British Baby Names

UK Birth Announcements 24/3/14 - 30/3/14

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:

Caleb Morgan

Cameron John

Charlie Jake (Oscar Jaye)

Daniel Scott

Dylan John

Enzo Giovanni

Ethan James (Beth Sabrae & Eve Louise)

Fergus Thomas Ralph (Jake Fergus Ivan)

Findlay Alasdair Neil

Frederick Charles Devas (Harry William Devas & Camilla Rose Beaumont)

Hari Dylan (Cadi Megan)

Harry Thomas Peter

Hector Elijah (Freya Rose)

Henry David (Emily Rose)

Hunter William Munro (Anna)

Iddon Gwilym (Annest Elena)

Jake Michael (Maisie)

Joshua Stephen

Koby Lee (Jaydn Lee)

Maxwell John (Olive Ada)

Nial Luis

Nihaal Singh 

Noah James

Oliver Patrick

Oscar Hugh (Harriet Barker)

Oscar Joe

Patrick James Frederick Alexander (Emelia Coco Rose & Georgiana Helena Charlotte)

Peter David

Raymond Charlie

Rory Nicolas Riddell

Rudy Maxwell (Betsy Robin)

Rufus Henry Wynter (Lydia & Florence)

Sebastian John

Sebastian Marthinus

Sebastian William Gregory (Rupert)

Thomas John (Eleanor Mary & Matilda Anne)

Toby Tom 

Wilfred Christopher James

 

Girls:

Alice Kate (Thomas, Louise & James)

Avah Nicole

Beatrice Alice Bennett  (full name is the very alliterative Beatrice Alice Bennett Barrington Barnes).

Beau Elizabeth

Bella Evelyn

Cecilia Emmeline

Darcey Violet

Elektra Esmeralda (Dorothy Diane, Wulfstan Wallace & Cleopatra Cordelia)

Ella Elizabeth

Emily Clara

Emma Sophie Marie (Thomas Alexander Paget & Harry William Ellis)

Harriet Emily

Harriet Mae

Isadora Emily Ursula (Milo Benjamin)

Isla Elizabeth 

Jemima Elizabeth

Kitty Mani Anne

Lois Helen Ashleigh (Logan Richard)

Lorna Poppy (Dougal)

Matilda Rose (Isma Florence)

Olivia Catherine Anne

Olivia Georgia (Madeleine Edith)

Ottilie Jemima Matilda (Felix William Daniel, Aurelia Caroline Melesina & Rosabelle Sophia Beatrice)

Phoebe Elizabeth

Poppy Penelope 

Ronnie-Rose (Kyle, Harry & Robbie)

Sophie Lucy (Isla Claire)

Tilly Grace (Thea)

 

Twins:

Adelaide Eloise & Matthew Alan

Islay & Lewis

Name of the Week

 

Dougal has gained a loveable image in recent years though
its history speaks of Scotish warlords and viking warriors.

 

Origin:

Dougal is the Anglicised form of the Gaelic Dubhgaill, derived from dubh "black, dark" and gall "stranger, foreigner." Dubgaill (Dougal) and Finngaill (Fingal) were used in parallel — meaning "Dark Foreigner" and "Fair Foreigner" respectively — and were used in Irish and Welsh chronicals since the 9th century. The meaning behind these terms is much debated as it is unclear whether these distinctions referred to physical features (e.g. haircolour), weaponry, or dress-colour. The primary assumption, made by most historians, is that Dubgaill represented dark-haired (for Danes), and Finngaill fair-haired (for Norwegians). However, the use of hair-colour as an ethnic identifier, it is now argued, is oversimplistic and anachronistic. Large viking armies were neither Danish nor Norwegian exclusively, and there was no distinction in Old Norse between a "Dane" and a "Norwegian," so why would the distinction have been made elsewhere? From the eleventh century, the two terms did become identified as two seperate cultural groups: the Dubgenti were Danes and the Finngenti were Norwegians. However the definition was attributed long after the terms fell out of use, at a time when there were political distinctions between Norwegians and Danes, most likely demonstrating that a new interpretation was imposed on the earlier terms Dugaill and Finngaill which described 9th century vikings.  There are many alternate meanings for dub and finn. The former can also mean 'gloomy, meloncholy' or 'great, mighty,' while the latter can also mean 'handsome, just, true'. A newer theory argues that Finngaill referred to the 'old' vikings and Dubgaill referred to 'new' invading vikings under different leadership. The 'dark/new' (Dubgaill) vikings were first mentioned in 851 as being led by Ívarr, the 9th-century Norse ruler who was active in Scotland and Ireland.

Usage:

Though Dougal is Irish in origin, it has long been regarded as a Scottish name. As C.M. Younge (writing in 1863) put it, "Dougall and Dugald have been from time immemorial Highland names, and, together with Donald, serve as the national nickname of the Gael among the Lowlanders." The Clan MacDougall took its name from Dougal, son of King Somerled (Dubgall mac Somairle). Somerled was a powerful Norse warlord who became 'King of the Isles'. His son, Dubgall, controlled a large portion of Western Scotland. As well as MacDougall, the name also coined the surnames Dougall, Doyle, Dowell, MacDool and MacDowall.  Dougal came into more general use in Scotland from at least the 12th century and has been in continual use ever since. In the 16th and 17th centuries Dougall (sometimes Dougal, Dowgald and Dugall) was the more common form, though from the 18th century, Dugald was more frequent.  It saw more usage in the late 19th century, culminating in 1900 in a rank of #60 in Scotland. It also saw increasing use in England and Wales By 1950, the tide had turned and neither Dougal or Dugald ranked in the Top 100.  Since 2005, Dougal has had a birth count in Scotland of between 3 and 6 births. It's highest rank was #384 in 2007; its lowest was #613 in 2011.  Similarly, since 1996 in England and Wales, Dougal has had a birth count of between 3 and 11 births, the highest rank being #1756 in 2007 and the lowest #3687 in 2008.   In 2012, Dougal ranked #568 (4 births) in Scotland and #3039 (6 births) in England and Wales.

Famous Bearers:

History:  * Dubgall mac Somairle, a 12th century Scottish nobleman who governed much of western Scotland.  * Dúghall of Lorne (d. 1403), notable Scottish prelate.  * Dougal Graham (c.1724–1779), the skellat bellman of Glasgow and a notable author of Scottish chapbooks. * Dougal Robertson (1924–1992), Scottish author and sailor. Contemporary: * Dougal Haston (1940–1977), Scottish mountaineer; one of the first Britons to climb Everest. * Dougal Dixon (b. 1947), Scottish geologist and author. * Dougal Goodman, OBE, British scientist; chief executive of the Foundation for Science and Technology. Literature and Media: * Dougal, a character in Walter Scott's Rob Roy, the hero's devoted agent.  * Father Dougal McGuire, a character in Father Ted, played by Ardal O'Hanlon. * Dougal, the dog in the English version of the television series The Magic Roundabout.

Variants:

Dubhghall (Gaelic), Dugal, Dugald (Scottish variant)

Pronunciation:

DOO-gəl [key]

Possible diminutives:

Dougie, Douey (Dewi)

Sibling Names:

Elspeth     Daisy     Mirren     Tamsin     Hazel     Eilish  Hamish     Rupert     Gregor     Angus     Tavish      Lachlan

Name Lists:

Clunky Celtic

 

If you like Dougal you may also like:   Douglas, Hector, Duncan, Alastair, Donal, Declan, Fergus, Innes, Graeme, Malcolm

 

Thanks to Lin for requesting this post.

Births announced in The Times, 1986

Below are a selection of birth announcements from The Times newspaper that were published in 1986.

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

Alban Nicholas Alfred James Nazarius Anand Julius Augustine William Barnabus Wyndham Barnaby Edward Geoffrey Barnaby Guy Lucian Fenwick (Frederick William Luke McKenzie) Barney Charles Henry (Serena Louisa) Basil Callum Brooks Theodore Leefe Christopher Rowan (Elizabeth Kathleen) Clancy Philip Clovis James Corran Brooke Cosmo Allan McKenzie Cosmo Rory Hector Albert Darcy Nicholas Darius David Henry (Camilla Jasmine) Digby Angus Eimon Thomas Emanwel Josef Evan Augustus Felix Colin Innes Fergal Charles Benedict (Harriet Roberta Lucy) Florian Nicholas (Marius FitzJames, Alexander Cosimo & Marie-Emily Rose) Frederick Lionel Frederick Titus James Gerald Hugh Osmond Gideon Bruce Hadrian Donald Laurence (Hadleigh Richard Austin) Hector Edmond Emanuel Huw Alexander Simon Jack Brutus Jacobus Piers Frederick (Enrico William Caraco) James Rollo Ralph James Titus James Wilfred Lachlan Jean-Pierre Mark Simon Odysseus (Michael Francis R. B., Christopher John D. S. "Topher" & Anthony William George Achilles) Jolyon Timothy (Jeremy Guy & Marianne Lavinia) Kazimir Jack Leo Rupert Marcus Oliver Maximilian Armstrong Munro Mungo Rupert Llewellyn Nicholas Guy Lucius Oscar Rupert (Blaise & Archie) Otis Jack Philip Rex Angelo Piers Stanislaw (Alice Margaret & Charles Lucian) Raoul Edward Rene Max Axel Dexter Richard Malek Phillipe Rory Darius (Oliver Charles) Ruaraidh Alistair Rupert Lionel Samuel Balthazar (Hester Olivia Hero) Sholto Alistair Piers (Diane Alison Pamela, Helena Ann Jeanie & Anya Katerina Alice) Tarquin Mark Tarun Edward (Serena Kiran) Tristan Finnbar Truan Neve Tudor Samuel Valdis Charles (George Alexander & Rebecca Eileen Mary)

Agnes Etheldreda Alice Primrose Alma Caecilia Amelia Aldyth Rosanagh Anne Leoni Serena Arabella Patience (William Peter) Amarinta Jane (Theodora Violet & Jago William) Augusta Lucy Francesca (Isobel Victoria Rosamira) Candida Anne Quenelda (Lawrence Patrick Haslewood & Sophie Maria Katharine) Catriona Zelie Frances (Archibald Hugh Wellesley) Cicely Mai Elsie (Anna Catherine Pelly & George Ashby Arthur) Clara Auriana (Nathaniel Peter Edward) Cleone Isolde (Richard Pierce Theobald) Clementine Priscilla (Eliza Mary) Concetta Anne Daisy Cressida Daisy Prudence Harriet (Jemma Katherine Agnes & Harriet Cressida) Devon Elizabeth (Conner Amanda) Domenica Susan Siani (Leonora Katherine, Ludovic Sebastian & Octavia Christian) Dorothea Alice (Francesca Brabner) Edwina Laetitia Effie Charlotte (Sophia Louise, Honor Rose & David Fleetwood) Eleri Angharad (Rhiannon Mair) Eleuthera Roselyne Patricia Eugenie Hope Marina (Alice Patricia Grace & Lavinia Leonilla Rose) Fenella Louise Mimosa (Jessica Claire, Jemima Stephanie & Rory Angus) Flora Elizabeth Genevieve Frances Lita Francesca Marinetta Louisa Genevieve Clare (Rosamund Sarah, Sebastian Patrick, Benedict James, Felix Gerard) Genevieve Tara Elizabeth Georgia Olympia Judith Viola (Oscar Nelson James Ledwidge) Harriet Finra Hazel Miriam Henrietta Allegra Khodara (Hedie Georgia, Philippa Atussa & Verity Ladanne) Hero Joy (Alaric John Roydon) Hero Madeleine Rose (Florence Zelma) Isobel Eilonwy Josephine Willa Eloise (Cecily Anne Tyler & Tabitha Jane Marguerite) Juliet Clotilde Katherine Delphine (Edward John & Matilda Charlotte) Lucy Celestina Margaret (Giles & William) Marta Atalanta Milka Evangelia Morag Agneta Jane (Axel Alastair William) Pandora Olivia (James Henry) Persephone Claire (Charis Electra & Livia Cleo) Persephone Elizabeth (Charles Edward, Thomas William, Antigone Rosanagh & Rupert Henry) Peta Eleanor Philippa Alexandra Peta Polly Harriet (Sophie Emma) Poppy Philomena (Sophie Carolina) Prudence Ann Raphaela Eleanor Richenda Grace Rosalie Blanche (Shaun Maximilian & Charlotte Daisy Ella) Rosanagh Eleanor Rosemary Sophia Lavinia Signe Rebecca Emily (Alice Ingrid Katarina) Skye Dorothy Ruth Stella May Tallulah Daisy Clementine (Jemima Sophie Henrietta & Tristram Rory Edward) Theadora Leia Florence (Rusia Alice) Theodora Mercy Thomasin Sarah Venetia Honor Lola  (Davinia Benita K.) Verity Marina Frances (Oriel Rosalie Tess) Zinnia Sophia Elizabeth

* In total, four girls were given the name Rosanagh in 1986. The most likely reason is thanks to Rosanagh Innes-Ker, Vicountess Grimston's appearing as bridemaid at Prince Andrew's wedding that year.

 

UK Birth Announcements 17/3/14 - 23/3/14

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:

Alexander Ramsay Bartlett

Alfie Thomas (George Charles)

Angus Jules Dacre (Charles Tristram Albert "Charlie")

Archie Clement

Austin David (Hollie)

Austin Alexander (Saffron Anne & Jasmine Felicity)

Benjamin Brian

Bertie William (Milo Benjamin)

Boaz George (Abraham Ernest)

Charles Christopher Barron

Cooper Edward

Cooper Harry (Lucy)

Daniel James

Eddie William (Rose)

Edward Francis Otto (Freya Elizabeth Isabella)

Edward John David (Charlotte Anne Grace)

Finn William (Eira Jane)

Frankie George (Evie Pearl)

Hamish Ellis

Hunter Phoenix (Jack, Maddox & Hendrix)

Jack James

James Herbie Stanley

Joshua James (Charlotte Maisey)

Jude Kenneth (Jack William)

Kitberry (Cole)

Lowen Keir (Matisse Blue (g))

Luke Stephen

Maxwell James Kavanagh

Monty Peter Hugo (Hermione Alexandra, Freya Rosalind & Ottilie India)

Oscar Barnaby (Charlotte Amelia)

Oskar Frederick (Noah Antoni)

Rafe David

Stephen William

Thomas James William (Carys Elizabeth Mary)

Trystan William (Osian Glyn)

William Lachlan Westwood

Xavier Aloysius

Zachary George

 

Girls:

Aimee Isabella

Amelia Rose

Amelie Anne

Carri (Charli, Chrysti & Cassi)

Charlotte Penelope (Jessica Heather)

Claudia Hope (Amelia)

Eden Julia (Ellie, Eva & Emelia)

Erin Rose

Esme Grace (Ophelia Rose)

Eva Mary

Eva Mae (Jude Benjamin)

Evie Elisabeth Mary

Evie Mae (Mia Grace)

Flora Araminta (Jonty Alexander & Harry Alfred)

Florence Elizabeth (Rudi Alexander)

Florence Isabella

Heather Diana (Isabella Jasmine, Emily Rose & Hamish Gordon Christopher)

Isabel Efa "Efa" (Iolo Arfon)

Isabel Margaret (Olivia Anna)

Lara Elizabeth Brooke (Ruby Anne Mora & Arthur Edward Hugh)

Linnea Isabella (Noah)

Louisa Danielle

Lucy Elizabeth (Alexander & Oliver)

Lydia Grace

Maisie Mary Patricia Rose (Luke, Scott, Bradley & Evie)

Margaret Joy (Louis John)

Marina Rose (Wilfred Piers John)

Millicent Mai

Nel Alaw (Mali, Mia & Ania)

Niamh Jeanette

Nicole Daniella

Olivia Lisa

Ottilie Anne Emary 

Phoebe Annabelle

Phoebe Primrose (Florence Bluebell)

Poppy Elizabeth

Rose Helen (Arthur James)

Rosie Helen

Ruby Ann

Savanna Jade

 

UK Birth Announcements 10/3/14 - 16/3/14

Apologies for the lack of posts recently. The school I work at was due an inspection, which ramped up my working hours considerably. Added to which, I'm also in the process of renovating and moving into a property. The inspection finally happened on Thursday and Friday but now (thanks to constant panic + sleep deprivation) I have the dreaded post-Ofsted lurgy.

I need some time to recharge my batteries and get my new flat sorted out before I return to my usual posting patterns and know I can produce good quality posts. Hopefully it will only be a week or two, but until then, I'll only be posting the weekly birth announcement round-post. Thanks.

 

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

Alfred James Kurdi (Harry)

Angus David

Archie Giles 

Ben Christopher (Matthew)

Blair Robert Graham

Blaize Abel

Charlie Frankie Blue (Hazel)

Edwyn Gruffydd (Eve Nia)

Felix Abraham

Felix Roscoe Frederick (Marcus & Elowen)

Fletcher George

Fletcher Harrison

Francis Benjamin

Harvey Alexander (Olivia Grace)

Hugo Boris Michael

Hugo Robert Bissesar (Harry Codrington Etwar)

Hugo Robert John (Arabella Cara Olivia)

Jago Alexander Conor

James Alexander

James Darcy "Jimmy" (Oscar Benjamin)

James Thomas (Erin)

Joseph Alexander

Joshua Elias Barnaby

Jude John Hastie

Jude William (Lily Grace)

Lachlan Morrison (Fraser & Finlay Matheson)

Lawson James Alfred

Leo William Joseph

Liam Craig (Maria Sabena & Ciarán David)

Luca William

Mason Stuart (Jamie, Luke, Lewis & Cameron)

Matthew Emmett (Rupert Charles)

Matthias Alex David (Meredith Grace Christine & Tabitha Hope Joanne)

Milo George William

Moor Arthur (Skye, Kirk & Fern Christina)

Murray David

Noah Thomas (Harry Grant)

Oliver William

Robert Ward

Romy-Shay

Ruairi John

Ruben Reid (Rebecca Ellen)

Samuel Ralph

Sebastian William

Stanley Oscar

Thomas Fergus

Thomas Matthew

Toby George Kevan (Harry John William)

William Allan "Will" (Luke & Georgina)

 

Girls:

Alexis Mia 

Amber Rose

Amelia Catherine Cherry (Sophie & Sebastian George Tasker)

Amelia Grace (Samuel Michael)

Amelia Helen

Anabel Jane (Roran James)

Ariana Chelsea

Ava Rose

Beatrix Rosa 

Bella Betty Kitty

Beth Olivia

Daisy Mae

Dillon Esme

Eadie Olive

Elsa Peto

Emilia Jennifer (Hattie & Hudson James)

Emily Alexandra

Emmie Mary

Fern (Eva)

Francesca Irene 

Gabrielle Rose (Ashton & Kai)

Grace Emilia

Indie Rae (Shakira & Justin)

Isabella Poppy

Isla Faith

Ivy Christina

Jessica Lily

Katie Elizabeth (Daniel & Thomas James)

Lara Grace

Lillia Kay (Lucas)

Lily Louise (Steven)

Louisa Danielle

Maisie Rose

Maisie Violet Morven

Matilda Lavinia

Matilda Ruby

Mia Donna Ann

Olivia Ira Rose

Olivia Jade

Rosie Jane (Alfie William)

Sophia Daisy (Fraser Paul)

Sylvia Charlotte Imogen (Hattie & Peter)

Thalia Redel

Willa Charlotte Moore (Maximillian Randal James & Jemima Honey Frances)

 

Twins:

Edward Harry & Emily Eileen

Hannah Millie & Olivia Jane

Jack Charles & Mollie Grace

 

 

UK Birth Announcements 3/3/14 - 9/3/14

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 John

Aiden Daniel (Riley Andrew)

Albert Anthony (Iris Lavinia)

Alfie Vernon (Callum)

Anthony Robert Xavier

Archie Daniel Edward

Arthur James

Ben Patrick (Orla Jane)

Berkcan

Billy Charles 

Charlie Johnston (Christian)

Christopher Thomas St. Quintin "Kit" (John Digby St. Quintin "Johnny")

Clintin John (Corbin)

Daniel Edward 

Daniel Robert 

Danny Neil (Bailey William, Emily Lorraine & Finlay David)

Dexter William (Eliza)

Felix Harry Dean Junior (Madaline Joeline "Maddie")

George James (Calli Grace)

Hamish Ian John (Calum Robertson)

Harry Patrick (Jack Steven)

Henry Winston (Coral Jasmine, Lucille Rose & Betsy Saffron)

Innes Neil Gerard

Jenson Michael Philip (Cameron)

Joseph James

Lachlan Gwynne James (Thomas Gwynne Curig)

Luke David

Max Alexander 

Maxwell Edward (Freya Mai)

Maxwell Thomas

Oliver Huw Miéville (Amelia Jonquil Angharad)

Oscar Lucas

Peter Njombi (Kukenga Helen)

Reegan Rhylee (Scarlett Sharon)

Rory James

Rowan James (Noah Jack)

Samuel Raphael (James Gabriel)

Sebastian Charles Donal (Annabel Florence Eleanor)

Thomas Andrew (Hannah & Christopher)

Thomas Patrick 

Tristan Jack (Freja Ann)

Xavier Joshua Paul (Hamish)

Zak Oliver (Bobby)

 

Girls:

Alice Eleanor Margaret (William Henry Charles)

Annabelle Lucille

Ava Mirabelle Mary (Rocco Alexander Renshaw)

Bella May Louise (Bayley Chester John)

Bethan Olivia "Beth"

Carissa Mae (Alex)

Clara Eve

Clara Rose

Ellie Grace (Harry & Harry Matthew)

Enya Kate

Eva Dottie

Evie Aileen (Isla Helen)

Evie Louise (Jack)

Evie Marie

Evie-Rae 

Fia Elizabeth

Gracie Lily (Evie Grace)

Imogen Violet

Isabel Lucy (Matilda Judy & Arthur Gordan Houston)

Isabelle Mae

Isla Gracie (Logan John Graham)

Isla Jane

Janie Sandra Elizabeth (Jack Walter James)

Jemima Antonia (Alexandra Beatrice)

Kaitlyn Pearl 

Laura Melanie

Lily Eve

Lilly Rose

Lucy Alexandra

Lucy Jennifer (Jessica)

Matilda Ruby (Lily Jane)

Maura Bree

Minnie Lotus (Lola & Tilly Pai)

Niamh Isobel (Leo Brendan)

Olivia Sophie

Orla Anne Mary

Paige Mia

Poppy Belle

Primrose Leonora (Frederick Albert "Fred")

Rosie Bluebell

Ruby Isabelle

Skye Marie

Tamsin Grace Elizabeth

Willow Rennie (Hollie & Lennon)

 

Twins:

Nate Lucas & Scarlett Florence

 

 

Name of the Week

An elaborate and saintly medieval Spanish gem 
with ties to Greek mythology.

 

Origin:

Leocadia is most likely a later variant form of Leucadia, the Latinised form of the Greek Leukadia, derived from leukas "light, bright, clear."  The masculine equivalent, Leukadios/Leucadius is found in Greek mythology as the name of the son of Icarius and Polycarpe, and brother to Penelope, who was the co-ruler of Acarnania. It is thought that the Greek island of Leucas (Leukas, Leucadia, Lefkada) derived its name from him.  The island was known for its temple dedicated to Apollo, where he was given the epithet Apollo Leucadius or Apollo Leucates ("Apollo of Leucas"). The Latin Leucadius, therefore, was likely more commonly used as a topographical name meaning "of Leucas," rather than a form of Leukadios.

Usage:

Leokadia and Leokadios can be found in classical and hellenistic records, though examples are rare. The LGPN only has record of one woman named Leukadia and two men named Leukadios. Leocadia itself was made famous by Saint Leocadia of Toledo (d. c. 303), a Spanish virgin martyr who was said to have herself been inspired by the legendary martyrdom of Saint Eulalia. A church was dedicated to her from an early time; records from the 7th century say that it was already established by that date. In the 9th century, her remains were moved to Oviedo, and in the 11th century were taken to Belgium. In 1586 they were sent to Rome, and finally returned to Toledo the following year, in a grand ceremony presided over by King Philip II of Spain.  Leocadia was in use in Spain from at least the 16th century in Spain and also in the Spain colonies, particularly Mexico and Peru. Occasionally, Leocadio was used, but not as commonly. By the 18th century Leocadia was in use across Europe, particularly in Germany and Belgium, and in Canada.  A small group of Leocadias were baptised in Durham in the 18th century to migrant Spanish families but other examples in Britain are hard to find before the 19th century. From 1838 to 1920, 8 girls were registered with the name Leocadia in England and Wales, and 6 with the French form Léocadie.  Since then, Leocadia has only been given to 6 girls in England and Wales, and only two of those were given it as a first name.

Famous Bearers:

History: * Saint Leocadia, (d. c. 303) a Spanish martyr, persecuted under the reign of Diocletian. Her feast day is 9th December.  * Léocadie Gascoin (1818–1900), co-founder and superior of the Sisters Marianites of Holy Cross. Literature and Media: * Leocadia, a character in Cerventes' (1547–1616) novel La Fuerza de la sangre; The Power of Blood. * La Leocadia, a mural by the Spanish artist Francisco Goya. * Léocadia (1940), a theatrical play by Jean Anouilh.  Other: * 969 Leocadia, a minor planet orbiting the Sun.

Variants:

Liocadia (Spanish variant), Léocadie, Locaie (French), Leokadia (German, Polish), Leocádia (Portuguese) Leocardia

Pronunciation:

lee-ō-KAY-dee-ə, lee-ō-KAD-ee-ə [key]

Possible  diminutives:

Cade, Cadi, Cayla, Cleo, Kay, Lea, Leo, Lia, Lady, Lola

Sibling Names:

Apollonia     Constantia     Valentina     Artemisia     Carissima     Iphigenia  Barnabas     Nicodemus      Silvester     Regulus     Nicander     Maximian

Name Lists:

Saintly and Stylish   Resonant Roman   Multi-syllabic

 

If you like Leocadia you may also like:  Theodosia, Athanasia, Eulalia, Asteria, Euphrasia, Amadea, Iphigenia, Adrasteia, Cassiopeia, Araminta

 

Thanks to Thora for requesting this post. 

Upswing Boys' Names: England & Wales

Following from the Upswing Girls' Names in England and Wales, here is the picture for the boys.

Noticeably, the girls' names, on the whole, had a much steeper upward curve than their masculine counterparts. These boys' names, in general, are taking longer to rise and have a bumpier, more gradual upward curve, often with intermittent plateauing. 

Going against this grain, some noticeable spikes can be seen, such as with Riley, Arthur, Jenson, Tommy and Frankie. 

Upswing Names in the Top 100:

Similarly, names below the Top 100 also are a little bumpier on their upward path in popularity. Nevertheless they are all progressively rising. 

Upswing Names below the Top 100:

 

Despite his previous reputation as a Cockney bad-boy, diminutive Ronnie is currently in vogue.

Back in 1996, 66 boys (#352) were called Ronnie in E&W. After a few ups, downs and plateaus, Ronnie managed to garner 599 births (#105) in 2012, over a hundred more than the previous peak of 491 babies in 2008. 

Fellow, R- diminutive (and, coincidentally, the other Kray twin) Reggie is also rising behind. Only 16 (#898) babies were named Reggie in 1996. It reached triple figures (110) in 2005, and by 2012 there was a swelling 398 births, ranking #450. 

Alternative Reginald-diminutive Rex is also enjoying rising usage. From 4 births (#2425) in 1999 to 88 births (#450) in 2012.  

 

 

UK Birth Announcements 24/2/14 - 2/3/14

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:

Alexander Arthur (James Ronald)

Alexander Patrick

Alfie James

Alfie William (Lilly)

Andy Stephen (Riley Stephen)

Archibald Reid Monro "Archie" (Katie, Billy & Adam)

Archie Jude

Arthur Louis Portal

Austin John (Caitlyn)

Barnaby Bryan Roland (Harvey Jasper Vaisey)

Ben Patrick (Orla Jane)

Billy Charles

Blake Arian (Zack)

Bryce Billy

Calvin

Casper Leon (Freddy & Sidney Harrison)

Charlie Malcolm Thomas (Harris Stanley Donald)

Clark Jonathan Donald

Cosmo William Henry

Daniel Thorben (Gideon, Emma Christina & Elizabeth Rose)

Edward James

Elliott Noel William

Ethan Jack William 

Evan William

Felix James (Evie, Jenny & Anneliese)

Freddy John

Glenn William 

Gregor John (Stewart)

Hamish Arthur Hepburn

Harley Ross (Jayden)

Hugh David Russell

Iwan Davidson

Jacob Lewis

Leo Joseph Russell 

Leo-Jay

Lucas Matthew (Maximus)

Lucas Stanley Walker

Macsen Thomas

Milo Guy Thomas

Nairn (Darcy)

Noah Edward

Oliver Hamilton Digby (Henry George Deering)

Olly-David

Oscar Barry

Ptolemy Douglas Austin (Alexander James Randolph)

Quinn

Riley Ian (Carly & Kaci)

Riley Jack-James

Robert Blain (Kieron Gray "Gray" & Ellis David)

Ronny Jon (Holly Lyndsey)

Sonni Bill (Archie George)

Thomas Elliott

Thomas Peter

Tiberius Jonathan "Tibs"

Tom Douglas (Lily Mae)

William Benedict (Zachary Henry & Georgiana)

Zach James

Zachary James

 

Girls:

Adele Georgia

Annie Victoria

Anoushka Stella Birdie (Wilhelmina Rosamund Venetia)

Aoife Rose (Holly Marion)

Clara Ann (Oliver Richard)

Cleo

Darcie Ada (Maisie)

Eleanor Rose (Florence)

Eliza Rose 

Ellan Amy Louise (Danial Robert Thomas)

Ellis Annie

Eva Marie

Faith Lily

Grace Evelyn

Harriet Emily (Jemima Mary)

Hettie Eliza (Violet Mae)

Iris Wendy (Delilah Frances)

Isabelle Alexa

Jennifer Vivien Rose (William)

Jorja Charlie 

Justice Maria 

Lily Florence

Lilly Megan (Lola Elizabeth)

Loredana

Lucie Kate

Marlowe Rose (Summer Grace)

Martha Grace

Matilda Rose

Nancy Philippa

Nel Fflur (Gruffydd Wynne "Gruff" & Eira Lliwen)

Rachel Alexandra (Lachlan Carlyle)

Rachel Eilidh (Jack Ryan)

Robyn Ann

Sadie Grace

Sapphire June

Sienna Ann 

Talia Rose (Cosmo & Scarlet Willow)

Verity Faith (Claudia Honor)

Violet Louise (Kitty Edith)

Willow Eve

 

Twins:

Brooke & Mason

Lorcan Sebastian & Hector Sylvester (Merlin Charles)

 

 

Name of the Week

 

Classic Nicholas is an evergreen choice
with kicking rhythm and striking Greek heritage.

 

Origin:

Nicholas is the Anglicised form of the Ancient Greek name Nikolaos, made up of the elements nikê “victory” and laos “people.”

Usage:

Nikolaos was in moderate use in Ancient Greece — it certainly wasn't rare, but not especially popular. Any rankings available for the mid-to-late Antiquity put it around 90th place in popularity; Nikostratos, Nikandros, Nikon, Nikias, Nikanor and Nikomachos were much more frequent in use.  Nicholas/Nikolaos became popular after the 3rd century, thanks to the fame of St Nicholas of Myra. Born in Asia Minor, Nicholas was ordained Bishop of Myra at a young age, making him one of the first in the Christian Church. He spent his life helping the underprivileged, and was even imprisoned for a while by the Romans.  By the 10th century, the cult of St Nicholas had become widespread and he was made patron saint of Russia and Greece, and the patron saint of children, sailors and merchants. Owing to the legends of his generosity, his being the patron of children, and having a feast day so close to Christmas (6th December), eventually he became the figure we now know as "Santa Clause." His cult was widely known in France and England in the 10th century, and consequently his name, too, was popular, being established in Britain after the Norman Conquest. In a study of 1000 names in 10 counties from 1377-81, Redmonds put Nicholas at #10, which he characterises as 'quite popular'.  Several other saints came to bear the name, also bolstering its popularity. Among them include Pope Nicholas I "Saint Nicholas the Great" (c. 800–867) who was revered as a saint just after his death. He was followed by four more Popes of the name as well as an Antipope. Col and Colin were the prevalent diminutives of Nicholas, while Nichol was the common vernacular form. The popularity of the name is attested by the multitude of surnames which derive from it, such as Nicholas, Nicklas, Niccols, Nichol, Nickel, Nickle, Nicolay, McNichol, McNickle, Nickson, Nicholson, Nickerson, Nickinson, Nicklen, Nickolds, Nixon, Collin, Colins and Colinson.  The feminine form Nichola can also be found in Medieval Latin records but (much like Philippa/Philip), such women would most likely have been called Nicholas. The variants Colina and Nicholina are responsible for the surname Nicholin, and Nicholas continued its use as a feminine name in Scotland up to the 19th century.  Smith Bannister's popularity rankings show that Nicholas maintained much of its popularity through the 16th century, though lost a little ground in the 17th century: 1538-49: #6; 1550-9: #8; 1560-9: #8; 1570-9: #11; 1580-9: #11; 1590-9: #10; 1600-9: #11; 1610-9: #10; 1620-9: #10; 1630-9: #13; 1640-9: #13; 1650-9: #12; 1660-9: #14; 1670-9: #18; 1680-9: #13; 1690-1700: #17.  This last number corresponds nicely to Leslie Dunkling's rankings, which put Nicholas at #19 in 1700 and #32 in 1800. By 1850, however, it falls out of his Top 50. Over the course of the 20th century, Nicholas gradually declined. It was #97 in 1880 and #127 in 1890. Though Nicholas moved out of the Top 100 by the end of the 20th century, it had swung back up again within four decades. It returned to the Top 100 in the 1940s, and peaked once again in the 1970s (at a time when feminine Nicola was also at its height).  1900: #136 1914: below #100 1924: below #100 1934: below #100 1944: #76 1954: #36 1964: #28 1974: #19 1984: #22 1994: #42 2004: #100 Since its peak in 1974, Nicholas has been on a steady decline in England and Wales. In 1996, it ranked #52 with 1385 births. It left the Top 100 in 2005 when it ranked #106 (535 births).  In 2012, Nicholas ranked #149 with 379 births. In the combined spellings rank, Nicholas et al ranked #123. In Scotland, Nicholas also did not rank in the Top 100. By 1950 it had risen to #94 and again to #46 in 1975.  Since then it has been declining in use. In 2005, Nicholas ranked #127 with 42 births. It was #156 in 2007, #162 in 2009, and #223 in 2011.  In 2012, Nicholas ranked #174 with 33 births.

Famous Bearers:

History:  * Nicholas of Cusa (1401–1464), a a German philosopher, theologian, jurist, and astronomer. * Nicolaus Copernicus (1473–1543), noted astronomer.  * Nicolas Poussin (1594–1665), French artist. Rulers and Saints: * 5 Popes. * 2 Russian Tsars. * 11 Saints. * 18 Blesseds. * 1 King of Denmark. * 1 King of Montenegro. * 1 Prince of Romania Contemporary: * Nicholas Murray Butler (b. 1931), Nobel Peace Prize winner.  * Nicolas Cage (b. 1964), American actor. * Nicholas Hoult (b. 1989), British actor. Literature and Media: * Nicholas, a character in Shakespeare's The Taming of the Shrew. * Nicholas Nickleby, a character in Dicken's Nicholas Nickleby (1839)

Variants:

Nikola (Croatian), Mikulas (Czech), Nikolaj (Danish), Nikolaas, Nicolaas (Dutch), Nigul (Estonian), Niklas (Finnish), Nicolaus (German), Nicklaus (Swiss), Nikolas (Greek), Miklos (Hungarian), Niccolo (Italian), Mikolaj (Polish), Nicolau (Portuguese), Nikolai (Russian), Nicol (Scottish), Nicolas, Nicolao (Spanish)

Pronunciation:

NIK-ə-ləs [key]

Possible diminutives:

Nick, Nicky, Cole, Col, Colin, Kick, Kai, Nico, Nils, Nio, Claus, Klaus, Oli

Sibling Names:

Katherine     Annabelle     Charlotte     Felicity     Miranda     Sophia  Alexander     Theodore     Joshua     Daniel     Michael      Christopher

Name Lists:

Medieval Favourites    Terrifically Tudor    Gorgeously Georgian     Shakespearean Names      Dickensian Names   Names from Tennyson

 

If you like Nicholas you may also like:   Dominic, Matthew, Oliver, Maxwell, Thomas, Stephen, Jonathan, Nathaniel, Laurence, Robert

 

Thanks to Tiffany for requesting this post.