British Baby Names

UK Birth Announcements 23/9/13 - 29/9/13

A compilation of names from BAs announced in this week's newspapers, including two national papers (Times, Telegraph) and a broad range of local newspapers from across England, Wales and Scotland.

Sibling names are in brackets.

 

Boys:

Albert Joseph (Edie May & Elsie Rose)

Archie Thomas (Evie-Anne)

Arthur Rupert (Dylan, Campbell & George)

Arthur Thomas

Benjamin George

Charles "Charlie" Astley Robert (Sophie Elizabeth Astley & Alice Marguerite Astley)

Charles James (Betsy Anna & Pippa Elizabeth)

Charles Patrick Arthur

Connor Charles

Edward Elliott Donald (twins - Georgina Kate & Matilda Laura)

Elliott William

Ewan Benjamin (Madeleine Eve)

Frankie-Patrick (Mia-Rose)

George Samuel (Ethan)

Harry Nathan (Billy & Jake Luke)

Henry George

Henry James

Hugo Charles

Jac Alun (Ela Wyn & Lea Wyn)

Jack George

Jack Peter Thomas

Jenson Jack

Jo Ian (Zak Ross)

Joel Alexander (Sadie Eva)

Joey Nathan (Corey William)

John Donald

Joseph William

Lennon Francis

Leo Beau (Marley James & Buddy Thomas)

Leo Charlie (Lyra)

Leo George (Lauren & Harry)

Levi John Barry (Nicole & Genna)

Logan David

Louie George

Lukas Stephen Johannes (Kasper Engbertus Jack)

Mason Gerrard

Murray David (Dylan John & Harvey William)

Murray Keith

Oliver Philip Jeremy

Oliver William (Josh)

Oscar William

Payton Bailey

Riley Richard

Riley Thomas

Samuel Joseph (Joshua Lewis & Ciaran Matthew)

Sebastian Michael

Tate Paul (Finnley & Jackson Paul)

Theo William (Ella Grace)

Theodore Henry

Tucker Samuel Brandon

Walter Eric Robin

Wentworth Louis Canning

William Edward Maxwell

William Joseph Randle (Jonathan "Jonty" Andrew Guy)

William Peter

 

Girls:

Agatha Beth (Ella Muriel & Molly Alice)

Alice Eloise

Alice Maree

Alyce Grace

Amber Mmei

Anneliese Hope

Beatrice Jane (Maisie-Belle Joan)

Bethany Siena

Bonnie Colette

Charlotte Fay Julia

Charlotte Jessica (Emily Rose & Lucy Catherine)

Charlotte Lily

Charlotte Sienna Grace (Alice Georgia Rose)

Chloe Maya

Chloe Pamela 

Connie Rai Olivia (Archie George Luca)

Daisy Marie (Zara Catherine & Max Geoffrey)

Danielle Ruth

Dolcie Rose (Katy Audrey & Edward Frank)

Elizabeth Fiona Jane

Ella Denise

Elsie Bella (Declan & Theo)

Esme Olivia Grace

Esther Christine Joy

Eva Lilly (Nathan & Ronan)

Evie Kristin (Finlay David)

Iona May

Isabelle Victoria (Emilia Lily)

Isla Mae (Zara Nicole & Keira Lauren)

Ivyrose Cristina

Leah Rose (Isla)

Lexi Mai

Lilah Dixie (Dulcie Adelaide)

Lily Annie

Lois Olivia (Noah George)

Mabel Jane

Margaret Kate

Martha Adrienne Ann (Noah & Maisie)

Mia Alice Esmae (Finlay & Callum)

Mylie Rose

Niamh Kathleen

Nina Elizabeth (Carmen)

Olivia Alaine (Joel Andrew)

Petra Eden

Poppy Norah (William Paul)

Quinn Amy

Rosie Isabelle 

Selby Evie

Selene Robyn (Ellie-Jayne, Abbie-Louise & Alex Thomas John)

Spencer Willow (Rebecca & Niamh Ari)

Suzie Marianna (Harry & Joseph "Joe" Lloyd)

Sybil Sabrina Ernestine (Rex Anthony Octavian & Maud Dolores Diamond)

Tia-May (Jaden Thomas)

Tyler Brooke (Logan Dewar)

 

Name of the Week

There's sweet Clare, vintage Clara, pretty Clarissa
and Clarimond, a gothicly romantic name of medieval legend.

Origin:

The medieval name Clarimond started life as Claremunda, an Old Germanic hybrid. The first element is the Latin clarus "clear, bright, shining," also found in other Old Germanic names such as Clarenbald/Clerebald and German words such as aufklärung "enlightenment," demonstrating the word's early adoption in Teutonic languages. The second element, -munda, is the feminine form of munt "protector, hand". The latter was used in Clarmunt, the masculine equivalent of Claremunda.  The Medieval French variant Esclarmonde has led many to assume it comes from the French éclair du monde "light of the world" though this seems unlikely given Esclarmont and Claremonde were sometimes interchanged*.

Usage:

The name has been used in Britain since the 13th century, with both Claramunda and Cleremunda recorded in Wiltshire in 1249. The end of that century saw the creation the derived surnames Clermond, Claremont and Clermont, which are still in use today.  The name was not especially common, and was actually more prevalent in Old French Charlemagne-cylce chansons de geste in the French forms Claremonde and Esclarmonde. Esclarmonde (sometimes Claremond) was notably used as the name of the heroine in the 13th-century French epic Huon of Bordeaux. The romance was so popular it led to several sequels, including one entitiled Chanson d'Esclarmonde. A bevy of other variants appeared in other epics, including Claremond, Claraminnda, Clarmondyne and Clarymounde*. As for real women, Esclarmonde was used by the House of Foix from the 13th century, and most likely used in the wider locality. Esclarmonde de Foix (d.1215), or Esclarmonde the Great, was abbess of the Perfectae house at Pamiers and a prominent figure in Catharism in France, establishing schools for girls and several hospitals in the region. Esclarmonde Durban, who was seemingly unjustly killed for heresy in Lodève in 1322, also points to the name's wider use in France.  A pocket of baptisms for the name Claramonde / Claremond survive from the late 16th century in Gainsborough, Lincolnshire, and there are a handful of other batisms from York, Devon, Lancashire and Sussex spanning into the early 17th century. It was revived briefly in the 19th century; perhaps it was inspired by Nicolas des Escuteaux's beautiful vampire Clarimonde, or simply because it fit nicely with the Victorian trend for all things medieval and gothic, as a fascinating, if sneering, snippet from Frances Lichten's Decorative Art of Victoria's Era (1950) demonstrates: In the 1840's, even fashion was touched by the Romantic idea, and women added to the crinoline what was then called a "Gothic" corsage...Sentimental novel-reading mothers [...] saddled helpless girl-babies with the names of their favorite heroines... Women who lived beyond the duration of this craze went to their graves labelled for all time with the evidences of this fashion. A quick glance at the marble, flower-wreathed stones in the early Victorian section of any old cemetery will disclose that women bearing such names as Arzelia, Ermina, Rejessa, Markina, Clarimond, and Diademia once lived and breathed. There were 7 women named Clarimond on both the 1871 and 1881 UK census, living in both England and Wales. In 1901, 9 women were listed with the name. A few males were also named Clarmont during this period.  Overall, eleven women were registered with the name in England and Wales between 1838 and 1900. The last Clarimond to be registered was in 1919, though there was one Claremond in 1955.

Famous Bearers:

History:  * Esclarmonde de Foix (d.1215), abbess of the Perfectae house at Pamiers. Legend and Literature: * In Huon of Bordeaux (13th century), Esclarmonde is the beautiful Sracen heroine, daughter of the emir of Babylon. * Cléomade et Claremonde (1480), medieval romance of the knight Cléomade and the beautiful lady "la belle" Claremonde. * Les chastes et heureuses amours de Clarimond et Antonide (1601), a novel by Nicolas des Escuteaux. * Clarimonde is the beautiful woman who is revealed to be a vampire in Théophile Gautier's novel Clarimonde: La Morte Amoureuse (1863).

Variants:

Claremunda (Germanic), Clarimonde (French), Claremonde, Esclarmonde (Medieval French literature)

Pronunciation:

KLA-rə-mənd (UK)  KLE-rə-mənd (US) [key]

Possible  diminutives:

Clare. Clara, Clarrie, Clio, Cammy, Cora, Cori, Kimmy, Milla, Millie, Minnie, Romy

Sibling Names:

Pearline     Melisande     Eglantine     Loveday     Antigone    Thomasina      Franco      Corentin      Oberon      Alonzo     Bertrand      Wolfram

Name Lists:

Gothic Victoriana

 

If you like Clarimond you may also like:   Marigold, Amphelise, Constanza, Marcelina, Aloisia, Clarinda, Damaris, Elissent, Clarion, Drusilla

 

Thanks to Lumi for requesting Clarimond. 

Ancient Place Names

When I was at University, I was lucky enough to study Ancient History as an undergraduate degree. l found the whole subject absolutely fascinating, but I must admit that I could often get sidetracked from my studies whenever a research paper or book contained a map or list of ancient cities. You see, the name-nerd in me couldn't help revelling in the names of ancient places — I'd frequently roll the lyrical syllables around my tongue and scribbled them down on the corner of my research notes. 

A whole heap of ancient place names are not only mellifluous but also aesthetically pleasing, and as, sadly, many are lost to us today or have long-since been renamed, wouldn't it be nice to reclaim a few of them back into nomenclature? If Brooklyn, London and India are in fashion, why not Elaia, Lycia and Illyria? After all, the likes of Lydia, Sebastian, Petra and Alexandria prove positive that ancient place names do make perfectly acceptable and lovely first names. 

Listed below is a selection of ancient place names from across the Classical and Hellenic world. Some, you will notice, are already (and were at the time) used as given names; others were Greek or Latin names translations for sites across Asia, Mesopotamia and the Adriatic. 

Abila Adana Adra Adron Aedava Aegina Alalia (Aléria)  Alata Alesia Alexandria Alexandretta Alinda Allaria Altava Alyzia Amantia Amara Amaseia Ambracia Amida

Amphissa Andros Antissa Apollonia Argos Artemita Asti Athyra Attica Augusta Aurana (Hauran) Baia Cameria Caria Carteia Catania Coria Corinthia Cyrene Daphne

Dacia Dela Delphi Dendera Deva Didyma Dion Doris Edessa Elaia Elateia Elatreia (Elatria) Elea (Velia) Elesis Elis Entella Eretria Heraclea Hermione Himera

Illyria Ionia Issa Istriana Ithaca Kannia  Kressa Lamia Larissa Lilaia Lycia Lydia Lysa  Mallia Malva Marion Medana Medista Megara Mellaria

Messenia Messina Mevania Myra  Myrina Mysia Noreia Novae Olbia Olympia Pandosia Paros Pella Perseis Persepolis Petra Pollentia Sabina Salona Simon

Soli Sumeria Sybrita Tegea Theodosia Thera Therma Thesara Thessaly Thoricus Thrace Tomis Troy Tyros Varna Veleia Veneto Vinovia Zacynthus Zakros

Names in brackets denote an alternate name.

 

Sibling Spotlight for Arlo

Below is a selection of British siblings with Arlo, 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.

1900s: Arlo Draycott Trevor Draycott    1930s: Bryan K. Arloe P.    1960s: John P. Timothy Lucas Arlo Benjamin  1970s: Arlo Frey Saxon    Sama Jacob Arlo Joseph   Arlo Joshua Rowan Jake India Harriet   Arlo Kristijan O. Saffron Analise C.   Arlo Boz Lolita Sophie   Arlo John Joshua Franz Timothy David Fiona Louise   Arlo Xavier Luc Tristan   1980s: Arlo Emrys Elwyn Morgan   Arlo Francis Zanthe Rita    Lev Edward Arlo Kris   Elena Susan Arlo James Leon Michael   Megan Eva Arlo Neil Ezra Jake Arlo Louis    Alvin St Joseph Arlo Dieter Clayton Van   Arlo Jacob Aran Alexander   Arlo Andrew Victoria Faith   Ruby Mae Arlo Henry 1990s:  Megan Frances Arlo Joseph    Maia Susan Arlo Philip   Arlo Jack Bebe Amelia  Ben Alexander   Arlo Alfred Molly Amy Jethro Isaac Arlo  2000s: Max Cornelius Arlo Ambrose    Zoot Jacob Quinlan Lee Arlo Jose   Arlo Fyn Jem Jarvis   Dylan Blue  Rafferty Elvis Arlo Sparky   Arlo Benson Cohen Saul

2000s (cont): Angus Wilfred Arlo Bertie   Kaleb Jake Clarice Kerry Arlo Edward    Tibor Francis Arlo Paul   Thomas William Arlo Charles Meredith Elizabeth  Katherine Anna Arlo Jacob   Lola Maud Arlo Joseph Otto Bono Albert William C. Arlo Jesse N.   Jack Cameron Max Brinsley Arlo James Zinzan Arthur Juliana Eve    Lok Martin O. Arlo Jellico L. Gideon Oriel Esme Arlo Francis   Arlo Samuel Greta Rose  Jasmine Georgie E. Xavier Frederick M. Arlo Barnaby A. Finley Joshua A.   Prosper Florian Arlo Venn   Arlo Laurence Dowling Seth Redmond Dowling Nell Dowling   Arlo Gabriel Ronnie Arwen  Wilfred George Telfer "Wilf" Hermione Arlo Alexander Telfer    Elfie Grace Arlo Michael Easto   Arlo Zachary R. Zubin  Quincy Otis Aubrey & Viola Agnes Blue    Arlo Clint Bruno Kirk   Dylan Trevor T. Emmett Robert G. Arlo David J.   Arlo Michael W. Roman Alfie R.   Elliot Benjamin Arlo James Oliver Joseph   Louis Raphael Arlo Charles    Chloë Rose Jake Hewson Arlo Gaskin   2010s: Octavia Lily Brooke Arlo James Brooke   Arlo Patrice Ewan Alastair   Arlo Julian Sterling Gabriel Ewan Lionel Theo    Arlo Patrick Antony Safia Imogen    Arlo Jamie Bovill & Zinnia Elizabeth   Florence George James Arlo James    Honor Mary Petra Arlo Richard Lloyd

This post was requested by Frigg.

 

UK Birth Announcements 16/9/13 - 22/9/13

A compilation of names from BAs announced in this week's newspapers, including two national papers (Times, Telegraph) and a broad range of local newspapers from across England, Wales and Scotland.

Sibling names are in brackets.

 

Boys:

Andrew Archibald (Eleanor)

Atticus Edward Peregrine (Caspar Anthony Wallace & Ottilia "Tilly" Elizabeth)

Austin Edward

Caden Thomas

Caleb Michael (May & Josephine Mary)

Charles Chesters (Henry)

Charlie Alexander

Christopher Donald (Mark Macleod)

Coen Willis (Aeden)

Cuthbert Hugh (Beatrice)

Deio Llewelyn (Mali Fflur)

Dion Wyn

Donald Iain (Lewis Gavin)

Douglas Mark

Edward Max

Elliot Karl (Henry)

Forbes Alexander Denton

Frank Harry (Nell)

Frederick Matthew

Frederick Nicholas Bruce (Hector)

Frederick William (Constance "Connie" Elizabeth)

George Neil Martyn

George Rafferty (Willow Chloe & Jack)

Gregor Mitchell

Harrison James

Harry Robert (Jasmine)

Jack Michael

Jacob Elliot (Matthew David)

James Alexander

John Forbes (Max & Milo)

Josh Reuben (Harry)

Josh Richard (Ewan Robin)

Jowan Bry

Laurence Angus (Charlotte Lydia)

Laurence Joseph Henry

Leonardo Folke

Lewi Patrick (Harriet)

Louie David (Ashton George)

Magnus Eric

Mitchell Joseph

Morgan Rhys

Noah Adam

Noah Sydney Michael (Seth Alfie Edward)

Oscar Jay

Patrick Charles (Jacob)

Rafi Atticus Philip (Maximus Felix Hammond)

Riley James

Rowan Duncan (Elliott & Frazer)

Ruairidh Joseph Henry

Ryan Nigel

Sebastian "Sebbie" David Andrew 

Sonny Bo (Oscar & Dizzy)

Theo Joseph (Caleb James & Luca Josh)

Tirso James (William)

Troy Carter (Maddison, Mercedes & Peaches)

William Champion

William Peter

Wilson James (Mackenzie "Mack")

Zachary Nicholas (Joseph)

 

Girls:

Amelia Isabella

Amelia Rose

Amelie Harriet Stephenson

Amy Louise (Karen Jane)

Anna Carolyn (Zoe Annabel)

Annabel Kristina (Harry Michael)

Annabelle Louise

Annie Grace (Connor)

Aubrey Emelia

Ava Isabella

Ava Lily (Ethan & Isla)

Ava Rose (Eleanor, Toby & Louie)

Ava Rose (Lily Grace & Toby Robert)

Bria Louise

Charlotte Mia

Connie Grace (Ryan & Holly)

Ebony Rose (Esme Ada)

Eilidh Olivia (Ryan)

Eleanor Maria

Elizabeth Rose (Emma Louise)

Ellis Jane

Eloise Anna Dorothea

Eloise Henrietta 

Elsie May

Enlli Lois

Enya Jade

Erin Alison I

Eva Grace (Alex Christopher)

Evie Gray

Evie Skye (Ryan Matthew)

Freya Evie

Genevieve Rose (Florence Grace G, Toby Edward & Frank Patrick Peter)

Hattie May (Benjamin)

Hazel Yvonne Hadley (Lydia, Zoe & Jacob)

Hermione Beth (Grace & Summer Laura)

Isabella Nigelle -- seemingly named after late grandfather Nigel.

Isla Alice

Isla Connie

Isla Grace

Isla Janet Annie 

Kate Elizabeth (Lily Rose)

Leah Michelle

Lily Lavinia

Mary Myn Ashton (Beatrice Beverley Kit)

Mary Ruth

Mia Teagan

Mila Rose (Libbie Mae)

Molly Anna

Olivia Grace

Penelope Jennifer (Henrietta Prynne)

Phoebe Eden (Evan Rory)

Rosie Anne (Joshua, Henry and Archie)

Ruby Ella (Mya Nicole)

Scarlett Dorothy Yvonne

Scarlett Sophia 

Sophia Rose (Jackson John)

Willow Evelyn Christine (Poppy & Montgomery)

 

Twins:

Andrew & Martin (Alyssa)

Anya Elizabeth & Theo George

Florence & Josselyn (Kurt)

Hallie & Harvey (Harrison)

 

Name of the Week

'Everybody loves Raymond'
with his comfy retro style and Norman ancestry. 

 

Origin:

Raymond is a Germanic name derived from the Frankish Raginmund. It was composed of two prevalent name-elements.  The first, ragin, translates roughly as "might" or "counsel, advice," and is also found in the names Reginald, Ramirus and Rembrant. The second element is mund, a common Germanic, Old English and Norse name element, meaning "protection." The original meaning was more "guardian, handler," ultimately derived from the Proto-Indo-European *man- "hand." The spelling of Raymond comes via the Old French forms Raimond, Raimund and Reimond.

Usage:

As with so many well established Germanic names, Raymond was brought over to Britain by the Normans. It is recorded in the Latinised form Raimundus in the Domesday Book of 1086 in Essex. The same source also cites a Giraldus Reimundus, demonstrating use as a surname from an early date. Indeed, much of our evidence for Raymond's use in the Middle Ages comes from its use as a surname; Raymond, Raymont, Rayment and Raiment survive as surname forms today.  As a first name, Raymond was not especially popular in Britain during the Middle Ages, but it was consistently in use. In variant forms the name was also used in France, Germany and across the Continent in general. It was particularly notable in Spain and among European nobility such as the Counts of Toulouse, of which there were seven Raymonds from the 9th to the 13th century, and two Princes of Antioch.  Raymond continued in modest use from the 15th century onwards, but it wasn't until the 19th century that the name became popular. The Victorians loved all things medieval so Norman Raymond fitted nicely. UK census records show the steady increase of males named Raymond throughout the 19th century: 1841: 221 1861: 549 1881: 1,591 1901: 7,035 In 1880 in England and Wales, Raymond ranked #144 with 115 births. It rose to #101 (258 births) in 1890 and had entered the Top 100 at #89 (478 births) in 1900. From that point on, Raymond shot up the rankings, finally peaking in the 1930s and 1940s. It saw a gradual decline from that point on, leaving the Top 100 by the 1980s: 1904: #73  1914: #51 1924: #28 1934: #15 1944: #17 1954: #26 1964: #45 1974: #85 Since 1996, Raymond has ranked within the #300 and #800 mark. It was at a high point in 1996 when it ranked #312 (78 births); its lowest birth count was #703 (33 births) in 2004. In 2012, Raymond ranked #682 with 49 births, an increase of 9 births since 2011.  In Scotland, Raymond failed to make the Top 100 in 1900, though it was #29 by 1950 and #58 in 1975. Since 2005, the name has had a Scottish birth count of between 7 and 2. In 2012 Raymond ranked #669 with 3 births.

Famous Bearers:

History:  * Raymond IV, Count of Toulouse (c.1041–1105), one of the leaders of the First Crusade. * Saint Raymond of Penyafort (c.1175–1275), Catalan Dominican friar who compiled canon laws. He is regarded as the patron saint of lawyers.  * Saint Raymond Nonnatus (1204–1240), Catalan priest who ransomed Christian captives from the Moors. He is regarded as the patron saint of childbirth, midwives, children and pregnant women. * Sir Raymond Unwin (1863–1940), English architect and town planner. * Raymond Thornton Chandler (1888–1959), American author.  * Raymond Davis, Jr. (1914–2006), chemist and Nobel Prize winner in Physics.  Contemporary: * Raymond Blanc (b. 1949), French chef.

Variants:

Ramón (Spanish), Raimondo (Italian), Raimundo (Portuguese), Reamonn (Irish), Raimund (Dutch, German)

Pronunciation:

RAY-mənd [key]

Possible diminutives:

Ray, Red. Rade, Remy

Sibling Names:

Susannah     Lilian     Cicely     Josephine     Matilda     Wilhemina    Leonard     Edwin     Bertram     Franklin     Stanley    Quentin

Name Lists:

Resurrected Retro   Victorian Darlings   Names from Tennyson

 

If you like Raymond you may also like:   Edmund, Royston, Desmond, Leopold, Ralph, Walter, Ernest, Robert, Reginald, Gilbert

 

Thanks to Pia for requesting Raymond.

Finds from 1865

A selection of names from the GRO Birth Records for England and Wales in 1865. 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.

Arthur Mauritius Thomas Chasemore Philip Cleopas Henry Corin Vivian Correggio Courtenay Edgar Horatio Digby Latimer Francis Edmund Arcangelo Edward Byng Tally-ho Forward* Evan Hippolyte Jeremiah Wynne Ehud Dixon Franz Lincoln Frederick Garton Crucifix Handel Mozart Hans Caspar Ferdinand Max Heber Leonidas Horatio Lear Isaiah Nehemias Kenric Felix Kinsman Arthur King David Lachlan Nenian Lithrop Vane Medwin Caspar Mordaunt Lionel Orlando Adolphus Alexander Orloff Leopold Pelham Clarence Ottiwell Thomas Page (sn: Turner) Patrick Mahershalahashbaz Rembrandt Powell Robert Nemesis Juan  Septimus Felix Abraham Servetus Silvester Clarence Suwarrow Moore Theobald Alexander Maxmillian Tuttell Wallace Walter Lot Wolf Ezekiel  Zebedee Claro

Ada Celeste Lincolnia Deborah Adelaide Vashti Evelyn Florence Alma Glencora Arista Amelia Thisbe Archasadella Tildesley Bertha Leopoldine Albertine Claranda Melvina Georgina Cleopatra Beatrice Clotilde Angela Dagmar Josephine Kathleen Mavourneen Editha Bem Ulysses Lavinia Elsine Castilla Emma Ivory Beatrice Enid Ulrica Ethel Anchoretta Evelyn Theophila Faith Hope Charity Fidelity Constance Finnette Florence Glencora Amy Edith Grecia Horatia Georgina Pearce Hebe Matilda Henrietta Barbara Herminia Martha Jesusa Romana Macaria Angela Ima Mary (sn: Box) - yes, as in, "I'm a box" Indiana Charlotte Catherine Matilda Josephine Xaviera Kate Minetta Leonora Sydney Eleanor Lilian Demetra Lilley Valley Selina Lisabel Edith Loretta Rebecca Letitia Lorindia Olivia Ludevica Petrine Christine Mary Narcissa Melody Jane Missouri Enrichetta  Nina Tryphena Phoebe Dorcas Livia Prudence Medenia Rose Battistina Sidwell Selina Thetis Ann  Thirza Virtue Thyra Theodora Ursie Emma  Vanda Anne Dorothea Verena Maud Vida Eleanor  Vitricia Florence Adelaide Zettelia Leonora Sebelia Adelaide

.*Modern transcriptions, from the digitised type-written copy, have this name as Edward Bryn Tallyho Howard, though contemporary newspaper articles record Edward Byng Tally-ho Forward. 

The use of Glencora is most likely inspired by the character Lady Glencora Palliser in Anthony Trollope's novel Can You Forgive Her? which was published as a series in 1864 and 1865.

 

UK Birth Announcements 9/9/13 - 15/9/13

A compilation of names from BAs announced in this week's newspapers, including two national papers (Times, Telegraph) and a broad range of local newspapers from across England, Wales and Scotland.

Sibling names are in brackets.

 

Boys:

Alexander Archibald William

Alexander Christopher Marie (Jacques Joachim Ralph Marie)

Alexander Ryan

Alexander Thomas James (Liam)

Angus John  (Ellin-ann)

Barnaby Hugo Jenson 

Barnes George David Alan

Benedict Felix Macdonald (twins: Isla Polly Appleby & Rose Irene Hilleary)

Buddy George

Charles William Rocco (Arabella Charlotte Aurora)

Charlie Francis

Colman Luke

Elis Meilir

Farren Lloyd (Courtney Nicole & Aleaha)

Finlay Nicholas

Finlay Thomas Stanhope

Fraser Elliot (Amelie)

Freddie William

Gabriel James

George Edward

George Timothy (Timothy Duncan Putra)

Gwil Samuel (Cadi Mai) 

Hamish Glen (Eva & Blair)

Harley John (Jordan, Morgan, Ruby & Summer)

Heath Roll (Elliot Tompsett)

Isaac James (Danny & Jacob)

Jon Richard Colin

Joshua George

Kian Robert

Lachlan Gordon (Ruari, Keir, Struan & Isla)

Logan Drake Rennie

Logan John (Callum)

Louis Arthur Morris

Louis James

Mason Thomas (Beau)

Matthew James (Nicholas John)

Matthias Edleston (Ralph Patrick)

Michael Francis Gordon

Noa Jac (Efan Jac)

Noah Ian

Oscar William

Peter James (Elizabeth Neve, Iona Susan & Isabella Marie)

Rafe William (Madeline Harper)

Rome Cace (Kayne John)

Rufus Redgrave Page

Sebastian Andrew Leo

Seth Caiden (Jay, Megan & Tristan)

Spencer Luke

Theo Lewis Lovell (Max)

William John Wedgwood

Zachariah Michael Philip

 

Girls:

Alexandra Sophie Louise

Amelia Joy

Annie May

Annie Phillipa (Molly)

Aurelia Autumn Ottilie Velvet (Sienna Araminta Elizabeth Alice)

Beatrix Christine Elizabeth

Bella Pauline

Cecily Isla Mary (Ralph Thomas William Peter "Thomas" & Henry William Robert)

Charlotte Amelia

Cosima Rae Olusola

Darcy Lauren

Emily Louise

Esmae Iris (Evelyn Rose)

Esmé Caroline Polly (Sienna)

Etta Jane

Eve Juliet 

Evelyn "Evie" Rose (Wilbur Charles)

Faith Amanda

Fflur Wyn (Sara Lois)

Flora Elizabeth (Cecily Joyce)

Florence Isabella (Tabitha Rose & Clara Elizabeth)

Florence Louise (Scarlet Robyn)

Grace Isla (Luke)

Gwen Haf (Elen Angharad & Owain Rhys)

Imogen Poppy

Imogen Rose

Isabella Ocean

Isis Mireille (Arabella Grace, Circe Rose & Atticus James)

Isla Lilac Dora

Lacie Isabella (Callum & Kayleigh)

Laurel Kathryn Primrose (Michael Winston & John William)

Lily Camillia Rose (Harry)

Lottie Madeleine Georgia

Megan Neve

Melody Hannah

Orla Sarah

Phoebe Margaret Alice (Ruby Elizabeth Grace & Harry Arthur Joe)

Phoebe Rose Susanna

Poppy Dorothy

Seren Beau (Jude James)

Sophie Alba

Susie Ivy (Brent Jnr, Evie Isabella & Harry Graham)

Tamara Emma

Thea Grace

 

Twins:

Alexandria Aprille & Katerina Patricia (Stephen Benjamin)

Cleo Kinvara & Patrick Theodore (Sam)

Finlay Jacob & Freddie Thomas

George Richard & Florence Ann Dorothy (Alice & Bobby)

Leila Grace & Mia Yasmine (Leo & Felix Robert)

 

Name of the Week

A name rich in arcane echoes^*
borne by an ancient warrior-queen
and a saintly medieval princess.

 

Origin:

Camilla is a Latin name with convoluted origins. Both the Latin terms camilla, for girls, and camillus, for boys, were used in Rome as a titular-name, given to noble children who attended the Flamen Dialis, the High Priest of Jupiter, and assisted at religious functions such as wedding ceremonies.  Camillus became used as a Roman cognomen — most likely to those who had once held the title — flourishing particularly within the gens Furia. One of the most famous members of the Furii Camilli was Marcus Furius Camillus (c.446-365 BC), a Roman statesman and soldier (appointed dictator five times) who was honoured with the title "Second Founder of Rome." Camilla, however, was, more significantly, the name of the legendary warrior Queen of the Volsci. The origin of her name is uncertain. According to Virgil's Aeneid, Camilla was the daughter of King Metabus who was exiled into the wilderness with his infant daughter. He named her after her mother Casmilla, but altered it to Camilla, and brought her up to be a great huntress and proficient Amazonian warrior. She is said to have been able to run so swiftly that she could cross a field of corn without bending a single blade, and could cross sea without wetting her feet. Whether Virgil intended the Latin camilla isn't certain, but it was likely a contributing reference. Another source could have been the Etruscan Camillus which, according to the Greek poet Callimachus (d.c.240 BC), was an alternate name for Hermes/Mercury, the personal agent of Zeus and herald of the gods. In Etruscan, the word camillus is though to have meant praeminister deourm, an attendant of the gods.  Another very similar name, Kasmillos (or Kadmillos), was borne by one of the Cabeiri, and is very reminiscent of Camilla's mother's name, Casmilla. The Cabeiri were an important group of deities worshiped over much of Asia Minor and Northern Greece: the god Axiocersus and his son and attendant Kadmillos/Kasmillos and a less-important female pair, Axierus and Axiocersa. The Greek's associated them with Hades, Hermes, Demeter and Persephone respectively.  It has been suggested that the name Kasmillos/Kadmillos was used in the Samothracian Mysteries to describe a diety who attended greater gods — not too dissimilar from the role of Hermes/Mercury (i.e. Camillus) or the titular Latin camilla.  From infancy Queen Camilla was dedicated by her father to Diana and, like the goddess herself, she was raised as to be a keen huntress and warrior virgin. This devotion continued and, when Camilla was killed in battle, Diana ensured her death was avenged. This close connection between Diana and Camilla (one which today has a certain modern irony) could also suggest that Virgil chose both Casmilla and Camilla because Camilla herself was a votaress and attendant of the goddess.

Usage:

Camilla has been in use in Britain since the Middle Ages, though it was rare. One Camilla appears in the Curia Regis Roll of Essex in 1208, but there is scant evidence of its use elsewhere. The name was, however, in regular use in Italy. A notable bearer was the Italian princess Camilla Battista da Varano (1458–1524), daughter of a Duke of Camerino who became a Poor Clare nun, abbess and prolific writer. She was beatified in 1843 and canonised in 2010.  Camilla eventually came into regular use in Britain from the late 16th century. It was uncommon at first, but became progressively more popular over the preceding centuries.  The name was given a boost by the publication of the novel Camilla by Frances Burney (Madame d'Arblay) in 1796, which was an instant hit, selling out in its first edition. The protagonist of the novel, seventeen-year-old Camilla Tyrold, was originally called Ariella but was changed to Camilla by Burney shortly before publication.  The 1841 UK census lists 121 Camillas with 102 living in England. The number had risen to 207 in 1861, 325 in 1881 and 462 in 1900. Usage of the name was regular in England and Wales in the 19th century, though it never broke into the Top 200, and continuted steadily in the 20th century. Leslie Dunkling's statistics on the number of births for every 10,000 registered in England and Wales gives specific picture of Camilla's use: 1955 - 2 (in every 10,000) 1960 - 1  1965 - 0   1970 - 1 1975 - 1 1980 - 2 1985 - 2 1990 - 10 In 1996, Camilla ranked #462 (62 births) in England and Wales. It saw a decline in the preceeding years: #527 (50 births) in 1997, #557 (50 births) in 1999, #816 (29 births) in 2001, #712 (39 births) in 2003, #931 (29 births) in 2005, #716 (47 births) 2007, #689 (53 births) in 2009 and #652 (61 births) in 2011.  In 2012, Camilla ranked #639 with a birth count of 65, the highest number in the last sixteen years.   Camilla is more common elsewhere in Europe. It ranked in Denmark's top 50 up until 2009 (it was #1 there in 1996) and Norway's top 100 before 2008 (#17 in 1997). Camilla was also #22 in Italy in 2004; Camila was #2 in Buenos Aires in 2005, Camille was #3 in France in 2000; Kamilla was #34 in Hungary in 2010 and Kamila was #41 in Poland in 2009.

Famous Bearers:

History:  * Saint Camilla (d.437), a hermitess and disciple of St Germanus.  * Saint Camilla Battista da Varano (1458–1524), an Italian princess and a Poor Clare nun and abbess. * Camilla Collett (1813–1895), Norwegian feminist novelist, essayist, and literary critic. Contemporary: * Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall (b.1947), wife of Charles, Prince of Wales.  * Camilla Dallerup (b.1974), Danish ballroom dancer and model.   * Camilla Henemark "La Camilla" (b.1964), is a Swedish singer, actress, political spokesperson and former fashion model. * Princess Camilla of Bourbon-Two Sicilies, Duchess of Castro (b.1971), wife of Prince Carlo, Duke of Castro.  * Camilla Belle (b.1986), American actress.  Literature and Other Media: * Camilla (1796), a novel by Frances Burney.  * Camilla (1799), an opera by Ferdinando Paer. * Camilla (1801), an opera by Valentino Fioravanti. * Camilla Dickinson (1951), a novel by Madeleine L'Engle.   Other: * HMS Camilla, a Royal Navy 20-gun Sphinx-class post ship, launced in 1776.  * 107 Camilla, an asteroid.

Variants:

Camila (Spanish, Portuguese), Camille (French), Kamila (Czech, Polish, Slavic)

Pronunciation:

kam-IL-ə [key]

Possible  diminutives:

Cam, Cammy, Kimmy, Milla, Millie

Sibling Names:

Lucinda     Beatrice     Marguerite     Cecily     Xanthe    Sabina      Hector      Robert      Xavier      Hugh     Philip      Maxim

Name Lists:

Upright Elegance   Resonant Roman   Demi-gods and Mortals of Mythology   Names from Jane Austen   Names from Tennyson   Dickensian Names   Butterfly Names

 

If you like Camilla you may also like:   Candida, Alethea, Cosima, Calixta, Willa, Philippa, Claudia, Flavia, Cressida, Sybilla

 

Thanks to Lucie for requesting Camilla. 

*Quoted from Nicholas Horsfall's Virgil, Aeneid 7: A Commentary.

UK Birth Announcements 2/9/13 - 8/9/13

A compilation of names from BAs announced in this week's newspapers, including two national papers (Times, Telegraph) and a broad range of local newspapers from across England, Wales and Scotland.

Sibling names are in brackets.

 

Boys:

Albie Mac (Ava Bessie)

Alexander James (Emily Isla)

Alexander James Archie (Gabriella Ruby & Sophia Evelyn)

Alexander Richard (Abigail)

Alistair William Peter (Isobel Catriona)

Andrew Michael

Archie Kai (Kenzie Rio)

Brodie (Bertie & Trudie)

Bruno Scott

Buddy Jan Jessett (Nicholas "Nic", Charlie & Leo Josef)

Caleb Daniel

Caleb Luke

Carson Alexander (Matthew, Emma & Andrew)

Charles Ptolemy Nevill (Henry Rafe Nevill)

Christopher George Ross (Susannah, John & Edward)

Clayton

Dara James (Andrew Richard Michael)

Dexter Jacob

Dutchie Winston Noah

Ethan Michael

Euan Robert

Evan Michael Robert

Felix George Arthur

Finlay James

Frederic George William (Daisy Jane Scarlett)

Frederick Charles

Gavin Alastair

George Geoffrey

George Harwood Cash (Jemima Grace)

Gregor Samuel (George Alan Stephen)

Harry Maurice

Harvey Eric Arthur (Imogen & Riley Keith)

Hector Christopher Louis Curzon

Hudson Ross (Milo Christopher Shaun)

Jack Baylis

Jack George

Jacob Ronald

Jenson Alexander Barry (Liam David)

John Bartholomew Justice (twins: Stephen Theodore Fox & Maximilian Marmaduke Charles - known as Theodore and Marmaduke)

Joseph Thomas

Joshua David (Jacob)

Kage Anthony

Kaidyn Craig George (Laila Jayne)

Keaton William (Nyah, Georgia, Lauren & Zack)

Lochlan Charles

Matthew Alasdair (Daniel John)

Maximus Kenneth Roy

Michael Scott (James & Grace Margaret)

Milan Abraham

Muir Christopher (Rosie Charlotte)

Nate Finley (Scarlett Katie)

Nicolas "Nico" Henry George (Max Richard George)

Oscar Dudley Cooper

Oscar Freddie (Elliott Brian & Ralph Spencer)

Phoenix William

Reggie Ray

Reuben Michael Thomas

Robbie Christopher (Rory)

Samuel Finlay 

Sebastian Frederick (Alexander)

Stanley Albert Andrew (Dulcie Olivia)

Stanley William

Theodore Sam (Thomas & Amelia)

Thomas Alan 

Thomas Raffi (Cameron, Rachel & Emma)

Toby Henry (Millie, Cooper & Gracie)

Zachary James (Joseph & Austin Jon)

Girls:

Alice Mary de Lerisson

Alyssia Jo

Amber Auriol 

Amelia Rose (Kayla)

Anna Katherine (Emily Alison)

Anna Thalia (Toby Armstrong)

Annabell Rose

Aoife Ella

Aoife Mary

Ava Grace (Beth & Neve)

Beatrice Patricia

Bethany Paige

Blaire Kathryn (Ross & Sophie)

Blossom Dorothy (Hope, Harlow & Bernie Hanley (b))

Bonnie Rose

Christina Clementine Coventry

Clemmie Rose

Efa Lois

Elizabeth Frances

Ellie Jill

Elsie Lilah (Lola Florence)

Emily Rosalind Lowry

Florence Evie

Freya Emily Harper

Georgia Elexis (Brandon Ellis)

Grace Elizabeth (Stephen & Mark)

Isabelle Grace

Isabelle Sophie Alice (Charlotte Molly Daisy & Chloe)

Isla Grace 

Isobel Marie Grace

Jemima Grace (Olivia Rose)

Jessica Diamond (Connor Ian & Kyle Alexander)

Kerryn Claire

Lilly-Anne Elizabeth

Lottie Ava 

Lucy Alana (Thomas, Ben & Emily)

Lucy Ellen

Lyla Paige

Lyra Sylvia (Oscar)

Maisie Grace (Evie Beth)

Merrin Annie (Finn & Skye Thea)

Molly Jo (Isabel)

Naomi Jennifer Patricia

Nina Emily Fouzia

Peggy Frances Sydney

Penelope Tracey Diane 

Poppy Anna

Robyn Olivia

Scarlett Emma

Sienna Mae

Sienna May (Scarlett Rose)

Skye Lillie Andrena (Brooke Victoria Josephine)

Violet Evelyn

Willa Poppy (Sebastian)

Yazmin-Lea (Shayne)

 

Twins:

Charlotte May  & Liliana Grace

Emily Esme & Jacob Joseph

 

Triplets:

Toby, Elodie & Maisie