British Baby Names

Sibling Spotlight for Ewan

Below is a selection of British siblings with Ewan, 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.

1640s: George William Ewan James John Mary Thomas Patrick Charles   1820s: Catherine Kenneth Donald Mary Isabella Ewan Alexander   Angus Mary Roderick Murdock Catherine Ewan John   1830s: Catherine Donald Ewan Euphemia "Effy" Mary John & Maria (twins) Christy (g) Flora Margaret   Margaret "Peggy" Alpin William John Alexander Ewan Donald Rachael Hugh Isabella Margaret Ewan Mary Chirsty (g) Euphemia    1840s: Annie Louisa Isabella Susan Ewan John   Ewan John Annabella James Alexandrina Murdo   Robert Lachlan Marriot Ewan & Duncan (twins) Angus   Ewan Grace Frederick Louisa   1850s: John Ewan Alexander William James Louisa Christina Isabella Peter   May Gregor Ewan Archibald Duncan Donald Angus   Anne-Mary Susan Colin John Mary Margaret Flora Alexander Somerled Jessie Margaret Fergus Ewan Alexandrina Marion "Lexy" Anne-Jane Fraser Donald Murdoch   1860s: Henry Bower Ewan Christian Robert R Darcy Corwen (b) Mabel Mary Francis Eldred Dora Blamire George Basil Kate Christiana   Margaret Cecilia Jessie Euphemia "Effie" John Ewan Isobel Dugald Archibald "Archy"   Stuart Gertrude Mary Charles William Ewan Percy   1870s: Ewan Duncan John Charles Hugh Alan James S Aylmer Helen   Ethel Mary J Wilhelmine Marguerite Ewan Carl F   Hugh Alan Kevitt (b) Helen Edith  Henry Elsie Ewan Basil   Ada Agnes Abel Stephen Ewan Charles    1880s: Louis Ernest Richard Sybilla Mary Effie Maud Bertram George Wilfred Edward Mabel Ann & Ewan John (twins)   Agnes Edward Eleanor Christina Dorothy Richard Thomas Ewan

1890s: Ewan Mabel Percy   Ewan Charles Phyllis Dulcie Duncan Archibald Aylmer L   Varah (b) Francis Allan Alwyn Cyril Alberta Oliver Ewan   1900s: Ewan Christopher John Hemington Robert Gregory Ellen Barbara Mary Phoebe Catherine   Lillias Edith Ewan Florence   Jeanie Ewan Lachlan   Olwyn Vaughan Ewan Vaughan Harmon Joyce Violet Vaughan   William Robert Eleanor Christina Ewan Thomas Ethel Margaret Edith Annie George Arthur Nessie Hamilton Charles Edward   1950s/60s: Jessie Harriet Frances Eva William Charles Alan Charles Henry George Denis Ewan Francis   Ewan Follett Donald Lorna Marilyn   Jane Lucinda Charlotte Mary Ewan Barford   Ewan Angus Robert Malcolm Alexander William William Aeneas   1980s: Fiona Elizabeth Ewan Thomas Fraser   Luke Anthony Euan Francis   Eloise Ruth Alicia Dorothie Euan Alasdair   Ewan Thomas Emma Tess   Christiana Jane Seymour Ewan Anthony Sowerby   Euan Miles Spencer Ingram John Wynn   1990s: Ewan Patrick William George Donald   Ewan Jack Romy Imogen   Charlotte Amy Ewan Lewis Kieran James    Christopher Paul Orrin Cael Ewan Russell   Euan David Xavier Patrick William Evan   2000s: Ewan Alexander George Rhys John   Aidan Mark Ewan Frances Katy Jude Christy (b)   Ewan Pierre Arthur Aurelien Edwin A   Lorna Ann Fenella Catriona Euan Andrew Edward   Euan Wesley Gregor Leighton Lydia Iona   Anna  Innes Eric Euan Samuel Eilidh Thea   2010s: Arran John Ewan Frazer   Arlo Patrice Ewan Alastair   Alexander Gordon Ewan John   Ewan Christopher Finley Donald   Rose Isabel Ewan Rafe   Ruaridh Douglas Euan Derek   Grace Elizabeth Euan Alexander   Rory Cameron & Euan Robert (twins)

This post was requested by Teresa.

Finds from 1867

A selection of names from the GRO Birth Records for England and Wales in 1867. All are first names and middle names — the surnames are not included unless indicated by 'sn' — and have been checked against other records for accuracy.

Abiathar William Achilles Nathaniel Aeneas Young Aldred Herbert Almeric Edward Spencer Almond Eber Amon Christ Aquila Arthur Ashton Alpheus Attila Thomas Bailey Christopher Bainbridge Bright (sn: Baxter) Bevil Granville Carteret Blanchard Ernest Brown Weston Cadwgan Morganwg Caesar Gavin Camillus Maximus Canute Christopher Captain Arthur Casabianca Walter Chip (sn: Wood) Courtenay Mordaunt Cubitt Rix Delta Pembroke Laurence George Denzil Louis Dolphus David Ebenezer Ivor Edward Cicero Ethelbert Athelstan Euclid Exuperius Ferdinando Fairfax Garibaldi William Horace Horatius Horace Ximenes Ishbi-Benob Jared Valentine Jephthah Harry Lot Esau Marlborough Marsena & Marwood (twins) Meaburn Francis Meadley Speck Medford Spring Metford Alfred Menotti Elkanah Nimrod Nathanael Nimshi Sam Obed Charles Ptolemy Augustus Richard Richardson Shadrach Meshach Abednego Stafford Zebedee Tertius Albert Titus Edwin Welcome Joseph Woodbine (sn: Hogg) Worthy William Xenophon Charles Xerxes Zephaniah Apollos Zephyr Zerubbabel Harry

Ada Alfrida Afrania Aholah Bessie Price Alby Georgina Allegonda Sophia Almeida Elizabeth Almena Reletta Amanda Melvina Arethusa Phillipa Athalenda Maria Atheline Eliza Averilda Elizabeth Avice Dagmar Beda Marion Camellia Edith Cennementa Cepha Augusta Cerelia Elizabeth Comfort Ellen Cozbi Lora Deidamia Dorset Ann Elethia Annita Ella Blanchette Ergyentine Sarah Eva Lotus Everilda Mary Fairy Octavia Faith Flora (sn: Foster) Fanetta Annie Florimell Fuljentius Barbara Happilina Anna M Happy (sn: Mann) Ida Nicola Izett Ernestine Jecholiah Eliza Lesbia Edith Lilla Constance Lina Vesper Lotus Louisa May Vilena Mealleter Louisa Mecrina Melody Elizabeth Menia Torfeida Miniamin Eliza Pablina Lucy Pleasant Scedonia Constance Shady Martha Talbot Elizabeth Topsey Rebecca Totty Blanche E E Urena Verona Jane Willoughby Caroline Wilmot Annie Zerka Rosetta Zeruah

 

UK Birth Announcements 21/7/14 - 27/7/14

A compilation of names from BAs announced in newspapers in the last week, including a national paper (Telegraph) and a broad range of local newspapers from across England, Wales and Scotland.

Sibling names are in brackets. 

 

Boys:

Adam Bruce

Alexander James

Alfred Stanley

Arthur Charles Alexander Howard (Eloise Victoria Rose Mimi Howard)

Arthur Stanley

Bailey George Kevin

Benjamin Stewart James

Bohdi Jay

Brady Samuel Lee

Caleb Edward John (Noah James)

Caleb Ian

Ethan Jacob

Euan Peter

Frith Gregory Houston (Alette Iris Rita)

George Samuel (Mia, Rose, Jaiden, Romani & Tyler)

Glyn James David

Harry Rupert (Lilly-Mae Gerda)

Henry Alexander (Gemma Claire)

Henry George de Winton (Charlotte Katherine Rose)

Jack Joseph

Jay Peter

Jayden Morton

Jenson Harry (Sienna Daisy)

Jesse Ralph (Archie Martyn)

Joshua Matthew

Koa John (Ava Rae)

Leo James

Luca James

Max James

Miles Philip Lucas

Nicholas Hucks

Orlando Joseph

Oscar James

Peter Jamie Kieron (Phillip)

Philip Laurence Vaughan

Ralph James

Roman Joseph

Samuel James

Sawyer William (Nahla Lei)

Tate Archer (Oakley Mason)

Teddy Arthur

William Ashton (Jessica)

 

Girls:

Abbie Maya (Ellie)

Amelia Bo

Amelia Rose

Amy Erica (Lucy)

Anna Elizabeth (Molly Anne)

Ava Annabelle (Finley Alexander)

Bella Louise (Riley Jacob & Lexxie Niamh)

Bridget Katy

Catherine Sadie Marjorie

Darcey May (Luke & Alex)

Ella Maria

Emily Isabella (Rachel Mary)

Emma Rose

Esme Violet Mary (Ottilie Hope Veronica)

Evie Beth (Mya Emily)

Freya Grace

Grace Elizabeth Mary (Alexander)

Harriet June

Harriet Rose

Hollie Margaret (Maya Cheryl)

Isla Anne

Jessamy Alice

Layla Winifred

Lexi Summer (Amelia Lily)

Libby Freda (Aiden Michael Bruce)

Lilly Jessie (Hollie Violet)

Lilybett Berry

Lucy Elizabeth (Lily)

Lucy Jessica (Ellie Sophia)

Lyra Grace

Macy Rose (Charlie)

Maisie Marie

Maya Rose

Melissa Jane

Mia Arwen (Ella & Mac)

Olivia Alice Louise (Georgia Katherine J & Alexander Henry Philip)

Ottilie Beatrix (Poppy Josephine, Edward Leveson & Albert Oliver)

Poppy Ava

Poppy Mabel Cecilia

Ruby Nina

Sasha Jessica

Scarlett Pearl (Olivia Grace)

Sophie Willa

Summer (Bluebell, Oscar & Joseph)

Tigerbelle Astarla

Una Evelyn (Phoebe Violet)

 

Twins:

Beatrice Maud & Sebastian Peter (Florence Kathryn Nessa)

Elsie Billie & Iris Peggy

Finlay Arjun Benedict & Jemina Mala Maria (Arran Jeevan Jude)

George & Max (Casey & Harry)

Phaedra Joanie & Yannis Stanley

 

 

Name of the Week

A dramatic and gothically clunky name, borne by medieval
Spanish queens and romantic heroines.

 

Origin:

Though it isn't entirely clear what Elvira's etymology is, it certainly originates from Spain. Most likely it derives from the old Germanic name Alberada, composed of the elements alb "elf" and radi" counsel, advice," and therefore etymologically equivalent to Alfred (see post for more information on the symbolism behind the two elements). The name Alberada was well used in early medieval Europe and took a number of localised and variant forms. In Norman French it became Alverat, which later became Aubrey in Britain. Examples from 11th century Italy also show variants Alferada and Alfarana, so it is easy to see how Alberada could have made its way to Elvira.  Even more compelling evidence is the many names which Elvira of Castile (c.1100-1135), consort of Roger II of Sicily, was known by including Alberia, Alberie and Alberada.

Usage:

Examples of Elvira in medieval Spain are numerous and particularly notable within the royalty and nobility of Castile and León from the 10th to 12th century.   León itself had several royal princesses and queen consorts who acted as regent of the kingdom, including Elvira Ramírez (b. c. 935), daughter of King Ramiro II of León who served as regent of the kingdom during the minority of her nephew Ramiro III of León; and Elvira García of Castile, Queen of León (965–1017), consort of Bermudo II of León and co-regent for her son Alfonso V (who incidentally himself married a noblewoman named Elvira Mendes).  Elvira was also the name of the ancient Spanish city in Andalucia. We now know it as Granada: its name having changed by the Moors in the 11th century. In this instance, Elvira was a rendering of the city's Latin name Illiberis.  Elvira had a consistent run of usage in Spain from the Middle Ages onwards. Its usage in Britain, on the other hand, dates from at least the 16th century. Examples were uncommon at first and several parish records have Spanish surnames, indicating that its use was partly due to migration.  There were several different forms recorded during this period such as Elvirie, Alvira, Alvera, Alvara and Alvora. Some examples, such as Ilvory, Alvery and Elphrey, are difficult to distinguish from the English vernacular forms of Aubrey/Alverat/Aphra, themselves also descended from Alberada.  During the 17th and 18th century, Elvira was also a favourite in literature. First came George Digby's comedic play Elvira in 1667, followed by another of the same name by David Mallet a century later.  It was also intrinsically liked to the legend of Don Juan, and particulalrly popularised by Mozart's opera Don Giovanni in 1787. Several other 19th century operas, written by the likes of Rossini, Bellini and Verdi, ;also featured the name for their heroines.  Image from the Surname Atlas (click to enlarge) Data from the 1881 census shows that Elvira's usage was pocketed around the county, particularly in Glamorgan, Middlesex, Monmouthshire, Surrey and Lancashire.  Intriguingly, distribution per 100,000 people puts it firmly in South Wales — and more specifically Merthy Tydfil and Pontypridd. This tallies with birth records in England and Wales from the mid-19th century which were predominently in Merthyr Tydfil, Pontypridd and Abergavenny.   Across England and Wales, Elvira was never popular enough to break into the top 200, but it was in consistent and continual use.  It gradually increased in usage throughout the 20th century, reaching a peak in the 1910s. This can be seen in the birth registrations per decade in England and Wales: 1840s: 122 births 1850s: 174 births 1860s: 188 births 1870s: 193 births 1880s: 212 births  1890s: 278 births 1900s: 370 births 1910s: 393 births 1920s: 312 births  1930s: 204 births 1940s: 100 births 1950s: 87 births 1960s: 58 births Since 1996, Elvira has had a birth count of no more than 6 births in any given year in England and Wales. Its highest peaks were in 2008 (#3397, 6 births) and 2011 (#3549, 6 births). No Elviras were registered in Scotland between 2005 and 2012. In 2013, however, 1 girl was registered with the name putting it at #1525. Elsewhere in the world, Elvira ranked #39 in Sweden and #97 in Norway in 2013.

Famous Bearers:

Royalty: * Elvira Ramírez (c. 935–after 986), princess and regent of León. * Elvira García of Castile, Queen of León (965–1017), consort of Bermudo II of León and co-regent for her son. * Elvira Mendes, Queen of León (1008–1022), consort of Alfonso V of León.  * Elvira of Toro (1038–1101), daughter of King Ferdinand I of León.  * Elvira of Castile, Queen of Sicily (c. 1100-1135), consort of Roger II of Sicily and the first Queen of Sicily.  History: * Elvira Madigan (1867-1889), Danish tightrope walker and trick rider. * Elvira Notari (1875-1946), Italian filmmaker. * Elvira Casazza (1887–1965), Italian mezzo-soprano. * Elvira Popescu (1894-1993), Romanian-born French actress and director. * Elvira Gascón (1911-2000), Spanish painter and engraver. Contemporary: * Elvira Kurt (born 1961), Canadian comedian. * Elvira Nikolaisen (b. 1980), Norwegian singer-songwriter. Literature and Other Media: * Elvira, character in the 1667 play Elvira by George Digby, 2nd Earl of Bristol. * Elvira, title character in the 1763 play Elvira by David Mallet. * Donna Elvira, character in the opera Don Giovanni (1787) by Mozart. * Elvira, character in the opera L'italiana in Algeri (1813) by Rossini. * Elvira, heroine of the opera I puritani (1835) by Bellini. * Elvira, heroine of the opera Ernani (1844) by Verdi.  * Elvira, the title character of Noël Coward's Blithe Spirit (1941). * Elvira Dutton, in Margaret Walker's book on slavery, Jubilee (1966). * Elvira Hancock, Tony Montana's love interest in the 1983 film Scarface.  Other: * Elvira, an ancient city in Spain, now called Granada. * 277 Elvira, an asteroid. * Elvira, a genus of emerald hummingbirds.

Variants:

Elvire (French), Elvaira (Romani)

Pronunciation:

el-VEER-ə [key]

Possible  Diminutives:

Effie, Elfie, Evie, Eva, Eve, Ella, Ellie, Vera, Vivi, Liv, Livi, Riva

Sibling Names:

Paloma     Ursula     Leonore     Marguerite     Zelda     Minerva  Bertram     Ramon     Salvador     Ferdinand     Leopold     Alaric

Name Lists:

Operatic Appellations

 

If you like Elvira you may also like:  Mafalda, Beatriz, Eugenia, Rosmina, Ismeria, Tilda, Philomina, Bellamira, Rosmerta, Ximena

 

Thanks to Polly for requesting this post. 

Ancient Greek TH Names for Girls

Here are some of the "Th" (theta) names — the eight letter of the Ancient Greek alphabet —that were used for women in Ancient Greek society.

The ancient Attic pronounciation of the letter θ "theta" was as a breathy 't' (a t followed by a breath of air) which is why it became transliterated as 'th' in Latin. The historical biblical pronunciation was as a breathy 'th' (as in thin, but not in that) which is still adopted today (hense Agatha and Theseus). 

Most of the names found below have been taken from inscriptions and tomb reliefs. As always, I've opted for more uncommon options, so no Theodora or Thalia here. 

The first seven letters can be found in these previous posts: 

A  B/G  D  E  Z  H

 

Thalassa / Thalassis
thalassa "the sea" 

Thalatta
thalatta "the sea" (Attic form)

Thaliarchis
thaleia "rich festivity, blooming" + archos "leader"

Thallo
thallo "to bloom, to flourish, abounding"

Thallousa
thallo "to bloom, to flourish, abounding" 

Theba / Thebe
"of Thebes"

Theano
theios "divine" - This name was born by the wife of Pythagoras, a noteable mathematician in her own right.

Themista
themistos "established laws, customs" 

Theo
theios "divine" / theos "god"

Theomistokleia
themistos "established laws, customs" + kleos "glory, fame, praise"

Themistokypra
themistos "established laws, customs" + kypros "Cyprus"

Theodota
theios "divine" / theos "god" + dotos "gift"

Theogenis
theios "divine" / theos "god" + genos "born of, kin, race"

Theokleia / Theoklea
theios "divine" / theos "god + kleos "glory, fame, praise"

Theokrita
theios "divine" / theos "god" + krites "judge, critic"

Theonika
theios "divine" / theos "god" + nike "victory"

Theopatra
theios "divine" / theos "god" + pater "father"

Theophanta
theophantos "revealed by God"

Theophila
theios "divine" / theos "god" + philos "friend"

Theosebeia
theosebeia "reverence for God, godliness, piety"

Theoteleia
theios "divine" + teleia: an epithet of Hera which has many meanings including "full-grown", "perfect," "of the rite," "of marriage," “supreme authority,” “fullpower,”

Theotima
theios "divine" / theos "god" + time "honour, esteem"

Theoxena / Theoxenis
theios "divine" / theos "god" + xenos "foreigner, newcomer, new, novel"

Thessalia
"from Thessaly"

Thessalonike
Thessaly + nike "victory" - A sister of Alexander the Great was so named because she was born on the day of a Macedonian victory in Thessaly.

Thoa
thoazo "to move quickly, to hurry up, to hasten."

Thraissa / Thraitta
"from Thrace"

Thraseia
thrasos "bold, spirited, courageous"

Thrasyllis
thrasos "bold, spirited, courageous"

Thrasymachis
thrasos "bold, spirited, courageous" + mache "battle"

Thymele
thymele "theatre altar"

Thysia
thysia "offering, sacrifice"

 

UK Birth Announcements 14/7/14 - 20/7/14

A compilation of names from BAs announced in newspapers in the last week, including a national paper (Telegraph) and a broad range of local newspapers from across England, Wales and Scotland.

Sibling names are in brackets. 

 

Boys:

Adam Bruce

Alexander Fergus (Iona & Andrew)

Alfie Terence

Alistair David George

Arthur Inigo

Ben Thomas

Deacon James (Carter)

Edward Robert

Edward Wolf (Henry Fox)

Elliot Thomas

Finley Richard James

Guy George (Robert Lancelot)

Hamish Benedict Nicholas (Arthur Jolyon David)

Harry George (Eve Elizabeth)

Harry Jacob

Harry James

Henry Frederick Arthur (Amelia Lucy Coco & George Hugo Buchanan)

Jack Andrew Martin

Jack William

Jonjo Stephen (Patrick James "Paddy")

Leo Joseph (Lucia Antonia & Anthony Luca)

Leo Thomas (Logan George & Lucas Jack)

Lewis James

Lewis Wilson

Louie James

Lucas Cohen (Leaha & Callum)

Lucas William

Kasper Christopher (Oskar Edward)

Michael James

Olly Christopher 

Oran Ramsay (Dylan, George, Cole, Bailey Butch & Noah Ronny)

Patrick Gregor

Reuben Bazyli

Sam Oliver (Rory Gordon)

Samuel Philip (Isabel Helen)

Seonaidh Leslie (Harry Murdo & Lachie Seamus)

Seth John (Emilia Sophie "Millie")

Tommy Rocco (Willow Elizabeth)

Valentine

Will David (Maisie & Kiera)

William George (Emily Grace & Annie Rose)

 

Girls:

Abigail Niamh (Maisie)

Alaina Evelyn (Connie Anne)

Alexa Mae "Lexie" (Brodie Stephen)

Amelia Mary (Jack Alexander)

Amelie Rose Katharine

Anna Marion Kay (Florence Ruby)

Arabella Sophie

Ava Marie

Beatrice Louise Frances Sidney (Darcy Jean-Ann)

Bonnie Marion Christine

Charley Elizabeth 

Cora Helen (Ella Clare & Beth Catherine)

Elsie-Mae

Emma Charlotte (Mary Elizabeth)

Eva Elizabeth

Evelyn Stephanie

Gabriella May

Gracie-Mae

Heidi Nell 

Hope Lucy (Megan Grace)

Imogen Davina Nicole (Tommy & Jessica)

Isabella Rose

Jesca Cherry Elise 

Jessica Sophia

Khalese

Lacey Ellen

Lara Florence (Polly Alethea)

Lily Lucy Jane (Owen James John)

Myla Niamh Ella (Finlay Jamieson)

Neve Emily 

Polly Elizabeth

Pyper Jo

Rose Margaret (Sophie Jean)

Rosie Grace

Thea Rose

Valentina Frances Diana

 

Twins:

Alice Katherine & Hector Donald Inglis (Iris Elizabeth)

Benjamin Alexander & Norah Thomasina (Roni Robin)

Edward Arthur & Wilfred Douglas (Florence Hermione & Harry Michael)

 

 

Name of the Week

^.

A learned and slightly mystical ancient name,
given a modern edge by actor Idris Elba.

 

Origin:

Idris represents two distinct names — one Welsh and one Arabic.  The Arabic Idris is the name of one of the prophets of Islam. He is mentioned twice in the Qu'ran:  "And mention Idris in the Book, surely he was a truthful man, a Prophet. And We raised him high in heaven. (19:57-58)." “All (Isma’il, Dhul-Kifl and Idris) were men of constancy and patience. We admitted them into Our mercy, for they were of the righteous ones.” (Surah 21: Verse 85-86) Islamic tradition credits him as the first person to learn to write, and the inventor of astronomy and arithmetic. For this reason, he is appropriately known as Idris, a name derived from the Arabic dirasah "lengthy learning" itself from darasa "to study."  From an early time, Idris was identified as being the same man as Enoch of the Hebrew Bible, who was also credited with these early inventions. More recent scholars have also connected the traditions surrounding Idris to that of Hermes, the Greek god of science and the arts whose worship was disseminated throughout the ancient world.  In Welsh legend, Idris Gwar "Idris the Giant" was a chief of giant who gave his name to Cadair Idris "the chair of Idris", a mountain in Snowdonia, so called because it is said he used the mountain as a seat from which to gaze at the stars.  It is quite possible that this Idris Gwar was actually a real man: Idris ap Gwyddno (c. 560 – 632), or Iudris, a 7th-century Meirionnydd prince who won a battle against the Irish on that mountain. In this case, Cadair may actually derive from the Irish cathair "stronghold, city." The Welsh Idris is derived from iud "lord." The second element is uncertain. It could be from the Middle Welsh gres "ardent, cherishing, warmth" or related to Rhys.

Usage:

Idris has been used in Britain since at least the 18th century, most likely coinciding with the Welsh Bardic Revival. Idrisyn was used in some cases as a diminutive. The name was not very common, but it did grow in usage over the 19th century. Previously, it had always been below the Top 200. By 1900 however, it ranked #157 in England and Wales with 129 births. Data from The Surname Atlas (click to enlarge) Census records demonstrate Idris's growing popularity within Wales, and also its move beyond its borders: 1841: 5 Wales 1851: 11 Wales 1861: 20 Wales; 1 England 1871: 31 Wales; 4 England 1881: 149 Wales; 5 England 1891: 388 Wales; 18 England 1901: 1065 Wales; 63 England 1911: 2956 Wales; 249 England Data from the 1881 census (right) shows how little Idris was used outside of Wales. Indeed, even within Wales itself, it as remarkably localised to South Wales. This is perhaps surprising given that the legends of Idris Gawr, and the mountain of Cadair Idris originate from Merionethshire in North Wales.  Of the 154 men bearing the name in 1881, 81% were living in Glamorganshire. Even when looking at the name's popularity per 100,000 people in each county, Glamorganshire still pulls out firmly in the lead.  More specific data from the Poor Law Unions in that year shows that Idris's popularity was even more closely localised within Glamorganshire to Pontypridd.  By 1901, when 1128 men were listed with the name, 72% were living in Glamorganshire still.  Usage of the name peaked in the early 20th century, as we can see rom the birth registrations in England and Wales, and then picked up again in the 1990s: 1910: 226 births 1920: 181 births 1930: 82 births 1940: 37 births 1950: 28 births 1960: 13 births 1970: 17 births 1980: 12 births 1990: 15 births From 1996 to 2008 Idris was registered in England and Wales between 21 (1999: #776) and 50 (2007: #589) times. Since 2009, Idris has been on the rise. It ranked #603 (55 births) in 2010, #449 (84 births) in 2011 and #440 (90 births) in 2012. It is impossible to tell which parents are using the Arabic Idris, and which are using the Welsh. The 19 babies named Idrees and 4 named Idriss in 2012 do show that some parents are certainly intending the Arabic. Some of this rise may also be thanks to actor Idris Elba. His name is neither from the Welsh or Arabic; Idris is instead a shortening of his birth name Idrissa.

Famous Bearers:

History: * Idris, a prophet of Islam. * Idris ap Gwyddno (c. 560–632), a prince of Meirionnydd. * Idris I of Morocco (745–791), the first ruler and founder of the Idrisid Dynasty of Morocco. * Idris Bitlisi (b. c. 1450), Kurdish religious scholar and Ottoman administrator. * Idris of Libya (1889–1983), first and only king of Libya. * Idris Davies (1905–1953), Welsh poet. * Idris Shah (1926–1996), author and teacher in the Sufi tradition. Contemporary: * Idris Elba (b. 1972), British actor. Literature and Other Media: * Idris, a character in Mary Shelley's The Last Man (1826). * Idris, a fictional dragon in Ivor the Engine. * Idris, the TARDIS personified in the Doctor Who episode "The Doctor's Wife."

Variants:

Idrus (Latin), Iudris (Old Welsh), Idriss (Arabic)

Pronunciation:

ID-ris [key]

Possible diminutives:

Iggy, Idrisyn

Sibling Names:

Iola      Alba     Betsan     Olwen     Elspeth     Mira  Darwin    Gethin     Emlyn     Denzil     Rhodri     Lloyd

Name Lists:

Slim Softies   Clunky Celtic   Names from Tennyson   Names from Harry Potter

 

If you like Idris you may also like:   Islwyn, Emrys, Iolo, Fergus, Ivor, Linus, Eben, Clive, Alvin, Clifford

 

Thanks to Rosie for requesting this post.

 

Births announced in The Times, 1989

Below are a selection of birth announcements from The Times newspaper that were published in 1989.

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

Alasdhair Horatio Francis Ross (Effie Monica Ann & Charles Louis Henry Ross "Henry") Aldwyn George Hugh (Veryan John Hugh) Alexander Cosimo (Marius FitzJames, Florian Nicholas & Marie-Emily Rose ) Alexandre Marius Algernon Alexander Harry Augustus Luke (Benjamin Dominic & Eloise Anna) Barnabas Christopher (Felicity May, Antonia Celeste & Bethany Lamorna) Bartholomew Michael Augustus (Anna Rose) Basil Matthew Beau Isaac Caspar Laurence Robin (Ralph Morrell Arthur) Cesar Anthony Isaac Constantine Francis (Orlando & Frederick) Cyrus Ali (Yousef Ali Louis) Ferdinand William Hugo (Lucy Persephone Frances & Alexander Edward Orlando) Frederick Valentine StBlair Geordie Anthony Hannibal Maximilian Alexander Jack Peregrine (Christopher George, Leticia Sadhbh Miriam, Felicia Grace Lilian, Harry Charles & Michael Peter) Jocelyn Huw Lewis (Jacynth Arianwen Beth) Kit George (Guy Robert & Joe Edward) Kit Hugo (Flora Stella) Lewys Rhodri Linus Balthasar Vinzenz Ludovic Waldo Rupert Luke Raphael Magnus Malcolm James (Molly Victoria & Patrick Charles Laurence) Maximillion Kent Maxwell Royston Quintin Michael Louis Zebulun (Andrew Michael Sebastian) Mungo Keith Alexander (Guy Frederick) Nikolai Wilhelm StBlaize Padraig Michael John Patrick Ruaraidh (Jamie Charles) Pelham Caradoc Rowley Peris Aneirin Peter Maurice Percival (Cliantha Florence Beatrice & Evangeline Violet Margaret) Piers Phillip James Patrick Piers Timothy Fergus (Douglas Henry Andrew) Quintus David (Sarah Lucy, Emily Clare, Edith Rosamund & Helena Grace - Quintus made baby #5) Ranulph Berners Rex James StJohn Rollo Crispin (Oscar Vardon & Zara) Rollo Maximilian Ian (Xanthe Leonora & Leopold Frederic "Leo") Sholto Alistair Cormack Titus Alexander Narayan Tobias Bartholomew Torix Cairns

Agnieszka Laura (Dominic Anthony) Ailsa Francesca Selina (Oliver Charles Gordon) Alana Chloe Valentina Alice Shasta & Catriona Mary (William Daniel & Louisa Vivienne) Amadea Beatrice Anona Philippa Arabella Beatrice May Bronwen Phyllida (Megan Alexandra & David William Robert) Camilla Aziza (Alexander Inigo & Freya Hope) Catriona Constance (Alexander James) Christabel Margaretha (Charles Alvan Johann) Clemency Betty Eleanor (Fenella Louise, Rosanna Lucy & Arabella Dinah) Coco Lucia (Hedy Ines Mattea & Beatrice Dulcie M) Constance Alice Coralie May (Jamie David) Cornelia Florence (Archie, Juliana Virginia & Alec Thomas Leofric) Daisy India Maud Ashley Dora Charlotte (Elizabeth Martha Cora, Kitty Hesta) Eleanor Hendrika (Hugo Cornelis) Faunsia Louise (Maxim Rhodri & Alexia Cara) Ffion Penelope (Sioned Gabriella) Frederika Fay (Harris Mark) India Astrid Jean (Ilona Margaret & Alexander Brampton Charles) Iona Romaine (Toby Amyas & Sebastian Dominic) Ithaka Mary (Flynn Frances & Sidonie Maud) Kiloran Dorothea Anne (Peregrine Humphrey & Valentine Robert) Kiri-Gabriella Araba Larissa India (Bryony Maya) Maris Rhianwen (Aled Rhys) Martha Clare Marion (Catherine Eleanor Mary & Robert James Russell) Mary Petronella (Henry Errol) Maude Annette Clemency (Aidan William, Archie Claude Ian & Horatio Arthur Ian) Monique Anari Mayuri (Spencer Tej Austin) Millicent Eloise Margaret (Anastasia Alice Mary & Jack Richard Malcolm) Morwenna Gray Pandora Mary (Hector George Donald) Paola Morgan Emily (Adrien Baptiste Iscandar) Phyllida Vanessa Pia Alix Noel (Maxwell William Churchill & James Alexander Churchill) Polly Sabina Primrose Fenn Romilly Paris (Archie David, Eleanor Clemency & Frederick Mortimer) Rosalind Mercia (Edward & Miranda Felicity) Roseanna Blanche Alicia (Laurence Alexander Henry) Rosemary Jean (Alice Catherine) Sabina Tatiana Nicole Seren Victoria Jane Siri Artamisia Soumaya Anne Tabitha Jane Marguerite (Cecily Anne Tyler & Josephine Willa Eloise) Tessa Florence Thalia Fleur (Hal Robert William) Theadora Celeste Tiphaine Jennifer (Oriane, Oscar & Heloise) Virginia Frances Athena Xanthe Rose (Sophie Clementine) Ysabella-Rozetta Edie Rebecca Zara Mariam Ruth

 

UK Birth Announcements 7/7/14 - 13/7/14

A compilation of names from BAs announced in newspapers in the last week, including a national paper (Telegraph) and a broad range of local newspapers from across England, Wales and Scotland.

Sibling names are in brackets. 

 

Boys:

Angus William Edward

Atticus Ned

Benjamin Joseph (Grace & Harry)

Charlie John Allen

Ciaran John

Cody John Keith (Evie)

Edward James Sam (Charles)

Finley John

Finn James

Frankie Pip (Mackenzie George, Murphey Joe & Teddie Jon)

George Howard (Sophie May)

Henry James (Autumn Sophia)

Herbert Lister Hamilton "Herbie" (Humphrey John Sidney)

Inigo William (Henry Edward)

Ivan Henry Alexander

Jacob Samuel (Ethan John)

Jake David

Joey Rai (Bailey, Harvey, Alfie & Olly)

Kian Thomas

Liam David

Maximilian Douwe Peter

Maxwell David Craig Philip

Oliver Peter

Owen James

Ruben Bay

Saul Benjamin 

Theo William 

Thomas Richard Henry (William Alistair George Lionel)

Vincent Owen

Zach Bobby

Zennor Roy (Mackenzie Peter)

 

Girls:

Anna Kate 

Clementine Matilda Wren (Maximilian Joseph Kent)

Cleo Lily

Ella Florence

Emily Isabella (Neo & Oliver)

Emily Theresa 

Emmie Vera Eileen (Ritchie David Kenneth)

Honora Iris (Ophelia Mae, Peonie Bo & Serenity Lilac)

Hope Elizabeth

Isabelle Rosa (Leanne, William & Maisie-May)

Isobella Rose (Hollie Faith)

Isla June Ellen

Kayla Faith (Connor Jey & Sonny Jake)

Lacey Jill 

Louise Alexandra (Eilidh)

Lydia June (Jonathan)

Lylah Rose

Maddison Brooke (Blake Spencer)

Martha Olive

Mia Eliza (Kyla Alex)

Nell Mary (Martha Claire)

Robyn Maisie (Eve & Ewan)

Rosie Annette

Rowan Alison

Ruby Jessie

Scarlett Paige

Shayla May (Amy)

Skye Alice

Sophie Megan-May

Sylvie Francoise

Tala Brooke

 

Twins:

Alice Jane & Felix William

James Alexander & Libby Louise

 

 

Name of the Week

From romantic literary heroines to
a sassy screen siren, Rosalind is an underused Rose name
ripe for rediscovery.

 

Origin:

Rosalind is a form of the Old Germanic name Roslindis, derived from hros "horse" and lindi "soft, gentle". Within the ancient Germanic tribes horses were status symbols, often reserved only for the nobility or for warfare. So revered were they, it was not unheard of for them to bury their horses, or even have their horses placed in state with them.  Over the years, there has been some confusion over Rosalind's etymology. Firstly, the second element has often been taken to be linde "serpent" rather than lindi "soft, gentle". Some have also connected the first element to the Germanic hrod "fame" (found in Rodney and Roland) rather than hros "horse." Though the 'd' seems less plausible, there may be something in this. Legend records a 6th century Lombard queen named Rodelinda; her name would almost certainly be derived from hrod "fame" and lindi "soft gentle." She was the mother of Alboin who, with his wife Rosamund, was the source of infamous legend. It isn't clear, however, whether there is any connection between Rodelinda and Rosalind. As the name became Rosalinda in Spain and Italy, it has also been connected with the phrase rosa linda which, quite coincidentally, means "beautiful rose" in both languages.

Usage:

Rosalind was in use in continental Europe in the Middle Ages, though examples are hard to come by. In Britain, one of the first examples of its use in is Edmund Spenser's The Shepheardes Calender, published in 1579, in which the protagonist is in love with "a countrie lasse called Rosalinde" [sic]. A decade later, Thomas Lodge's prose Rosalynde, Euphues Golden Legacie, printed in 1590, became the basis for Shakespeare's play As You Like It (first published in 1623) where one of the principle characters is the fiesty noblewoman Rosalind. This seems to have been the springboard for the name's use. It was rare at first, but came into more regular use in the 18th century. It was, however, never especially common.  Data from the Surname Atlas (click to enlarge) Data from the 1881 census (right) show that Rosalind was used especially in Middlesex, Surrey and Kent, with general use centred around Southern England. In total, it was recorded 492 times making it the 1046th most popular name (male and female combined). It was less common than similar Rosalie (584th) and Rosaline (1020th).  The birth registrations for Rosalind gradually increased each decade during the 19th century, but it was never enough to crack into the Top 200 in England and Wales: 1840: 4 births 1850: 6 births 1860: 22 births 1870: 31 births 1880: 53 births 1890: 71 births 1900: 75 births This rise continued through the 20th century. Leslie Dunkling's data for the number of girls registered with the name Rosalind in every 10,000 births in England and Wales, shows that the name peaked in usage during the 1950s and 1960s:  1900 1925  1935 1950 1955 1960  1965  1970  1975  1980  1985  1990     3     4     2   26   18   16    20    11          4    4 This peak coincides with a Hollywood seal of approval. Rosalind Russell was a famous elegant beauty of the screen, winning four Oscars and five Golden Globes. Since 2000, Rosalind has had a fairly consistent birth count of between 20 and 35 births in England and Wales. In 1996, 65 babies were given the name, ranking #455. By 2000 it was #701 (34 births), #912 (29 births) in 2004, #1135 (26 births) in 2008 and #1018 (35 births) in 2012.  In Scotland, Rosalind has had a birth count of between 1 and 3 each year since 2005.  In 2013 it ranked #1013 with 2 births.

Famous Bearers:

History: * Rosalind Howard, Countess of Carlisle (1845-1921), "The Radical Countess", a promoter of women's political rights and temperance movement activist. * Rosalind Ellicott (1857–1924), a British composer. * Rosalind Ivan (1880–1959), a British actress. * Rosalind Russell (1907-1976), Hollywood actress. * Rosalind Franklin (1920-1958), British physical chemist. * Rosalind Cash (1938-1995), American singer and actress Contemporary: * Rosalind Plowright OBE (b. 1949), an English opera singer. * Rosalind Chao (b. 1957), American actress. Literature and Media: * Rosalind, a principle character in Shakespeare's As You Like It.  Other: * Rosalind, a moon of Uranus.  * Heavenly Rosalind, a type of rose.

Variants:

Rosalinda (Italian, Spanish), Rosalina (Portuguese, Spanish), Rosaline, Rosalyn, Roselyn

Pronunciation:

ROZ-ə-lind [key]

Possible  Diminutives:

Rose, Rosa, Rosie, Roz, Rollo, Rona, Ronda, Lolly, Linny, Lindy

Sibling Names:

Beatrice     Juliet     Margot     Eleanor     Felicity     Miranda  Jasper     Laurence     Sebastian     Nathaniel     Emmett     Nicholas

Name Lists:

Upright Elegance   Shakespearean Names   Names from Tennyson   Astronomical Names   Names of Roses   Golden Age Hollywood

 

If you like Rosalind you may also like:  Madeleine, Jessamy, Clementine, Rosabel, Lucinda, Claudia, Indira, Ondine, Rosina, Cordelia

 

Thanks to Gray for requesting this post.