British Baby Names

Births announced in The Times, 1992

Below are a selection of birth announcements from The Times newspaper that were published in 1992.

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

Adrien Baptiste Iscandar (Paola Morgan Emily) Aethelstan Henry Alexis William Francois Angus Donald Grant Angus Ruaraidh Murdoch Antonin Guillaume Louise Alexander (Melisande Heloise Victoria Angharad & Eleonore Natasha Manon Joy) Archibald Fergus Stuart Archibald Jack "Archie" & Mungo George (twins) (Henry Max) Ariel Hayden Arthur Gilbert Charles Atticus Ocean (Storm)  Barnaby Crispin Basil Bruce (Archie Duncan)  Benedict Kilian Thomas Caius Hugh & Marcus Edmund (twins) Caradoc James Edmund (Octavian William Henry & Hereward Charles Magnus) Caspar Luciano Gordon Charles Digby Aiden Chester Josef Courtenay (Gillian Kathryn Rachel) Clarence Dominick Hugh Cosmo Edward Ralph Courtney Jonathan Isidore Dominic Rome Donovan Richard Emrys (Jade Yveline Gwen) Ebuka Godwin Edmund Walter Cullen Elon Roland Merry Fabian Helmut Rudolf Finnian John Martyn (Thomas James) Frederic Cyril Osborne Galen Assheton Parry (Fay Natalie Cross & Rhodri Parry)  Giles Roderick Guy Glyn Thomas Donald Gordon Theodore Gregory James Boris (Claudia Margaret Elaine & Sabrina Eloise Anne) Guillaume Michael Guy Leonard James Hadleigh William Hamish William Reginald (Rufus Julian I & Sonali Victoria Margaret)  Harry Stuart & Imogen Victoria (twins) Hector Hugh (Rufus Frederick & Toby David) Henry Cadwgan Thomas Hugo Malacahy Edward Huw David Rhodri Iskander Frederick (Omar Alexander) Jago Samuel Jocelyn Mark Joscelyn Peter Sant (Arabella Scarlett) Jolyon Merlin (Mylo Arthur) John Cornelius Jonathon Edward & Frances Hannah (twins) Joss Edward Bruno (Isabel Maryam Rose & Lucas William Dominic) Julius John Ramiro (Frederick Antonio & Romilly James Francis)  Kenneth Frazier Kishan Asantha Lorenzo Pierre Louie Elvis Lucas Lorenzo Allesandro Ludovic Charles Luke Eugene Leonard Max Leif Joseph Maxim Alexander Frederick Maximilian Jasper Maximilian Louis Duncan (Heloise Isabelle E) Milo Alaric (Oliver Guido & Clio Gemma) Mungo Alexander Nicholas Charles & Natalie Victoria (twins) Nicholas Paris Nils Hamilton Samuel Owen Augustus Huw Quentin Arthur (Bryony Helen & Jocelyn Helen) Quintin Nicholas Ralph Maxwell(George Wesley)  Raphael Georgio (Gabriella Georgia, Kristoff Georgio & Anastacia Georgia)  Raul Erik Redvers Charles (Stroma Anne) Rex John Geoffrey Rhum Cleeve (Iona Frances, Charlotte Vanessa & Talisker Anne) Robert Angus Diarmuid (Caroline Isobel) Rollo Francis Carew Rory Alastair Giles (Phoebe & George)  Samuel Romulus Sebastian Valdimar (Islah Valerie & Siri Ouida Elizabeth)  Sven Johan (Madelaine, Nicholas Gustav & Anna Kristina)  Tancred Edmund Walrond (Laetitia Alice Haven) Theodor Johannes Nall Theophilus Christopher Vesey (Ianthe Elizabeth Sophie & Hermione Mary Callander) Thomas Andrew Sylvain Titus Michael Howard (Sebastian Ririd Howard & Sabrina Jacqueline) Torquhil Edward Standish Troilus James Ramsay (Joseph John Valentine, Theodore Paul & Cressida Claire Chelsea) Tristram Dominc Harvey Wilbur Haysom Wilfrid Luke Crispin (Felix, Olivia & Elspeth)  William Frederick Leander Zachary Zed Hector (Jessie, Minnie & Tallulah) Zenko Ivan (Anton Yuri)

Ailidh Margaret Ailsa Lily (James, Jack & Rupert) Alice Patience Camilla Allegra Mary Dominica (Leonora Rose Emma, Clementine Daisy Sophia, India Charlotte Camilla & Tatiana Flora Elizabeth)  Anastazia Brigid Angelica Margherita Edwina Angharad Victoria Verriour Anna Viva Magdalene (Jan Tadeusz Friedrich William & Melchior Ernst Graham)  Annalora Niamh Archie-Anne Rosie (Christopher Edward "Kit") Arnesta Lucia Atalanta Marguerite Atalanta Rose (Blanche Catherine & Honor Antonia) Augusta Olivia (Clarissa Emma & Hugo John Francis) Augusta Margaret (Eva Elizabeth) Beatrice Livia Priscilla Beatriz Leonor Blaire Tomasine Bonny Jane Bronte Holly Bryony Christabel Caitlin Ruth Eluned Camilla Lamorna Rose Charlotte Artemis Cecilia Christabel Iris Patricia Cicely Violet (Christabel Lily & Esmond Gerald Beau) Clara Piccarda Ann Clarissa Virginia (George Jonathan Henry)  Claudia Jaine Ingrid Clementine Daisy Anwen Clementine Orlanda Clio Anastasia Alice Cliona Natasha Constance Augusta Cordelia Gwynedd Elisabeth Cosima Clare Louise (Lydia Christabel Alice, Milo Christopher Edmund & Hugo Paul) Delaney Jean (Cleo Basily)  Dorothea Elizabeth Edith Cynthia Marigold (Tycho John Paul, Leo Thomas Alfred & Agatha Charlotte Elfride) Eirlys Angharad (Gwilym Rhys) Fania Mary Anne (Hew John Lucian) Flavia Tiffany Star Fleur Melesina (Frederic George) Flora Imogen & Jemima Elinor (twins) Francesca Vale Rose Frederica Alice Freya Damaris Harriet Elizabeth Chiara (Charlotte Lucy Philippa & Rupert Henry John)  Harriet Jacaranda Rose Hermione Madeleine Lois India Dolores India Paloma Hannah Jacynth Arianwen Beth (Jocelyn Huw Lewis) Jevany Catherine Juliet Daisy (Miranda Kate)  Juliette Albinia Katherine Fionuala (Jennifer Louise)  Kitty Anabel Lalla Gloria (Hunter Haddon & Titus Theodore) Leonora Brilliana (Imogen Freda, Alice Ianthe & Cressida Selina) Lillias Margaret Livia Alessandra Paola Livia Cleo (Persephone Claire & Charis Electra) Lucy Delphine Lulu Henrietta Madelaine Jessamy Sylvia Margot Rose Marina Aphra Mariola (Archie Iain Thomas Blair) Marina Olivia Astrid Maximiliane Laura Morgane Louise Mari Octavia Rose Olenka Bronte Cora Olivia Hephzibah Perdita Lucy Persephone Rose Phoebe Anna Hedvig Phoebe Giuletta (Ted)  Polly Ursula Charlotte (Alexander Geoffrey Lockhart) Propella Mermaid Prudence Mary Constance Reine Elizabeth (Freya Louise & Stefan Douglas) Roberta Elizabeth Romilly Francesca Flower Roselle Azalea (Florence Rose, Michael Charles & Elsie Lily) Rosemary Louise (Jack Arthur) Sabrina Kyoko Arabella Savanna Laura Serena Nona (Matthew Thomas & Charlotte Teresa) Sibylla Victoria Evelyn Sidony Clare Sophie Venetia Mercedes Sorcha Pascalle Tabitha Rose Florence Talitha Helena Tamar Hannah Thea Penelope Cynthia (Charles Theodore Otto) Theodora Lillian Ursula Claire (Harriet Isabel)  Ursula Rosemary Charlotte Venetia Alice Viola Georgina (Tamara Katharine, Edwina Louise & Hugh Richard Louis) Violet Alice (Katya & Jack) Xanthe Margaret Xavia Ann

 

UK Birth Announcements 20/10/14 - 26/10/14

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:

Alexander Lumsden Bear (Christopher Mark Buffalo "Kit")

Austin Edward (Benjamin George)

Ben Hugo

Charles James

Charlie Gilbert

Edward Robert (Bobby Edward & Eva Rose Marie)

George Andrew (Oscar)

George James

George Jonathan Christopher (Isabella Grace)

George Peter Richard (Poppy Margaret)

Gregor John Norrie

Harry John Robert (Eilidh)

Hugo Arthur Richard

Hugo Gordon

Hugo Robert Christie

Jacob Howard (Joey Simon)

Jake John Andrew

Jake Paul

James Michael

Joey Andrew (Logan)

Jon William (Hazel Sheila Margaret)

Jonathan Alastair

Joshua Scott

Lennox Steve

Louis Steven John

Matt Mackenzie (Joe & Isla)

Matthew George (Abigail Rose)

Orlando Henry Laurie

Oscar John Edward

Riley Philip (Finley James)

Reuben James (Abigail)

Ruairi Derek Stewart (Jack & Noah Elliott Lyall)

Ruaridh William

Teddy Andrew

Theo Joe (Ava Heather & Neve Ellen)

Thomas Richard Frederick (William Sam Eaton)

Tobias John

Wilfred Patrick Miedzianowski "Wilf"

William James (Charlotte Alice)

Zachary Laurence

 

Girls:

Áine Mair

Annabel Eliza Grace (Sullivan Harry Joseph & Esme Isla Rose)

Bella Violet

Bethany Eowyn (Adam Declan)

Blake Ava (Mackenzie (b) & Brooke Ashley)

Caitlian Fiona [sic] (Angus Robert & Niamh)

Eilidh Reid (Robbie)

Elsie Mary

Embla Elisabeth (Winston Peter & Sebastian James)

Emily Sarah (William Paul)

Florence Louise

Hannah Elspeth

Harriet Evie

Hazel Hawley (Montgomery Welch "Monty")

Isla Martha Marion (Lorna, Lindsay Margaret & Rory John)

Ivy Britta (Elsa Joanna)

Iyla-Rose

Jemima May (Daisy Isabella)

Jessica Grace

Layla Helena

Layla Jane (Thomas David)

Lilly Isabelle

Lucy Perpetua Rose

Lydia Grace

Lyla Nancy (Jamie Robert)

Mabli (Cadi & Nanw)

Matilda Florence (Evie Mya)

Melissa Faye

Mia Elizabeth

Millie Jane Anne

Myla Leven (Mason Matthew)

Olivia Claire Minnie (Teddy)

Philippa Rose

Poppy Mae (Sophie Margaret)

Ruby Olivia

Sophie Elizabeth Jennie (Joseph Oliver)

Summer Rosa (Isabelle Elsie)

 

Twins:

Solomon Edward & Xanthe Valentine (Augustus David)

Name of the Week

Homely, soft Sarah is eternally enduring
and arguably one of the most successful girls'
names in British history.

 

Origin:

In the first book of the Hebrew Bible, Genesis, Sarai is the wife of Abram. In Genesis 17, God comes to Abram and makes his covenant with him, changing Abram's name to Abraham and Sarai's name to Sarah. The Bible explains the shift from Abram to Abraham — the first means "exalted father," the second means "father of nations" — but there is no explanation for why Sarai became Sarah, as both names derive from the same Hebrew route: sarar "to rule," "to hold authority." The term sarah itself seems to have been more specifically a title used for royal women; the feminine form of sar, a title meaning "lord, prince, chieftain, chief, ruler, commander, leader." Noble lady, queen and mistress would all be appropriate translations. The most common translation of Sarah that has prevailed, however, is "princess." Greek translations of the Bible used the form Sarra, which became Sara in Latin. In other some languages Sara also has meaning. In Kazakhstan, Sara is a feminine name meaning "yellow" and symbolic of the sun, and in Sanskrit, Sara means "power, energy, strength."

Usage: and Sara

The Latin form Sara and Greek Sarra came into use in Britain from the twelfth century as the influence of the Church increased throughout Western Europe. Sara was one of the many Biblical names such as Michael, Joseph, Paul and Eve which were added to the pool of British nomenclature at that time. According to Redmonds' poll of names from ten counties in 1377-81, Sara ranked #20 with 78 instances, making it "quite popular." During this time, Sara, Sare, Sarra and Sarre also came into use as surnames.  The spelling Sarah was revived in 16th century and was used interchangeably with Sara and Sarra. It continued to be used popularly, as can be seen in my most popular Elizabethan names of Norfolk, where Sarah ranks #15 overall, and in Smith Bannister frequency tables from 1538-1700: 1550-9: #43; 1560-9: #40; 1570-9: #16; 1580-9: #15; 1590-9: #14; 1600-9: #15; 1610-9: #13; 1620-9: #12; 1630-9: #7; 1640-9: #7; 1650-9: #6; 1660-9: #4; 1670-9: #4; 1689-9: #4; 1690-1700: #4. In much the same way as Mary became Mally (later Molly), from an early period, Sally was an established diminutive of Sarah. Another diminutive, Sadie, came later in the late 18th century.  In Ireland, Sarah was used to render both Sadb and Sorcha into English. For such a long period, Sarah never seemed to tire. Perhaps it was thanks to its being borne by a prominent and revered woman in the Bible (one of the four Hebrew matriarchs), but also it was considered to be a homely, honest name — "stately and neat."  Dunkling ranks Sarah at #4 in both 1700 and 1800 and #3 in 1850 and 1875. It was still #4 in 1880, #8 in 1890 and #13 in 1900.  According to data from the 1881 UK census, Sarah was the 9th most common name (both male and female) and Sara the 371th. When the records are standardised to every 100,000 people, we can see that Sarah was pretty well evenly distributed across Britain, with the exception of Northern Scotland. Remarkably, Sarah can boast being one of the very few names to consistently be in the Top 100 in every decade from 1800-2010. Though there are several boys' names eligible, the only other girls' name that can claim the same is Elizabeth, which overall has had slightly higher ranks, dubbing Sarah as the second most successful British girls' name of all time. From ranking #21 in England and Wales in 1904, Sarah declined to its lowest point of #86 in 1944. It inclined rapidly after that, claiming the #1 spot in both 1974 and 1984. Sara followed Sarah's success, joining the top 100 from 1964 to 1994. In Scotland, Sarah ranked #14 in 1900, #34 in 1950 and #20 in 1975. Sara did not rank at all. Perhaps the reason the spelling Sarah lagged behind was due to its pronunciation issues. Though Sara is a variant spelling of Sarah (SAIR-a), thanks to its similarity to Cara, Mara, Tara, Lara and Zara, from the 20th century, Sara has in many cases been pronounced SAHR-a.  Since ranking #18 in 1996, Sarah has been steadily declining in England and Wales. Sara, however, is marginally rising. In 2013, Sarah ranked #96 and Sara ranked #100. Similarly, in Scotland, Sarah has also been on a decline in recent years, though not so starkly. From ranking #22 in 2005 it has gradually declined to #61 in 2013, with Sara ranking at #107. Sarah is currently most popular in Northern Ireland where it ranked #7 in 1997, #8 in 2003, #7 in 2007 and #29 in 2013.

Famous Bearers:

History: * Sarah Churchill, Duchess of Marlborough (1660–1744), confidante of Queen Anne. * Sarah Kemble Siddons (1755–1831), British actress. * Sarah Wentworth Morton (1759–1846), American author. * Sarah Moore Grimké (1792–1873), American abolitionist and advocate of women's rights. * Sarah Bernhardt (1844–1923), stage name of Rosine Bernard, a French actress. * Sara Teasdale (1884–1933), American poet. * Sarah Vaughan (1924–1990), American jazz singer. Contemporary: * Sara Lidman (b.1923), Swedish writer. * Sarah, Duchess of York (b.1959), former wife of Prince Andrew. * Sarah Jessica Parker (b.1965), American actress. * Sarah Millican (b.1975), British comedian. * Sarah Michelle Gellar (b.1977), American actress. Literature and Other Media: * Sarah, Plain and Tall, a children's book written by Patricia MacLachlan * Sarah Jane Smith, companion of"Doctor Who", played by Elisabeth Sladen. * Sarah Connor, a character in "The Terminator", played by Linda Hamilton. * Sarah Manning, main character in sci-fi thriller "Orphan Black."

Variants:

Sara, Sarai (Biblical), Kala (Hawaiian), Sára, Sári, Sárika (Hungarian), Sarita (Spanish), Sassa (Swedish), Suri (Yiddish)

Pronunciation:

SAIR-ə [key]

Possible  Diminutives:

Sally, Sadie

Sibling Names:

Charlotte     Emma     Lucy     Grace     Julia     Anna  Alexander     Daniel    James     Andrew    Thomas    George

Name Lists:

Popular Biblical   Medieval Favourites   Terrifically Tudor   Gorgeously Georgian   Names from Jane Austen   Names from Dickens   Names from the Brontes   Names of Roses

 

If you like Sarah you may also like:  Lydia, Clara, Eliza, Louise, Hannah, Rachel, Laura, Martha, Leah, Harriet

 

Thanks to Mabel for requesting this post. 

Completely coincidentally, this post coincides with Abby's post about Sarah over at Appellation Mountain this week. I would recommend giving it a read for more information about Sarah state-side.

 

Sibling Spotlight for Cormac

Below is a selection of British siblings with Cormac, from the last century to modern times.

The year relates to the decade of birth for that set. Brackets around the first name indicates that the person was called by their middle name.

1850s: Cormac John Betsy   Benedict Cormac Mary   1860s: John Cormac William Elias Mary Isaac   John Maryann Andrew Joseph Cormac   1870s: Thomas James Cormac Michael Mary Bridget Elizabeth Richard   Emily Alice Charles Rowan   1880s: Cormac John Patrick Dominic Frank Samuel   Cormas Kathleen   1890s: Harold Cormac Bertie   Philip Rose James Margaret Cormac Mary Ann Frances Agnes Joseph Winifred Ethna   Emma Dermot Cormac   Annie Thomas William Cormac Mary Margaret Catherine Winifred   James Cormac Patrick Catherine Bernard   Patrick Joseph Mary Elizabeth Cormac Norah Bartholomew Rose Ann Ernest Veronica   1900s: Cormac Kathleen Edward Mary Wilfred   Cormac Francis Michael Patrick Joseph Hearsey   Brendan Francis Cormac Patrick

1970s: Caroline Mary Cormac Thomas  Adrian Jonathan   Tara Ann  Cormac Desmond   Cormac Vincent Cara Genevieve   1980s: Aisling Mary Sinead Brigid Cormac Michael   Paul Andrew Kieran Peter Michael David David Patrick Cormac James Joseph John   1990s: Cormac Murray Ciaran James Euan William   Shaunagh Ellen Cormac Lloyd   Cormac Daniel Dervla Brigid Cian Patrick   Cormac Denis & Daniel Peter (twins)   Shauna Mairead  Connor James Cormac Kerrigan   Cormac Seosaimh Dominic Seamus   Daisy May Cormac Chivers   Connor Patrick Kieran Edward Cormac John   Cormac Bartholomew Declan Patrick   Marcus Martin Cormac Demetrius   Conchobhar Aaron & Cormac Emmett (twins) Elliot Joseph   Cormac Joseph Hamish Caspar Madigan Flower   Cormac Anthony  Aoife Mairead   2000s: Connor James Cormac Fionn & Niall Fionn (twins)   Donal Robert Cormac Jake   Finlay James Cormac Luke   Finnegan John Darragh Robert Cormac Leigh   Cormac McKellar Shane Patrick   Cormac James Jack Donald   2010s: Martha Niamh Cormac Patrick

This post was requested by Elizabeth.

UK Birth Announcements 13/10/14 - 19/10/14

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:

Alfie Harrison

Archie William (Oscar)

Austen Hector Eric

Barnaby George

Brodie Alexander (Frasier Ian)

Edward Joseph

Ethan Andrew

Finlay Gordon (Ailish Eve)

Finlay Peter (Kaia Sophie)

Finlay Rhys

Frank William Herbert

Isaac Philip (Eva Anne)

Jack Joshua

Jack William Jagger

Jacob Michael

Kofi Jai

Lorne Alexander (Calum)

Ludovico James Paolo Maria (Cassia)

Matthew Patrick

Oliver James (Daniel Robert)

Oscar Gordon

Paul James

Robert Antonín Weatherburn (Eliška Marie)

Ruaridh Davidson (Drew William & Fergus Wilson)

Seth Oliver (Ava)

Wilbur Theodore (Margot Doris)

William Noel (Annabelle Eve)

 

Girls:

Alexandra Elizabeth

Clara Niamh Alexandra (Sophia Erin Jessica)

Elida Ede (Evelyn Ruby)

Ellie Martha Annie (Zoey Lindsay Lewis)

Elsa Mia

Elsie Margaret (Oliver)

Florence Jane (Isobel Anna)

Florence Louise

Georgia Rebecca

Grace Josiane

Helena Diana Florence

Imogen Lily

Inés Christine (Lucia & Alice)

Ivy Grace

Niamh Maria

Phoenix (Lila-Eden)

Rosie Annabelle (Toby James)

Sophia Theresa

(The Hon) Violet Mary (John Innes Archie "Johnny" & Guy Robert)

 

Twins:

Eilidh & Jamie (g/b)

Georgia & Harris (g/b)

Ross Jonathan & Stuart Robert

Name of the Week

^.


Riding on the success of Harrison and Jenson,
new lively lad Grayson is one to watch.

 

Origin:

Grayson is a surname which literally means "son of the reeve" or "son of the "steward". A reeve, or steward, was an official with local jurisdiction under the king or a person in charge of property. The term reeve, itself, comes from the Old English gerefa "king's officer." Grayson however is specifically from the Middle English grayve which actually descends from the cognate Old Norse word greifi “a count, earl, steward.”

Usage:

Britain in 878 The Norse origin of Grayson (as opposed to the Anglo-Saxon) is easy to understand given that the surname traces its origins to Lancashire and Yorkshire: counties which were once part of the Viking region of Danelaw and therefore had a strong Norse influence. In the Domesday Book of 1086, we also find the Norse Griefi (Greue) used as a personal name in Lincolnshire. This most likely represents the occupational term for a steward being used as a byname. Later, in the 1130 Pipe Rolls of Lincolnshire, there is record of a Turstin filius Greue "Turstin son of Greifi" and, in some forms, fillius Graive "son of the grayve" may have been a precursor to Grayson.  One of the earliest attestations of the surname is a Richard Grayveson in 1327 Wakefield, Yorkshire, which preserves the original spelling. In the same century, spellings from the Yorkshire Poll Taxes include Graiveson, Graveson an Grayfson.  The first example of the spelling Grayson dates from 1426 in the Register of the Freemen of the City of York.  Grayson came into use as an uncommon surname-firstname in the 18th century and had steady but low use — on average 5 births per decade — up to the mid-20th century. In the 1970s, Grayson was being used consistently each year for a handful of babies, but it was still far from common. For the most part, it was used for boys thought there were some instances of its use for girls. Grayson's recent popularity is thanks largely to American influence. In the US, surnames have long been fashionable as first names, and -son names in particular, such as Mason, Madison,  Jackson, Addison, Hudson and Carson have been popular for quite some time. These names, and other American surname-firstnames such as Carter, Hunter and Chase are now making waves on this side of the pond. Grayson currently ranks #73 in America and has been in the top 100 since 2011 and top 500 since 1995. In England and Wales, Grayson did not rank at all until 2005, when only 4 babies (#3208) were given the name. It has been on a steep upward inclide ever since.  Its first big jump was in 2010 when it went from #972 (27 births) to #503 (70 births). It broke into the top 500 the following year in 2011 at #392 (100 births). In 2013, Grayson ranked #231 with 224 births. Greyson ranked #882 (33 births) and Graysen ranked #3315 (5 births). In Scotland, Grayson is on a similar upward curve. It did not rank at all in 2005, 2006 or 2008, however it began to pick up in 2011 (#475: 5 births) moving up to #361 (9 births) in 2012 and #299 (13 births) in 2013.

Famous Bearers:

History: * Henry Joseph Grayson (1856–1918), British scientist. * Grayson Hall (1922–1985), American actress, formerly known as Shirley Grayson.  Contemporary: * Grayson Perry (b. 1960), British artist. Literature and Other Media: * Grayson Barrett, character in Robin Constantine's novel The Promise of Amazing. * Richard "Dick" Grayson, the civilian identity of the original Robin, and later Nightwing, in the DC comics.

Variants:

Greyson, Graysen, Graison, Grason

Pronunciation:

GRAY-sən [key]

Possible diminutives:

Gray, Gun, Sonny

Sibling Names:

Lyla     Harper     Darcey     Mila     Ayla     Skyla  Blake     Carter     Flynn     Rhys     Wyatt     Vaughn

Name Lists:

Lively Lads

 

If you like Grayson you may also like:   Jenson, Parker, Layton, Carson, Harrison, Logan, Keegan, Oakley, Brody, Hunter

 

Thanks to Holly for requesting this post.

Most Popular British Girls' Names by Letter 2013

Following on from yesterday's post of most popular boys' names by letter in Britain, here is the girls' equivalent. Even more so than the boys, this list shows a lot more regional variation: from Aoife in Northern Ireland, Nia in Wales or Violet in England and Wales.

Scotland and Northern Ireland release seperate statistics, while England and Wales are released together with only a top 100 for each country seperately. So as to include all regional variations, I have added the statistics from the Wales top 100 were there is sufficient data.

	England & Wales	Scotland	Northern Ireland	Wales (separate)
A	Amelia (#1) Ava (#4) Alice (#27)	Ava (#6) Amelia (#8) Anna (#25)	Aoife (#7) Amelia (#8) Anna (#9)	Amelia (#1) Ava (#3) Alys (#46xn)
B	Bella (#56) Brooke (#67) Bethany (#77)	Brooke (#33) Bethany (#79) Beth (#95)	Bella (#50) Brooke (#72) Beth (#82)	Brooke (#4) Bella (#60) -
C	Chloe (#18) Charlotte (#21) Caitlin (#144)	Chloe (#12) Charlotte (#22) Cara (#64)	Chloe (#18) Cara (#22) Charlotte (#30)	Chloe (#29) Charlotte (#40) Cadi (#60)
D	Daisy (#23) Darcey (#84) Darcy (#93)	Daisy (#38) Darcy (#102) Darcey (#140)	Darcy (#83) Daisy (#89) Darcey (#103)	Daisy (#19) Darcey (#74) Darcy (#81)
E	Emily (#3) Evie (#14) Ella (#16)	Emily (#3) Ella (#9) Ellie (#14)	Emily (#1) Ella (#4) Eva (#11)	Emily (#5) Ella (#7) Evie (#12)
F	Freya (#20) Florence (#29) Faith (#74)	Freya (#18) Faith (#91) Florence (#155)	Freya (#35) Faye (#48) Faith (#56)	Freya (#22) Ffion (#24) Faith (#55)
G	Grace (#13) Georgia (#60) Gracie (#62)	Grace (#18) Georgia (#52) Gracie (#62)	Grace (#1) Georgia (#34) Gracie (#89)	Grace (#25) Gracie (#40) Georgia (#60)
H	Holly (#33) Hannah (#44) Harriet (#61)	Holly (#21) Hannah (#27) Hollie (#43)	Hannah (#22) Holly (#28) Hollie (#50)	Holly (#44) Hollie (#49) Hannah (#72)
I	Isla (#5) Isabella (#8) Isabelle (#19)	Isla (#4) Isabella (#40) Iona (#62)	Isla (#27) Isabella (#31) Isabelle (#141)	Isla (#9) Isabella (#10) Isabelle (#21)
J	Jessica (#6) Jasmine (#50) Julia (#82)	Jessica (#7) Julia (#74) Jasmine (#127)	Jessica (#9) Julia (#83) Jasmine (#86)	Jessica (#20) Jasmine (#58) -
K	Katie (#79) Keira (#110) Kayla (#169)	Katie (#28) Kayla (#45) Keira (#74)	Katie (#12) Kate (#61) Kayla (#75)	Katie (#84) - -
L	Lily (#12) Lucy (#28) Layla (#31)	Lucy (#5) Lily (#11) Lacey (#29)	Lucy (#6) Lily (#17) Leah (#22)	Lily (#13) Layla (#22) Lilly (#31)
M	Mia (#10) Millie (#25) Molly (#35)	Millie (#10) Mia (#17) Molly (#45)	Mia (#16) Molly (#26) Maisie / Megan (#45)	Mia (#8) Megan (#16) Millie (#18)
N	Niamh (#90) Nevaeh (#107) Nancy (#111)	Niamh (#42) Naomi (#105) Nicole (#106)	Niamh (#25) Nicole (#75) Naomi (#116)	Nia (#65) - -
O	Olivia (#2) Orla (#132) Olive (#233)	Olivia (#2) Orla (#31) Orlaith (#123)	Olivia (#15) Orlaith (#109) Orla (#124)	Olivia (#2) _ _
P	Poppy (#7) Phoebe (#24) Paige (#98)	Poppy (#26) Paige (#67) Phoebe (#85)	Poppy (#37) Phoebe (#62) Paige / Penny (#124)	Poppy (#8) Phoebe (#26) Paige (#78)
Q	Quinn (#460) Queenie (#1864) -	Quinn (#194) Qezel (#1525) Qiyana (#1525)
R	Ruby (#11) Rosie (#38) Rose (#68)	Ruby (#24) Rebecca (#36) Rosie (#56)	Ruby (#20) Rachel (#54) Rebecca (#56)	Ruby (#4) Rosie (#65) -
S	Sophie (#9) Sophia (#15) Scarlett (#17)	Sophie (#1) Sophia (#13) Skye (#41)	Sophie (#3) Sophia (#5) Sarah (#29)	Seren (#10) Sophie (#14) Sophia (#15)
T	Tilly (#86) Thea (#121) Tia (#144)	Taylor (#100) Thea (#127) Tilly (#144)	Tilly (#112) Tara (#141) Taylor (#141)	Thea (#88) Tia (#93) -
U	Una (#900) Umaiza (#1048) Umaymah (#1098)	Una (#663) Ursula (#1013) -	Una (#284) Ugne (#440) Urte (#569)
V	Violet (#78) Victoria (#88) Vanessa (#284)	Victoria (#102) Violet (#140) Vivienne (#344)	Victoria (#135) Vanessa (#234) Vanesa (#284)
W	Willow (#54) Wiktoria (#406) Wren (#528)	Willow (#79) Wiktoria (#344) Weronika (#449)	Willow (#103) Whitney (#440) Winter (#569)	Willow (#49) - -
X	Xanthe (#802) Xin (#2313) Xenia (#2460)	Xin (#663) Xanthe (#1013) -
Y	Yasmin (#201) Yusra (#408) Yasmine (#569)	Yasmin (#267) Yvie (#413) Yi (#564)	Yasmin (#284) Yvie (#569)
Z	Zara (#70) Zoe (#97) Zainab (#129)	Zoe (#51) Zara (#58) Zuzanna (#138)	Zara (#45) Zoe (#63) Zuzanna (#234)

Some boxes are blank due to insufficient data. For example, there is only two 'U' names for Scotland, not because they were the only two used, but because all others were of low use and the same rank. 

Most Popular British Boys' Names by Letter 2013

Is Alfie the most popular A name in the UK? Actually, no. Scotland prefers perennial favourite Alexander, while Northern Ireland favours Biblical Adam. 

The table below is a breakdown of the most popular names by letter across the UK.

Scotland and Northern Ireland release seperate statistics, while England and Wales are released together with only a top 100 for each country seperately. So as to include all regional variations, I have added the statistics from the Wales top 100 were there is sufficient data.

	England & Wales	Scotland	Northern Ireland	Wales (separate)
A	Alfie (#11) Archie (#16) Alexander (#24)	Alexander (#7) Alfie (#17) Adam (#20)	Adam (#12) Alfie (#14) Aaron (#39)	Alfie (#5) Archie (#27) Alexander (#40)
B	Benjamin (#30) Blake (#56) Bobby (#59)	Brodie (#47) Benjamin (#53) Ben (#63)	Ben (#32) Benjamin (#57) Blake (#62)	Benjamin (#42) Blake (#65) Bailey (#93)
C	Charlie (#5) Charles (#61) Connor (#66)	Charlie (#9) Cameron (#23) Callum (#33)	Charlie (#3) Conor (#17) Caleb (#44)	Charlie (#4) Cai (#56) Connor (#65)
D	Daniel (#22) Dylan (#31) David (#50)	Daniel (#5) Dylan (#32) David (#36)	Daniel (#5) Dylan (#27) Darragh(#29)	Dylan (#10) Daniel (#25) Dexter (#44)
E	Ethan (#14) Edward (#33) Elijah (#69)	Ethan (#12) Euan (#72) Evan (#96)	Ethan (#8) Eoin (#58) Eoghan (#94)	Ethan (#16) Evan (#46) Ellis (#56)
F	Finley (#34) Freddie (#35) Frankie (#62)	Finlay (#16) Fraser (#63) Finn (#65)	Finn (#39) Fionn (#52) Finlay (#102)	Finley (#24) Freddie (#61) Frankie (#85)
G	George (#10) Gabriel (#79) Grayson (#231)	George (#84) Gregor (#115) Gabriel (#122)	George (#68) Gabriel (#153) Gerard (#180)	George (#19) Gethin (#47) Gabriel (#86)
H	Harry (#3) Henry (#18) Harrison (#36)	Harry (#10) Harris (#14) Harrison (#50)	Harry (#4) Henry (#62) Harvey (#103)	Harry (#7) Harri (#29) Harrison (#32)
I	Isaac (#29) Ibrahim (#89) Ismail (#265)	Isaac (#80) Innes (#154) Ibrahim (#240)	Isaac (#37) Igor (#244) Ian (#341)	Isaac (#35) Ioan (#59) Ieuan (#90)
J	Jack (#2) Jacob (#4) James (#9)	Jack (#1) James (#2) Jacob (#18)	Jack (#1) James (#2) Jacob (#8)	Jack (#3) James (#17) Joshua (#20)
K	Kai (#64) Kian (#95) Kayden (#104)	Kai (#28) Kyle (#41) Kayden (#71)	Kai (#83) Kyle (#83) Kayden (#88)	Kai (#62) Kian (#63) Kayden (#93)
L	Leo (#17) Lucas (#26) Logan (#28)	Lewis (#3) Logan (#6) Lucas (#8)	Luke (#19) Lucas (#22) Leo (#30)	Logan (#13) Leo (#15) Lucas (#17)
M	Muhammad (#15) Mohammed (#23) Max (#25)	Mason (#11) Max (#19) Matthew (#26)	Matthew (#7) Mason (#15) Michael (#22)	Mason (#10) Max (#29) Morgan (#36)
N	Noah (#13) Nathan (#55) Nathaniel (#127)	Noah (#13) Nathan (#27) Nicholas (#154)	Noah (#6) Nathan (#38) Niall (#76)	Noah (#6) - -
O	Oliver (#1) Oscar (#7) Ollie (#80)	Oliver (#4) Oscar (#40) Ollie (#72)	Oliver (#10) Oisin (#22) Oscar (#32)	Oliver (#1) Oscar (#12) Osian (#31)
P	Patrick (#126) Peter (#182) Preston (#217)	Patrick (#126) Paul (#168) Peter (#171)	Patrick (#30) Peter (#73) Paul (#94)
Q	Quinn (#366) Qasim (#581) Quentin (#1404)	Quinn (#240) Qasim (#520) -	Quinn (#303) - -
R	Riley (#21) Ryan (#51) Reuben (#54)	Riley (#15) Ryan (#24) Rory (#42)	Ryan (#13) Riley (#20) Ronan (#34)	Riley (#8) Rhys (#33) Ryan (#52)
S	Samuel (#20) Sebastian (#38) Stanley (#70)	Samuel (#46) Sam (#60) Sean (#89)	Sean (#26) Samuel (#39) Shea (#43)	Samuel (#22) Sebastian (#51) -
T	Thomas (#6) Tyler (#37) Theo (#41)	Thomas (#21) Tyler (#35) Theo (#99)	Thomas (#11) Tyler (#56) Tom (#65)	Thomas (#14) Tyler (#21) Theo (#26)
U	Umar (#268) Usman (#504) Uzair (#546)	Uilleam (#687) Umar (#687) Uzair (#847)	Ultan (#271) - -
V	Vincent (#163) Vinnie (#221) Victor (#241)	Vincent (#335) Victor (#357) Vihaan (#520)	Vincent (#271) - -
W	William (#8) Wilfred (#245) Wyatt (#366)	William (#39) Wiktor (#280) Warren (#357)	William (#36) Will (#166) Wojciech (#303)	William (#8) - -
X	Xavier (#172) Xander (#271) Xavi (#1706)	Xavier (#207) Xander (#269) -	Xavier (#343) Xander (#398) -
Y	Yusuf (#118) Yahya (#222) Yunus (#434)	Yusuf (#357) Yahya (#466) Yanis (#687)	Yusuf (#398) Yousef (#398) -
Z	Zachary (#39) Zac (#144) Zack (#163)	Zac (#87) Zachary (#105) Zak (#108)	Zach (#71) Zac (#111) Zachary (#122)	Zachary (#50) Zac (#81) -

Some boxes are blank due to insufficient data. For example, there is only one 'V' name for Northern Ireland, not because that was the only one used, but because all others were of low use and the same rank. 

UK Birth Announcements 6/10/14 - 12/10/14

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:

Alexander Cameron James

Alexander Hamilton "Alex"

Alfie Charles

Ashton Charles Boo (Joshua, Reece, Cameron & Kayden)

Barnaby Henry (Edward George "Eddie" & Oliver James "Ollie")

Blake Ray

Brodie Craig (Ethan, Alex & Aidan)

Caspar Jamie (Leila Rose)

Cayson Jack (Caelan Joseph & Amelia Niamh "Millie")

Christopher John "CJ" (Rose Anna)

Christopher Keith (Nikolas Kyril)

Duncan James (Ashley Margaret)

Edward Brough - Brough is dad's first name.

Eli Clay

Elijah John

Finley John (Louie Christopher)

George Leo Alexander

George William (Benjamin Douglas)

Gilbert Ray (Benjamin Louis "Ben")

Harris Gordon (Logan John)

Harry Oliver Southwell

Henry Craig Dashwood

Henry James

Jacob Adam

Jacob Michael

Jamie Andrew (Eilidh Linda)

Jax Shaun (Logan)

Kai George (Miya & Jemma)

Kian Ben

Louis Alexander

Ludo Daniel Doog

Matthew Patrick Christopher (Joseph James Paul)

Noah Thomas (Marco, Aaron & Ethan)

Sebastian Titus George (Arthur Samson James, Frederick Richard Rufus "Freddie" & Henry Thomas Abraham "Hal")

Thomas Max Harry

Wilfred James

William Augustus Owen

 

Girls:

Abi Jessica (Holly Mia)

Agnes Mary Annie "Aggie" (Wilfred Michael Vezey "Wilf")

Alice Louisa (Albert Frederick Evelyn "Albie")

Alice Mary Jane

Amelia Rose (Poppie Sue)

Anna Christina

Aurelia Mary Elizabeth (Isla Rose Julia)

Beatrice Rose Daphne (Arthur James Maurice)

Beatrix Erin

Clementine Isabel Rose (Florence Mary Catherine)

Delphi

Demi May (Lacey Jade)

Edith Phyllis

Emma Jane (Lewis & Sophie)

Erin Margaret (Frankie, Rio & Isaac)

Esmee Alice Summer

Eva Rose (Ollie George)

Farleigh Elizabeth Winefride

Freya Elizabeth (Michael James)

Georgie Elizabeth (Eilidh & Brodie Margaret)

Gracie Patricia

Harriet Mary Armour

Holly Grace (Ruairi James Alexander)

Iona Eve (Niall Harris)

Iona Margaret Ruth (James Alexander)

Izabelle Olivia

Juliet Rose

Lilah Heather

Lucy Perpetua Rose

Olive Thea

Olivia Estelle (Edward John Michael)

Penelope June

Phoebe Arabella Rose (Jemima Patricia Antoinette & Clementina Margaret Alexandra "Clemmie")

Poppy Grace (Chloe Lucy)

Scarlett Daisy Grace (Felix Mackwood)

Willow Rosie (Bertie Pepys Willie)

Zara Rose

 

Twins:

Ava May & Imogen Rose (Finley Thomas)

Leah Kate & Robyn Lydia 

Name of the Week

Heavenly Aurora is an elegant gem from a classical age
which is currently on the upswing.

 

Origin:

Aurora was the eponymously named Roman Goddess of the dawn who travelled across the sky each morning to herald the arriving son from the east. Her siblings were Sol (Helios) "the sun" and Luna (Selene) "the moon." She was equivalent to the Greek goodess Eos (Greek for "dawn"), and indeed both appear to have been descended from a Proto-Indo-European Goddess of the dawn. Both the Latin words aurora and Greek eos have been traced to the PIE *ausus- (*h₂ewsṓs) "dawn," which can also be found in the Sanskrit ushas, Old Irish usah, Germanic ostre and Lithuanian auszra. Ultimately, the name is though to derive from PIE *aus- "to shine" i.e "The Shining One" and is connected to *awso- "gold."  This ancient goddess of the dawn was clearly a very important figure for Indo-European populations as she is reflected in numerous cultures and traditions. Almost exclusively, she is depicted as a beautiful young woman and is often involved in spring, the new year and has aspects of a goddess of love and fertility (perpetuating the idea of continual renewal). In some cases, the dawn goddess is imprisoned for a time, to be liberated by a heroic deity.  The Italian fairy tale Sole, Luna e Talia (1634) by Giambattista Basile tells the folk story of a beauty named Talia who is put into a deep sleep by a splinter of flax. In the tale, Talia's son and daughter are named Sole "sun" and Luna "moon." This fairy tale was later adapted in 1697 by Charles Perrault as The Sleeping Beauty; a tale we still recognise today. In Perrault's tale, the beauty has no name, but her children are named Le Jour "the day" and L'Aurore "the dawn." Tchaikovsky's ballet (1889) and other versions gave the name Aurora "dawn" to the beauty herself.  Essentially, given the connection to the sun and moon, and the theme of imprisonment (by sleep) and renewal (by awakenment), the folk tale of The Sleeping Beauty can be considered an extension of the dawn goddess mythology.

Usage:

As a given name, Aurora didn't come into general use until the 17th century, when it was used in Sweden, Italy and Spanish-speaking countries.  In Britain, Aurora wasn't used until the 18th century, though it was rather uncommon. It maintained much the same steady by low usage over the following two centuries. The births for Aurora in England and Wales per decade show just how much: 1840s: 4 births 1850s: 13 births 1860s: 23 births 1870s: 33 births 1880s: 25 births 1890s: 28 births 1900s: 31 births 1910s: 35 births 1920s: 18 births 1930s: 8 births 1940s: 13 births 1950s: 18 births 1960s: 23 births The slight rise from the 1860s may have been partly thanks to Elizabeth Barrett Browning's poem Aurora Leigh in 1856 and Mary Elizabeth Braddon's novel Aurora Floyd in 1863. The highest number of births in any given year was in 1909, when seven girls were registered with the name. This was perhaps influenced by Panizza's 1908 opera Aurora.  Since 1996, Aurora has been on a notable upward curve most likely thanks to the popularity of the trend for names beginning with vowels, and ending in -a.  Aurora ranked #1168 with 16 births in 1996 in England and Wales and stayed pretty much consistent until it reached #645 (54 births) in 2007.  In Scotland, Aurora had a birth count between 2 and 5 from 2005 to 2011. It rose in 2012 to 12 births (#335). In 2013, Aurora reached the top 300 for the first time, ranking #257 with 187 births in England and Wales and #319 (12 births) in Scotland.

Famous Bearers:

History: * Countess (Maria) Aurora Königsmarck (1662–1728), mistress of Augustus the Strong, king of Poland and mother of Marshal Saxe.  * Aurora Wilhelmina Koskull (1778–1852), notable Swedish aristocrat and politically active salonist. * Aurora Karamzina (1808–1902), a Finnish Swede philanthropist and noblewoman. * Aurora Cáceres (1877–1958), a Peruvian-European writer of the "modernismo" literary movement. * Aurora Nilsson (1894–1972), Swedish writer. * Aurora Reyes Flores (1908–1985), a Mexican painter and member of the Mexican muralism movement. Contemporary: * Aurora Levins Morales (b. 1954), a Puerto Rican writer and poet. * Aurora Robles (b. 1980), Mexican supermodel. Literature and Other Media: * Aurora Leigh, the eponymous character in Elizabeth Barrett Browning's epic poem of the same name (1856). * Aurora Floyd, the eponymous character from Mary Elizabeth Braddon's novel of the same name (1863). * Princess Aurora, main character in Tchaikovsky's ballet The Sleeping Beauty (1889). * Aurora, a 1908 opera by Ettore Panizza. * Princess Aurora, main character in Disney's Sleeping Beauty (1959). * Aurora Sinistra, the astronomy professor in J.K.Rowling's Harry Potter series. * Aurora, a superhero in the Marvel comics universe. Other: * Aurora Borealis, the Northern Lights.  * HMS Aurora, several Royal Navy ships.

Variants:

Aurore (French)

Pronunciation:

ə-ROR-ə [key]

Possible  Diminutives:

Aura, Rory

Sibling Names:

Charis     Livia     Eliana     Hebe     Alethea     Lyra  Roman     Sol    Evander     Raphael    Felix    Maximus

Name Lists:

Slickly Continental   Upright Elegance   Gods and Goddesses   Names from Harry Potter

 

If you like Aurora you may also like:  Aurea, Romola, Clio, Larisa, Aria, Luna, Juno, Penelope, Leonora, Evanthe

 

Thanks to Misa for requesting this post.