British Baby Names

'Twas Ever Thus: Royal Baby Name Speculation

The recent Royal baby-name speculation was certainly nothing new.

The following articles were written between Prince Charles' birth (14 November 1948), and before his name, Charles Philip Arthur George, was officially announced at his Christening (15 Decemeber 1948).

George, Philip, Louis and Andrew were the favourites. Charles, you'll notice, wasn't on the list of possibilities...

 

 

Essex Newsman, Tuesday 14 December 1948

 

Evening Telegraph, Angus, Scotland, Wednesday 17 November 1948

 

Dundee Courier, Wednesday 17 November 1948

 

UK Birth Announcements 22/7/13 - 28/7/13

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

 

Boys:

Aiden Jake (Neve Scarlett Sheila)

Alby George (Eva Lily)

Alexander Charles

Alexander "Sandy" James

Alfie George

Alfie George (Ethan James)

Angus George

Archie George

Archie Joshua

Arthur James (Evelyn Rose)

Austin Raymond (Cooper Joshua)

Austin William David

Benjamin Oscar

Billy Ray

Cameron Peter Frank (Victoria, Isaac Freshney Percy & Ciaran Russell Gregory)

Charles "Charlie" Alexander Reid

Charles Isaac Saville William (Penelope Fanta Florence & William Jacob Saville Duncan)

Charlie Micah (Lily Rose)

Cole Charles

Constantine Oliver (Louis Demitri R & Isabella Vibeke Dorothy)

Daniel Andrew

Daniel James (Jessica)

Dominic Horace

Douglas Barclay (Elizabeth Grace)

Edward George (Sophie Mae)

Ellis Donald (India Rose)

Euan Hunter

Felix Arthur Willoughby (Daisy Honor Santa)

Felix Norris (Alice Cecily)

Finlay Cameron

Flynn Lewis Riley

Fraser Alexander

Fraser Martin (Illiam, Kirree and Daisy Amelia Scarlett)

Fraser Robert (Ella & Fergus James)

Freddie John Joseph (Polly Emily)

Frederick Oliver Arthur (Eleanor Grace & Thomas Wilfred David)

George Daniel (Alicia)

George Ian (Alfie & Harry)

George Oliver (Thomas James & Edward Samuel)

Gilbert Francis Howard (Rose Madeline Mary)

Griffin (Layla)

Harry Grant 

Harry Matthew (Alfie James)

Hunter Dennis

Jack Arthur

James Andrew

James Robert William

Jenson Darren (Brooke Sienna & Connor Lee)

Joel Philip Fred

Kai Jayden (Aaron Lee)

Kai Peter

Leeland

Luca David

Luca Edwin (Cayen Stanley)

Lucas Benjamin

Luis Ian

Mason James (Connor)

Matthew Fraser (Martin Jnr & Molly Diana)

Matthew Michael (Oliver Alexander)

Max Adrian (Ella & Olivia)

Maximilian "Max" Henry

Micah George Kwesi

Murray James

Noah Alfie

Oliver David (Louise & Ben)

Oliver John

Ollie Stephen

Rafe Douglas

Ralph Victor Charles (Hugh Philip Peyton & Edward Ralph William)

Ronnie Paul Francis

Rylee

Samuel Frederick James

Sebastien Rainer 

Shay Ross

Stephen James (Katie May)

Teddy James

Theo Samuel

Theodore Inigo (Florence Lily, George Xavier, Benedict Rufus & Ivo James)

Theodore James

Thomas James (Jack)

Toby James

Tommy Jay

Xander Elijah

Zachary William James (Emily, Ella & Josephine)

Girls:

Aimee Jayne

Alexandra

Amber Isabella (Zoe)

Amy Elizabeth (Caleb Charles)

Amy Louise (Rose Jennifer)

Ava Emily

Bea Florence (Cleo)

Billie Marie

Casey Hope

Corrie Christianna

Darcey Xara Patricia

Darcie Rose

Eden Olivia Ann (Sophie, Cuillin & Jake)

Emily May

Emily Ruth (Heidi & Esme)

Emmie Lyn (Kelsey, Mitchell & Harvey)

Esme Violet

Eva Bethany May (Amelie)

Eva Poppy (Isabelle)

Evie Elizabeth Rose (Callum John Wade)

Ezara Catherine (Theo Smith)

Fern Eva (Isla Scarlett)

Florence Elizabeth (Evelyn Frances)

Freya Mairi (Eloise Sophia)

Grace Islay Hope

Harriett Lily 

Hattie Jean

Hazel (Rowan (g) & Lewis)

Imogen Faith

Isabella Rose

Isabelle Beth

Isobel Rose (Joshua & Isaac)

Isla Anne

Isla Evelyn 

Jessica Louise (Benjamin & Catherine)

Keira Louise (Chloe Leona & Tyler Lucas)

Lacey Lou (Sophie)

Lacey-Marie

Lara Esmé 

Lauren Fiona Rose (Cameron)

Layla Grace (Ben)

Lottie Mercedes (Liberty & Lola)

Lucy Ann

Lucy Kate (Andrew & Rachel)

Lyla Mae

Mae (Beth & Saul) 

Megan Kay

Mia-Myra

Michaela Lea (Oakley & Bronwyn Heather)

Miley Louise (Olivia Rose)

Miller Lynne

Morven Agnes (Lachlan, Angus Iain and Hamish Donald)

Niamh Isabella (Emilia-Boe)

Olivia Grace (Jack)

Ophelia Rose Diana (Arthur Francis Cosmo)

Polly May (Millie Jane)

Rosie Jane

Rosie Mary-Jane

Scarlett Elizabeth Marion

Tadi-Mai Rose

Tayla Marie

Thea Fiona Rose

Vivienne Leonie (Jesse Alan & Eadie)

Twins:

Charlie Findlay  & Jack Thomas

George & Jackson

Isabel & Matilda (Alice Louise)

 

Name of the Week

A mysterious ancient name that can swing
either girl or boy depending on what part of the
world you're in. 

Origin:

Jocelyn is a modern form of the Old French name Joscelin, of uncertain derivation.  The name most likely comes from the Old Germanic name Gozelin, a hypocoristic form of other Germanic names beginning with Goz- such as Gozwin, Gozold, Gozfrid and Gozard. This first element most likely represents "Gauts" — the north Germanic tribe of Gautland. Indeed, an alternate form of Gozelin is Gautselin. The tribe themselves are thought by scholars to have derived their name from the Göta river, the etymology of which comes from the Proto Indo-European *ghu-to- "poured," presumably because the river 'pours out'. The Göta river is situated in Sweden; the surrounding area, Götaland (or Gautland), was the ancestral home of the tribe. The Normans brought the name over to Britain in the recorded forms Gotsalin, Goscelin, Gozelinus, Godzelinus, Goscelinus, and Gosselinus which then became Joselinus, Joslin, Joscelin and Jocelin. The move from G to J is not without precedence: Gozfrid can also later be found as Josfrid, and Gosbert as Josbert.  Another possible source for Jocelyn is the Breton name Judoc/Jodoc, which derives from the Breton word iud "lord, ruler," and the diminutive suffix -oc. St Judoc was a famous seventh century Breton noble, the son of Prince Judicael. In French his name became Josse (which later became Joyce) and was given to several place names such as Saint-Josse-sur-Mer and possibly Josselin in Brittany. Veneration of the saint, as well as the name Josse, were also brought over to Britain by the Normans, and Josselin could conceivably have been a diminutive form. K.M. Sheard points out that the variant Jocosa was probably a medieval association with the Latin iocosus "merry". Even today, people are still citing Jocelyn as meaning "merry" even though there is no etymological connection between the two.

Usage:

Jocelin / Goscelin was a fairly common name across Britain and France in the Middle Ages and was borne by several notable figures. A Joscelin (or Gozlin) was bishop of Paris in the 9th century, three counts of Edessa bore the name, and a notable 12th century French theologian. Closer to home, the Domesday Book records several men in 1086 by the name of Goscelin or Joscelin and it was borne by a fair few clerics and bishops from the 11th to 14th century.  So popular was the first name, it created a whole host of surnames including Jocelyn, Joscelyn, Joscelyne, Josselyn, Joslen, Joslin, Josling, Joseland, Josland, Goslin, Gosselin, Goseling, Gosling, Gostling and Gosland.  The name had declined in popularity by the 16th century, though it did maintain continued use, paricularly among the peerage and the aristocratic Percy family in particular. Josceline Percys have been aplenty, including Josceline Percy, 11th Earl of Northumberland, 5th Baron Percy (1644-1670). By the 17th century the name was majoritively male in use, though a handful of examples of girls bearing the name can be found; some having the feminised form Joselina. In several cases, Jocelyn given as a middle name was thanks to adoption of a family surname. The Victorians, with their love of all things medieval, picked up the name again in the 19th century. The 1841 UK census lists 19 Jocelyns (14 male, 5 female), in various spellings, all bar one living in England. There were 37 (30 male, 7 female) by 1861; 61 (52 male, 9 female) in 1881; 183 (124 male, 59 female) in 1901 and 339 (143 male, 194 female) in 1911. We can see here, not only the rise in popularity in the name, but also the shift at the turn of the 20th century from majoritively male to very much more unisex. As the 20th century went on, Jocelyn grew in popularity and became used more commonly for girls. In France, Jocelyn is still wholly masculine, while in America it is feminine. In Britain, Jocelyn is now majoritively feminine in usage, but still is consistantly used for a small percentage of boys, particularly among the elite.  Here is a quick summary of births for Jocelyn in England and Wales over the last two decades: 1996: 19 (#1031) / 4 (#2357) 1999: 22 (#952) / 7 (#1664) 2002: 27 (#861) / 5 (#2254) 2005: 71 (#494) / 2 (N/A) 2006: 64 (#556) / 6 (#2538) 2008: 45 (#767) / 4 (#3687) 2011: 49 (#766) / - (N/A) The name is uncommon in Scotland. Since 2005, no more than 8 girls have been given the name in any given year, and no boys at all.

Famous Bearers:

History: * Joscelin / Gozlin (d.886), Bishop of Paris and 9th century French cleric. * Jocelin (Goslenus) of Soissons (d. 1152), French theologian and bishop of Soissons. * Jocelin (d. 1199), abbot of Melrose, and Bishop of Glasgow. * Jocelyn de Brakelond (d.1211), 12th century English chronicler. * Jocelin of Wells (d.1232), bishop of Bath and Wells. * Vice Admiral Josceline Percy (1784—1856), Commander-in-Chief, The Nore.  * Dame Jocelyn Woollcombe, DBE (1898—1986), Director of the Women's Royal Naval Service from 1946 to 1950.  Contemporary: * Jocelyn Brando (1919—2005), American actress, sister to Marlon Brando. * Jocelyn "Jackie" Lane (b.1937), British model and actress. * Jocelyn Moorhouse (b. 1960), Australian film director. * Jocelyn Pook (b. 1960), a British composer, pianist and viola player. * Joss Stone, birth name Jocelyn Stocker (b. 1987), British singer. Literature and Other Media: * Jocelyn, an opera composed by Benjamin Godard. * Jocelyn, a character in A Knights Tale (2001), played by Shannyn Sossamon.  Other: * Jocelyn, a province in Ontario, Canada.

Variants:

Jocelin, Joscelin, Josceline, Joseline, Josline, Joselyn, Josslyn, Josselyn, Joycelin, Jocelyne, Joscelina, Joselina

Pronunciation:

JOS-ə-lin  [key]

Possible  diminutives:

Jelly, Joss, Josie, Selly, Shelly

Sibling Names:

Camille     Laura     Danielle     Lucille     Fleur     Audrey  Gabriel     Quentin     Patrick     Andrew     Piers     Lawrence

Name Lists:

Names of Roses

 

If you like Jocelyn you may also like:   Jolien, Lillian, Faith, Julienne, Antonia, Jacqueline, Vivienne, Martina, Gabrielle, Robyn

 

Thanks to Charlotte for requesting Jocelyn. 

 

Name of the Week

The lively Scottish lad that shot to fame in the late 20th century
and is still going strong throughout Britain.

 

Origin:

Callum (or Calum) is the Scots Gaelic form of Columba, a Latin name meaning "dove". In early Christianity, the dove symbolised peace, gentleness and the Holy Spirit, so when applied to a person we can imagine it took on quite an auspicious meaning. Columba was a name borne by several early saints, but the most notable of all is St Columba, "the Apostle of Caledonia," an Irish missionary to Scotland. In 563, Columba, a prince of the O'Donnells of Donegal, sailed to Scotland with several companions. He landed at Iona, founding his famous monastery, and travelled across the Highlands and Northern Lowlands preaching Christianity. He was a great success, and by the time of his death most of northern Scotland was Christianized. In a play on his name, Columba was also known as Colum Cille (Columcille) "dove of the church" or "peaceful man of the church," and from Colum came Calum.

Usage:

So influential was St Columba, he is considered one of Scotland and Ireland's most famous saints. He even ranks with St Patrick and St Bridget as one of the three patron saints of Ireland. It's no surprise then that his name became extremely popular in both Scotland and Ireland during the Middle Ages.  In Ireland, the name Columba became Columbán, and then shortened to Colmán or Colm. So common was the name, it was even picked up by Scandinavian settlers who rendered it into the form Kalman. From them, the name spread into England, giving rise to the surnames Calman, Colman, Coleman and Coulman. In Scotland Callum led to the surnames MacCallum, McCallum, McCollum and McCullum. Several baptism records for Callum (in this spelling) in Scotland survive from the 17th century, and through to the 18th century. Though written baptisms are rare before that time, one record — Callum Mccolyne baptised in Perth in 1573 — shows that the name was in use in this form in the late Middle Ages. Only a rare few baptisms for the name crop up in England in the 18th century, but these could be surnames co-opted as first names. From the 19th century and through the 20th century, Callum took off again in Scotland. The rise began steadily, until it shot to popularity in the 1950s, peaking in the 1990s. This can be seen in the registrations of the name in the Statutory Births Register of Scotland (the first number represents the spelling Callum, the second Calum): 1855-1864: 12 / 0 births 1865-1874: 22 / 1 births 1875-1884: 13 / 0 births 1885-1894: 26 / 2 births 1895-1904: 39 / 2 births 1905-1914: 35 / 14 births 1915-1924: 39 / 15 births 1925-1934: 57 / 33 births 1935-1944: 76 / 52 births 1945-1954: 157 / 110 births 1955-1964: 569 / 705 births 1965-1974: 607 / 1174 births   (Calum ranked #78 in 1975 in Scotland) 1975-1984: 665 / 844 births 1985-1994: 3537 / 3158 births 1995-2004: 6813 / 3913 births     In 1998, Callum ranked #10 and Calum ranked #25 in Scotland. By 2000, Callum was still #10, with Calum at #29; it was #8 and #33 respectively in 2003, #3 and #30 in 2006, #10 and #54 in 2009 and #24 and #68 in 2012. In England and Wales, the name remained rare in the 19th century. Only one Callum was registered from 1838 to 1920: a Callum Savage in 1841. The change came in the mid-20th century, when the growing popularity of Callum in Scotland spread beyond to England, Wales and even Australia and Canada. From not ranking at all in the Top 100 in 1984, by 1994, Callum had shot to #31 in England and Wales. In 1998, Callum peaked at #8 while Calum had fallen from the 90-95 mark to #108; in 2000 they were #10 and #138 respectively, #19 and #163 in 2003, #13 and #103 in 2006, #28 and #225 in 2009 and #46 and 361 in 2011.

Famous Bearers:

History:  * Calum Maclean (1915–1960), Scottish folklorist, ethnographer and writer. * Calum MacKay (1927–2001), Canadian ice hockey player. * Calum Kennedy (1928–2006), Scottish singer. Contemporary: * Several Scottish and English professional football players bear the name Cal(l)um, including, Calum Angus, Calum Brady, Calum Butcher, Calum Davenport, Callum Davidson, Calum Elliot and Calum Reidford. * Callum Keith Rennie (b. 1960), a British-born Canadian television and film actor. * Callum MacLeod (b. 1988), British race car driver. Other: * Callum, a community in Ontario, Canada. Celebrity-Babies: * Calum Best (b.1981), son of footballer George Best, now a television presenter.

Variants:

Calum (Scottish), Colm, Colmán (Irish), Columba (Latin), Kalman (Norse), Kolman (German), Koloman (Czech)

Pronunciation:

KAL-əm [key]

Possible diminutives:

Cal

Sibling Names:

Niamh     Erin     Amy     Skye     Bethan     Emily  Liam     Ryan     Connor     Ethan     Logan     Dylan

Name Lists:

Cosy Celtic   Lively Lads

 

If you like Callum you may also like:   Adam, Rhys, Declan, Lewis, Harris, Rory, Nathan, Arran, Riley, Ewan

 

Thanks to Jay for requesting Callum.

 

Update

It's the school holidays!

Which basically means that, while packing up one classroom and relocating to another at a new school (I've got a new job!), I'll have a bit more time over the next five weeks to devote to names.

I've been wanting to whittle down my waiting list for Name of the Week posts for a while now, so for the next six weekends I'll be featuring both one boy name on Friday and one girl name on Saturday. Expect the first one up presently.

In the meantime, I also have the school's pet turtle staying with me. Her name, rather fabulously I think, is Donnatella.

Sibling Spotlight for Isadora

Below is a selection of British siblings with Isadora, from the last century to modern times.

The year relates to the decade of birth for that set. Brackets around the first name indicates that the person was called by their middle name.

1830s: Elizabeth Henton Malvina Louisa Henton Joanna Barfoot Henton Isidora Blanche    Isadora Louis Rosetta Maria  Frances   Jane  John Harriet William Richard Isidora   1840s: Edward Julia Emma Isidora    Francis John Henry Edward Adelinda Augusta Ann Isidora Jane Edward Aubrey  Beresford (b) Helena Hext    Margaret Valentine (b) Almena Isadora Rosina  1850s: Pamela Sarah Ann Harriet George John Isadora   Charles James Kate Elizabeth Kezia Amelia Susan Isadora Jane Evelyn Ellen  (Alice) Emily  George Henry Alfred Thomas    Mary Ann Jane Julia Elizabeth Augusta Georgia  William Thomas Emily Harriet Isidora    1860s: William Henry Ralph Isadora Cornela Evangeline Isabella Hilda Sedella E.    William Richard Augustine Osney Thomas Augustine Mary Hatfield Hatfield Augustine Wilson Augustine Constance Sarah Francis Joseph Philip Graburn Isidora Martin   Louis/Lewis Julia Ann "Annie" Elizabeth "Lizzie" Isidora Frances Rosalie Rosetta Henry Jacob Janet Frederick Louis/Lewis Eliza Jane Janetta Lydia Isadora Blanch Madeline  Richard Laura Fanny William Henry Clarice Eugenie    Alexandrina Jeanette Isadora Christina "Chrissy"    Isidora Rosa Charles Edward Helena Flora    1870s: Blanche Orlando Isabella John Henry Isidora Beatrice (Alfred) James & William Stephen   Isadora Lilian Harold James Charles Isabel Marian Oswald Claudio Madeline Daisy Osbert Lionel Aileen Viola    Amanda Ann Raphael Washington  Isadora Mary George    Edith Marian Mary Jane Mary Ann Rowland Maria Rupert Beatrice Jessie Isadora Nancy   Agnes Joseph Hephzibah Annie Isadora Ada Maud Gertrude  1880s: Lydia Ann Edward James Ada Albert Sydney Osbourne Isadora Violet I Hilda Nesta   Samuel Andrew Annie Blanche Mark Arthur Oswin Isadora & Santo (b)  Mary Ethel    Emma J Frederick W Adelbert Philip Percival Mark Isadora Bertha Albert Theodore   Isadora Ruby Charlotte Irene Winifred Nellie Gwen Edith Annie    Walstan George Francis Joseph Evelyn Beatrice Isidora Winifred Ursula Madeline Dorothy Elizabeth Bernard Henry  Isadora Frances Hilda  Reginald George Arthur  Harold Claud

1890s: Cecil Hudson Isidora Alethia Alcestis Cordelia William  Maria Griffith Isadora Agnes Nathalie Inez  George James Lilian    Alec Stanley Franklyn Harold Isadora Beatrice    Lottie Violet Ann Agnes Samuel Elizabeth Clara Isadora  Alfreda Alice Isadora Hilda Daisy Dorothy Richard Duncan   William Henry "Willie" Catherine "Kitty" Theresa Mary Isadora    1900s: Stanley Isidora Adelina Frederick James Mabel Alexandra "Queenie"  Harold James Laurence Gilbert Isidora Nestra Rudolph    1950s: Isadora Veronica 1980s: Toby Marcus Isadora Bea   John Lynton Leonora May Isadora Joy   Venetia Victoria Zinnia Louisa Isadora Barbara Pia   Isadora Lia M Alexander Edward V Lydia Katerina D   1990s:  Tristram Joseph Lydia Mabel C Isadora Lovely S   Isadora Violet & Venetia Rose   Asher Eos Isadora Enlli Ma'at Eden Tarren  Fabian Angel Isadora Isis   Lawrence George Matthew Edward Marilla Alice L Ellis Arthur E Isadora Rose F    Isadora Lily Violet Josephine   Yasmine Eve Theodore Howard Zion Earl Remy Tamara Isadora Simone   Rhys Colin Anastasia Frances Isadora Eve   Miranda Grace Isadora Margot Sophia Rose   Gwendolen Susanna Isadora Caroline Benjamin Murray P Tallulah Jeanne D Maximilien Norman B Isadora Odette   Isadora Lillian Jossalene Macaria   Gabriella Elizabeth A Isadora Corina A George Augustus   Isadora Aloise F Justus Michael A   Isadora Lucie Alexander Ivo Tristan Willard   2000s: Camilla Louise & Phoebe Victoria  Oliver Patrick Hector Henry Xanthe Julia Francesca Maria Aloysius Michael Beatrice Grace Isadora Kallisto Matilda Neave Isadora Elizabeth   Sebastian James F Arabella Catherine B Isadora Lillian F   Isadora Beatrice Millicent Rupert Percival William    Cosmo Harrison Isadora Daisy Eloise Sophia Mary Tabitha Amphlis Elizabeth Isadora Annabel Rose    Imogen Helen M Isadora Sophia Julia   Isadora Cecily R Camelia Anna E Hector Blake R Skye Sari S   Isadora May Lily Delphine   Callum William Isadora Jayne Auriel Elizabeth   Louis Balthasar Isadora Lilly   Isadora Margaret Agnes Lily Alfred   2010s: Jonah Michael Atticus Hayden Isadora Alice Arabella   Casper Zachary & Isadora

This post was requested by Dahlia.

'Twas Ever Thus

There is an interesting poem entitled Ladies' Names which circulated several newspapers in the mid-19th century. The earliest copies of the poem attribute it to a "Henry" in the Family Herald which was published on 29 November 1851 and copied several times that December and during the following year. 

The poem is clearly meant to be a light-hearted skit, pairing girls' names with set attributes, but it does give an interesting insight into the names that were in use at the time as well throwing in some timeless adages. 

 

LADIES' NAMES

There is a strange deformity,
Combined with countless graces, 
As often in the ladies' names
As in the ladies' faces.
Some names are fit for every age.
Some only fit for youth;
 Some passing sweet and musical,
Some horribly uncouth;
Some fit for dames of loftiest grades,
Some only fit for scullery-maids.

Ann is too plain and common,
And Nancy sounds but ill,
Yet Anna is endurable,
And Annie better still.
There is a grace in Charlotte,
In Eleanor a state,
An elegance in Isabelle,
A haughtiness in Kate;
And Sarah is sedate and neat,
And Ellen innocent and sweet.

Matilda has a sickly sound,
Fit for a nurses trade,
Sophia is effeminate,
And Esther sage and staid;
Elizabeth's a matchless name
Fit for a Queen to wear —
In castle, cottage, hut, or hall,
A name beyond compare:
And Bess and Bessie follow well,
But Betsy is detestable.

Maria is too forward,
And Gertrude is too gruff,
Yet coupled with a pretty face,
Is pretty name enough.
And Adelaide is too fanciful,
And Laura is too fine,
But Emily is beautiful,
And Mary is divine:
Maud only suits a high-born dame,
And Fanny is a baby-name.

Eliza is not very choice,
Jane is too blunt and bold,
And Martha somewhat sorrowful,
And Lucy proud and cold.
Amelia is too light and gay,
Fit only for a flirt.
And Caroline is vain and shy, 
And Flora smart and pert:
Louisa is too soft and sleek,
But Alice gentle, chaste and meek.

And Harriet is confiding,
And Clara grave and mild,
And Emma is affectionate,
And Janet arch and wild.
And Patience is expressive,
And Grace is old and rare, 
And Hannah warm and dutiful,
And Margaret frank and fair:
And Faith, Hope and Charity,
Are heavenly names for sisters three.

Rebecca for a Jewess,
Rose for a country belle,
And Agnes for a blushing bride,
Will suit exceedingly well:
And Phoebe for a midwife,
Joanna for a prude,
And Rachel for a gipsy-wench,
Are all extremely good:
And Judith for a scold and churl,
And Susan for a sailor's girl. 

 

UK Birth Announcements 15/7/13 - 21/7/13

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

 

Boys:

Alexander Fox Neill

Alexander James (Oliver Lennox Robert)

Alisdair William

Alistair Ian (Cameron, Caitlin & Thomas "Tom" Alexander)

Alfred James

Arthur "Art" Alexander

Arthur Michael Paul (Charles "Charlie" Timothy)

Benjamin Lewis Lauchlan

Bobby Dean (Morgan, Luke, Alana & Mac)

Brodie Rhys (Arran Blair)

Charlie Luca William (Jessica, Georgia Ravello & Rosanna Lucia)

Cian Bo Alexander

Daniel Edward (Ryan)

Deacon John (Lily Boo)

Eddison Jude

Elias John Bohdi

Eugene James

Finlay John (Robbie Dale)

Freddie John

George William (Olivia & Emilia)

Harris James (Katie Margaret)

Harry Douglas Jack (Joshua)

Hector Michael Neptune (Emily & Hamilton)

Henry Roland

Isaac Logan

Jack Stanley (Toby John Michael)

Jacob James (Zoe Anne)

James Isaac

James Peter

Jamie Alexander

John Christopher

Joshua "Josh" James

Joshua Jeevan

Joshua Timothy (Isabel & Benjamin Nelson)

Lucas George

Mason Darren

Matthew Richard (Louisa May)

Matthew Vernon Watson (Guy Harry Richard "Harry" & Charles Thomas Sebastian)

Mikey Blackwood Graeme

Miles James 

Murray James

Nelson Eugeniusz Isambard Lukasz

Ollie Murray

Owen David (Eve)

Porter Ian

Riley Richard

Robert David

Rory Scott

Sebastian Glenn

Sebastian Jon

Sebastian Nicholas

Stanley Jack (Henry John)

Stanley Simon

Theodore Peter Graham (Robert "Bob" Miles, Matilda "Tilly" Jean & Eleanor "Nell" Mae)

Theodore "Theo" Stanley (Bella)

Thomas Alfred Michael

Troy Alexander Kai

Tyler Tom

Zac Kerr

Girls:

Abigail Isabella (Jessica & Elizabeth) 

Alexandra Jemima

Alivia Rosaline (Scott, Dean & Ryan)

Alma Grace

Amabel Margaret

Amelie Louise 

Anna Lynsey Grace (Jay & Daniel Lucas)

Annabel Rose (Luke John) 

Anya Linda Razia

Ava Eunice

Ava Isobel

Beba (Tristan)

Eliza Mae (Joshua, Anna & Esther Rae) 

Ella Skye

Emilia Alexandria

Emily Rose (George Nicholas Tresham & James "Jamie" Robin Donald) 

Fleur Molly Ruth (Horatio Gibson Kallaway)

Florence Coralie (Amelie Jessie)

Grace Islay Hope

Hannah Ellen May(Thomas Henry)

Hannah Jean

Heidi Jay

Hollie Louisa Jane

Imogen Rebecca

India Anne

Isla Anne

Isobel (Ida)

Ivy Elizabeth

Iyla Mae

Jenny Louise (Sophie, Alfie, Alfie, Archie, Lily Grace & Molly Rose) 

Lacey Mae

Laura Victoria

Layla Mai (Reece & Luke)

Leona Jayne

Lila Anne

Lilly Christina Mae

Lucy Emma (Kirsty, Ewan & Cameron)

Lulu Rose 

Lyla Elizabeth

Madeleine Violet Mary

Maryam

Megan Antoinette (Ross Michael)

Minnie Flora Matilda

Mollie Rose (Freddie Thomas)

Niamh Charlotte (Izaak, Ethan Kyle & Aaron Liam) 

Nuala Rae

Olive Marie (Alfie Nicholas)

Olivia Mary

Olivia Rose

Paige Joy (Roman John)

Poppy Mae (Logan)

Rose Eva (Luke David)

Scarlett Catherine

Scarlett Rose (Chloe)

Sibylla Henriette Marie (Eleonora Josephine Marie & Tancredi Michael Karl) 

Sophia Mica (Lauren, Ella and Lily)

Sophie Rebecca

Tabitha Frances Caroline

Tatiana Emily (Grace Daphne)

Twins:

Charlie Gil Floyd & Max Frazier (Jack)

Fergus Peter & Olive Miranda (Logan Richard)

Finn & Mia

Isla & Joseph

Layla Rose & Scarlett Enya

 

Name of the Week

From Roman nobility to British royalty;
stately Patricia will no doubt be on the revival wave in 20 years,
but until then she makes a strikingly retro and trendsetting choice.

Origin:

Essentially, Patricia came into use as a femininisation of Patrick, the Anglicised form of the Roman name Patricius. The Latin word patricia, however, was actually the feminine form of the word patricius before either were used as given names. These days, the word patrician has come to mean "noble", "an aristocrat" or "a person of refined upbringing, manners, and tastes", but for the Romans patricius (or feminine patricia) denoted a member of the original aristocratic and ruling families of Rome that once made up the Roman Senate (the patres conscripti "conscript fathers"). Pater "father" was one of the original terms given to Senators.

Usage:

E.G. Withycombe stated that "Patricia occurs from time to time in medieval Latin records, but then merely denotes a woman bearing the name Patrick." She does not, however, cite any examples of these medieval Patricias, so the claim remains unsubstantiated. She also states that its use as a proper name began in 18th century Scotland, but a few baptisms and marriage records can be found of Patricia in use from the 16th century in Britain. Patricia Sander married Thomas Whitington in West Tarring, Sussex in 1583, for example, and Patricia Spechley was baptised in Fiskerton, Lincoln in 1590.   Prior to this, though it wasn't used a given name, we do know that Patricia could be given as a epithet. Pope John X bestowed the title "Senatrix and Patricia of Rome" (senatrix being the feminine of senator) upon Marozia (c. 890-982), the infamous Italian woman who played a key role in papal politics in the 10th century. Patricia continued to be used over the 17th and 18th century in Britain though remained quite rare, being more common in Scotland than England or Wales. There are far more records of the name being used in Spain and Spanish speaking countries from the 16th century onwards, especially in Murcia.  The 1841 UK census lists 35 Patricias (86% in Scotland, 14% in England). By 1861 there were 221 (24% in Scotland, 76% in England), 151 (45% in Scotland, 55% in England) in 1881 and 473 (38% in Scotland, 60% in England and 2% in Wales) in 1901, almost 60% of whom were under the age of 10.   In 1886, Patricia was given a regal boost when it was bestowed upon the daughter of Prince Arthur, Duke of Connaught and Strathearn, a son of Queen Victoria. Her full name was Victoria Patricia Helena Elizabeth, but she was always known officially as Princess Patrica of Connaught. Patricia honoured St Patrick, the saint on whose feast day she was born, but also (by coincidence or design) Patrick was both one of her father's and older brother's middle names. To the Queen (who had wanted the baby to be called Victoria, after herself) she was always called "Victoria Patricia" but to the rest of the family she was known as Patsy. Then, as today, the public were fascinated with the royal family, and the speculation on who would be the young and beautiful Princess Patricia's husband sent the Edwardian press into a flurry of debate. All this media attention perhaps explains why Patricia saw a meteoric rise in the early 20th century. In 1910, 247 girls were given the name in England and Wales, compared to 51 in 1900, and just 4 in 1890, 5 in 1880 and 1 in 1870. Interestingly, there were often far more Patricias registered in April-June than any other quarter, indicating that honouring St Patrick's Day was perhaps an influential factor.  Patricia entered the Top 100 in England and Wales in 1914 at #99. It shot up the charts to #31 in 1924, #5 in 1934, #2 in 1944, #6 in 1954, then fell to #36 in 1964, #89 in 1974 and #443 in 1996. In Scotland, Patricia ranked #8 in 1950 and #71 in 1975. During this period, Patsy and Patty (originally developed as diminutives for Patience and Martha respectively) were common short forms adopted for Patricia. By the 1970s, Trisha/Tricia had became a more fashionable short-form. During the 21st century, Patricia has ranked #748 (31 births) in 2000, #772 (36 births) in 2004, #722 (49 births) in 2008 and #749 (50 births) in 2011 in England and Wales.  In Scotland, the name has had no more than 5 births for any given year since 2005.

Famous Bearers:

History: * Princess Patricia of Connaught (1886—1974), daughter of Prince Arthur, Duke of Connaught and Strathearn, and granddaugher of Queen Victoria. * Patricia Preece, born Ruby Preece, (1894—1966), a British artist. Contemporary: * Patricia Neal (1926—2010), Hollywood actress. * Patricia Knatchbull, 2nd Countess Mountbatten of Burma (b. 1924), daughter of Louis Mountbatten and cousin of Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip. * Patricia Routledge, CBE (b. 1929), British character comedy actress and singer. * Patricia Arquette (1968), American actress and director. Literature and Other Media: * Patricia (1950), a song written by Benny Davis, recorded by Perry Como. Other: * patricia, a genus of clearwing butterfly. * The Patricias (Princess Patricia's Canadian Light Infantry), one of the Regular Force infantry regiments of the Canadian Army.

Variants:

Patrice (English), Patrizia (Italian), Patricie (Czech), Patrycja (Polish), Pádraigín (Irish)

Pronunciation:

pə-TRISH-ə  [key]

Possible  diminutives:

Paddy, Patch, Patsy, Patty, Pia, Tia, Tish. Tisha, Trish, Trisha

Sibling Names:

Josephine     Kathleen     Hazel      Rosemary     Claudia     Virginia  Kenneth     Gregory     Roderick     Walter     Graham     Richard

Name Lists:

Resurrected Retro    Resonant Roman    Names from Enid Blyton    Names of Roses    Butterfly Names

 

If you like Patricia you may also like:   Clarissa, Pamela, Gloria, Lucille, Regina, Cynthia, Priscilla, Veronica, Angela, Vivian

 

Thanks to Katie for requesting Patricia. 

 

Slim Softies

Slim Softies are the masculine equivalent of the Dulcet Dainties. Just like their feminine counterparts, these names pack a small punch, with no strong sounds or profuse syllables.

They are also longstanding, with plenty of history, without being heavily associated with one era.

Masculine but not butch is the key here; these gentlemen exude a quiet and unpretentious strength and solidity.

Abel Adam Alec Aled Amos Arlo Asa Asher Barney Beau Ben  Bryn Colm Drew  Eben Eli Ellis

Eoin Euan/Ewan Ezra Finlay Finn George Gethin Glen Guy Henry Hugh Idris Ioan Iolo Ivo James Jamie

Jasper Jem Jesse Joah Job Joel John Jonah Jovan Jowan Jude Lance Leo Leon Levi Linus Lloyd

Louie Luca Luke Lyle Miles Milo Monty Moses Ned Noah Noam Noel  Oscar Owen Paul Ralph Rhodri

Rory Rowan Ruan Ruben Sam Seth Shea Silas Sol Soren Sorley Ted Theo Toby Wesley Wilf Willem