British Baby Names

Gothic Victoriana

The Gothic revival (otherwise known as Neo-Gothic or Gothic Victorian) was one of the foremost trends of the Victorian era. Their love of medieval, classical and biblical myths and legends — coupled with the romance of the Pre-Raphaelites, gothic literature (Romanticism), great strides in archaelogy and even a fascination with magic and the occult — permeated into all aspects of Victorian life, from architecture to clothing and most certainly names. 

Ladies' magazine of the mid-century saw a flurry of heroines bearing names such as Glaphyra, Zemira, Adelgitha and Orinda, and you only need to look at my Finds from... series to find the influence of this gothic trend in lavish names such as Garton Crucifix, Mordaunt Lionel, Wolf Ezekiel, Desolata, Claranda Melvina Georgina and Grecia Horatia. 

This list sits in the same vein as the Upright Elegance list, but with a bit more drama, mysticism and evocation of the ancients. 

All of the names below were used in the Victorian era as genuine given names (and in more than one instance).

Achilles Aeneas  Albany  Albion  Almeric Alpheus  Andronicus Amadeus Amias Amraphel  Aquilla  Archelaus  Arphaxad  Artemas Aurelian  Balthazar Barnabas Bartleby Beresford  Cadwallader  Casimir Caspar Cassander Cephas Cornelius  Courtenay  Cyprian

Cyrillus Darius Demosthenes  Devereux Dryden   Edric  Ethelbert  Eusebius Everard   Ferdinand Galenus  Granville  Hamlet  Hercules  Ignatius  Isambard  Justinian  Lancelot Lapidoth Lazarus  Leoline Leonidas   Marsena  Melancthon  Melbourne  Montmorency  Mortimer

Mycroft Nehemias  Octavius  Orestes  Pharoah  Philemon  Philetus  Prospero Ptolomy Ranulphus  Swithin  Sylvester Tarquin  Taliesin Theoderic Theophilus  Tresillian  Trevelyan  Ulric Vane  Vitruvius Voltaire Vyvyan Wolfgang   Wolstan  Xenophon Xerxes

Adamantine Adeliza Alcesta  Ambrosina  Anchoretta Andromeda  Aramantha Artemisia Asenath Aspasia  Bathsheba Bellamira Bellicent  Belvidera  Boadicea Brilliana Castilla Celestia Clarimond Cleopatra  Constantia Crescentia Deidamia Delilah Demetria Desdemona Dorinda

Drusilla Emerentiana Esmeralda Esperanza Etheldreda Ethelfleda  Eurania Eusebia  Everalda  Euphrosyne Hesper(ia) Hortensia Isidora Isoline Laodamia Lucretia Lucrezia Lusitania Lystra Marcellina  Medea Medora Melusina Melvina Milborough  Minerva Morforwyn

Morgana Morrigan  Morwenna Narcissa Pandora Petronilla Philadelphia Rowena Semiramis  Sophronia  Syndonia Theodocia Theodorine Theophania Tryphena Tryphosa Ursuline  Vashti Vesperina Victorine  Violetta Xantippe Ximena Zenobia Zetilla Zilla Zuleika

Contemporary Combos for Juno

Below are all the first name combinations for Juno, registered from 1975 to 2005 in England and Wales. 

Ironically, Juno only received between 1 and 7 births per year up to 2005; since then, Juno has been climbing in usage (40 births in 2012), but I unfortunately don't have access to all these additional combos. 

Juno Abigail  Juno Aileen  Juno Amabel K  Juno Billy  Juno Blythe  Juno Carey   Juno Cecilia A  Juno Chandini Juno Christian   Juno Clare Emily  Juno Doreena M  Juno Elizabeth O Juno Emmeline

Juno Erin  Juno Frances R   Juno Golden  Juno Hazel E  Juno Heloise  Juno Hermione  Juno Indigo  Juno Jupiter  Juno Karla Juno Katrea  Juno Liberty P  Juno Lily Juno Louise

Juno Lucy B   Juno Mary A  Juno Matilda  Juno Mia Juno Miriam  Juno Morgan  Juno Oliver Juno Paulina Margaret Juno Philippa  Juno Poppy  Juno Randall M  Juno Rani  Juno Rose

Juno Sidonie S  Juno Stancie L  Juno Stacy M  Juno Sweetpea  Juno Valentino  Juno Venetia S  Juno Vera A  Juno Victor  Juno William  Juno Xonnel M  Lily-Juno

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

Alphanso Juno Anya Juno Athena Juno Belah Juno Caitlin Juno Catherine Juno Celia Juno D  Charlotte Juno Chloe Juno Eliza Juno Emily Juno Emma Juno

Eugenie Juno Foxglove Juno  Francesca Juno Genevieve Juno Gina Juno Hannah Juno Hebe Juno Honor Juno Isabella Juno Isla Juno James Juno Jardin Juno

Jemima Juno Jennifer Juno Jessie Juno Jovan Juno Kiya Juno Leanor Juno Levi Juno Lily Juno London Juno S  Lucy Juno A   Marie Juno Millie Juno

Miriam Juno Nathaniel Juno Olivia Juno  Parise Juno Rafaela Juno Tamzin Juno Tara Juno Shiyane Juno C  Sophie Juno Sydney Juno Victoria Juno Zoe Juno

Juno's registered between 1855 and 1910:

Juno Elizabeth
Juno Mary Ann
Juno Priscilla
Juno Viola
Juno Ethel
Juno Belle
Juno Muriel Jane 

 

This post was requested by Madelyn.

UK Birth Announcements 21/10/13 - 27/10/13

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:

Ace

Alec Jay Sebastian

Anouar Blake (twins: Django Aldous & Gabriel Luis)

Archie Michael

Benedict "Ned" Frederick Alexander (Florence)

Charlie Wynford

Dawson Graham

Dexter Graeme (Ellie & Katie)

Egan Bryan

Ethan Noah

Felix Kenneth Strick (Hector Alexander Brisbane & Cosmo Seymour Victor)

Fergus Henry (Hector)

George Gerald

Hamish Malyn Richard

Harley Anthony (Aston Jason)

Harry George

Henley William Leonard

Isaac Thomas (Scarlett Rose & Freya Grace)

Jack William (Ava & Sophie)

Jacob Arthur (Lily Mae)

Joseph David (Daisy Mae)

Joshua George

Jude Eden Oscar (Caleb Sonny Noah "Sonny")

Leighton James (Cody & Dexter)

Leo Patrick Harold

Luca Neil

Matthew Steven

Max Albert James

Max David Arjun (Lara Simran & Oliver Jonathan Vivek)

Max John (Zack James)

Murray Robert (Isla Jean)

Nathan James William

Noah Fraiser (Florence Marie)

Oliver Spencer

Oscar Louis Austin

Oscar Neil Reginald

Oswald Sebastian (Atticus Edward)

Otis Charles James

Patrick John (Fergal James)

Reggie Walter

Riley Jude

Rufus James (Charles Joseph)

Ryder George (Raven James)

Sebastian Joseph

Sebastian Simon (Letitia, Charlie & Keira)

Seth Wilfred

Sonny David Hendrix

Stanley James (Albert "Bertie" John)

Struan Lindsay (Campbell & Fergus)

William Angus

Girls:

Allegra Flora

Alys Sophie

Amelie Rose

Amélie Louise Anne (Aoife Mae)

Anna Elaine Lydia

Annabelle Grace

Belén Catalina (José Andres Rodriguez & Ignacia Maria Teresa)

Beth Ellen (Hannah Marie)

Betsan Rosita River (Griffyd "Griff" Hunter Heber)

Cecily Bohème

Charlotte Maria Mabel (Harry)

Dakota Aurora (Brody)

Darcey Alice

Edie Betty

Elissa Lacie

Eliza Georgina

Emma Rhiannon Elizabeth (Edmund John)

Eve Margaret (May Louisa & Samuel "Sam" Fardon Linton)

Florence Grace Autumn (Azaleia Rose May & Beatrix Violet Ivy)

Francesca Rose

Grace Jane

Jasmine Grace (Jessica Jane)

Jenna Laura Grace (Johnathan Carl F., Gabrielle "Gabby" Alexandra, Louis Malcolm & Leo Kenneth)

Larney Elsa (Madison Jinnie)

Libby Jean

Lilia Priya (Roman Christopher David)

Mia Violet

Mirin Alannah

Neve Esther (Esme Kerris)

Nuala Elizabeth

Peyton Angeline

Phoebe Rayne (Ben)

Phoebe Rose

Poppy Kathryn

Rosie Grace

Serenity-Grace Doreen

Shiloh Rose

Sophia Ella

Sophie Laetitia Jane (Thomas)

Tilly Love (Joe, Harlee Spencer & Oakley Lennon)

Zoe Lauren (Bethany Ina & Jenson Leo)

 

Twins:

Ettilie Elsie Mabel & Elodie Nancy Florence (Monty)

Thomas George & Theo Jack (Lola Violet & Joe William James)

Name of the Week

With Eve, Evie and Evelyn in the Top 100,
perhaps its time again to revive elegant Evelina. 

Origin:

Evelina is a variant of Avelina, a diminutive form of the Old Germanic name Avila.  Avila itself derives from the Old Germanic name Ava, the origins of which are very mysterious.  It is generally thought that Ava is the feminine form of Germanic Avi or Avo, which could either be connected to the Germanic tribe of the Aviones or from the Old Germanic alfi "elf."  Another possibility is that Ava developed as a variant of Eve, a Hebrew name meaning "life", with which it has been much confused over time.  Avelina is often further confused with avellana, the Latin name for the hazel tree.

Usage:

Aveline, the Old French form of Avelina, was brought over to Britain by the Normans. Aveline had a long history of use among the Normans; Avelina of Longeville was the sister of Gunnor, wife of Richard I of Normandy and great-grandmother of William the Conqueror. The name was not very popular in Britain over all, but it was used regularly across the Middle Ages. Records include instances of Avelina, Avelin, Avelyna and Avelyn in the Curia Regis Rolls of 1189, 1200, 1273 and 1430, and the Norfolk Poll Tax of 1379. It was certainly used enough times to create the surname Aveline, Aveling and, in some cases, Evelyn. The Normans also took Aveline over to Ireland where it was borne by many aristocratic Norman-Irish ladies. It was rendered into Irish Gaelic as Aibhilín or, more commonly known today, Eibhlín which were later anglicised as Aileen and Eileen.  By the 16th century, Avelina was uncommon but still used sporadically in areas such as Berkshire, Kent and Norfolk. The major turning point for the fortunes of Evelina came with the publication of Frances Burney's novel Evelina in 1778. Burney no doubt based her choice for the name Evelina on her first manuscript, The History of Caroline Evelyn, which she had earlier destroyed by having her fictional Evelina as the daughter of said Caroline Evelyn. The novel was a huge success, and with that came a rise in popularity for the name Evelina.  In 1863, Charlotte Mary Yonge wrote that Evelina was an "ornamental name" that "at present is most in vogue." It never made it into the top 100, though it reach a peak in the 1870s. In 1880, Evelina ranked #192 (81 births) in England and Wales and #210 (74 births) in 1890.  It declined significantly in England and Wales from that point on: 1900: 44 births 1910: 35 births 1920: 15 births 1930: 6 births 1940: 2 births  From 1996 to 2005, Evelina only had a birth count of between 3 and 10 (#1843 in 2003). Since then however, Evelina has been steadily and quietly rising: #1748 (13 births) in 2006, #1093 (27 births) in 2008, #1013 (33 births) in 2010, #959 (37 births) in 2011 and #874 (43 births) in 2012.

Famous Bearers:

History:  * Evelina Gertrude de Rothschild (1839–1866), English socialite and first openly unconverted Jew to sit in the British House of Commons. * Evelina Haverfield (1867–1920), British suffragette and aid worker. Contemporary: * Evelina Papoulia (b. 1971), Greek actress. * Evelina Petrova (b. 1974), Russian composer. * Ewelina Flinta (b. 1979), Polish singer. * Evelina Simonaho (b. 1984), Swedish actress.  Literature and other media: * Evelina (1778) a novel by Frances Burney. * Arvire et Évélina (1788), a French-language opera by Antonio Sacchini. Other: * Dolpha evelina, a species of brush-footed butterfly

Variants:

Eveline (French), Aveline (Old French), Avelina (Old German), Eibhlín, Eileen, Aileen (Irish), Eveliina (Finnish), Evelien (Dutch), Ewelina (Polish)

Pronunciation:

ev-ə-LEE-nə [key]

Possible  diminutives:

Eva, Eve, Evie, Lena, Lia, Lina, Liv, Neve, Nia, Vela, Vina

Sibling Names:

Rosanna     Flora     Penelope     Ottilie     Delphine    Viola      Atticus     Lawrence     Raphael     Maximus     Rufus     Montgomery

Name Lists:

Slickly Continental

 

If you like Evelina you may also like:   Sabina, Verena, Eulalia, Genevieve, Serena, Linnea, Angelina, Beatrix, Leonie, Livia

 

Thanks to Stephanie for requesting Evelina. 

Sibling Spotlight for Ottilie

Below is a selection of British siblings with Ottilie, 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.

1850s: Mathilda Ferdinand Rudolf Ottilie    Sophia Ottilia 1860s: George Victor Olga Ottilie    (Samuel) George Augusta Ada Blanch Ottilia Mary Ann Frederick Andrew Henry John William Charles Rhoda Alice   Cecilia Elizabeth Emma Emily George Henry Charles William Watts Ottilie Ada Matilda  1870s: Ottilie Laura Charles Henry Richard Ernest Alfred Theodore Eugenie Frances Edwin Alexander Felix Arthur   Theresa Wilhelmina H. Ottilie Hildegarde E. Augustus Herman Catharine Marie "Katie" Florence Edith S. Bertha Lillian L.  Valesca Rosalie Charles Oscar Ottilie Flora Edwin George   Amelia (Mary) Louisa William Edward Ottilie Augusta Matilda Eugenie Edward Leopold   Katherine Herman Esther Duncan Ottilie Ludovic   John Emma Jeannette & Ottilia Clara May    1880s: Henry Jonas Abraham Christine L Mary Ann Otillia Agnes Annie Hephzibah Grace Sophia Winifred    William Richard Adolph Edward (Louis) Ferdinand (Charles) Edwin Ottilie Wilhelmina   1890s: Hilda Theodore Ottilie Frederick Gertrude  Aleona Ruby Albert    Olaf  Ragna Lilla Ottilie Jens Nellie Petra    Martha Ottilie Lily Oscar Frederick William     Charles Max Elsie Mary Hermina Gwen Otillia Helena Thomas Henry John Henry Edgar William Theodora Amelia & Theodore Frederick    Elias Carolina Rebecca Ottilie Sarah  1900s: Kathleen Cicely Claire Ottilie Mervyn Joan  Isobel C. V.    Oscar Ottilie Olga    Ottilie Mary Myra Ann  Margaret Elizabeth Hilda Jane Sarah C.    Winifred Jane  Alfred Ferdinand Emily Esmeralda Oswald Paul Ottilie Nora Ida Emma H. Robert Henry Ethel Aline George E.

1970s: Arabella Ruth Ottilie Judith  1980s: Phillida Eilonwy Rosy Mattilda Clementine Chloe Ottilie Harriet    Ottilie Alexandra Alden James   Zuleika Florence Boudicca Zymbeline & Ottilie Boudicca   Beatrice Jane Ottilie Grace Rupert Benjamin Georgia Imogen   Ottilie Renate Saskia Gabriele   Ottilie Claire Piers Plymouth Benedict Stanham   1990s:  Claudia Iolanthe Antonia Constance Alexandra Mary Ottilie Margaret Rose   Thaddeus Alexander Ottilie Ines Rose   Matilda Mary Cluny Amelia Ottilie Elizabeth   Tabitha Freya Ottilie Vita Hermione Helena Ottilie Frances Titus Nathaniel Dudley   Augustus Lettice Eliza Rose Ottilie Matilda Mary   Ottilie Frances Gretel Maximilian Rory John 2000s: Jasper Leonard Ottilie Teona    Araminta Polly "Minty" Fergus Alexander "Gus" Henry Frederick "Harry" Ottilie Lucia   Ismay Alice Kay Ottilie Emma Grace Alexandra George Patrick W. Ottilie Sophia G. Tallulah Endellion Louise   Ottilie Rose Agnes Elizabeth   Darcy Henrietta G. Ottilie Thomasina B. Hermione Cecily Lorna   Ottilie Georgia A. Martha Betsy Mary   Finty Hebe Ottilie    Rupert Henry Augustus Ottilie Judith Harriet   Jemima Norah Phoebe Cameron Ottilie Florence Henry Richard A. Edie Clementine Ottilie Elizabeth    Oliver Timothy Ottilie Allegra Amelia   Poppy Cardean Angus Christopher & Zachary Charles "Zack"  Ottilie Upton "Tilly"  Alfred Henry Ottilie Eve   Hermione Alexandra Freya Rosalind Ottilie India    Lauren Alexandra India Plum Maisie Marion Ottilie Bluebell Molly    Willa Rosie Makepeace Ottilie Skye Lorna   Ottilie Anna  Rafferty Christopher Lysander Charlie   Amelie Lettice Honey Ottilie Betty Bunny   Ottilie Jane Rose Helen Verena Mary Edith Amelia Florence Cecily Grace Charlotte Flavia    Ottilie Lavinia Rose Ophelia Harriet Poppy Tobias David Hugh   2010s: Augustus Christopher Wyndham Ottilie Alice Mollie    Beatrice Mary "Bee" Ottilie Mary Jonathan Peter "Johnny" Wilfred Kit Diggory    Isla Acacia Ottilie Elizabeth    Ottilie Flora Eliza Clementine   Albert Bede Geronimo "Bertie" Ottilie Monica Selda

This post was requested by Alannah.

Most Popular Elizabethan Names: A study of 23 Norfolk parishes

What was the most popular Elizabethan name? A simple question, but one that's almost impossible to answer. Records from that period are scarce, difficult to decipher and were little regulated. 

Despite all that, below is my study of twenty-three parishes in Norfolk during the reign of Elizabeth I (1558 -1603).

Sample:

The following rankings have been compiled from a total of 6239 baptism records (3259 male; 2980 female) in the years 1558 to 1603 from twenty-three Norfolk parishes. Not all parishes had records dating back to 1558: 

Ashmanaugh: 1562-, Beeston St Lawrence: 1559-, Blickling: 1559-, Brandiston: 1562-, Caston: 1558-, Coltishall: 1558-, Dilham: 1568-, Frettenham: 1559-, Hackford: 1584-, Hainford: 1557- Hautbois Magna: 1563-, Horstead: 1558-, Lamas: 1558-, Martham: 1558-, North Walsham: 1557-, Oxnead: 1574-, Reepham: 1558-, Ridlington: 1559-, Smallburgh: 1561-, Spixworth: 1551-, Stratton Strawless: 1562-, Tuttington: 1558-, Whitwell: 1559- 

Why Norfolk?:

I have compiled this sample from Norfolk baptisms for the simple reason that I had ready access to them. As my paternal line hails from Norfolk, I have been collecting Norfolk baptism records for years whilst researching my family tree. Added to this, the availability of parish records for Norfolk is remarkably high. Almost all parish records have been collated in the Norfolk Record Office and many have been transcribed and made available by a host of kind enthusiasts – far more than in most counties. 

Standardising names:

As there were no rules as to how baptism entries should be set out, they vary widely from parish to parish. The entries were handwritten either by the parish priest or his curate and each had their own style. Most wrote in English, with spellings varying widely (Cicely, Cicilie, Cisselye, Sisley, Sisslye, Sysly, Syslye, Sysselye etc), while a few chose to write in Latin. Sometimes there was a mix, such as Samuell Dayve son of John and Awdrie, followed two years later by Robertus Dayve fillius Johanis et Etheldreda.

To give accurate rankings I have standardised different spellings in a vernacular common form.

Local variations:

The highest raking names in this survey are broadly in line with the national picture for the period. Many names that were popular lower down the ranks in Norfolk were inspired by saints who had churches dedicated to their honour in the local area: Andrew, Augustine, Audrey (St Etheldreda), Barnaby (St Barnabas) Bartholomew, Benedict, Clement, George, Jude, Martin, Miles, Nicholas, Stephen, Wyborough (St Withburga). Alongside these, St Wolstan, St Ursula and St Dorothy were commonly depicted in churches alongside others. Many of these were popular in other counties also, depending on local dedications.

In most parishes in this sample, Dionys was used for both boys and girls. Both come from the same route, and we recognise them today as the names Dennis and Denise. In a few parishes, Dennis and Denise were used as separate spellings.

. 

The top 100 most popular names in Norfolk during the reign of Elizabeth I: .

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 23 25 26 27 28 28 30 30 32 32 34 34 36 36 36 36 40 40 40 40 40 45 45 45 45 49 49 49 49 49 49 49 49 49 49 49 49 61 61 61 61 61 61 61 61 61 61 71 71 71 71 71 71 71 71 71 71 71 71 71 71 71 71 71 71 71 71 71 71 71 71 71 71 71 71 71 71 71 71 71 71 71 71 71 71 71 71 71 71 71 71

John Thomas William Robert Richard Edward Henry Edmund Nicholas James Christopher George Stephen Francis Roger Samuel Lawrence Ralph Simon Clement Walter Anthony Matthew Peter Myles Daniel Nathaniel Andrew Michael Martin Philip Alexander Gregory Dennis Hugh Abraham Joseph Leonard Timothy Arthur Barnaby Bartholomew Benjamin Geoffrey Augustine Humphrey Jeremy Reignold Adam Ayland Charles Cuthbert David Emmanuel Erasmus Jerome Mark Mathusela Tobias Wolstan Ambrose Bartram Elias Ezekiel Jude Lancelot Lionel Nathan Oliver Theophilus Alban Amor Aquila Barnard Benedict Chambrs Clare Cleeve Cornelius Eastyn Elisha Elling Esau Esdras Evered Florence Gabriel Galwell Garret Gilbert Giles Godfrey Godsgift Hugo Isaac Jacob Joshua Julian Lewis Marmaduke Migsett Nazereth Octavian Osmund Parry Powell Roland Salathiell Sampson Titus Uric Valentine Vincent Zacharia

628 454 450 358 191 122 121 98 78 77 63 41 39 34 34 31 26 25 23 21 21 19 19 19 14 13 12 11 11 10 10 9 9 7 7 6 6 6 6 5 5 5 5 5 4 4 4 4 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1

.

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 15 17 17 19 20 20 22 23 23 25 26 26 26 26 30 31 32 33 34 35 35 35 38 38 40 40 42 43 43 43 43 47 47 49 50 50 50 50 50 50 50 50 50 59 59 59 59 59 59 59 59 59 68 68 68 68 68 68 68 68 68 68 68 68 68 68 68 68 68 68 68 68 68 68 68 68 68 68 68

Elizabeth Margaret Mary Ann Agnes Alice Dorothy Joan Katherine Bridget Susan Amy Jane Ellen Cicely Sarah Margery Rose Christian* Grace Rebecca Thomasin Frances Ursula Audrey Eleanor Helen Lucy Martha Judith Emma Lettice Priscilla Esther Blythe Faith Rachel Amphillis Denise Beatrice Prudence Olive Avis Bethsabe* Lydia Temperance Isabell Winifred Pleasance Barbara Christabell Deborah Diana Dorcas Mabel Marian Millicent Phoebe Abigail Constance Eale Edony Mathaye Maud Philippa Sybil Vashti Annabel Anthonye Benedicta Betella Bethia Clare Eylmer Fortune Frideswide Gillian Good Grissell Hannah Holwice Honor Joyce Love Mariella Mildred Myrna Parnell Patience Ruth Stephana Unice Wyborough Zephora

344 342 274 244 184 182 136 113 112 103 99 50 45 44 41 41 40 40 34 31 31 30 28 28 24 22 22 22 22 19 17 15 14 12 10 10 10 9 9 8 8 7 6 6 6 6 5 5 4 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1

                                                               Statistics compiled by Eleanor Nickerson at britishbabynames.com
                                                                          No unauthorised copying without credit or permission.

 

* Christian = Christine, Christina, Christiana
  Bethsabe = Bathsheba 

UK Birth Announcements 14/10/13 - 20/10/13

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 James

Andrew John

Archie James

Arthur Hugh Archie

Bentley Christopher

Brodie Alexander (Cailean Kerr)

Brodie Henry (Sebastian Thomas)

Callan Laurence

Charles Edward (Thomas Marchant)

Charlie George

Edward “Ned” George Randall (Alfred "Freddy" George Randall & Benjamin George Randall)

Edward James (Amalie Poppy & Max Thomas Idris)

Emilian Blake Oscar (Elliot Karl William)

Euan Peter (Lilian Fay)

Finlay William

George Henry

Harry James Timothy

Henry Elliott

Henry Jacob Evan (William Jak Elvis & Phoebe Janet Evelyn)

Hudson Jay (Hallie Taylor, Honnie Rae & Hope Sydnie)

Jake Walter Dean (Olivia & Nicole)

James Andrew (Alexander Leslie)

James Robert Matthew (Laura "Lollie" Mary)

Jamie William Andrew

Jamie William Donald (Sam & Ben)

Jax Anthony

Keir Lewis (Eilidh Skye)

Kio Kalen (Sky Sofia)

Leonardo"Leo" John Arthur (Jessica & Poppy)

Louis James Reginald (Madeleine Catherine & Edward Michael)

Mason Ivan (Violet Jane)

Max Albert James

Milo Flynn (Harley, Alina & Lydia)

Nathan Robert John (Finlay)

Nicholas Robert-Ray

Noel John

Oliver James

Ollie Scott (Macey Sara Louise)

Oscar Tom

Rafe Robin James

Rory Jack Martin

Ruaridh Neil

Samuel James

Sebastian David (Naomi Louise)

Sonny Philip

Stanley Carl 

Theo William

Theodore George

Thomas James

Thomas Michael

Girls:

Abbie June

Ailie Eve (Lewis)

Alessia Anya Lorraine

Alice Jemima

Aliena Elizabeth (Edward Michael & William Martin)

Andrea Catherine

Arabella Daisy (Georgina, Rose & William)

Arabella Lilybet (Harry)

Aria Rose

Aureilia Bree

Beatrix Daisy

Calliope Clementine (Camellia Cassandra)

Casie Rose

Chloé Jacinth Kathryn Eileen

Clementine Agnes Lavinia (Otis George Smerger)

Daisy Catherine

Eden Rose Catherine

Ellie Sofia (Emma Charlotte)

Flora Grace

Florence Elizabeth Swan (William Edward Keir & Daisy Mary Fox)

Florence Ruby

Grace Kathleen (Georgia Elizabeth)

Harlow Linden (Austin)

Harriet Lily Ann (Charles)

Hermione Grace (Phoebe)

Imogen Olivia

Indie Eva (Seth John)

Inez Pearl (Sonny & Carmen)

Isabelle Millie (Scarlett)

Isabella Rose (Poppy Islay & Wilfred Bertie)

Isla Daisy

Isla Jane (Ryan John)

Katie Ann

Lara Camilla

Lola Mai (Corey Andrew)

Lucy Camilla (Alexander James Timothy & William Mark Henry)

Lucy Vivian

Maggie Elizabeth (Freddie George)

Matilda Florence

Megan Sue (Emily Alice)

Mia-Grace Harriet

Octavia Rebecca Lorna

Olivia Amanda

Sasha Louise (Elodie & Camilla "Milla" France)

Sophia Laila

Tabitha Grace (Isabella, Flora & William)

Theodora Tabitha

Trixie Bea (Lilah Rose)

Violet June (Lyla Cora)

Violet Mary (Rose Elizabeth & Fergus Charles John)

Xanthe Rose Asenath (Ferdinand Edward Fletcher & Herbert James McMillan)

Zoe Penny (Zak Richard)

 

Twins:

Anna Grace & Eva May (Thomas Patrick & Oliver James)

Eilidh & Harris (Ruaridh)

Name of the Week

Henry was a solid Norman favourite
which retained its heights for a millennia.
Can refined and friendly Henry ever make it back into the top 10?  

 

Origin:

Henry originates from the Old Germanic name Heimerich, composed of the elements heim "home" and rīhhi "ruler". It was Latinised as Henricus, from which came the French Henri which was brought to Britain by the Normans and later Anglicised as Henry.

Usage:

Henry's use in Britain dates from the time of the Norman Conquest. Five Henrys are listed in the Domesday Book of 1086, and William the Conqueror even named one of his sons Henry (who later became Henry I). The name was consistently popular through the Middle Ages; Redmond's popularity ranking, for example, puts Henry in the high position of #6 in England from 1377-81.  The sheer number of surnames derived from Henry attest to the name's popularity. Variants include Henry, Henryson, Harris, Harrison, Herries, Henrie, Henderson, Halkin, Hawke, Hawkins, Penry, Parry and MacEanruig. Though it later became considered a pet-form of the Henry, Harry was traditionally its vernacular form in English. In other words, though Henry was written, "Harry" or "Herry" was the common pronunciation. The great popularity of Harris and Harrison, in particular, is strong evidence that "Harry," not "Henry," was the Middle English pronunciation of Henry.*  The medieval choice of pet-form for Henry was Hal, Hann or Henn, with Halkin, Hankin and Henriot as diminutives.  From the 12th to the 16th century, England had eight kings to bear the name Henry, making it the most successful English regnal name to date. Smith Bannister's popularity rankings show how little change the name's general popularity saw during this period: 1538-49: #7; 1550-9: #6; 1560-9: #6; 1570-9: #6; 1580-9: #7; 1590-9: #7; 1600-9: #8; 1610-9: #7; 1620-9: #9; 1630-9: #8; 1640-9: #9; 1650-9: #11; 1660-9: #9; 1670-9: #11; 1680-9: #11; 1690-1700: #11.  Indeed, the name's popularity fluctuated very little from the 11th to the early 20th century. In 1880, Henry ranked #8 in England and Wales with 14,761 births. It fell slightly to #10 (12,332 births) in 1890 and #13 (11,059 births) in 1900. Henry, like so many other perennial favourite boys' names — such as James, William, Thomas, George — began to wane in the 1950s, reaching its lowest point in the 1970s in England and Wales. Then, in 1984, the Prince and Princess of Wales named their second son Prince Henry Charles Albert David "Harry". By 1994, no doubt, in part, thanks to this royal boost, Henry was back in the Top 100. It has been steadily rising since.  1904: #17 1914: #16 1924: #24 1934: #45 1944: #63 1954: #83 1964: below #100 1974: below #100 1984: below #100 1994: #74  2004: #48 2008: #38  Since 2008, Henry has progressively risen in popularity, ranking #34 (2239 births) in 2010, #28 (2625 births) in 2011 and #24 (2928 births) in 2012.  In Scotland, Henry ranked #15 in 1900 and #32 in 1950, though it had fallen out of the Top 100 by 1975 and has not returned since. It is slowly beginning to gain more popularity in the last decade. In 2005 Henry ranked #212 (15 births) in 2005, #192 (24 births) in 2007, #136 (39 births) in 2009, #158 (35 births) in 2011 and #132 (47 births) in 2012.

Famous Bearers:

History:  * Henry the Fowler (876–936), Duke of Saxony from 912 and the King of Germany from 919 until his death. * Henry II, Holy Roman Emperor (972–1024), "Saint Henry," Emperor and Catholic saint. * Henry, Bishop of Uppsala (d.1150), English clergyman and martyr in Finland. Also known as Saint Henry. * Henry the Navigator (1394–1460), Portuguese prince and renowned explorer. * Henry Purcell (1659–95), English composer. * Henry Fielding (1707–1754), English novelist and dramatist. * Henry James (1843–1916), American author. * Henry Ford (1863–1947), American industrialist.  Royalty: * Eight kings of England. * Six Holy Roman emperors. * Five kings of France.  * Four kings of Castile.   Contemporary: * Henry Fonda (1905–82), American actor. * Prince Henry "Harry" of Wales (b.1984), forth in line to the British throne. * Henry Cavill (b. 1983), British actor. * Henry Holland (b.1983), British fashion designer.

Variants:

Henri (French), Enrico(Italian), Enrique (Spanish), Henrik (Scandinavian), Heinrich (German), Hendrik (Dutch), Jindřich (Czech), Anraí, Einrí (Irish), Eanraig (Scottish), Endika (Basque), Enric (Catalan)

Pronunciation:

HEN-ree [key]

Possible diminutives:

Harry, Hal, Hank, Herry

Sibling Names:

Beatrice   Evelyn     Annabel     Cecily    Elizabeth     Alexandra   Edward     Robert     William    Oliver     Rufus    Charles

Name Lists:

Slim Softies   Medieval Favourites   Terrifically Tudor   Gorgeously Georgian   British Royalty   European Royalty   Golden Age Hollywood   Shakespearean Names   Dickensian Names   Names from Jane Austen   Names from the Brontes   Names from Tennyson

 

If you like Henry you may also like:   Monty, George, Miles, Felix, Hugo, Oscar, Christian, Louis, Edmund, Leon

 

Thanks to JemmyLou and Katie for requesting Henry.

UK Birth Announcements 7/10/13 - 13/10/13

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:

Angus Kenneth

Arlo Colston

Augustin Edmund Nicolas

Blair Murray (Neve Ellen)

Blair Murray (Scott Alexander)

Brody Dewar (Gray Jack)

Camden James

Chace Thomas (Joshua Thomas & Noah Thomas)

Constantine (Rose Florence Mary)

Dexter Matthew

Finlay James Ritchie

Frank Alexander

Frankie Jordan

Frederick "Freddie" Christopher Giles

George Thomas Jack

Grayson Wilfred Delaney (Arthur John Delaney)

Gwilym Dennis Heulyn

Harris McKenzie (Ramsay Mckenzie)

Harry Evan Martin

Hugh James

Jacob Thomas

James Maurice Loughlinn

James William Lloyd (Harry)

Leighton Morrison

Leo James

Leo William Caspar (Alexander)

Leonardo Dominic William (Alydia)

Lewis Edward

Lincoln James (Reece, Ella Mai & Caden Matthew)

Nico Robert (Xander James)

Noah Harrison James

Norris Lowen

Oliver John

Oliver Daniel

Samuel Arthur Simon

Samuel David

Samuel Kenneth

Samuel William

Samuel Roy Anthony

Ted John (Alithea Chloe & Benjamin "Ben" James)

Toby Owen Leonard (Cara Mary & Theo Peter)

Woody Terence (Jude Joseph Michael)

Xavier Alfred Basil

Zak George

Girls:

Akemi Rose

Alivia Layla

Amelia Rose

Arillia Lillian Daphne

Audrey Georgina

Ava Belle (Lily Mae)

Beatrice Rose (Albert David George)

Binkee Lou

Brooke Louise

Charlotte Sophia (Luke Samuel & Libby Grace)

Coco Ava Minnie

Cora Elizabeth Ann

Dolcie-Belle

Eilidh Susan (Calum John Robert)

Elena Rose

Elodie Juliana (Harrison Willem)

Elula Rose (Harlow Anais)

Emily Olivia Barron (Polly Elizabeth Wynn)

Emily Penelope (Flora Elizabeth & Annie Iris)

Eva Ruby (Zak James)

Florence Mary

Freya Isabel

Georgina Constance (Florence Carolyne)

Grace Elizabeth Maria

Hayley Grace

Heidi Beau

Imogen Cecily (Olivia)

Isla Eluned

Isla Teddie Elatheia -- late grandfather was called Teddy.

Katie Isabella (Hannah Ruth)

Kitty Ford

Lara Sophie

Lettie Eva

Lily Florence (George Frederick)

Maddison Louise (Morgan)

Martha Mary Valerie

Millie May (Archie & Finlay)

Minka (Heidi & Spike)

Miranda Lucia

Nicola Margaret

Petra Alberta Juno

Phoebe Louise

Rainie (Lonnie)

Rona Concetta (Douglas & Morag)

Rona Maree (Rebecca "Becky" Helen & Peter Michael)

Rosa Jane (Marco & Luca Michael)

Ruby Elizabeth 

Sadie Jessie

Scarlett Marie

Sophia Anita Olivia

Sophia Catherine Nanita

Sophia Elisabeth Alice

Willa Sophie Jane

 

Twins:

Emily Mary & Grace Mary

Faye Louise & Olivia Jo

Florence & Sofia

Mila Grace & Poppy Rae 

 

Name of the Week

The Irish surname that became a Dynasty darling.  
Now Fallon is down from its 80s hype,
it looks more at home with fellow Celts.

Origin:

Fallon is an anglicised form of the Irish surname Ó Fallamhain meaning "descendant of Fallamhan." Fallamhan itself was most likely a byname, thought to derive from follamhnas "supremacy, rule."

Usage:

The stronghold of the Fallon family originates in Dysart in Athlone, County Roscommon; the head of that family are recorded as chiefs of Clan Uadach in that area into the 16th century.  John O'Dugan (d.1372) described the Fallon family thus:      “The O’Fallons who marched with force      Were chiefs of Clan Uadach of wine banquets,      Men who let not their spears decay.      Of those are the freeborn clans.” The surname was recorded in Ireland in various forms: Ó Fallmhain, Fallon, Fallin, Fallen, Fallowne, Falloon and Fallan.  Fallon was also used as a surname in England. In some cases this may have been transference of the Irish name, though there is evidence that, in others, it was a corruption of Fuller.  As with most surnames, Fallon had some consequent use as a first name up to the 20th century, thought it was extremely rare — rarer than many other surnames-turned-firstnames. It was only registered as a first name twice in England and Wales between 1838 and 1965: Fallon Percy Wightwick in 1857 and Fallon J. Mahon in 1964.  Fallon only really came to be regarded as a first name with the airing of popular U.S. drama Dynasty which featured the character Fallon Carrington Colby from 1981 to 1989. Alexis, Blake and Krystal also saw rises in usage thanks to the show. The impact of the character's was clear to see. In America, Fallon had a good run in the Top 1000 from 1981 to 1995, peaking in 1982 and 1983 at #376 and #379 respectively.  The name saw a similar pattern in Britain; the impact of Dynasty showing a prominent spike in the name's usage. The BBC's radio drama The Archers — the longest running "soap" in the world — even featured a character, "born" in 1985, named Fallon most likely because of Dynasty.  Below is a break down of births registered for Fallon (not including use as a middle name) in England and Wales: 1980: 0 births 1981: 0 births 1982: 5 births 1983: 42 births 1984: 66 births 1985: 59 births 1986: 82 births 1987: 44 births 1988: 25 births 1989: 30 births 1990: 22 births Since 1996, Fallon has had a birth count of between 13 (#1389 in 2000) and 36 (#973 in 2011) for girls in England and Wales. In 2012, Fallon ranked #1150 with 29 births. From 2004 onwards, Fallon has occasionally ranked for boys as well: #3009 (4 births) in 2004, #2435 (7 births) in 2007, #4432 (3 births) in 2008, #3227 (5 births) in 2009, #4678 (3 births) in 2010, #3300 (5 births) in 2011. It did not rank in 2012.

Famous Bearers:

History:  * Padraic Fallon (1905–1974), Irish poet and playwright . Literature, film and other media: * Fallon Carrington Colby, major character in US TV series Dynasty (1981-9). * Fallon Rogers (b.1985), character in longstanding BBC radio soap The Archers. * Fallon (1994), a Western novel by Louis L'Amour.  Other: * Fallon is a name given to several towns and communities in America. * Fallon National Wildlife Refuge, located in the Lahontan Valley of western Nevada.

Variants:

Falon

Pronunciation:

FA-lən (UK) [key]

Possible diminutives:

Fay, Finn

Sibling Names:

Harper     Brooke     Kira     Greer     Orla     Una         Marlow      Riley      Lorcan      Riordan     Aidan      Keir

Name Lists:

Celtic Surnames

 

If you like Fallon you may also like:   Farrah, Lowen, Alannah, Lorna, Tegan, Fallow, Avalon, Loren, Aislinn, Keeva

 

Thanks to Tay for requesting Fallon.