occasion with suitably festive appellations. Here is a selection of Christmas names that have been bestowed on British babies over the years. 

Note: The last name in every instance is the surname. 

 

Angel Gabriel Porras (b. Dec 1979)

Bethlehem Shepherd (b.1865)

Carol Christmas Brady (b. 24 Dec 1933)

Christmas Angel E Liffen (b. 25 Dec 1895)

Christmas Day Parry (b. Dec 1883)

Christmas Eve Gooch (b. Dec 1853)

Christmas Ivy Colins Fradd (b. 25 Dec 1882)

Christmas Berry (b. 25 Dec 1898)

Christmas Carroll (b. 25 Dec 1891)

Ernest Christmas Day (b. 25 Dec 1898)

Gaspar Melchior Balthasar Heinz (m. 1895)

Holly Ivy A Sizer (b. 25 Dec 1912)

Ivy Christmas Bines (b. 25 Dec 1909)

Ivy Snowflake Goodwyn (23 Dec 1900)

Joseph Bethlehem Pagett (b. Dec 1862)

King Herod Mathers (b. Dec 1902)

Merry Christmas Rose Finnett (b. Dec 1877)

Mistletoe Ellis (b. Dec 1906)

Noel Christmas Hughes (b. 25 Dec 1911)

Noel Shepherd Preston (b. 25 Dec 1916)

Noelle Joy Springett (b. 26 Dec 1902) 

Robin Noel Bygrave (b. 25 Dec 1921)

Rudolph Edward Hodgman (b. 24 Dec 1928)

Star Angel Bell (b. Dec 2005)

Tinsel Moffatt (b. Dec 1912)

Virgin Mary Green (b.Dec 1851)

William Christmas Angel (b. 25 Dec 1889)

Yule Eric Dashwood (b. 25 Dec 1900)

Yule Mary Bedford (b. 25 Dec 1908)

 

I hope you all have a very merry and joyous Christmas!

Name of the Week

 

If any name was both sunny and solid at the same time
Georgina would fit the bill. 

 

Origin:

A feminine form of George, the Anglicised form of the Greek name Γεωργιος (Georgios). The name is taken from the Greek word γεωργός (georgos) "a farmer, husbandman" or, more literally, "earth-worker," derived from γῆ (ge) "earth" and έργο (ergo) "to work." The Ancient Greeks had two principle words for "earth" or "ground": γῆ (ge) and χθων (khthon). Ge (from which Georgina derives) refers more specifically to the fertile, arable earth that sustains all life. Khthon is the cold, hard earth associated with the underworld.

Usage:

George feels like a quintessentially British name, yet, compared to other staples which have been popular since before or just after the Norman invasion, George's popularity was much later by comparison. Saint George, an ancient patron of soldiers, was a fourth century martyr who had long been popular in the Eastern Orthodox Church. Legend has it that the crusaders had a vision of St. George at the siege of Antioch during the First Crusade (1096-1099) which was attributed to the defeat of the Saracens. Richard I later placed his army under the protection of St. George during the Third Crusade (1189–1192), and it was these crusaders that brought the name George back to Britain with them. His feast day, April 23, was made a holiday in 1222. Redmonds calculates it to have been the 34th most popular name from 1377-1381, though, given the small size in population, that actually only equates to a small percentage, making it still quite a rare name.  St. George was given a further boost in prestige when Edward III established the Order of the Garter with St George as its patron in 1348. By 1415 (when Archbishop Chichele made his feast day one of the major events of that year) St George had emerged as England's principle patron saint. This prominence is reflected in the popularity of the name George, which ranked in the Top 10 most popular boys' names from the 1530s to the 1930s.  Georgiana was used as a feminised form from the 18th century, during the eponymous Georgian era, and was used most notably among the aristocracy. Georgina was a simpler form of the name, and some early records use Georgiana and Georgina interchangeably. The same can be seen with Christiana and Christina. During the 19th century, Georgina (like Christina) emerged as the more standard form of the name, and was particularly popular in the second half of that century. Queen Victoria (b.1819) was intended to have Georgina (or Georgiana) as one of her given names. However several of her proposed names (Georgina, Charlotte and Augusta) were rejected by the Prince Regent, who only agreed to Alexandrina Victoria. The 1841 UK census lists 2,887 women and girls named Georgina, and 3,315 named Georgiana. By 1861 the number named Georgina had risen to 8,766 and Georgiana to 5,452, showing the shift between the usage of the two forms. In the 1881 and 1901 UK censuses, the precedence of Georgina and the decline of Georgiana is particularly notable: Georgina = 23,236 in 1881; 34,318 in 1901. (This latter result represents 67% living in England, 31% in Scotland, and 2% in Wales). Georgiana = 4,411 in 1881; 2,875 in 1901. Overall in 1890 Georgina ranked #100 with 542 births in England and Wales, and was #108 with 558 births in 1900. Georgina stayed just below the Top 100 until 1944 when it rose to #84. It reentered again in 1974 at #79, was #84 in 1984 and #35 in 1994. The name reached a peak when it ranked #33 in 1997 (1700 births), and again in 1998 (1624 births). The name slowly dropped in usage from that point on until it ranked #94 in 2004, and out of the Top 100 after that. In 2011 the name ranked #157 with 335 births. It is interesting to note that 90s favourite Georgia (#10 in 1997) is also on a slow decline (#60 in 2011).  Georgina found greater popularity in Scotland at the beginning of the century. In 1900 it ranked #23 and was still in the Top 100, at #67, in 1950. Its popularity waned from that point as it did not rank in the Top 100 in 1975. The name ranked #257 (15 births) in 2010, and #316 (11 births) in 2011.

Famous Bearers:

History: * Georgina Ward, Countess of Dudley (1846—1929), noted beauty of her time, Red Cross worker and Mayfair nursing home director. * Georgina Pope (1862—1938), Canadian nurse who served with distinction in the Second Boer War and First World War.  Contemporary: * Georgina Hale (b.1943), a British film and television actress. * Georgina Theodora Wood (b.1947), the first woman to serve as Chief Justice of Ghana. * Georgina Chapman (b.1976), a British fashion designer and actress. Literature and Other Media: * Georgina Kirrin "George", a character in Enid Blyton's Famous Five series * Georgina Orwell, a character from Lemony Snicket's A Series of Unfortunate Events book series. Other: * Georgina, a town in south-central Ontario, Canada. * Georgina River, a river which drains the Georgina Basin.

Variants:

Georgiana, Georgia; Georgine (French), Giorgina (Italian) Jiřina (Czech)

Pronunciation:

jor-JEE-nə  [key]

Possible  Diminutives:

Ena, Genie, George, Georgie, Geri, Gigi, Gina, Ginny, Nina, Rina

Sibling Names:

Sophia     Alexandra     Adeline     Henrietta     Louisa     Katherine  William     Laurence     Fletcher     Oliver     Charles     Patrick

Name Lists:

Vintage Names   Victorian Darlings   Names from Enid Blyton

 

If you like Georgina you may also like:   Philippa, Tamsin, Imogen, Amelia, Matilda, Olivia, Sarah, Jemima, Susannah, Helena, Claudia

 

Thanks to Nicki for requesting Georgina as this week's NotW. 

 

Top 100 Names in Scotland 2012

The provisional list for Scotland's Top 100 names of 2012 has been released. The full list is due to be released in March. 

Yet again, Jack is the most popular boys' name and Sophie is the most popular girls' name.

For boys, Riley is a new entry to the Top 10, rising 11 places. Amelia, rising 20 places, and Mia, rising 4 places, are new Top 10 entry for the girls. The name that has made the biggest leaps for each gender are Bella (+130 places) for girls, and Shay (+32 places) for boys. 

Zac, Alex, George, Blake, Olly, Calvin, Shay, Sebastian, Darcy, Emilia, Bella, Willow, Lois and Scarlett are new entries to the Top 100, replacing Corey, Hamish, Jackson, Kieran, Lennon, Mohammed, Reece, Taylor, Zak, Ayla, Bethany, Jasmine, Laila, Laura, Neve, Phoebe and Sara, which have all dropped out of the Top 100.

 

Here is a run down of the provisional Top 100 names in Scotland in 2012:

Top 100 Boys' Names 2012			.	Top 100 Girls' Names 2012
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13= 13= 15 16 17 18 19 20= 20= 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32= 32= 34 35 36 37 38 39 40= 40= 42 43 44= 44= 46 47 48 49 50 51 52 53 54 55 56 57= 57= 59 60 61 62= 62= 64 65 66 67 68= 68= 68= 71= 71= 73= 73= 75 76= 76= 78 79 80 81= 81= 83 84 85= 85= 87 88= 88= 90 91= 91= 93= 93= 95= 95= 97= 97= 97= 100	Jack Lewis Riley James Logan Daniel Ethan Harry Alexander Oliver Max Tyler Aaron Charlie Adam Finlay Alfie Mason Ryan Liam Lucas Thomas Jamie Callum Cameron Kyle Dylan Matthew Harris Rory Noah Connor Joshua Nathan Jacob Aiden Archie William Leo Jayden Luke Andrew Rhys Cole David Kai Joseph Michael Samuel Leon Benjamin John Harrison Brodie Owen Robbie Ben Josh Oscar Robert Fraser Caleb Euan Jake Jay Finn Blair Calum Muhammad Ross Arran Ollie Evan Murray Angus Christopher Scott Cooper Sam Zac Alex Kayden Ewan Aidan George Ruaridh Kaiden Declan Isaac Blake Cody Olly Calvin Mark Luca Shay Jude Sean Sebastian Kian	- - 11 -1 1 -2 -3 - -2 - 15 20 -2 4 3 3 6 13 -10 5 -7 5 -1 -8 -13 -2 -6 -13 20 4 7 -3 - -6 1 -16 4 -1 1 -10 6 -7 12 4 6 -7 7 -6 -5 5 1 -9 20 17 4 9 -12 2 9 1 -8 -11 - -9 -18 13 17 -2 8 11 -4 11 12 1 -3 -7 -6 19 -15 22 23 -18 -5 -26 17 2 -11 7 1 18 2 13 19 -4 2 32 -11 -16 22 -12		1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25= 25= 27 28 29 30= 30= 32 33 34 35 36 37 38 39 40 41= 41= 43 44= 44= 46 47= 47= 49 50 51 52 53 54 55 56 57 58 59 60= 60= 60= 63= 63= 65= 65= 67 68 69= 69= 71 72 73 74 75 76 77= 77= 77= 77= 81= 81= 83 84 85= 85= 87= 87= 87= 90= 90= 92 93 94= 94= 96= 96= 96= 99= 99= 99=	Sophie Emily Olivia Ava Lucy Isla Lily Jessica Amelia Mia Millie Eva Ellie Chloe Freya Sophia Grace Emma Hannah Holly Ruby Amy Erin Leah Eilidh Ella Katie Charlotte Brooke Evie Layla Kayla Anna Poppy Rebecca Orla Summer Lexi Hollie Niamh Amber Lacey Maisie Molly Skye Isabella Abbie Zoe Daisy Megan Aimee Abigail Lilly Sarah Lauren Julia Zara Georgia Paige Caitlin Madison Sofia Iona Lola Mya Rosie Keira Mollie Cara Eve Darcy Robyn Elizabeth Elise Beth Alice Emilia Maya Rachel Sienna Amelie Taylor Rose Nicole Faith Kara Alexis Imogen Lucie Bella Carly Willow Lois Alyssa Gracie Lexie Maria Scarlett Alexandra Lara Mirren	- 4 1 -1 - 1 -5 - 20 4 7 1 -4 -4 4 1 -2 -7 5 -5 5 3 -11 -2 2 8 -6 - -6 2 6 -12 -2 11 -5 19 - 12 18 - 11 12 -5 3 4 -7 -12 -6 -5 -16 -3 -9 -11 2 -5 3 7 13 -1 -15 7 2 5 24 -5 8 -4 24 -15 -5 45 10 -9 15 -2 2 35 -16 -7 6 -12 -5 -5 -4 4 -8 12 -14 5 130 -7 24 44 1 -6 -25 1 24 - -5 -2

The most popular second forenames (middle names) in Scotland in 2012 were as follows:

. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 =12 =12 14 15 16 17 18 19 20

Boys James John William David Alexander Thomas Robert Andrew George Michael Joseph Ian Scott Peter Paul Patrick Christopher Alan Daniel Jack

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20

Girls Rose Elizabeth Louise Grace Margaret Jane Anne Ann Catherine Mary May Marie Isabella Lily Jean Helen Sarah Mae Maria Christina

Statistics supplied by the General Register Office for Scotland.

Names from the works of Enid Blyton

Enid Blyton is a true icon in British literature, and her children's stories have delighted for generations. In 2008, Enid Blyton was voted the UK's best loved writer, beating JK Rowling, Jane Austen and even Shakespeare. 

Written particularly in the 1940s and 1950s, Enid's stories encapsulate the ideal of plucky, adventurous youths who say delightfully quaint phrases such as "Wizzard!" and "Spiffing!"

During her professional career, Blyton wrote hundreds upon hundreds of children's stories. Wonderful vintage character names abound, but I have only managed to include a small portion, particularly focusing on the children in the books. 

Barnabas "Barney" Benjy Bob Bobby Claude Colin Cyril David Dick Francis Fred Frederick Henry "Harry" Gareth George Jack Jimmy John Julian Laurence "Larry" Len Michael

Micky Mike Nick Patrick Paul Peter Philip "Pip" Quentin Richard Roderick Robin  Roger  Rory Sam Stanley  Tom Tony William

Alicia Amanda Angela Anne Arabella Barbara Belinda Bessie Betty Clare Clarissa Claudine Connie Daphne Darrell Delia Diana Dinah Doris Eleanor Elizabeth "Bets" Emily

Fenella Felicity Georgina "George" Gladys Gwendoline "Gwen" Harriet "Harry" Henrietta "Henry" Hilary Hilda Irene Isabel Jane Jean Joy Kathleen Katie Laura Lizzy Lotta Lucy-Ann Joanna  Josephine "Jo"

Margaret "Daisy" Mary-Lou Mavis Melisande Mirabel Mollie Nora Pamela "Pam"  Patricia "Pat" Penny Rita Roberta "Bobby" Sadie Sally  Sheila Sophie Susan Tessa "Tessie" Vera Violet  Wilhelmina "Bill"  Yolande

Name of the Week

 A lavish ancient name with prominent routes 
in folklore, aristocracy and sainthood.

 

Origin:

The English form of the Ancient Greek name Ambrosios, later rendered as Ambrosius in Latin. The Greek word αμβροσιος (ambrosios) translates to "immortal" or, more commonly, "(belonging to) the immortals." It was used as a lengthened form of ἄμβροτος (ambrotos) "immortal, divine", which was essentially formed from the negative prefix ἄ- + μβροτός (mbrotos) "mortal" — literally "not mortal." The feminine form, ambrosia, was the name given to the divine food and drink of the Greek gods which, it was believed, helped the gods preserve their immortality. From the 18th century the term has been applied figuratively to anything considered "delightful" or "delectable."

Usage:

Early British legend records a heroic figure named Ambrosius Aurelianus. He was a legendary Romano-British war-leader, famous for defending the British from the Anglo-Saxons. Though details of his life are shrouded in mystery, memories of Ambrosius have survived in British folklore under the Welsh form of the name, Emrys, or — as some know him better — Merlin.  The similarly named Aurelius Ambrosius was a fourth century bishop of Milan who was originally governor of Liguria and Aemilia. Saint Ambrose, as we now known him, was highly influential in his ecclesiastical writings, and proved to be a popular saint. It was this popularity that brought Ambrose into general use in Europe in the Middle Ages. It was in occasional use in Britain at this time, which led to use of Ambrose as a surname.  From the 15th century we find increasing examples of Ambrose in use among the British nobility, most notably the Dudley family. Usage gradually began to increase until the 19th century when it became more broadly used. Feminine forms such as Ambrosine, Ambrosina and Ambrosia were also used. On the 1841 UK census, 3,349 males were recorded with the name Ambrose (98% living in England). 4,131 were recorded in 1861, which had risen to 5,541 in 1881, and 5,910 in 1900 (93% living in England). In 1890 Ambrose ranked #130 with 175 births which had fallen to #183 (95 births) in 1900. The name gradually declined in usage From 1996 to 2009 in England and Wales, Ambrose has had a birth count between 2 and 10. 2010 saw a slight peak when Ambrose #1483 with 16 births, however in 2011 it had dropped back down to #2390 (8 births).

Famous Bearers:

History: * St. Ambrose (c.330–397), patron saint of Milan. * Ambrose of Alexandria, 3rd century Christian confessor. He is venerated as a saint in some branches of Christianity.  * Ambroise (or Ambrose the Poet), Norman poet and chronicler of the Third Crusade. * Blessed Ambrose of Siena (c.1220–1286), Italian misionary and diplomat. * Ambrose Dudley, 3rd Earl of Warwick (c. 1530–1590), English nobleman who was known as the "Good Earl of Warwick" thanks to his modest lifestyle. * Sir Ambrose Rookwood (c.1578–1606), member of the GunPowder Plot. * Ambrose Edward Barlow (1585–1641), an English Benedictine monk who is venerated as a saint in the Catholic Church. * Sir Ambrose Crowley (1658–1713), an ironmonger who rose up the ranks to become Sheriff of London. * Ambrose Philips (1674–1749), English poet. * Sir Ambrose Poynter (1797–1886), English architect and one of the founding members of the Institute of British Architects. Other: * HMS Ambrose, the name of two ships in the Royal Navy. * Mount Ambrose, an area in Cornwall.

Variants:

Emrys (Welsh), Ambrosios (Ancient Greek), Ambrosius (Latin), Ambrosio (Spanish), Ambroise (French), Ambrogio (Italian)

Pronunciation:

AM-brōz  [key]

Possible Diminutives:

Bo, Bro, Brose, Mo

Sibling Names:

Eugenie     Dorothea     Honoria     Thomasina     Rosemary     Lavinia  Valentine     Leopold     Jolyon     Augustine     Montague     Ewart

Name Lists:

Upright Elegance   Funky-Clunky   Victorian Darlings   Gorgeously Georgian   Terrifically Tudor

 

If you like Ambrose you may also like:   Augustus, Aubrey, Eustace, Cuthbert, Emlyn, Adalbert, Wallace, Bertram, Sholto, Algernon

 

Thanks to Kirstin for requesting Ambrose as this week's NotW. 

 

Finds from 1861

A selection of names from the GRO Birth Records for England and Wales in 1861. All are first names and middle names — the surnames are not included unless indicated by 'sn' — and have been checked against other records for accuracy.

Abijah Edwin Algernon Angell James Anchor Thomas (sn: Carrier) Aquilla Cornelius Arthur Nehemiah Augustus Adalbert Evelyn Carnarvon Lewis Charles Hercules Mylz Clarence Alured Demas Joseph Edinborough  Enos Ezra Epiphany Cole Grose Fitzroy Chichester Foxcrowle Percival Fray Mohawk Galenus George Granville Montague Homer Christopher Hophni Phinehas Lockett Frederick Lothian Treble Lyttleton Vernon Miles Matthias Moreton Heber Augustus Newton Jarvis Not Wanted James  Octavius Scarlett (sn: Vale) Orr Cox Publius John Redemption  Senior Ramsey  St Clare Nathaniel Henry  Tatton Lane Fox Telemachus Tempest Simeon Thurlo Joseph Torlogh Eoghain Wickliff Whitfield Wesley John Young Harry Zenas (sn: Spaceman)

Adria Eliza Dulcibella Agnes Dido Albina Zingra Tryphosia Amelia Alida Blanche Amy Hannah Louisa Margaretta Beatrice Amelia Arsene Lucie Magdeleine Arthurina Avarina Anne Balaclava Elizabeth Benjhannah Emma Thaletta Bethelina Emma Cassandra Gerlinda Celicia Hannah Charlotte Brontë Clara Parthenia Comfort Clara Deliverance Dorcas Dionysia Louisa Dulcibella Sophia Paulina Drusilla Hephzibah Edwardine Pauline Clara Elizabeth Hymenaea Caroline Ella Nehustha Ethelinda Violetta Elizabeth Eudora Avice Fulleretta Elizabeth Neslen Juno Priscilla Katherine Mia Hilda Adelaide Leoline Teresita Heloiser Marietta Lovely Alice Marling Susan Mary Alissima Mary Christmas (sn: Bond) Monica Alphonsa Neva Amelia Nurcellia Elizabeth Ocean Emily Philadelphia Lois Phoras Rosina Princess Alice Shepherdess Mary Velebeth Ann Vity Ellen Welly Clarissa Ivanna Whelmot Elizabeth Pippen Zamora  Zebe Rebecca Zitella

I was also struck by several rhyming combos: Belle Ellen, Hephzibah Flora Clara, Leonora Medora, Margaretta Jennetta, Minnie Maggie, Priscilla Zillah

 

Contemporary Combos for Merle

Below are all the first name combinations for Merle, registered from 1985 to 2005 in England and Wales. Some combinations appeared several times (and in a few spellings) but have only been recorded once for easier scanning.

Merle Adrienne  Merle Alessandra  Merle Alice Merle Amelia  Merle Anna  Merle Antoinette  Merle Antonia  Merle Beatrice E  Merle Clementine A T Merle Connie  Merle Dawn  Merle Elizabeth

Merle Ellen  Merle Elise  Merle Eloise  Merle Emily  Merle Erica Merle Esme  Merle Eve  Merle Evie  Merle Felicitas  Merle Frances  Merle Francesca E  Merle Georgia

Merle Harriet A  Merle Holly   Merle Inez  Merle Iris  Merle James  Merle Lily  Merle Louise  Merle Loveday  Merle Lydia Merle Olivia  Merle Orinthia  Merle Orla

Merle Padraig  Merle Patricia  Merle Robert  Merle Robin  Merle Rosanna  Merle Rose  Merle Rosemary  Merle Ruby   Merle Varsha  Merle Victoria  Merle William

Several other combos contain Merle as a middle name. Here are a selection from 1985-2005: 

Adrienne Merle Alysia Merle April Merle Cecily Merle Charlton Merle Conor Merle Coral Merle Daisy Merle Darcy Merle Deirdre Merle Dionne Merle

Dulcie Merle Ella Merle Ellesse Merle Ellie-Mae Merle Eloise Merle Gemma Merle Georgina Merle  Gwendolen Merle Hazel Merle Hermione Merle Honor Merle

Imogen Merle Jacqueline Merle Kitty Merle Leandra Merle Lois Merle Lyra Merle Melissa Merle Melody Merle Nia Merle H  Niamh Merle  Nikkita Merle

Robyn Merle Rosamund Merle Rowena Merle  Serena Merle Sharni Merle Silas Merle Stella Merle Tabitha Merle Ursula Merle Verity Merle  Willow Merle

This post was requested by Maike.

Name of the Week

 

Gentle, steady and modest Martha was a staple in 
Britain for over 300 years. Once again, she is winning over the
hearts of British parents who are looking for a homely antique. 

 

Origin:

A Latin transliteration of the Greek Μάρθα (Martha), which first appears as a given name in the New Testament. The Greek form is thought to be a translation of the Aramaic (specifically Chaldean) word מרתא (martā). The term originates as a feminine form of מרי (mry) "master," and so has the approximate meaning of "mistress," "lady," or "lady of the house"— much like the Latin domina. That Martha of Bethany in the New Testament was given this name is highly appropriate. The Book of Luke tells the story of when Jesus visited the home of sisters, Martha and Mary. Mary chooses to honour their guest by sitting at Jesus' feet and listening to his teachings; Martha (the "lady of the house") busies herself around the house in order to ensure that Jesus is comfortable. She was later made a saint, and her reputation as an industrious and attentive person made her the patroness of homemakers, cooks, servants, and all those who tend the sick and needy.

Usage:

Legend has it that Martha and her family travelled to Provence, and later Tarascon in France. There Martha, it is said, encountered a fearsome dragon that plagued the local people. She managed to tame the creature, and received the title "St. Martha the Dragonslayer" in turn. Her shrine is situated in Tarascon, and became the focus of her cult in the Middle Ages.  A few examples of Martha in use as a given name crop up across Europe in the Middle Ages but, for the most part, they are rare. In some cases the name was borne by medieval Scandinavian nobility (including a Queen of Sweden), but some of these examples appear to have been conflated with variants of Margaret.* In England, a handful of examples can be found in Canterbury between 1377-81. Usage of the name really kicked off at the end of the 16th century and steadily rose over the succeeding century. This upward curve is very clearly demonstrated in Smith-Bannister's frequency tables of 1538—1700. Martha ranked #40 in 1560-9, #26 in 1580-9, #20 in 1600-9, #15 in 1620-9, #14 in 1640-9, #9 in 1660-9, #8 in 1680-9.  The high usage of Martha led naturally to the need for diminutives. Matty was the first to be used for Martha, which in turn led to Patty and then Patsy. These nicknames were in widespread and standard use by the 18th century (Thomas Jefferson's daughters, for example, were Martha "Patsy" and Mary "Polly"). The name was still highly popular throughout the 19th century, and only began to decline toward the beginning of the 20th century. In England and Wales Martha ranked at #30 in 1890, #44 in 1900, #64 in 1904 and #84 in 1914 — after which it fell out of the Top 100. In Scotland, Martha ranked #19 in 1900 and was just hanging on in the Top 100 at #95 in 1950.  In recent years however, Martha has been enjoying a popular revival. Back in 1996 Martha ranked #214 (198 births) in England and Wales. It gradually picked up usage until, in 2005, it ranked #110 (456 births). That same year, lively Martha MacKenzie (2005-2010) debuted as a character on popular TV soap Home and Away, which may have helped boost Martha into the Top 100: #96 in 2006, #87 in 2007, #81 in 2008 and 2009, and #85 in 2010. In 2011, Martha ranked #83 overall with 723 births. Individually that equates to #87 in England and #66 in Wales. In Scotland Martha ranked #133 (38 births) in 2009, #116 (42 births) in 2010 and #116 (38 births) in 2011.

Famous Bearers:

History: * St Martha of Bethany, a woman who witnessed Jesus' resurrection. * St Martha, mother of Simeon Stylites the Younger, saint in the Eastern Orthodox church. * Martha of Armagnac (c.1348—1378), daughter of John I of Armagnac. * Martha Washington (1731—1802), wife of George Washington. * Martha Gellhorn (1908—1998), notable American novelist, travel writer, and journalist. Royalty: * Martha of Sweden (c.1277—1341), influential queen consort of King Birger of Sweden. * Princess Märtha of Sweden (1901—1954), granddaughter of King Oscar II of Sweden and the consort of Crown Prince Olav of Norway. * Princess Märtha Louise of Norway (b.1971), daughter of King Harald V and fourth in line to the Norwegian throne. Literature and Other Media: * Martha (1844), a romantic comic opera by Friedrich von Flotow. * Martha (1923), a short film made by Walt Disney. * Martha My Dear (1968), a Beatles song written by Paul McCartney * Martha Jones, a companion of the Doctor in Doctor Who.  * Martha MacKenzie, a character on Australian soap Home and Away. Other: * Martha's Vineyard, an island located south of Cape Cod in Massachusetts.

Variants:

Marthe (French, German), Marta (Italian, Spanish, Swedish, Polish), Martta (Finnish)

Pronunciation:

MAR-thə  [key]

Possible  Diminutives:

Mari, Marty, Matty, Patsy, Pattie, Patty

Sibling Names:

Harriet     Louisa     Charlotte     Elinor     Flora     Esther  George     Ned     Samuel     Miles     Joseph     Frederick

Name Lists:

Popular Biblical Names   Terrifically Tudor   Gorgeously Georgian   Victorian Darlings   Royal Names of Europe   Dickensian Names   Names of Roses

 

If you like Martha you may also like:   Clara, Matilda, Tabitha, Miriam, Dinah, Lois, Blythe, Lydia, Josephine, Norah