British Baby Names

Births announced in The Times, 1985

Below are a selection of birth announcements from The Times newspaper that were published in 1985.

This time, I have also added siblings names (older and younger) where I have found them. 

Alasdair Nazir Alastair Robin Miles Aled Rhys Alexander Wilhemus Reuben Laurence Alexander Lyulph Robert Andrew Horatio Archibald Hugh (John Piers) Archie Balthasar Augustus Jeffrey (Maxwell Palmer & Merrow Louise Alexandra) Barnabas St John Bartrum James Benedict Aziz Bertram Alfred Branwell George Kenrick (Circe, Salome, Bosworth & Bathsheba) Bruno Julian Alexander Casper Wilfred St John (Karsten, Charley & Annika) Cyrus Alexander David Zebadiah Edward Diarmid Alexander Stuart   Diccon Charles Snodin (Cassandra) Dickon Arthur George Dominic Vivian Dougal Peter Edmund Rufus Edward Alwyne Edward Hywel Michael Felix Jean (Maxim Charles) Fergus Robert Patrick Francis George Mortimer (Felicity & Stephanie) Frederick Peregrine Frederick Edward Arthur (Guy, Emma, Barnaby, Georgina, Daisy & Angus) George Edmund Gordon Giles Augustus Davis Guy Tristram (Zoe, Olivia & Julian) Harold William Harry Rufus Ulic (Alexandra) Hereward Matthew Lawrence Hew Clovis Howard Hector Hubert Alexander Robert Hugo Edmund (Luke Benedict) Huw John Glwndwyr Ian Angus Hugh (Hamish) Ivo Augustus (Tanya, Daniel & Lorimer) Ivor Robert Basil  Jack Alaric James Sebastian Merlin St John Jamie Magnus John Jocelyn (Alexandra Margaret) John Clayton Athol John Godfrey Roland Julian James Thomas (Calista, Caroline & Lucinda) Kim Caradoc Lewis Emmanuel (Joseph & Albertine) Lindley Tremayne Lyle John Crawford Manfred Eric (Bryony) Marcus Farid (Amelia & Miranda) Mathieu Charles David Maxwell Robin Gordon Merlin Duncan Fane  Michael Ezra Lawrence (Esther Mary Grace & Edward Joel) Michael Bukari Caedmon Polycarp (Rose Miriam & Harry Tegfon) Moreton William Edward Piers Geoffrey George Ralph Keith Theodore (Sophia, Stefan & Isabella) Ralph St John Edmund Rivers Redmond (Oriel Rose, Ivo Anthony, Edmund Walter & Stella) Robin Ronald (Laura) Roderick Ashley Eldridge Rohan George Patrick Ruaraidh Berner Sebastian Rufus Jehangir (Alexander Jared) Taro Tim Theodore Arthur Thomas Merlin Richard Thomas Colin Evelyn Thurstan Robert Edward Timothy Quentin Tobias Hector Tomos Gwilym Torquil Rory Duncan Torsten Karl Tristram Ross Vivian Francis Richard (Gabriel & Sebastian) William Blaise Benwell (Charlotte) Yves Gerald

Ailsa Heather Catriona Ainsley Claire Margaret (Toby, Abigail & Oliver) Albertine Helen Yorke Alice Loveday Alys Alicia Primrose  Amara Elisabeth (Julianna) Anastasia Tatyana Blanche Anastasia Mary Helena (Nathaniel, Octavia, Constantine, Giles, Clement & Septimus) Angharad Larissa Anstice Louise Elizabeth (Richard) Arabella Dorinda (Alexander) Astrid Penelope (Olivia & Edward) Augusta Eugenie Beatrice Catharine Loveday (Romilly (b) & Alice) Bella Clare (Leyla Jane & Charles Jack) Blanche Hannah Victoria Elizabeth Camilla Frances Iona (Venetia, Drusilla & Miles) Carys Angharad (Rhodri & Lewis) Cassandra Rosalind Cathryn Cecily Marina (Isobel & Daisy) Charlotte Zuleika Christiana Jane Christiane Tana Claire Valeria Gwenllian (Huw & Laura) Clemency Lara Clementine Jemima (Emily, Henrietta & Thomas) Cleo Celeste Fay (Alexis & Olympia) Cleone Erskine (Romilly) Clio Isabelle (Alexandra) Constance Hazel Kate (Theodore) Cosima Georgina (Aldan & Galen) Edwina Lucia Naomi Faye Eloise Clementine (Silke Marliesa & Sam Andrew Jay) Felicia Poppy (Jemima & Henry) Fernanda Louise (Richard & Edward) Flora Valentine (Phoebe Henrietta, Dominica Rose & Matthew Edmond) Francoise Rosie Franziska Maria Fusca Theresia Agnes Freya Muriel Ruth (Tristran) Genevieve Margaretta Jacqueline (Gregory, Felicity & Madeleine) Genevra Harriet Ilona (Antonella Maria Caroline) Griselda Frances Helen Eluned Henrietta Daphne Rosine (Victoria & Katherine) Ilona Charlotte Imogen Claudia Gwendoline (Eleanor Sophia Joy) India Rose (Clementine & Harry) Iona Philadelphia Isla Bell Jessamine Frances Jessamy India (Ghislaine) Jet Marta (Ailsa, Kirsty, Polly & Amber Kasia) Juliette Ariadne Florence (Charlotte) Kassia Fleur Katherine Leila Sarah Krzysia Elisabeth Maria Louise Octavia Caroline Lamorna Daisy (Nicholas Harry) Lavinia Fleur Emily Louella Katherine Lowri Diana Lucy Morvah Margaux Elizabeth (Cara Philippa) May Alexandra Megumi Alice Miranda Felicity Caroline Morwenna Louise Elizabeth (Veryan Mary Olivia & George William Henry) Nancy Evelyn Mary (Polly & Jack) Natasha Domini Anna (Roland) Odette Claudia (Margaux, Claudia & Oliver) Olivia Ulrika Louise Olivia Arianwen Persephone Anne Poppy Miranda Primrose Eve Prudence Kate Prunella Ann Rosalind Alice Rosamund Eleanor Rosemary Tyrie Saffron Melanie Serena Kataryna (Julius) Talitha Louise Tara Feodora Tessa Caroline Thaleia Rosamund Helen (Daena, Saul & Morgane) Thea Jet Camille Thomasina Caroline Bee (Phoebe) Veryan Elizabeth Willemyn Albertine (Roderick, Marieke)

Twins:

Angus Andrew & Richard David
Angus Robert & Frederick Michael
Alexander Henry & Benjamin Myles
Alexander Maxwell Llewellyn & Lara Rosalind Wendy 
Charlotte Victoria & Sarah Caroline
Daniel Nicholas & Thomas Benedict
Elizabeth Lucy & Emmanuel John
Patrick Charles & Thomas Bertie

Sibling Spotlight for Finn

Below is a selection of British siblings with Finn, from the last century to modern times. Initially, Finn was rare in Britain, more common by far were Finlay, Finnis (unisex) and Finetta. 

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.

1840s: Thomas Matthew Finn Biddy   Finn  Henry   160s: Mark Mary Ann Sarah Jane Abel Enoch Finn Eliza Elizabeth   Betsy Martha Finn Thomas   Finn John William Patrick Bridget Sabina   Mary Andrew Ann Jane John Finn Ellen Patrick   1870s: Albert William George Rose Emma Nellie Finn   1890s: Finn Hardis Edith Karl   1900s: Eric Lahaye Finn Victor    1910s: Finn Else   Edward C. Hans L. Finn T.   1930s: Finn B. Inger E.   Tessa M. Finn A.   1940s: Finn P Kirstin A   Rosaleen Elisabeth Diarmid Edward Fiona Evelyn Finn Benjamin Thomasin Margaret Kieran Arthur Catriona Rose Erskine Stuart Richard Mirabel Jane   1960s: Jason C. L. Cato M. S. Finn William M.   Finn P. Sula Kate   1970s: Finn Daniel P. Sorrel Inge   Finn Daniel Kit Alexander   Liam Jacob Finn Joseph

1990s: Jesse Gilberto Samuel Peregrine Finn Joshua M. Mabel   Merlin Thomas Alexander Bannerman Cecilia Diana Catriona Pearl Maximilian Archibald Josslyn Finn Kenneth Redvers Frederica Cecilia Sacha Willa Cecilia Susan   Phoebe Alexandra Joy Finn James Murrough Theodore Charles Alexander   Felix Hooton Mia Amy Finn Michael   Olivia Scarlett Forester Eleanor May Forester  Angus Forester Minton Rufus Forester Minton Finn Forester Minton   Ruben Finn Julius Patrick Jemima Juno Hawthorne   2000s: Finn Edward Ralph Paul Kate Isabella   Finn Thomas Robin Luke   Finn Joseph Edward Michael "Ned" Kit George & William Charles (twins)   Finn Alex Tara Safia   Iris Josephine Lucinda Felix Inigo Duncan Finn Alexander Wolf   Finn Michael Marley Rex Christopher Camin   Jobe Samuel Finn James Theo Luca   Tristan Shiwa Scott Finn Lorien Scott   Zachary William (William) Finn Iris Eve   Helena Clare Finn Leander   Max George Clemmie May Finn Alexander   Finn Cameron Euan Malachy   Martha Ba E. Nancy Sheila I. Finn Nicholas John Napoleon   Finn Tadgh Isabel Dorothy Benjamin Robert, Charles Christopher & Oliver Thomas (triplets)   2010s: Finn Joseph Wilf Luca Sandy   Theo Charlie Finn Stephen   Finn Michael Magnus William   Ona Grace Finn Emmit   Finn Brian Roy Ellis Daniel Frederick

This post was requested by Poppy.

UK Birth Announcements 20/1/14 - 26/1/14

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 Gordon (Kay Isabella)

Arthur Christopher

Arthur Graham

Casper Alec John

Colby Pollard

Connor Graham (Charlie)

Ed Alpine

Edward George "Teddy"

Ethan David (Sophie, Keir, Sadie & Jay)

Ethan John Scott

Ethan Tyrian (Toby)

Euan Robert

Felix Euan

Felix Henry Aroun

Ferney David Jamie

Frederick Stephen (Isabelle Doris)

Freddie Joseph (Alfie George)

George Philip

Gideon James

Harrison Vincent

Harry Edward

Harry George

Harry Thomas 

Jack Samuel Bryce (Jessica, Megan & Liam)

Jacob Lawrence David (Emilia Louise)

Jacob Thomas

Joshua Paul

Lennon David

Logan Thomas

Lucas Robert John

Noah James

Noah Michael 

Oakley James (Dylan James)

Oliver Walker John 

Otto Tamniarn Joseph (Luca Robin)

Owen James

Ralph Oscar Brandon (Orla Rose)

Ray Joseph

Reuben Paul (Joseph & Lily Julia Mignonette)

Sebastian Franklin Leonard

Stanley James (Silvi Myfanwy)

Theodore Carlton William

Thomas Henry (Ruby)

Warren Anthony (Tyler Reece)

Zachary John (Aimee)

 

Girls:

Amelia Mary Helena (Eva Catherine Helena)

Amélie Sophia Louise

Amilie Rose 

Anna Jane (Emma)

Anna Matilda

Arabella Rose (Rogan Archie)

Aubree Gillian

Beatrice Anne (Oscar & Amelia Elizabeth)

Beatrix Marley

Bethany Rose (Joseph & Matthew)

Bethany Violet

Betsie

Carolyn Marian (Ramsay Alan Murray)

Cassidy Hayley Jean

Catherine Agnes Dorchy (Amelia Constance Rose)

Cecilia Aletta Mary (Letitia Milly-Maria)

Chloe Elizabeth

Cosima Caroline Heather (Alexandra Mary Rose & Victoria Violet Philippa)

Darcie Ann Grace (Regan, Harry & Oliver)

Eilidh Beth (Calum Robert)

Eilidh Rose

Elizabeth Mary 

Ella Elisabeth (Samuel George)

Ellen Rose Michelle (Bayley Charles & Zachary Edward)

Emily Elizabeth Isabella

Emily Scarlett Christian Victoria (Coco Elizabeth Patricia)

Esmé Mary (Angus James Jeremy)

Esther Elizabeth

Evie Louise

Georgina Theresa Justina

Gracie-Neive Elsie (Riley)

Helen Elizabeth (Callum & Louise Catherine)

Isabella Anna

Isabella Grace (Henry Christopher Chase, George Patrick & William James)

Ivy Georgina

Kyana Lavinia Doreen

Lillie Mae

Lydia Rose

Madeline Katie (Imogen)

Marcy

Martha Daisy

Maya Jean

Millie Ann

Minnee Isabella

Naomi Joy (Phoebe Hannah)

Olivia Katherine (Chloe Elizabeth)

Olivia Maie

Orlah Mae

Penelope Anne

Polly Elizabeth

Priyah Amarante (Arkin)

Rheya Anne (Finley Mathew & Jonah Philip)

Ruby Kate (Harvey)

Ruth Grace

Stephanie Jill (Danielle Cheryl)

Xanthe Alycia

 

Twins:

Alexandra Isla & Harrison Stuart Clayton

Imogen Stella Scarlett & Jemima Martha Isabel (Henry Edward Charles & Elliot Milo James)

Paige Skye & Piers Tam 

 

 

Name of the Week

Part Cordelia, part Melisande, Corisande marries
French elegance and medieval romance.

 

Origin:

Corisande originates from medieval chivalric romance, though little is known of its origin.  The name appears in the exploits of Amadís of Gaul in which Corisande is the ruler of Gravesande and beloved of Florestan, half-brother of the hero Amadis. The first printed version of the work dates back to 1508: a Spanish version written by Garci Rodríguez de Montalvo, who claimed to have emended and corrected corrupted forms of the Portuguese originals. Mentions of the character Amadis, however, date back to the mid-14th century, though it is unclear whether Corisande (a relatively minor character in the prose) was in existence at that time.  The first element looks most likely to be inspired by the Latin cor "heart." The second element is unknown, though K.M.Sheard puts forward the tantalising theory that it could be a contracted form of the Latin sanandus "healing." In a similar vein, some connect the name to the Spanish corazon "heart." A more basic origin could be that the Corisande was an adaptation, based on the Latin cor, of Melisande, which was already in use by that time.

Usage:

The tale of Amadis was a hit throughout Europe and did have an influence on the names used by noble families. Corisande never caught on much, but it did gain some fame when it was adopted by Diana de Gramont (nee d'Andouins), Countess of Guiche (1554-1621), the mistress and faithful partner of Henry IV of France. Renowned for her beauty and culture, she was often called by the name "La Belle Corisande." The chivalric tale of Amadís of Gaul was turned into a tragédie en musique in 1684 by Jean-Baptiste Lully, and here we find that Corisande's character was given greater prominence in the tale.  The de Gramont family continued to use the name through the centuries, most likely because they claimed descent from "La Belle Corisande" through her son from marriage, Antonin. Notable bearers include author Élisabeth de Gramont (1875–1954), full name Antoinette Corisande Élisabeth, and Corisande Armandine Sophie Léonie de Gramont (1782–1865) who became the ward of Georgiana, Duchess of Devonshire.  It is most likely thanks to the latter Corisande, that Benjamin Disrali came to use the name in his novel Lothair (1870). Corisande's son, Charles Bennet, 6th Earl of Tankerville served under Disraeli as Lord Steward of the Household. His sister and daughter were both named Corisande also, and it is quite likely that Disraeli became more familiar with the name through this connection.  Lothair was a huge hit for Disraeli. The first addition of two thousand copies sold out in two days, followed quickly by seven more copies. The mania that insued led to a plethora of Lothair-inspired namesakes, from ships to perfumes, with the names Lothair and Corisande the most popular.  Consequently, most of the Corisandes born in England and Wales in the 19th century date from the publication of the novel, as we can see from the number of girls registered with the name each decade. 1850s: 1 1860s: 1 1870s: 14 1880s: 6 1890s: 9 1900s: 6 1910s: 8 1920s: 4 1930s: 9 1940s: 1 1950s: 5 1960s: 3 1970s: 1 1980s: 4 1990s: 7 Though the name's usage has been consistant, its rarity means that it has not ranked in the annual England and Wales statistics.

Famous Bearers:

History: * Diana d'Andouins "La Belle Corisande" (1554–1621), mistress of Henry IV of France.  * Corisande Armandine Sophie Léonie de Gramont (1782–1865), Anglo-French aristocrat.  Literature: * Corisande, a character in the medieval prose Amadís of Gaul. * Lady Corisande, a character in Benjamin Disraeli's novel Lothair (1870).

Variants:

Corisanda

Pronunciation:

kor-ee-SOND [key]

Possible  diminutives:

Cori, Cora, Cassie, Cossie, Cindy, Candy, Sandy

Sibling Names:

Amandine     Henriette     Eglantine     Guinevere     Melusine     Seraphine  Peregrine     Augustin     Ignatius     Bertrand     Montgomery     Ferdinand

Name Lists:

Upright Elegance

 

If you like Corisande you may also like:   Melisande, Cosima, Alessandra, Constanza, Rosamond, Ambrosine, Celestine, Persephone, Crescentia, Clarimonde

 

Thanks to Isabelle and Winter for requesting this post. 

UK Birth Announcements 13/1/14 - 19/1/14

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:

Adam William (Sarah Elizabeth)

Alexander Charles Chalanor (Rhys Nathaniel Owen)

Alexander Garden (Fiona)

Alfred Joshua

Archie Jack 

Archie Sydney (Jack Brian)

Arthur James Joseph

Arthur Thomas Roy

Artos Eric Whybrow (Eartha Joyce Magdalena)

Benjamin Edward 

Billy David John

Braxton Michael

Brodie John

Caelen Lewis (Fia Jemima)

Calum Donald (Eva Christina & James Alexander Samuel)

Charlie James (Ellie & Isabel May "Izzy")

Charlie James David (Chloe Elizabeth)

Cole Robert (Ruby Alyssa)

Drew Todd

Edward James Scott

Eliot Arthur

Elis Huw (Rodric Thomas)

Ethan John

Ethan Walter 

Felix Myles (Lottie Tayte)

Finlay Thomson 

Fraser Patrick Owen

Freddie Ian 

Freddie Paul (Charlie & Jessie-Rose)

Harris Allan John (Eilidh Heather)

Harrison Henry

Harley Benjamin

Harry Andrew

Harry Edward (Georgina Lily)

Harry Peter Stanley

Harry Robert

Henry James "Harry"

Henry Luke (Bethany Grace)

Henry Tobias (Jake, Emily, Thomas & Joseph)

Hugo William George

Isaac Anthony (Emilia Jo)

Isaac Ian 

Jack Edmund (Charlie, Joseph Alexander "Joe" & Orry James)

Jago

James Christian

James Marshall

Jenson Lewis 

John William Arnold (Cecilia Rose)

Joshua Paul Michael

Jude William

Logan James

Marcus Christopher (Amelia Jane)

Max George (Charlotte Margaret)

Michael Spencer (Annabelle)

Milo Florian 

Oliver James (Madeleine Louise)

Ollie James David

Oscar William Lewis

Pip Thomas (Noah James & Dylan Alexander)

Robert Lewis 

Riley Andrew James

Sonny Alexander  (Marcus & Jackson Finn)

Ted Albert (Harriett & George)

Tom Steven (Maximilian James "Maxi")

Watson (Brodie)

Wilfrid James Edwin (Theodore)

William David

William Frederick

William Rupert Jagoe

 

Girls:

Adelaide Cecilia Hope (Tavi)

Alice Katharine Elisabeth

Alice Lucy

Alissa Marie (Katie-Lea)

Amaya Lydia Rose (Keira & Taisha)

Amelia Beth (Ellyson Faith)

Amelia Jane (Ben & Jessica)

Anika-Kira Kai

Anna Janet

Annabelle Louise (Lola Ann)

Ava Charlie

Ava Louise

Beatrix Elizabeth (William & Edison David)

Bethany Anne (Jack, Emily and Alfie)

Bethany Erin 

Caitlin Hope

Caitlyn Rose 

Charlotte Isobelle

Charlotte Rose (Emil)

Daisy Hettie (Myles James)

Dina Beatrice (Rufus Paul)

Edith Sarah (Lucas)

Ellena Rose

Emily Lauren (Hannah)

Emily Margaret Eleanor (Jessica Isobel Jane)

Emily Monique

Evie May

Evie Nora Jean (Oliver Steven)

Faye Rose (Eva Madaleen)

Freya Virginia Katharine (Alexander John Bevington)

Georgia Elizabeth

Georgia Rose Susan

Grace Florence 

Greta Winifred Grace

Harriet Elizabeth (Saffron)

Henrietta Blythe

Holly Julia (Kirsty Anne)

Holly Rose 

Isabelle Joy

Jess Catherine (Alyx Betsy)

Juliet Catherine 

Kate Nia

Keevah 

Kyla Isabelle

Laila Saleh

Lara Skye (Alexander "Lexi" & Geordie)

Leelia (Lexie)

Lottie Jean

Lucy Mae (Poppy Kate)

Margareta Maria Loveday "Greta"

Martha Elizabeth

Martha Florence Elizabeth

Matilda Merle Grace (Theodore Hamish John)

Nevaeh Shaye (Mackenzie John & Skyla Bo)

Olivia Lily

Orla Arlene (Ava, Hannah & Jamie)

Phoebe Grace

Poppy Ann

Rosie Grace

Ruby Grace 

Sadie Frances (Ebony)

Sadie Marie

Sophia Elizabeth

Susannah Catriona Emily (Elizabeth Flavia Mary "Eliza")

Xanthe Rose (Leo George)

 

Twins:

Alice Emily & Benjamin Peter "Ben"

Barkley & Blake

Georgia Elizabeth & Sophia Annabelle

Jadie & Mason

 

 

Name of the Week

 

With a rich and artistic history,
Balthazar is dramatic, debonair and daring.

 

Origin:

Balthazar is a form of Belshazzar, the Hebrew equivalent of the Akkadian Bel-sarra-usur meaning "may Bel (Ba'al) protect the king." In Greek and Latin translations, Belshazzar became Baltasar, which later became Balthasar or Balthazar.  Bel or Ba'al was well known across the Mesopotamian world. It was a titular name, meaning "lord," which was given to the greatest god of their respective pantheon. In the case of the Babylonians, this title was given to their chief god, Marduk.  History gives us mention of a Prince Belshazzar, the eldest son of Nabonidas, the last Neo-Babylonian king. Evidence suggests that Belshazzar became co-regent with his father (probably 553–539 B.C.). In the Old Testament, Belshazzar is mentioned as the last King of Babylon for whom Daniel interpreted the mysterious writing on the wall.  It is interesting to note that Daniel himself was given the very similar Babylonian name Belteshazzar, from Balatsu-usur "protect his life." Occasionally, Belteshazzar is also rendered as Balthazar. By the eleventh century Balthazar was most commonly known as the legendary name of one of the three Magi of the Epiphany who visited Jesus on his birth.

Usage:

In 1164, the reputed relics of the Three Kings (Magi) were transported from Milan to Cologne, making it a renowned pilgrimage site, and the centre of a widespread cult. As seen with Jasper, the spread of this cult saw the name Balthasar in use across Spain, Portugal, Germany, Brussels, Poland and Italy, where it perhaps enjoyed the most popularity in the form Baldassare.  It was uncommon in Britain as an actual given name, though it did enjoy use in Elizabethan theatre. Shakespeare used the name four times in his play, while contemporary Thomas Kyd use the name for his character Prince Balthazar in the highly popular play The Spanish Tragedy (1592).  A handful of parish records for the name can be found, mostly around London, from the mid-16th century. It became more regular in use in the 17th century, especially in London, Cornwall and Devon.  UK census records in the 19th century are as follows: 1841: 7 males 1851: 6 males 1861: 9 males 1871: 21 males 1881: 15 males 1891: 9 males 1901: 13 males 1911: 4 males The name registered only four times as a first given name in England and Wales from 1910 to 1990: in 1960, 1970, 1979 and 1981.  Since 1996, Balthazar has ranked six times in England and Wales, mostly in the last decade: 1998: #2901 (3 births) 2006: #4053 (3 births)  2007: #4333 (3 births)  2009: #2544 (7 births)  2010: #4678 (3 births)  2012: #4805 (3 births)  The name has not ranked in Scotland or Northern Ireland in the last ten years. It fairs quite well internationally, however. Baltasar was #30 in Iceland and Boldizsár #75 in Hungary in 2012.

Famous Bearers:

History:  * Baldassare Castiglione (1478–1529), Italian Renaissance author. * Balthazar Alvarez (1533–1580), Spanish Catholic mystic. * Sir Balthazar Gerbier (1592–1663), an Anglo-Dutch diplomat, artist and architectural designer. * Baltasar Gracián y Morales (1601–1658), Spanish Baroque prose writer. * Balthasar Bekker (1634–1698), Dutch philosopher. * Balthasar Neumann (1687–1753), German engineer and architect. * Balthasar Ferdinand Moll (1717–1785), Baroque sculptor. * Balthazar Lange (1854–1937), a Norwegian architect. Contemporary: * Balthazar Getty (b. 1975), American actor and member of the band Ringside. Literature and Media: * Balthasar, a minor character in Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet. * Balthasar, Portia's masculine alter-ego, as well as a minor character in Shakespeare's The Merchant of Venice. * Balthasar, a follower of Don Pedro in Shakespeare's comedy Much Ado About Nothing. * Balthasar, a merchant in the Shakespeare's The Comedy of Errors. * Prince Balthazar, son of the Portuguese Viceroy, in Thomas Kyd's The Spanish Tragedy (1592). * Balthazar Claes, the main character of Honore de Balzac's The Quest of the Absolute (1834). * Balthazar (1958), a novel by Lawrence Durrell. * Belthazor, alternate name of the character Cole Turner in the show Charmed, portrayed by Julian McMahon. * Balthazar, an angel in the TV series Supernatural, played by Sebastian Roché.

Variants:

Balthasar, Baltasar, Belshazar (Biblical), Baldassare (Italian), Balzer (German), Boldizsár (Hungarian)

Pronunciation:

BAL-thə-zar [key]

Possible diminutives:

Baz, Bart, Taz, Zab, Zal

Sibling Names:

Hepzibah     Mehitabel     Tatiana     Euphrosyne    Delilah     Zipporah  Casimir     Lazarus     Salvador     Cosimo     Santiago     Oberon

Name Lists:

Gothic Victoriana    Shakespearean Names

 

If you like Balthazar you may also like:   Zebulon, Bartholomew, Zebediah, Ebenezer, Adelmar, Zadok, Barnabas, Florizel, Valdemar, Isambard

 

Thanks to Noetje for requesting this post.

Scandi Particulars

Between the comfortable familiarity of Scandi Familiars and the extravagant Nordic drama of Scandi Spectaculars sits the Scandi Particulars. 

Striking an ideal balance, these Scandi names are uncommon and little-known in Britain but would fit in easily with current trends and popular sounds.

Their spellings are such that either pronunciation is the same across the languages, or a close enough to ensure international familial relations remain intact.

Albin Alrik Alvi Andor Arnfinn Arni Aro Arvid Asker Audun Auvo Emund Esben Geir Gunnar Greger Gregers Halsten

Hemming Henrik Ingo Jens Jerrik Joar Karsten Keld Kolben Konsta Magnar Mika Mio Morten Ordin Orvo Rasmus Ravn

Reidar Rein Runar Rune Sander Seved Stein Solen Soren Tage Taran Thorfinn  Torben Torsten Torun Tyke Uno Valo

Aili Aira / Airi Anneli Asta Astri Aura / Auri Axelia Beata Bryndis Brynja Dagny Ebba Edda Eila Eira Ellevi / Elvi Embla Fideli

Gyda Hedda Inari Kaisa Karelia Katri Lemmitty Lillevi Liva Lova Lumi Maila Merete Meri Metta Mieli Minea Nemi

Novalie Oletta Saga Salla Sella Senni Sini Signy Sóley Sunniva Suvi Svea Sylvi Taina Tarina Tella Torny Tova /Tuva

 My thanks to Pauliina, Joanna and Holly for their fantastic Finnish contributions.

UK Birth Announcements 6/1/14 - 12/1/14

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 Beauchamp Pepys "Albie"

Alec James

Alexander Raymond (Charlie, Jacob & Thomas)

Alfie Craig

Archibald Charles William "Archie" (Matilda Violet Pendrill)

Arran Daniel

Arthur John Christopher

Aubrey William Frederick

Blake Patrick

Charlie Jonathan

Colby Jack (Summer, Ryan & Amelia Rose)

Connor Anthony

Cybi (Nanw, Mabon & Deio)

Edward Arthur John (Freya Jean Alice & Eleanor India Francesca)

Epaminondas George (Lara & Athena)

Ethan Maurice James

Felix Ellis

Felix James

Fergus Martin Maxwell

Finley Cunningham (Eryn, Liam, Brodie & Rhys)

Flynn James

Fraser Jack

Frederick Otto "Freddie"

Freddie Benjamin (Alfie)

George Arthur

George Benjamin Lee 

George James Quentin (Catherine Ann)

Gwilym Vaughan (Enlli Vaughan)

Harry Alasdair

Harry Alexander (Sophie Charlotte)

Harry Matthew

Harry Nigel (James)

Henry Joseph 

Henry Sebastian

Hugo Marshall

Jack Arthur (Emma Elizabeth)

Jack Joseph (Ella Mae)

Jack Winston George

Jacob John

James William

Jamie John Donald (Ryan James & Bethany Maisie)

Jenson James

Joey Michael

Jonathan Hugh (Robbie & Douglas)

Joseph William 

Joshua James

Lenard Arto

Logan Alexander (Jonah)

Louie John 

Luke Andrew (Edward James & Alice Claire)

Mason Michael

Myles Arthur

Noah Alexander (Rosie Elizabeth)

Noah Radley 

Oliver James

Oliver William (Daniel Bernard)

Oscar John

Oscar Samuel

Otis Lennox

Reid Richard

Reuben George  (Alfie John)

Robert Alfred "Robbie" (Maya Rose & Ava Lou Catherine)

Robert Emmanuel (Agnes Lucy, Barbara Teresa, Columba Benedict, Dorothea & Margaret Aurelia)

Rory Christopher

Ryan Graham Ronald (Abigail)

Seth Lamorna Fisher (Frederick Arthur James "Freddie")

Theo Ian (Jacob Thomas)

Theodore Joseph

Thomas Hector (Henry Brian)

Toby Glenn

Travis James

William Benjamin

William David John

Zachariah Alexander

 

Girls:

Allegra Winter

Anna Mae (Eva Grace)

Annabelle Agnes

Amélie Sophia Louise

Ava Ella (Logan)

Ava Jean

Ava Leanne (Keira Ann)

Ava Lucy May (Max George Oliver)

Ava Mae

Camilla (Arabella & Lucinda)

Cecily Eleanor Louisa

Charlie Esme (Fergus Eddie)

Daisy Elizabeth (George Frederick, Charles Edward & Alfred William)

Edie Sienna

Eleanor Sally "Ellie"

Elisha Jo (Harvey Gordan & Oscar Edward)

Emily Elizabeth Jane

Emily Rose (James Alasdair)

Esme Naomi 

Eva Holly (Lewis)

Eva Marie (Sophie Amelia & Iola Kathleen Mary)

Eva Minnie

Evie Cecilia Rose

Fenn Elizabeth 

Florence Mary

Georgie India Emily (Rory Thomas Francis, Oliver Christopher Pope "Oli" & Thomas Michael Clarke "Tom")

Grace Isobel

Grace Lily (Noah Jack)

Harriet Rose (Maisy Alice)

Hazel Agnes (Wallace James)

Heidi Eunice (Max Daniel)

Imogen Dolly

Imogen Grace (Morgan Olivia)

India Betty "Indi" (Flynn Miles)

India Eve

Isabella Marie (Gabrielle Eve)

Isabelle Kate Anneke (Blake Willem Herman)

Isla Cherine

Isla Lily (Oliver & Amelia)

Isla Mae

Isobel Grace

Isobel Rose

Lara Sophie (Jamie Alastair & Chris Thomas)

Lavinia Anne Philippa Fox

Layla Jane

Libby Fay (Ruby & Tilly)

Lily Alexis

Lily Jane

Lois Claudia

Louisa Grace

Lyra Seren

Mariella Rose Luscher (Harry)

Maud Stella

Meadow Marie (Willow Marie)

Mia Kate

Mirren Ruby (Scarlett Iris)

Mollie Mae (Seth Thomas)

Molly Elizabeth (Megan Maria)

Nulah Rae (Shay, Reuben & Jacob)

Olivia Kate

Olivia Rose

Orla Marie (Niamh Adele)

Ottilia Mary (Rollo Richard Obadiah)

Philippa Caitlin

Phoebe Nevaeh Florence

Poppy Grace

Poppy Rose

Rojin Caoimhe Theresa

Rose Kathryn

Savannah Beau (Harper -b)

Sienna Alexa

Sofia Rose Vairi

Talitha Cerian Esme

Tara Isabel (Elsa Marianne)

Taylor Miyah (Maisie)

Teigan Marie (Logan & Kaiden)

Zoe Rebecca (Gillian)

 

Twins:

Campbell Ian & Forbes William (Ritchie, Rowan Philip, Lleyton Jack & Evan)

Dominic George & Sebastian Joel

Emily Jane & William McIntosh (Charlotte)

Jacob Frank & Nicholas Michael

 

 

Name of the Week

Brief, bonny and blissful Blythe has all
the Puritan charm of Faith, but with far less usage.

 

Origin:

Blythe is a virtue name, taken from the word blithe, originally the Old English bliðe "joyous, kind, cheerful, gentle, gracious, pleasant." It is of distinctly Germanic origin, cognate with the Old Norse bliðr "mild, gentle," Old High German blidi "happy, friendly," and Gothic bleiþs "kind, friendly, merciful." All are thought to come from the Proto-Germanic *blithiz "gentle, kind" — the same route that gives us the word bliss.

Usage:

Names containing the element bliðe were in use by the Anglo-Saxons, such as Blithhere, Blithhelm, Blithweard and Blithmund. Reaney and Wilson find Blitha de Costeseye (Cossey) in the 1230 Norfolk Curia Rolls and a Blithe de Ryseford in the Rotuli Hundredorum of Yorkshire in 1276. It was perhaps a shortening of the any of the above names, or the compound name Bliththryth (Blíððryð), the Anglo-Saxon form of Plectrudis (d.717), the wife of Pippin II.  As a first name, neither Blitha nor any of the longer compound names were especially common. The surnames Blythe, Blyth, Bly, Bligh and Blight however, were not uncommon, and are either derived from the personal name Blitha, a nickname based on bliðe "merry, kind," or from the place, and local river, names Blythe (Warwickshire) and Blyth (Northumberland and Nottingham). Blythe was adopted as a given names by the Puritans in the 16th century. It was used particularly in Norfolk [as can be seen from the top 100 most popular names in Norfolk during the reign of Elizabeth I where Blythe ranked #35 for girls], but also Suffolk, Lincoln and London. It is interesting to note that the earlier record of Blitha de Costeseye also hails from Norfolk, so perhaps there was already local precedence for the name that continued through the centuries. In some cases, the name was actually recorded in 16th century Norfolk records as Blitha, though was more commonly Blyth(e). It was mostly feminine in use from the 16th century, but in a few cases was also masculine. Later use of the name for boys is most likely thanks to adoption of the surname Blyth — most commonly it is in this spelling for boys — as a first name.  By the 19th century, Blyth was used as both a masculine and feminine name, though saw marginally more usage for boys. It is interesting to note that boys named Blyth often lived in Nottingham or Northumberland (from which the surname Blyth derives), while girls born in Norfolk were often named Blitha/Blytha (see above).  Records for the name Blyth(e/a)/Blith(e/a) on UK census records are as follows: 1841: 34 males, 21 females 1851: 39 males, 17 females 1861: 50 males, 29 females 1871: 47 males, 31 females 1881: 58 males, 33 females 1891: 49 males, 35 famales 1901: 62 males, 36 females 1911: 48 males, 20 females From 1840 to 1970, Blythe consistently averaged 10 births per decade in England and Wales, becoming more commonly feminine in usage again by the 1920s.  Since 1996, Blythe has had a mean average birth count of 16 births per year in England and Wales for girls. It peaked in 2005 at #990 (26 births); it's lowest rank was #1728 (10 births) in 2001. For boys, Blythe has ranked once: #4805 (3 births) in 2012, while Blyth ranked in 1998, 2006 and 2007 (each time with a birth count of 3). In Scotland from 2005 to 2011, Blythe has had a mean average birth count of 4 births per year, with the spelling Blyth also in use for both boys and girls (in each case for no more than one birth registration per gender in any given year). In 2012, Blythe ranked #1720 (17 births) in England and Wales and #467 (7 births) in Scotland. The spelling Blyth also had two birth registrations that year in Scotland; one boy and one girl, and Blythe was registered for 3 boys in England and Wales.

Famous Bearers:

Contemporary: * Blythe Danner (b. 1943), American actress. * Blythe Duff (b. 1962), Scottish actress. * Blythe Auffarth (b. 1985), American actress. Other: * River Blythe, a river in Warwickshire. * River Blyth, a river in Northumberland and also Suffolk.

Variants:

Blyth, Blithe

Pronunciation:

BLĪDTH [key]

Possible  diminutives:

Blytie, Bebe

Sibling Names:

Margot     Honor     Constance     Olive     Agnes     Mabel  Giles     Walter     Peter      Lionel      Martin      Jude

Name Lists:

Funky-Clunky Names   Terrifically Tudor   River Names

 

If you like Blythe you may also like:   Briar, Martha, Blanche, Ellen, Bess, Maud, Avis, Bryony, Sybil, Edith

 

Thanks to Lana for requesting this post. 

Scandi Spectaculars

If the Scandi Familiars were the most familiar and comfortable Scandinavian names to English-speaking ears, Scandi Spectaculars are the complete opposite.

These beauties are seeped in vivid Nordic drama, pageant and heritage, with daring spellings and dramatic syllables. They are as bold and beguiling as they are unfamiliar — outlandish choices, but certainly conversation starters.

As with the previous list, I'm using "Scandi" to refer to Sweden, Norway, Denmark, Finland and Iceland.

Åke  Ansgar Arne Asger Balder Birger Bjarte Dagfinn Eigil Einar Eivind Elof Erlend Erling

Folke Freystein Gudmund Gunvor* Hakon Haldor Halvar Ingemar Ingvar Jarl Jokum Kjartan Kjell Melker

Njord Orvar Øystein Ragnar Sigvid Sigurd Stig Sven Thorvald Toivo Tollak Ulf Vebjørn Yngve

Abelone Alfhild Arnhild Arvida Åse Brynhild Dagmar Dagrun Ellisif Eydis Frigg Gudrun Hallgjerd Hedvig

Henrika Hildur Hillevi Hjordis Hulda Ingeborg Ingegerd Ingvild Kajsa Kjersti Lærke  Lykke Mæja  Maiken

Moa Pernilla Ragna Ragnhild Sigrid Sigrun Silja Solveig Synnøve Tordis Vanja Veslemøy Vigdis Ylva

*Gunvor is feminine in Norway and Denmark.