British Baby Names

UK Birth Announcements 24/6/13 - 30/6/13

A compilation of names from BAs announced in this week's newspapers. Sibling names are in brackets.

 

Boys:

Albie Lewis (Isla Evie)

Alexander Douglas (Oscar John Richmond & Patience Rose)

Alexander James Leo (Edward Jeremy)

Archie James

Archie Thomas (Oliver James)

Bailey Matthew (Izabelle Evie & Charlie Ray)

Ben Jonathan (Eva Jessica)

Billy Michael (Ellie & Evie)

Bobby Charles (Bradley Philip)

Caleb Josiah (Curtis Jakob)

Callan William (Savannah Lilly)

Calum Jarvie

Calvin James

Daniel James

Edward William (Ella Lily & Emily Jane)

Elliott George

George Ethan

George Ian Samuel (Eleanor Jane Louise & Alice Rose Annie)

George Rupert David

Harrison Charles (Libby & Bradley)

Harvey Alexander (Hudson Robert)

Jack Thomas (Joshua)

Jacob Arthur John

James Henry Edward

Joel Christopher Gabriel

Joey Roy 

Lachlan David (Isla)

Lewis Philip (Cameron)

Lucas Reed

Luey Mark (Ella)

Luke Archdale Phoenix

Luke David (Charlie)

Mason Christopher (Taylor John & Leyton Andrew)

Miles Eric

Murray Gordon (Ben Robert)

Myles James Henry

Nathaniel Alexander (Tom)

Oliver Jack

Oscar Jake

Owen Frederick (Honor Imelda & Joseph)

Reaghan James Graham (Jade, Maddison & Connor)

Regan (Kai, Summer, Lexi & Riley)

Reggie Liam (Mason, Harley & Blake)

Riley Gareth Colin William

Riley Jacob (Lola Bella)

Robert Alan

Roman Ellis

Ronnie George (Olivia & Isabella)

Sean Liam (Eilidh Anne Joan)

Stanley Edward Albert (Daisy & Thea Grace)

Thomas Ian (Livia Alice)

Tobias Montague (Edward Idris)

Zachary William (Megan & Georgia)

Girls:

Alana Savana (Jenson)

Amelie Kate (Beau-Eliza)

Anna Myrtle (Ben)

Annabelle Drew (Jordan, Alice Dora & Rosie Grace)

Ariana Katherine (Charlton William)

Ava Ann Beatrice (Harry John)

Ayda Tia (Olivia Ashlee & Emilia Aimi)

Beatrice Rose (Eleanor)

Briony Rose

Charlotte Rose (Sophie Nicole)

Dottie Heather

Eliza Clementine Violet

Elizabeth Harriet

Ellie Marjorie (Andrew Laura & David)

Elly Jaynie (Lyla Jessie)

Elodie Linda Jane (Aliona)

Elsie Sandra (Samuel Ray)

Emily Rai

Georgina Ellen Beatrix (Honor Elizabeth Rose)

Harriet Elizabeth

Harriet Roselyn

Heidi Eve

Helga Margaret (Magnus Graham)

Holly Patricia (Lily)

India Rebecca

Isabel Juliet (Tobias)

Isabella Faith

Isabella Florence (Millie Jayne Sophia)

Isabelle Catherine (Alexander James)

Isabelle Evelyn Florence

Isla May (Ava Victoria)

Izzy Mae (Theo & Oscar)

Jasmine Alexandra

Kate Elizabeth (Rachel)

Lara Grace Beatrice (Eliza India Peta)

Layla Sofia

Lexi Holly

Lilah Eve (Ella Kate)

Lousha Leonie

Lucinda Clare (Camilla "Milly" May, Beatrice Anne & Frederick James)

Lydia Violet Patricia

Madeleine Grace

Maeve Eveline Daisy (Harris)

Maggie Ann

Mairi Elizabeth (Ryan & Callum)

Maisy Elise May (Euan Thomas David)

Margo Katelyn (Jayden)

Martha Rose (Madeline "Maddy" Grace & Samuel "Sam" Benjamin Thomas)

Matilda Rae

Orla Olivia (Henry)

Penny

Phoebe Elizabeth (Isabel & Isaac)

Poppy Esme

Poppy Rose (Ruby)

Rose Isabella (Archie & Libby)

Rosie Ivy Mae (Isabelle Esme Jean)

Ruby-Mae (Stanley)

Thea Bella (Ruby Elishia)

Thea Sylvie Jane (Maisie)

Willow Alexandra Tuppence (Ted & Jonah George Dallas)

Zephyrin Annie

 

Twins:

Charlie Richard & George Arthur (Harry)

Erin Rose & Euan Scott (Callum Ian)

George Louie & Theo Archie (Jack)

Georgia Lucie & Jessica Lilly (Luke)

Jessica & Grace

Name of the Week

Ingram feels like a surname adopted as a first name,
but its history as a first name is actually both long and illustrious.

 

Origin:

Ingram derives from the old Germanic name Ingelram/Engelram, which is of uncertain meaning. The second element is most certainly the Germanic hraben (later hramn), meaning "raven" — found in the names Bertram, Wolfram, Guntram and Rambert.  The first element is disputed. Some propose it comes from the Old Germanic word angul, engil which can refer either to "a hook'", "an angel" (a borrowing from the Latin angelus), or "Angle" — from the Germanic tribe that later became the Anglo-Saxons, and the route of the name England. The Angles came from Angeln in northern Germany; so named, it is thought, because the area was shaped like a hook. The names Engelbert, Engelbald/Ingilbald and Engelhard are thought to come from this meaning.  The first element could also be derived from the name Ingil, a diminutive of Ing (or Ingvi). Ing was the name of an ancient fertility God who featured in both Norse and Germanic theology and was the legendary ancester of the Germanic Ingvaeones tribe. It is generally thought that Ing was the older name for the Norse god Freyr, which itself is simply a title meaning "lord". This name element is found in many many Norse and Germanic names, such as Ingeborg, Ingemar, Ingrid, Ingvar, Ingwald, Ingenulf/Engenulf, Ingemund and Ingebiorn, though whether it is a direct connection to the god's name or referring to the Ingvaeones is uncertain.  If Ingelram does mean "Ing's raven," then it is supported by the Germanic names Ingebiorn (Norse: Ingibjǫrn) "Ing's bear," and Ingenulf/Engenulf (Norse: Ingolfr) "Ing's wolf" — all combining Ing with popular animal name elements. The 'angel' interpretation has existed for centuries, though it is likely to be an attempt to assimilate an old Pagan name with Christian ideals after the time when Northern Europe was Christianised. It is further possible that both "Ingil-hraban" and "Angil-hraban" were in use as separate names, and eventually became merged together.

Usage:

Ingelram and Engelram are found in early medieval records across Northern Europe. One of the earliest examples is Ingilram, bishop of Metz in 768–791. Although the name was established more widely in Britain by the arrival of Normans, there is no reason to suppose that a cognate form of the name was not used previously by the Anglo-Saxons in England (who shared many related names with their continental brethren). There is a tantalising mention in a charter from 963 AD of seven hides in Vange, Essex being granted by King Edgar to 'his faithful minister' Ingeram; though other examples are hard to find. Engelram became Enguerrand or Engerran in Old French and can be found used widely among French aristocracy, most notably the counts of Ponthieu and the Lords of Coucy. The Norman nobles reforced the name when they brought it with them to Britain, and quickly it established itself among the English and Scottish elite. There are several examples of the name in 1086 in the Domesday Book, showing a distinct Norman influence. From this time, Ingelram produced the surnames Ingram, Ingrams, Ingrem, Ingraham and Ingry.  Bernard de Baliol, a Norman who owned granted land by William Rufus in the North of England, had both a brother and a son named Enguerrand, and the name passed down the family. One Ingram Baliol (d. 1234) was a staunch supporter of King Alexander II of Scotland and was made Lord of Inverkeilor. Enguerrand/Ingelram was particularly popular among the influential de Coucy family (there were seven Lord of Courcys from the 12th to 14th century with the name), one of whom was father-in-law of King Alexander II of Scotland, and another married the daughter of King Edward III of England. The Paradox of Medieval Scotland (1093-1286) Database has catalogued records for a whole host of medieval Scottish lords named Ingram (Engelram, Enguerrand) which testifies how well used it was. Ingram continued to be used well into the 16th and 17th century, particularly in Kent and Yorkshire, though it was never especially common at this time. From the 18th century onwards, use of the name was bolstered by the surname Ingram, being used as a 'family-surname-as-firstname'.  The 1841 UK census lists 118 Ingrams (94% in England, 6% in Scotland) and this figure remained fairly consistent over the century: 103 in 1861, 107 in 1881, 132 in 1901 and 114 in 1911.  The name saw a steep decline after the 1920s. It was registered 12 times in England and Wales throughout the 1930s, 12 times in the 1940s, 7 times in the 1950s and 1960s respectively, 6 times in the 1970s, 4 times in the 1980s, and 1990s. Since 1996, the name Ingram has not featured on the data for England and Wales because it has not been given to more than 3 babies in any given year.

Famous Bearers:

History:  * Ingerman of Hesbaye (fl. 8th c.), Duke of Hesbaye and father-in-law of King Louis the Pious. * Ingilram (fl. 768–791), bishop of Metz.  * Enguerrand I of Ponthieu (d. 1045), Count of Ponthieu. * Enguerrand II of Ponthieu (d. 1053), brother-in-law of William the Conqueror. * Enguerrand de Coucy (d. 1116), Lord of Coucy. * Imgram (d. 1174), Bishop of Glasgow. * Ingram Baliol (d. c. 1234), supporter of King Alexander II of Scotland. * Enguerrand de Coucy (d. 1242), father-in-law of King Alexander II of Scotland. * Enguerrand de Marigny (d.1315), Chamberlain of King Philip IV of France. * Ingram de Umfraville (d.c. 1321), Guardian of Scotland during the Wars of Scottish Independence. * Ingelram de Coucy (d. 1397), son-in-law of King Edward III of England. * Ingram de Ketenis (d. 1407), Scottish cleric. * Enguerrand de Monstrelet (d. 1453), a French chronicler. * Ingram Lindsay (d. 1458), Bishop of Aberdeen. * Ingram Bywater (1840–1914), English classical scholar. * Ingram Crockett (1856–1936), American poet and journalist.  Contemporary: * Ingram Marshall (b. 1942), American composer. Other: * Ingram, a village in Northumberland. * 6285 Ingram, an asteroid. * Ingram Island, part of the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park.

Variants:

Engelram, Ingelram (Medieval), Enguerran(d), Engerran (Old French)

Pronunciation:

IN-grəm [key]

Possible diminutives:

Gram, Ram, Ran

Sibling Names:

Camille     Sybil     Ellen     Adelaide     Tilda     Gretchen  Hugo     Brando     Jarvis     Hendrik     Lance     Edmund

Name Lists:

Bird Names

 

If you like Ingram you may also like:   Angus, Galen, Irving, Wolfram, Sterling, Magnus, Peregrine, Edwin, Baldwin, Franco

 

Thanks to Nat for requesting Ingram/Engelram.

 

Phrase Names: How North West is nothing new

I very rarely comment on celebrity baby names; it's just not a subject for which I feel my opinion is particularly needed (or wanted). I've stayed well away from speculating on the upcoming Royal baby name, for example, though I have a good idea what it won't be (I'm looking at you, "Royal Historians" — James would cause a political nightmare; stop suggesting it as a possibility!). 

However, the recent arrival of Kim and Kanye's daughter North West lends itself as an exception because it highlights the fairly established niche trend of "phrase" or "pun" names. Historical records are littered with them. 

Sometimes they were caused by accident: we've all heard the stories of women who have married and ended up with a punning new name (Theresa Green, Eileen Dover, Sandy Shaw, Terri Bull, Jo King — my mum actually works with one). In previous centuries, when using family surnames as first names was common, sometimes the blending was simply unfortunate. However, blatently, in some cases the pun was entirely intentional.

So, let's explore just a handful of interesting 'Phrase Names' of the last 200 years from records in England and Wales. The last names are the surnames.

 

Directional Names:

North West (x6) - born between 1815 and 1900.

North North (b.1824)

West Shaw (b.1831) North Shaw (b. 1869)

West Wood (b.1838)

Northen North (b.1842)

Southern Hall (b.1842)

Westerby East (m.1854)

South Fort (b.1856)

North Hill (x 3) - born between 1844 and 1872. 
And others such as North Brooke, West Wood etc. 

 

Time Names:

Time Of Day (x3) - born between 1829 and 1900.

Winter Frost (x4) - born between 1820 and 1880.

Winter Day (b.1845)

Lucky Day (b. 1859)

Morning Dew (x3) - born between 1871 and 1924.

Merry Christmas (b.1874)

Autumn Winter (b. 1876)

May Holiday (b. 1878)

And hundreds of girls named May Day and a fair few children named Valentine Day.

 

Phrases:

Miles Long (b. 1661)

Experience Tingle (m.1689)

Christian Sustenance (b. 1742)

Honour Bound (d.1783)

Flower Ship (x2) - born in 1798 and 1876

Savage Beare (m.1822)

Hugh Dunnet (b. 1836)

Black Jack (d. 1839)

Black Man (d. 1840)

Happy Guest and Happy Butcher (b. 1841)

Water Ford (b. 1844)

Worthy Guy (m. 1844)

Summer Stunt (b. 1844)

Green Willows (x4)

Smalley Bogg (b.1846)

Green Wood (b. 1847)

Wild Stammers (b.1848)

Just King (x2) - born in 1848 and 1886.

Brown Leek (b. 1849)

True Love (x3) - born between 1820 and 1850.

Happy Hovel (b. 1851)

Lightwood Birch (b. 1851)

Water Board (b. 1853)

Wealthy Price (b.1854)

Strange Livings (b.1863)

Wilde Raven (b. 1863)

Wise Herdsman (b. 1866)

Chip Wood (b. 1867)

Thankful Joy - both boys and girls.

Lightfoot Longbottom (m. 1872)

Sensitive Readhead (b.1873)

Ann Archy (b.1886)

Minnie Woman (b. 1891)

Hazel Nutt (x3) - born between 1894 and 1929.

Wildfield Flowers (b. 1895)

Royal King (x5) - born between 1897 and 1910.

Scott Free (b. 1901)

Nora Bone (b. 1902)

Norman Conquest (b.1904)

Pearl E. White (b. 1908)

Eileen Back (b.1908)

Risque Booth (b.1909)

Spring Plant (b. 1942)

 

Tautologies and Oxymorons:

Happy Gay (b. 1844)

Brown Greenwood (d.1849)

Smallhope Byg (b.1585)

Orange White (m. 1845)

Blackbird Bird (b. 1889)

Orange Lemon (x3) - born between 1850 and 1890.

Young New (x3) - born between 1840 to 1900.

Worthy Crook (x3) - born between 1820 to 1900.

Starling Martin (x2) - born in 1865 and 1889. 

 

There was a popular story that circulated around Victorian newspapers in which a seemingly cute "punning" names had unfortunate consequences. According to the story, a Mr and Mrs Rose thought it would be adorable to name their daughter Wild Rose. Unfortunately, when she married a Mr Bull her new name became Wild Bull.

The Sheffield Independent: Saturday 3rd July 1886

This story appeared in several publications (such as the one above), but I have been unable to find any Wild Rose/ Bull in the records. I did find two women who were given Wild Rose for their first names.

 

UK Birth Announcements 17/6/13 - 23/6/13

A compilation of names from BAs announced in this week's newspapers. Sibling names are in brackets.

 

Boys:

Albert James Anthony (Evelyn Rose, Francis "Frankie" Patrick John & Beatrice Mary)

Alexander Lawrence

Arthur Raymond

Austin Gregory

Brody Eric  (Kristen Molly)

Cole Gordon (Layton & Lloyd)

Edward Alexander

Finn David (Skye & Aaron Keir)

Finn Peter Andrew

Freddie Ronald (Jack William & Lucy Matilda)

Frederick "Freddie" William Stanhope (Bea)

Gabriel Edward (Noah, Oswin, Reuben & Rhoda)

George John

George Simon Oscar

Harry Graham

Hector Alfie

Indie 

Isaac Peter

Jack Donald (Annie Violet & Peggy Sue)

Jackson Robert

Jacob Mitchell (Alexander "Sandy" Newman)

Jago Rhys

James Philip

Jasper Julian

Jory Cairney (Jayden & Kian)

Joseph Denis

Kitt Archibald Fraser

Logan Edward (Oscar William)

Logan Riley

Nicholas Derek Lionel

Noah William (Jasper Edward)

Olly Blake (Bailey, Harvey & Alfie)

Oscar David (Lucia)

Rennie Thomas Scott (Harry)

Robert Niel Fergus

Ronnie John

Ryan Michael

Sanchez Curtis Alan

Thorfinn Angel

Toby Eden (Louis, Olly, Dominic & Elliot)

Toby Geoffrey Michael (Amelia Kate)

Toby Montgomery (Wilfred)

William Perseus

Zachary Stephen Charles

Girls:

Aaliyah-Rose

Abigail Heidi (Isabella Kate)

Agnes Mary

Alexandra Zelie Eden (India)

Alexina Florence Olivier

Ameia-Bay

Amelia Kaitlyn

Amelie Marie 

Anna Francesca Quest (Isabella & Thomas)

Arianwen Beatrice

Ava Nicole

Ayla Ann

Beau Elise

Carys Mai (Noah Thomas)

Charlotte Christina

Daisy Beau Joy (William George & Fern Elizabeth)

Darcey Robyn (Max David)

Dorothy Rose (Will & Isaac)

Edith "Edie" Rose Florence

Eira (Lilac)

Eleanor Rose (Henry Raymond)

Elodie Margot (Céleste Mary, Rufus Alfred Jacques & Chloë Geneviève Dorothy)

Elsie Louise (Jake William)

Felicity Beatrice (Harriet Alice)

Felicity Jane

Fleur Elizabeth Rose (Reiss, Olivia & Sophia)

Florence Grace (Henry & Percy)

Frankie Marie (Harrison & Oliver)

Georgia Gillian

Iris Frances (Edie Susanne)

Isla Pearl (Aimee & Leah Joan)

Jemima Honor (Isabella & Sebastian)

Jessica Margaret

Kadey Louise

Kiki Celeste

Layla Lesley (Harrison)

Leonie Grace

Lila-Rose

Lucy Elisabeth

Madeline Emma

Matilda May

Mia Annice

Millie Evie (Hamish Lachie)

Millie-Jayne Valentine

Mollie Anya (Finlay)

Nancy Helena Jane

Nina Rose

Penelope June

Poppy Florence

Poppy May (Harvey Maxwell)

Quinn Mia

Rhia May (Faith)

Ruby Franchesca

Scarlett Chloe (Layla Faye)

Tabitha Grace (Isaac James)

Tulip

Willa Mary

Xanthippe Phyllis Elizabeth

Zara Denise

Zoe Emma

 

Twins:

Archie Gary Charles & Harvey Raymond Stuart

Frederick Charles & George William

Hollie Emilie & Jay Andrew

Lucy Marie & Oliver Vincent 

Name of the Week

A fresh and sprightly virtue name 
that doubles as a more intuitive longer form for Libby.

Origin:

As a name, Liberty comes directly from the English vocabulary word 'liberty' meaning freedom, free choice. The word came from the Latin libertas "freedom, a free man," which became liberté in Old French, and eventually liberty in English. Originally, libertas denoted the status of a 'liber' — a person who was not a slave. Only a citizen of Rome was able to enjoy all the rights that constituted libertas and it was a highly prized state of being. Indeed, this concept of liberty was so important to the Romans that, to them, Libertas, the personification of Liberty, was an actual goddess who bestowed liberty upon the citizens of Rome. Like other Roman virtues-turned-goddesses such as Victoria, Clementia, Felicitas, Veritas and Laetitia — who have all formed the basis for feminine first names — Libertas had several temples dedicated in her honour; the first of which, situated on the Aventine Hill in Rome, was dedicated around 238 BCE. Originally Libertas represented personal freedom, but by imperial times she also represented the rights attached to constitutional government. As such an important Virtue, she was also associated with the chief god Jupiter, in the form Jupiter Libertas. Her Greek counterpart was the goddess Eleutheria/Eleftheria "liberty" — a name which is still used for Greek girls today.

Usage:

The goddess Libertas became the model upon which the modern figure of "Lady Liberty" was based. She can be found as the inspiration for France's national emblem, the Marianne, and the Statue of Liberty in New York. Liberty came into use as a name in Britain in the 18th century and, at first, it was in use as a name for both boys and girls. A whole spate of baptisms from 1760-1799 for babies named Liberty come from Kent in particular and, in general, the name seems to have been located majoritively in the South East of England. From the records I have found, the gender divide was roughly 2/3 female to 1/3 male usage in the 18th century; but by the mid-19th century the name had swung to mostly masculine in usage.  On the 1841 UK census there were 31 Libertys (30 male, 1 female) while in 1861 there were 39 (35 male, 4 female). By 1881 the figure was still consistent at 37 (33 male, 4 female) and had risen slightly to 43 (40 male, 3 female) in 1901, and 43 (36 male, 7 female) again in 1911. All of the cases were registered in England, showing the name was barely used in Scotland and Wales.  Liberty continued with much the same usage throughout the 20th century — with only a handful of births per year as had been the case in the previous century. What changed was that the name swung back into to being majoritively female again. In 1996, Liberty ranked #260 with 144 births. It was #197 (224 births) in 1999, #165 (262 births) in 2001, #151 (308) in 2003, #200 (241 births) in 2005, #289 (163 births), #390 (108 births) in 2009 and #380 (123 births) in 2011. Some of Libertys rising use in England and Wales at the end of the 20th century can be attributed to the popularity of Libby which, after years of steady climbing, finally entered the Top 100 in 2000 and peaked in 2005 at #48. Strangely, though Liberty is a key figure in both American and French history and national symbolism, Liberty (or Liberté) has had far less use (looking at popularity rankings) in those countries than in England. Perhaps it is because the name is more blatantly patriotic there than it is in Britain.

Famous Bearers:

History: * Sir Arthur Lasenby Liberty (1843—1917), British businessman who founded the exclusive West End “Liberty & Co." department store in 1875. Contemporary: * Liberty Ross (b.1978), British model and actress.  Literature and Other Media: * The Man Who Shot Liberty Valance (1962), a movie starring John Wayne. Other: * Lady Liberty, an alternate name for the Statue of Liberty in New York. * The Liberty Bell, an iconic American symbol. * Liberty is a name given to locations in Arizona, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Mississippi, Missouri, New York, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Texas, Washington and Wisconsin, USA

Variants:

Libertas (Roman), Eleutheria, Eleftheria (Greek), Libertad (Spanish), Libertie

Pronunciation:

LIB-ə-tee  [key]

Possible  Ldiminutives:

Libby, Bertie, Bibi, Tilly

Sibling Names:

Esmee     Scarlett      Tallulah     Harper     Elysia     Summer  Preston     Bailey     Oakley     Sonny     Ashton      Spencer

Name Lists:

Word Names

 

If you like Liberty you may also like:   Harmony, Elodie, Talia, Layla, Felicity, Verity, Alyssa, Bethany, Eden, Serenity

 

Thanks to pinkmonkey for requesting Liberty. 

 

UK Birth Announcements 10/6/13 - 16/6/13

A compilation of names from BAs announced in this week's newspapers. Sibling names are in brackets.

 

Boys:

Aiden James

Alexander Geoffrey

Andrew Nicholas (William Neil)

Arthur Henry

Archibald "Archie" Robert (Eleanor)

Benedict Henry Montague (Stanley Robert Edward, Jasper Ignatius Michael & Rufus William Edmund)

Brody Arthur Henry (Alfie & Ethan Albert George)

Bryn 

Cairn (Kaleb Grant)

Calum Jack (Bethany Mairi)

Carlsen Chaise (Aalayah Carmel, Jamelia Faith & Leon Shea) —dad's name is Carl

Casey George

Charlie James

Cosmo Nicholas Willoughby Hayden

Derry

Edward George Pascoe (Alexander Douglas & Iris Ann Hilary)

Eli David (Megan Elis)

Ellis Oliver (Lucas Edward)

Ethan Ernie (Ryan)

Ethan Oliver (Benjamin & Thomas)

Finlay Guy

Finley Alexander David

Flynn Eliott (Lottie)

Freddie James

Frederick William (Ronald "Ronnie" Anthony & Charlie)

Geordie William Ivo (Lochie Thomas Connolly & Martha Rosalind)

George Hugh (Christopher Michael & William Anthony)

George Jonathon

Jack Oliver (Grace Louise)

Jackson John

James Alistair

Jamie George Martin

Josh Kenzie (Leesa, Kian & Kaiden)

Joshua David (Jorja, James & Jack)

Kian James

Lewis Gilbert Hans

Mason George

Max Paul

Michael Mark

Miles Adam Alfred (Theo & Max)

Miles Sebastian

Morgan (Dylan & Megan)

Nathan "Nate" Terence

Niall David Ian (Summer)

Oliver Douglas

Patrick Andrew

Reggie Peter (Krystal Angelique)

Reuben James (Melissa Grace)

Riley Martyn

Riley Richard (Jack James)

Robin David (April)

Rory Alan

Rory James Leonard (Ellie Jane)

Samuel Vincent

Sebastian James (Winston Peter)

Seth Eric

Theo Cole (Amelia Eve)

Toby Sidney (Adam Timothy)

Tyler Alfie

William Benjamin

 

Girls:

Addison

Alexa Riley (Ava Madison)

Alexia Sienna Jae —dad's name is Jay.

Alexis Louise 

Alice Jane (Jessica Kate)

Alys Audrey Mary

Anabel Linda

Ananya (Vir)

Anya Beth

Ava Mae (George & Alfie)

Beatrice Rose

Belle Amelia (Alfie)

Betsy-Mae Joy (Tobi & Archie David Adrian)

Carys Anna (Christie Jayne)

Charlotte Annie

Dahlia Lois (Poppy, Lily & Iris)

Darcy Blue

Elise Grace (Isla Mae)

Elizabeth Mary

Ellaouise May (Caity, Olivia, Daisy & Charlie Megan)

Ellie Elizabeth

Emilia Ann

Evie Rose (Ella & Riley James)

Freya Ivy (Finley Paul)

Georgina Catherine (Maylin)

Gwenno Tegwen

Harriet Lily

Imogen Grace Elizabeth (Henry William Andrew)

Iris Lula Myrtle

Isabel Sophia (Evelyn)

Isla Florence (Alex James)

Isla Isabella (Alfie, Harry & Lola)

Laila-Mae

Lara Rose (Anya)

Lauren Camilla

Layla Louise Hannah

Leila-Ann (Rylan Aston)

Lois Daisy

Louise Mary (Sophie Mollie Amanda)

Luna Cherida (Luan)

Lyla Rose (Ethan James)

Khaleesi Mari —mum's name is Marianna.

Maggie Elizabeth Jane (Sandy)

Mary Eleanor (William & Anna Esther)

Megan Jane May (Jamie)

Mia Eva (Sophie Edith)

Millie Emma (Claudia)

Olivia Elizabeth Florence Maria (Cecilia)

Ottilie Jemima Alethea

Philippa Violet

Phoebe Brooke (Holly Marie)

Rosalind Beatrice

Scarlett Gemma

Taia Summer (Harley)

Wilhelmina Sophie Charlotte

 

Twins:

Emily Grace & Evie Louise

Florence Mary & Matilda Rose

Harris John & Molly Catherine (Lyle Robert)

Kai Tiberius & Tyler Frederick

Name of the Week

Sleek, smooth and stylish.
Up until 20 years ago, Jude was a unisex rarity; now with
a dash of Hollywood suave, it's a popular member of Team Blue.

 

Origin:

Jude is the English form of Judah, a biblical name borne by several notable figures in the Bible. Judah itself is a shortened form of the Hebrew name Yehudah. Yehudah most likely derives from the Hebrew yadah (יָדָה) meaning "give thanks, praise". This is certainly the meaning attributed to the name in the Bible, when an account is given of the birth of Leah's first four sons: Reuben, Simeon, Levi and Judah. Genesis 29:35 says: "And she conceived again and bore a son, and said, “This time I will praise the Lord.” Therefore she called his name Judah." As one of the twelve sons of Jacob, Judah became a patriarch of one of the Twelve Tribes of Israel, which took his name. It was this tribe that went on to found the Kingdom of Judah, the place from which the religion Judaism takes its name. Judah is also notable for being an ancestor of both Kind David and Jesus. Several characters in the New Testament were named Judah, including two apostles and a brother of Jesus. When the Bible was translated into Greek, Judah became Ioudas (Ἰούδας) and the Judas (Iudas) in Latin. Jude was used as an English form to distinguish the apostle Judas Iscariot from another apostle Judas Thaddaeus (St Jude). There is some debate by theologians whether St Jude is the same person as Jude, the brother of Jesus, author of the Epistle of Jude.

Usage:

Jude is found in use as a name in England from the 16th century — there is scant evidence that it was used in Wales or Scotland at this time. Usage of the name was consistent throughout this period, though it was not especially common. Baptisms from the 16th and 17th century also show that the name was unisex, used almost equally for boys and girls, though in different concentrations, depending on location. For example, in Hertfordshire, there is a baptism in 1653 for Jude, daughter of Richard and Jude Ward and one in 1696 for Jude, son of Jude and Mary Holdsworth. The feminine name Jude came about as a diminutive of Judith: a name that was very popular from the Middle Ages onwards. A Jude Seelinge, daughter of John and Judey was baptised in 1680 for example, and there are several other examples of Jude/Judiths who had daughters called Jude (though there are also examples of Judiths with sons called Jude). The name remained uncommon but consistent in use throughout the 19th century, being registered at least once every year from 1838 to 1890. The name gradually declined over this century — slightly for boys, and dramatically for girls.  The 1841 census lists 152 Judes (81 males, 71 females), 95% of whom were living in England. The number had decreased to 131 (79 males, 52 females) in 1861, 83 (74 males, 9 females) in 1881, 68 (65 males, 3 females) in 1901 and 63 in 1911, only one of whom was female and she was aged 38. This pattern also continued throughout the 20th century, with Jude used as an uncommon name for both boys and girls. It has only been with the turn of this centuy that Jude has become a popular masculine name, as we can see from the name's birth count in England and Wales (the rank is listed in brackets): 1996 - 24 (#654), 12 (#1434) 1997 - 37 (#505), 15 (#1234) 1998 - 52 (#415), 11 (#1571) 1999 - 108 (#261), 19 (#1060) 2000 - 203 (#174), 18 (#1094) 2001 - 338 (#127), 24 (#918) 2002 - 452 (#106), 24 (#938) 2003 - 537 (#97), 20 (#1129) 2004 - 596 (#94), 19 (#1209) 2005 - 560 (#103), 13 (#1690) 2006 - 459 (#117), 13 (#1748) 2007 - 539 (#110), 11 (#2085) 2008 - 603 (#103), 11 (#2150) 2009 - 627 (#98), 17 (#1596) 2010 - 757 (#86), 10 (#2392)  2011 - 764 (#83), 21 (#1438) Individually in 2011, Jude ranked #81 in England and #182 in Wales. What caused this meteoric rise? 1999 was the year that actor Jude Law got more global recognition with the release of The Talented Mr. Ripley. The double in birth count from 1999 to 2000 can also be explained by the introduction of character Jude Lawson in popular soap Home and Away from 2000-2002. The initial peak in 2004 also coincides with a notable year for Jude Law with the release of Alfie, Closer, Sky Captain and the World of Tomorrow and The Aviator and following his 2003 success in Cold Mountain.  The name has also seen success in Scotland in recent years. It was #110 (51 births) in 2005, #115 (57 births) in 2008, #95 (64 births) in 2010 and #98 (69 births) in 2012. In Northern Ireland, Jude has gone from a rank of #227 (5 births) in 1997, breaking the Top 100 in 2002 at #92 (27 births), to a peak of #38 (78 births) in 2008. In 2011 it ranked #54 (63 births).

Famous Bearers:

History: * Jude the Apostle (St Jude), the patron saint of lost causes in the Catholic Church. Contemporary: * Jude Law (b.1972), British actor. Literature and Other Media: * Jude the Obscure (1896), a novel by Thomas Hardy. * Hey Jude (1968), a song by the Beatles. * Jude Lawson, character in the Australian soap Home and Away.

Variants:

Judas, Judah (Biblical), Yehudi (Modern Hebrew), Giuda (Italian)

Pronunciation:

JOOD [key]

Possible longer forms:

Judah, Judoc, Judicael, Julian, Julius, Jupiter, Justus

Sibling Names:

Ava     Rose     Eliza     Stella     Phoebe     Lydia  Rowan     Leo     Elliot     Rory     Luca      Reuben

Name Lists:

Popular Biblical    Saintly and Stylish   Short and Sweet

 

If you like Jude you may also like:   Owen, Levi, Theo, Zachary, Quinn, Elijah, Milo, Jonah, August, Jowan

 

Thanks to Elizabeth for requesting Jude.

 

Names of Roses

"That which we call a rose," said Shakespeare's Juliet, "by any other name would smell as sweet." Well actually, Juliet, there are indeed hundreds of 'other names' by which we call the fragrant rose.

Being such an iconing and popular flower, the rose has been cultivated for centuries, along the way producing a multitude of varieties. And, naturally, each of these varieties needs its own name to distinguish them.

Some get quaint phrases as a name, such as Mother's Love, Birthday Boy, Joy Bells, Hula Girl or Bright Smile; many more were named in honour of people (Horatio Nelson, Desmond Tutu, Florence Nightingale, Lady Godiva and James Mason all got one).
Some roses only have a 'first name', creating gardens full of Amelias, Penelopes, Alexanders and Isabels, and they are the focus of this list.

Adam Agatha Agnes Albertine Alexander Alexandra Alison Amanda Amber Amelia  Angela Angelica Anna Jane Anna Livia Anthony Anya Augusta Luise Belinda Bella Christina Bella Diana Benita  Berenice  Our Beth Bethan Betty’s Smile Beverly  Bobbie James Bonita Britannia Calypso  Carmen Carol Caroline Victoria Celeste Celina Charlotte Chelsea Belle Chloe

Chris Christian IV Cindy  Clarinda Clementine Cleo Cleopatra  Colette  Coralie  Cordelia Cornelia Cressida Danaë  Daphne Doreen  Dorothy Douglas Eleanor Elina Elizabeth Elle Ellen Eloise Emannuella Emanuel Emily Victoria Emma Erica  Esmeralda  Esperanza  Esther Etain Ethel  Eva Evangeline  Evelyn Evita Faye

Felicia  Fifi Fiona Flora Francesca  Gemma Our George Gloria Gloriana  Grace Hallé  Heathcliff  Our Hilda Honor Elizabeth  Indianna Mae Ingrid Iris Isabel Isabella Isis Our Jane Jasmine Jasper Pretty Jessica Joanne  Jocelyn Josephine Joy Julia Sweet Juliet Juno Kathleen Kathryn Katie Kim Kitty's Rose Kristin Lancelot

Lara Laura Louisa Lavinia  Leander  Leda Leonora Christine Liliana Lisa  Sweet Lizzie Lois  Lorna  Lucetta Lucia  Lucy  Margaret Maria Georgiana Marie Louise Marlena  Martha Mary Mary-Jean Matilda  Maude Elizabeth Maxima  Meg  Meredith  Millie  Admired Miranda Our Molly Myra  Nancy  Naomi Nestor  Nina Oksana  Olivia Ophelia  Othello

Patricia  Pearl Penelope Perdita Phoebe’s Frilled Pink Polly Prospero  Queenie Rachel  Ramona  Rebecca Roberta  Rosalina  Rosabell  Heavenly Rosalind Rosina Ruby Ruby  Ruth Christine  Here’s Sam Sandra  Sarah Saul Sidonie Sophia Soraya Spencer Stella Stephanie Diane  Susan Sylvia Tallulah Thalia Thelma Thisbe Troilus  Vesper  Victoria Joy Violette

UK Birth Announcements 3/6/13 - 9/6/13

A compilation of names from BAs announced in this week's newspapers. Sibling names are in brackets.

 

Boys:

Alfie George (Archie George)

Arthur James

Austyn Ritchie (Riley)

Benedict Mark Tiberius (Elizabeth "Lizzy", Sophia "Sophy" Catherine & Florence Daisy)

Blake James (Esme Louise)

Charles Padraic (Lily Mary & Patrick Robert)

Charles Samuel Moke (Archie & Willoughby)

Charlie Benjamin (Isabella & Thomas Alexander)

Daniel James Arthur (Autumn Eloise)

Dougray Ian William (Emily-Jane Joan)

Findlay "Finn" Drummond (Amelie Louise)

Finn Stephen (Theo Charlie)

Fraser Andrew

Frederick "Freddie" John Arthur

(The Hon.) George Henry Charles John Alton (Matilda, Rose Constance Hester & Flora Winifred Meliora)

Gary

Harley Christopher

Harry Taylor (Finley James)

Hartley William Harrison (Baxter Charles Edward)

Hubert James Lyons

Iain Alexander "Xander" (Arron & Jake)

Jack Arthur (Sophia & Ben)

Jacob Thomas (Alfie & Erin)

Jacob Thomas Walter

Jaxon Riley

Jenson William George (Hayden Matthew Rodney)

Keaton John

Lewis George (Elle May)

Nicholas Antony

Oliver Beau Jamie

Oliver Russell (Ryan James)

Otis Livio Charles

Otto Sebastian (Theodore David)

Robert "Bobby" Vernon

Rowan John 

Rupert Charles (Matilda "Tilly" & Isabella "Bella" Florence)

Stanley Algernon (Jacobi)

Teddie Andrew

Theodore "Teddy" Andrew

Toby Llewellyn John (Sophie & Rosie May)

Wilfred Milo (William Alexander John)

Xavier Joseph Clemens

 

Girls:

Allyssa Celia

Amelia Catherine

Annabelle Florence Grace (James Alexander George)

Arwenna Julia (Rowan Jack)

Aurora Grace Rosella

Beatrice Cacie Anne (Aidan Nicolas)

Billie Rose (Johnny Matthew)

Celia Margaret Mary (Patrick "Paddy" Michael Antonio)

Charley Faith (Tyler, Sasha & Owen)

Dolly Lucy Jayne (Harvey & Mazie)

Dotty Belle (Lola Rose)

Dotty Rose Anne

Edie Grace (Gene Ellis)

Elizabeth Constance Anne (Edward Henry Laurence)

Elsie Rose (George)

Esme Constance

Flora Constance (Rory Edmund James)

Florence Grace (Albert Oliver)

Florence Tilly

Henrietta Frances

Imogen Louise (Joshua)

Isabella Antonia Morales

Izzy Mai

Josie Val

Kate Isabella (Cailean Angus)

Lily Belle (Gleison)

Lily Doyle Ella (William Doyle Charlie)

Lyla Primrose

Maddison Ella-Jae (Mia Ruby-Mae)

Matilda Emily Florence

Millie Mae

Miranda Mary Henrietta (Antonia Margaret Nancy)

Neive Victoria

Nina Rae

Patsy-J

Polly Arabella (Annabel)

Poppy Amelia

Poppy Dawn Marie (Joshua, Thomas & Daisy)

Rose Catherine

Sophia Catherine (Grace)

Sophie Eloise

Violet Joyce

Violet May

 

Twins:

Anna Joan Suzanne & Euan Andrew James (Amy Julia Anne)

Dominic & Dylan (Holly)

James Gordon John & Kirsty Mary Anne

 

Name of the Week

A medieval relic that's shrouded in legend.
Ismeria is certainly obscure, but it's a name
that asks many questions.  

Origin:

The origins of Ismeria or Ismérie are very mysterious, and any attempt at examining the etymology of this name can only be done by tracking back through folklore to look for a common point of origin. The name Ismeria is now most frequently found in association with the legend of St Ismeria, an obscure figure who dates back to 12th century European folklore. According to Jacobus de Voragine's The Golden Legend (c.1260) — commonly referred to as a 'medieval bestseller' — and other sources that derived from it, Ismeria was the sister of St Anne, the mother of Mary and grandmother of Jesus. Ismeria herself was the mother of Elizabeth, and therefore grandmother of St John the Baptist. In other 14th century Florentine accounts, Ismeria is the mother of St Anne. Though scholar's widely recognise that this hagiography is one of medieval inventon, it is important to note that Jacobus de Voragine's main intention was to provide a traditional lore for the medieval saints that were venerated at the time. So who was the St Ismeria that was given this biblical makeover? In the Middle Ages, the village of Liesse in Picardy developed around the devotion to a Black Madonna, presenting the child Jesus with his arms open. She was known as Notre Dame de Liesse , Our Lady of Liesse, or more directly "Our Lady of Joy." According to legend, French knights from the Order of St John in Jerusalem were captured by the Sultan of Egypt. Three brothers of the house of Eppes, in Picardy, were singled out to be converted to Islam. The Sultan sent his beautiful daughter Ismeria to convert them, but during the night an image of the Madonna appeared in their prison and the princess was converted to Christianity. She helped the knights to escape and when night fell they were transported by angels back to France with the statue. Upon the site on which they woke up they built a chapel to house the Madonna, who they named Notre Dame de Liesse (Our Lady of Joy). The princess remained in Picardy and was baptised at Laon. It is certainly a fanciful tale for how the statue (which was destroyed during the French Revolution) ended up in Picardy, but further digging finds some grains of truth. History has record of French nobleman, Robert d'Eppes who married a woman from Sudan named Ismeria. Their son, Jean, was a companion of St. Louis, King of France, during the Crusades, who in 1236 was described as a "son of a negress." Ismeria seems to have been quite notable in her time and when she died she was enshrined as a Black Madonna. All the folklore surrounding the name Ismeria appears, therefore, to derive from just one woman. It is easy to see the links between the Sudanese Ismeria, wife of Robert d'Eppes and the Princess Ismeria, daughter of the Sultan who saved the knights of Eppes. Perhaps the story came about as a fanciful way to explain Ismeria and Robert's marriage (maybe even promoted by Jean himself to put a positive spin on his mixed parentage during the Crusades) or a way to explain how Ismeria became the inspiration for the Madonna of Notre Dame de Liesse. And, as veneration of the Lady of Liesse became widespread, so did the ideal of St Ismeria and eventually the designation as the sister of St Anne. Which then begs the question, where did Ismeria's name come from? Ismeria of Picardy was clearly a North African woman, either from Sudan or neighbouring Egypt. She most likely therefore was a woman of the Ayyubid Dynasty (1171–1341), a Muslim kingdom centred in Egypt which spread across North Africa and the Middle East. The main language spoken was Arabic so it seems likely Ismeria's birth name was Arabic in origin. That still leaves many unanswered questions. Did she have an Arabic name which became Latinised after she married? Was her birth name 'translated' into Langue d'Oil, and did her Arabic birth name bear any resemblance to her "Picard" name? The frustrating fact is there is no evidence that gives us a clue. We don't even know if history has preserved the name Ismeria / Ismerie correctly from the time she actually lived. Perhaps Ismeria is a misspelling of Ismenia (another name with a complicated story) that was simply attributed to Robert d'Eppes' wife and bore no resemblance to her actual name. Her legend tells of her baptism by Barthélemy de Vir, the Bishop of Laon, so perhaps Ismérie was her adopted baptismal name.  Another problem is that there is very little surviving evidence of Arabic feminine names in the Middle Ages. The closest Arabic name to Ismeria is Isma, an uncommon Arabic name meaning "protection," which I cannot find in early Arabic records, and Asma, meaning "supreme," which does appear in medieval records.

Usage:

Though the name has never been common, Ismérie has been used in France regularly since the Middle Ages. Records from 19th century Québec also show the variants Isméria, Ismérianna, Ismérianne, Ismaria, Ismérienne, Ismériette, Ismérina and Ismérine in use. From the 15th century onwards, Ismeria appears in records across Europe, notably in Spain but also Portugal, Germany and Switzerland. Spanish playwright Cristóbal de Virués used the name Ismeria for a principle character in his play Elisa Dido (1580); a lady-in-waiting whose love is spurned by the governor Seleuco, The name Ismeria has been rare in Britain though an interesting pocket of girls named Ismary appears in baptisms from St Giles Cripplegate, London: Ismary Colman in 1561, Ismary Broadway in 1573, Ismary Hasselwood in 1642 and Ismary Lee in 1644. Only two girls named Ismeria are recorded in the 19th century: one in 1871 and one in 1876. Ismérie appears occasionally for French nationals living in Britain.  Since 1901, only two Ismeria's have been registered: 1969 and 1997. In contrast, Ismérie has had far more frequent usage in France. Over the last century, the name has been used consistently in France each year, at a peak from 1900 to 1910 when between 10 and 21 birth were registered in each year. The name declined in use from the 1930s to 1960s, but between 1975 and 2009 between 3 and 12 births were registered each year.

Famous Bearers:

History: * Ismeria (fl. 12th century), African wife of Robert d'Eppes who became venerated as a Black Madonna.  Literature and Other Media: * Ismeria, a character in Cristóbal de Virués' play Elisa Dido (1580).  Other: * Melitaea ismeria, is a genus of butterfly

Variants:

Ismérie, Ismery, Ysmeria

Pronunciation:

iz-MAIR-ee-ə; EEZ-mə-rhee (Ismérie)  [key]

Possible  diminutives:

Esme, Isme, Izzy, Merry, Mia, Mina, Miri, Ria, Siri, Zia

Sibling Names:

Melusine    Rosamund     Araceli     Meliora     Eulalia     Belisent  Gobain     Bastian     Valentin     Gervase     Rodrigue      Eskandar

Name Lists:

Butterfly Names

 

If you like Ismeria you may also like:   Ismenia, Sylviane, Eumelia, Mireia, Ismene, Briseis, Samira, Melisenda, Isabeau, Jessamine

 

Thanks to Shelby for requesting Ismeria.