British Baby Names

UK Birth Announcements 24/11/14 - 30/11/14

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:

Archie David (Lottie & George)

Archie William

Arley James

Barnaby Wilbur James (Hector Andrew Benjamin)

Blair Donald (Aaron Iain George)

Bradley Thomas (Ebony-Grace & Liam Paul)

Callum George 

Charlie Jake

Dylan James

Edward Benjamin (William James)

Edward Stanley "Teddy"

Ethan Daniel

Felix Edward Whitbread

Felix John William

Francis John

Freddie Patrick

George Thomas Arthur (Camilla Eleanor Jane)

Gwion Dafydd (Fflur Meleri)

Harry David

Hector Grant James (Esme)

Henry Alexander Francis (Jemima Elizabeth)

Henry Stephen Hugh

Hugo William John

Jack Oliver

Jacob George (Faye Eloise)

James Ross William

Jasper William Angus (Fynn Edward John)

Lewis Wallace Giulio (Leonardo Alexander Francesco)

Liam Graham

Lochie Frederick Lloyd (Honor Mary Petra & Arlo Richard Lloyd)

Lucas Niall Jan (Arthur Timothy Jozef)

Lucas Robert

Ludo Del

Maksymilian Colin (Zofia Elizabeth)

Monty James Strachan

Morgan Selwyn

Nathaniel Arthur

Noah John (James)

Oliver Joseph (Pippa Emily)

Rory Fynn

Ruben Arthur John

Sam Dennis

Sebastian Jacob (Oscar Jack)

Teddy George Leslie

Theodore David "Theo"

Ynyr Elis (Cadi Angharad & Siwan Fflur)

 

Girls:

Abigail Elizabeth

Alice Jayne (Jack Robert)

Anwen Isabella

Beatrice Ellen (Tabitha)

Charlotte Rose (Margot Isla Jean)

Cordelia Violet May (Florence Audrey Eve)

Eloise Albinia May (Augustus Christopher Wyndham "Gussy")

Erin Mai (Aiden)

Erin Olivia (Jay & Daragh Kyle)

Esmé Lily

Grace Catherine (Emma)

Grace Isla

Gracie Rose (Ruby Belle)

Iona Grace

Isla Emma (Eva Elizabeth)

Isla Florence Helen

Isla Grace

Isobel Rose

Jessica Louise (Bella)

Lacey Mae (Tyler Lee)

Lois May (Madison & Phoebe Lily)

Lucie Sarah

Maddison Ginny

Madelyn Grace (Alice Rose)

Maia Lois

Ottilie Sophia (Maximilian George Alistair)

Poppy Louisa (Oscar)

Rebekah Louise (Aimee Isabel)

Theodora Kate

 

Twins:

Archie & Juan

 

Name of the Week

^.


Ancient appellation with Scottish heritage
and an astronomical flair.

 

Origin:

Cosmo is the English form of the Ancient Greek name Kosmas. The Greek kosmos was a broad term which generally meant "order, good order, orderly arrangement." Pythagoras is said to have been the first to "the universe" but later it was used to extend to "the whole world," hense the adjective cosmic, used since 1640.

Usage:

According to data from the LGPN, Kosmas was in moderate use in the Classical Greek and Hellenistic period. More common was the spelling Kosmos or Kosmia for women. There were also a variety of other names which contained the element kosmos in use such as Damokosmos, Theokosmos, Kosmagoras, Kosmianos and Kosmiades.  Saints Cosmas and Damian (Kosmas and Damianos) were twin brothers martyred in 303 under the reign of Diocletian. They were phycisians, said to have offered their services with no charge, and, as such, they have been regarded as the patron saints of physicians.  From the 6th century their cult became quite extensive across Christendom thanks to Emperor Justinian I (527–565) who believed he was cured by the saints and built a great church dedicated to them in Constantinople.  The saints later became the patron saints of Milan. The Italian forms Cosimo, Cosme and Cosmo were widely used in Italy and became a favourite among the Medici family, who later became the Grand Dukes of Tuscany.  Despite the fact that Damian was used, albeit rarely, since the 13th century in Britain, Cosmo had failed to take off. There is at least one record of use in the 17th century, in a baptism for Cosmo Beckforde in 1637 in Bramshaw, Wiltshire*.  This instance can be explained by the presence of a local church St Cosmo and St Damian in Sherrington. During the 17th century Cosmo -- still popular in Italy as Cosimo -- was not uncommon Spain and Germany, most likely thanks to the veneration of the saints' relics in Clares, Madrid and Bremen, Germany.  The Grand Duke Cosimos of Tuscany had already been referred to as "Cosmo" in Britain, but the name didn't have much impact until 1720, when Scottish peer and staunch Jacobite Alexander Gordon, 2nd Duke of Gordon gave the name to his eldest son in honour of his friend Cosimo III de' Medici (a Jacobite supporter), and has been passed down in the Gordon family (and the aristocratic families they married into) ever since.  Not long after Cosmo Gordon (the future 3rd Duke of Gordon) was born, other Cosmos appear in Scottish records across all the social classes. It was particularly notable in Moray (the seat of the Dukes of Gordon) and neighbouring counties of Banffshire and Aberdeenshire.  Jacobite supporters were known for declaring their allegance in the names of their children and Cosmo perfectly fit the bill. One notable example is painter Cosmo Alexander (1724–1772), born four years after Cosmo Gordon in Aberdeen to Jacobite parents.  Records for the names from UK censuses shows the name limited but steady use: 1841: 31 males - 25 Scotland; 6 England 1851: 41 males - 22 Scotland; 19 England 1861: 37 males - 15 Scotland; 22 England 1871: 44 males - 14 Scotland; 30 England 1881: 74 males - 28 Scotland; 45 England; 1 Wales 1891: 74 males - 27 Scotland; 42 England; 5 Wales 1901: 85 males - 40 Scotland; 39 England; 6 Wales Data from the 1881 census (right) shows that the name was used in pockets around the country. It was still notable in the neighbouring counties around Moray, as well as the area around Lanarkshire and Middlesex.  Over the 20th century, Cosmo had low but consistent use with only a handful of births per year.  The turn of the 21st century, has seen Cosmo's usage more than quadrupled its previous average birth count. From 5 births (#2020) in 1996, it had almost quadrupled to 18 births (#869) by 1999 in England and Wales.  It reached a peak in both 2007 and 2009 when 24 babies were born with the name.  In Scotland, Cosmo did not rank at all in 2005 or 2006, but has since had a birth count of between 1 and 3 births each year.  In 2013, Cosmo ranked #1404 (17 births) in England and Wales and #697 (3 births) in Scotland.

Famous Bearers:

History: * St Cosmas (Cosmo) and St Damian, 3rd-century Christian martyrs. * Cosimo de' Medici (1389-1464), the first of the Medici political dynasty; patron learning and the arts. * Cosimo Bartoli (1503–1572), Italian diplomat and humanist. * Cosimo I de' Medici (1519-1574), First Grand Duke of Tuscany. * Cosimo II de' Medici (1590–1621), Grand Duke of Tuscany.  * Cosimo III de' Medici (1642–1723), Grand Duke of Tuscany. * Cosmo Gordon, 3rd Duke of Gordon (1720-1752), Scottish nobleman. * Cosmo Alexander (1724–1772) was a Scottish portrait painter. * Cosmo Innes (1798-1874), Scottish judge and historian.  * Sir Cosmo Bonsor, 1st Baronet (1848-1929), British MP, chairman of the South Eastern Railway. * Cosmo Lang (1864-1945), British prelate of the Church of England. * Cosmo Hamilton (1870-1942), British playwright. * Cosmo Campoli (1923-1997), American sculptor. Contemporary: * Doug "Cosmo" Clifford (b. 1945), member of the rock band Creedence Clearwater Revival. * Cosmo Klein (b. 1978), German singer. * Cosmo Jarvis (b.1989), English singer-songwriter and filmmaker. Literature and Other Media: * Cosmo Kramer, from the American TV sitcom Seinfeld. * Cosmo Topper, from the Topper novels by Thorne Smith which were later made into films. * Cosmo, from American animated TV series The Fairly OddParents. * Cosmo Hill, from the novel The Supernaturalist by Eoin Colfer. * Cosmo the Space Hound, a telepathic Russian space dog from the Marvel Universe.

Variants:

Cosmas, Kosmas (Ancient Greek), Cosimo, Cosmè (Italian), Côme (French), Cosme (Portuguese), Cosmin (Romanian), Kuzma (Russian), Kosma, Kosmas (Polish)

Pronunciation:

KOZ-mō [key]

Possible diminutives:

Coz, Mo

Sibling Names:

Thalia     Ottilie     Hebe     Paloma     Alba     Xanthe  Bertram     Leander     Zephyr     Theron     Rufus     Cyrus

Name Lists:

Slickly Continental

 

If you like Cosmo you may also like:   Rollo, Caspar, Ivo, Atlas, Cato, Orlando, Ludo, Cassian, Ezio, Finlo

 

Thanks to Madelyn for requesting this post.

Sibling Spotlight for Brodie

Below is a selection of British siblings with Brodie, from the last century to modern times. All the Brodies below are male, unless indicated by a 'g'. Most records, especially the earliest ones, are from Scotland. 

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

1840s: Janet David Elizabeth "Betsy" George Margaret "Maggie" Euphemia "Effie" Brodie   Montague James Amy (Hasting) Gordon Gwendolen Brodie Leila Seymour   1850s: Sophia Josephine Brodie Manuel Mary Ann Pedro Juan Joseph/Jose   1860s: Alexander Bernard Eliza Caroline Frank Louisa Henry Brodie   Alexander James S Anne Braid Elmslie Anne John E George Smith Laurence William Brodie Robert Eliza S Charles Morton William Smith   1870s: Blanche Brodie Edith Claude   Jane "Jennie" Annie Jean Brodie Kerr (g) Robert James Richard Mary Flora John  George  Evelyn B (g)   Constance Hamilton James Alfred Francis William Brodie Hay Gertrude Annie Cecil B Elizabeth M   Agnes Smith Robert Mackellar Brodie Smith George Zail Mary Jessie L S Isabella Henrietta A L H   1880s: Alexander Isabella Mary Ann Thomas Patrick Brodie William   Sidney Louisa Brodie   Jessie Hamilton Flora Agnes Mabel George John Brodie Anderson Eva Ellen Francis Thomas Euphemia Elizabeth Basil Fleming   Alexander Brodie Constance Esther Hugh Jessie Isabella "Bella" Mabel Ethel Gregor   1890s: William Mortimer Charles "Charlie" Robert Grace Mortimer Sophia Victoria Brodie Ella Jane Kenneth Gordon Ena   Ida Florence Brodie Valentine Robert Pascoe John Allan F

1900s: Brodie Herbert Jack Lacey (b) Archie Oliver   Brodie Alexander P Edward James Alice Norah Cyril Horace     1980s: Victoria Louise Brodie Clifford   Brodie Bartholomew Bianca Jade & Olivia Roxane (twins) Bronte Jaeger   1990s: Brodie Francis  Sophie Florence   Brodie Roamie  Kasie Rory   Conel Ewan Brodie Finn   Siobhan Kelly Brodie Louis   Mairi Jeanne Conor Christy Brodie Gordon   Brandon Reece Brodie Thomas   Brodie Mervyn F & Brooke Heather D (twins)   Brodie Jonjoe Yasmin Fallon   Sophie Jean Brodie Frederick   Brodie Rowan Carrie Larissa   William Oliver  Brodie Daniel   2000s: Brodie Peter & James Fraser (twins)   Brodie James Owen Robert   Angus James B Brodie Casper L & Cal George A (twins)   Brooke Anne Bailey Eliza Brodie Gentelia (g)   Buster Robert Brodie Stirling   Tilly Sue Brodie Stephen Kitty Beau   James Walter Noah Louis Brodie Zinzan   Brodie Albert Harrison George   Brodie Henry Lennie-Mai   Akira-Kyle Brodie-Scott   Cailean David Brodie Ian   2010s: Bertie Trudie Brodie   Frasier Ian Brodie Alexander   Tegan Harley Brodie Myla (g)   Brodie Stephen Alexa Mae "Lexie"   Olivia Alison Brodie Philip   Cailean Kerr Brodie Alexander

This post was requested by Caroline.

I know Sibling spotlight posts have been a little sparse lately -- blame a heavy workload and the longer time it takes to compile these posts -- and I'm conscious of a mounting waiting list. Apologies! I'm going to try, work permitting, to get through as many as I can in the next few weeks, so prepare yourself for lots more SibSpot posts to come.

 

UK Birth Announcements 17/11/14 - 23/11/14

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 Wolf Wroth Stockton

Alfred Thomas Surjit

Archie Keneth Paul

Arran Kevin

Billy Carl

Dylan Douglas

Edward James (Hannah Elizabeth)

Elis Brady (Cara Brady)

Ethan Matthew George

Felix Patrick Hugo

Findlay Lewis

Finley Lewis

Freddie Joe (Charlie Lewis)

George Alexander Dennistoun

George Harry

Gio John (James & Loriana)

Guto Hedd (Awen & Non)

Harry Archie

Haydn Anthony

Henry Charles Fiddian (James David Fiddian)

Henry Richard (Chloe Olive)

Isaac Jack

Jacob Marc

Jacob Seth

James Piers Robert (Arabella Violet Victoria)

Josh Neil

Leo Ian (Molly Jo)

Max Alan

Ned Walter

Noah James (Evelyn & Joseph)

Oli Glyn (Roan Glyn & Rion Glyn)

Ollie George (Ellie & Alfie)

Oliver Sebastian (Thomas James)

Oscar Richard

Reggie James William

Rowan Stephen

Ruairidh Alistair

Theodore John Crawshaw "Ted"

Tom Barnaby

William Michael (Emily Grace & Charlotte Isabella "Lottie")

 

Girls:

Ailish Elizabeth (Struan William)

Alexa Georgina

Amelie Alexandra Rose

Annabelle Neve

Annabelle Olivia (Alexander Robert)

Artemis Calypso

Ava-Caroline (Lauren-Jessie)

Caitlin Gesina - Gesina is grandmother's name

Charlotte Mary (Lucy & Thomas Peter)

Chloe Patricia

Eilidh May

Eliza Renee

Ella Alyssa

Evie Mai

Gabby Babs (Ellis Beverlea) - grandmother is Babs, late grandfather is listed as "David (Gabby)"

Harriett Margaret

Harriet Martha Storm (Eliza Scarlett)

Holly Annabelle (Henry James)

Jasmine Joan

Imogen Sarah Jacqueline

India Kaur (Jared William Singh)

Isabelle Grace

Katherine Lynda Sadie "Kate" (Joshua)

Lauren Jessica

Layla Rose

Lily Kanthira

Maddison Ella-Rose

Margot Anna

Martha Jules (Matilda)

Mia Elizabeth Arabella (Poppy)

Molly Henrietta Buchanan

Naomi Elisa (Jacob, Caleb Alexander & Daniel William)

Olive Autumn (Amber, Reggie Shaun & Chester Huw)

Poppy Joy

Rumer Cooper (Nyla Grace, Dulcie May, Oakley-Rose & Nova Star)

Sadie Pearl (Teddy James)

Sienna Rose Olivia

Sophia Olivia

Violet Rose

Winnie-Rose (Bradley, Ellis & Belle)

Zara Anne (Theo Edward)

 

Twins:

Alys & Casi

 

Name of the Week

Literary Lorna has long been one to fluctuate
back into fashion. Currently it's more likely to be mum's name than baby's,
but soon it will have the same retro vibe as Hazel or Gemma.

 

Origin:

Put Lorna in the same group as Fiona, Miranda and Pamela - a name coined and popularised by an author. In Lorna's case it was used in 1869 by Richard Doddridge Blackmore for his highly popular novel Lorna Doone.  Blackmore is most likely to have derived the name from the surname Lorne -- taken from the Scottish place. Indeed, in the the novel, the Earl of Lorne is Lorna's maternal grandfather. Her true lineage is, for most of the novel, a mystery and in coining Lorna from Lorne, Blackmore gave his readers a heavy hint.  Lorne itself is an ancient district in the west of Scotland, said to derive its name from a legendary figure Loarn mac Eirc, who was ruler of the Scottish Kingdom of Dál Riata and was also known as Loarn Mor "The great fox." Lorna could therefore simply be traced back to the Proto-Celtic *luφerno / *loferno "fox." However, K.M.Sheard puts forward the theory that the figure of Loarn was simply invented to explain the already existing place-name and could possibly be derived from the name of the Celtic goddess Latiaran.

Usage:

Generally, Blackmore is credited with having invented Lorna. What we can definitely say is that he popularised it. When the first edition of Lorna Doone was published it sold poorly, but the release of the second edition happily coincided with the announcement of the highly publicised engagement of the Marquess of Lorne to Queen Victoria's daughter Princess Louise. When people assumed the novel was about the Marquess' family, its popularity sky-rocketed. Transcribed records for Lornas pre-1869 can be found dotted around the internet, such as on FreeBMD, but when I have examined some the actual scanned pages, they are clearly misreadings of Lorena/Lorina which had been in moderate use since the 17th century. Certainly, when Charlotte Mary Yonge wrote History of Christian Names in 1863, no mention was made of Lorna. If Lorna was used before (which isn't unlikely), we can assume it was purely by the parent's own design and not because the name was previously 'established' before the novel.  After the novel's publication, we can see clear evidence of Lorna in use. Some girls were even given the name "Lorna Doone," pointing directly to the influence of the novel.  Data from The Surname Atlas Data from the 1881 census shows that, with 127 examples, Lorna by that time was low in use but widely spread across England. It also saw some use in Scotland, where Lorne was used as a family surname-firstname.  Birth registrations in England and Wales also show how the name gradually saw wider use: 1860-9: 0 births 1870-9: 28 births 1880-9: 128 births 1890-9: 479 births In 1900 alone, 88 girls were registered with the name, putting it at around #216. Over the course of the 20th century, Lorna's popularity grew further, as can be seen in Dunkling's data for the number of girls registered with the name  Lorna in every 10,000 births in England and Wales over the 20th century:  1900 1925  1935  1950  1955  1960  1965  1970  1975  1980  1985  1990    3   20     4    14    20    13    24    21    14    20    30    28 Lorna never managed to make the top 100 during this time in England and Wales, but it did have fluctuating peaks in the late 1960s and late 1980s.  In Scotland, Lorna saw greater popularity across the 20th century. It did not rank in the top 100 at all in 1900, but had moved to #57 by 1950, and had risen to #34 by 1975.  Since the late 1990s, Lorna has been declining in both England, Wales and Scotland.  In 1996, Lorna ranked #161 (274 births) in England and Wales. It dropped below the top 500 in 2006 to #526 (69 births) and at its lowest point of #1177 in 2013 with 29 births.  In Scotland, Lorna has had a birth count of between 6 (#441) and 2 births (#1035) every year since 2005. In 2013, Lorna ranked #816 with 3 births.

Famous Bearers:

Contemporary: * Lorna Hill (1902-1991), British children's author. * Lorna Luft (b.1952), American singer and actress, daughter of Judy Garland. * Lorna Patterson (b.1956), American actress. * Lorna Fitzgerald (1996), British actress. Literature and Other Media: * Lorna Doone, protagonist in Richard Doddridge Blackmore's 1869 novel. * Lorna Dane, alter-ego of the female X-Men member Polaris.

Variants:

Lorne

Pronunciation:

LOR-nə [key]

Possible  Diminutives:

Lola, Lori

Sibling Names:

Cara     Hazel     Clare     Fallon     Tiegan     Zoe  Sean     Craig     Kieran    Cameron    Scott    Curtis

Name Lists:

Cosy Celtic   Names of Roses

 

If you like Lorna you may also like:  Fiona, Leona, Tara, Loren, Bonnie, Orla, Sian, Robyn, Shona, Bronya

 

Thanks to Nicola for requesting this post. 

 

Disney Names

Since its founding in 1923, The Walt Disney Company, or simply Disney, has become a global brand. More importantly, it has delighted children (and adults) with its films for generations. 

The effect of Disney films on names is well documented. Not only do these hit films filter into our wider media culture, they also become more normalised. Girls who loved watching Sleeping Beauty as a child are more likely to find names like Aurora and Briar perfectly nice choices. 

Though there are few parents who actually names their children direcly because of a Disney film, but is is very nice for those children to share their names with a famous character. Little Daisys, for example, are able to get lots of adorable personalised Daisy Duck merchandise.

The names from the list below are named (within the film) and credited in animated Disney films (Walt Disney Animation Studios) from 1937 to the present.It is not a wholly exhaustive list, more a focus on principle (or usable-named) characters.

Abu Aladdin Arthur Banzai Bartholomew Basil Berlioz Bernard Bill David Ector Edgar Eric Felix Flynn Gaston Geppetto Georges Gideon Hades Hans Hercules Hiram Horace Hugo Iago

Jacques "Jaq" James Jasper Jeb Jim Jimini John Kay Khan Kristoff Lawrence Louie Lewis Luke Maurice Merlin Michael Milo Mowgli Mufasa Naveen Octavius "Gus" Oliver Peter Phillip Phoebus

Rafiki Ralph Ray Robin Roger Rufus Samson Sebastian Shang Simba Stanley Stefan Taran Tarzan Thomas Timothy Tito Toby Tod Toulouse Triton Victor Wesley Wilbur Winston Zeus

Abigail Adelaide Adella Alana Alice Amelia Anastasia Andrina Anita Anna Aquata Ariel Arista Attina Audrey Aurora Belle Bianca Briar Rose Cinderella Charlotte "Lottie" Dinah Dixey Drizella Duchess Eilonwy

Ellie Mae Elsa Esméralda Eudora Evangeline Faline Fauna Felicia Flora Georgette Grace Helga Hera Jane Jasmine Jenny Kida Kitty Laverne Lilo Lizzy Lucille Maggie Marian Marie Megara

Mulan Nala Odie Olivia Pearl Penny Perdita Rita Sarabi Sarah Shenzi Snow White Tamora  Tiana Ursula Vanellope  Vixey Wendy

I have omitted some of the more outlandish "non-human" names such as Pinocchio or Dopey.

UK Birth Announcements 10/11/14 - 16/11/14

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:

Albert Leonard (Sidney Benjamin)

Alfie Max

Arthur Jolyon Augustine

Bradley Craig 

Carter Taylor

Charles Edward Thorsen

Charlie George (Rosie, Ruby Grace & Daisy Isabel)

Cohen Joseph (Kyran Duane)

Connor Alexander (Cameron Montgomery)

Daniel Christopher (Alexander)

Daniel Jacob (Joshua James)

Edward Joseph Leonard "Ned" (Violet Grace)

Fabio Alain (Luisito & Mia-Olivia)

Felix Alexander

Felix Robert Henry (Marina Odette Lucia)

Finlay James Leo

Finley Joe

Fraser David

Fraser Roddie (Innes John)

Frederick Butler

Geordie Robert Chetwode

George Ian Kennedy

Greg William

Harry Michael Eyvind

Harvey Jenson

James Robert Edward (Elizabeth Ann)

Jude James

Lucas Frank James

Luke Francis Eric

Nathan Jon

Nolan Jack (Blaine)

Oliver Robert (Jack Thomas)

Oliver Rowan

Quentin Paul Alfred (Cecily Martha Alexandra)

Rhys Michael

Samuel Charles

Samuel Edward Louis

Thomas John

 

Girls:

Aeryn Theresa Pauline

Alexa Lettie Luella "Xa" (Zinnia Mary "Zinnie", Tarquin John Mackenzie "Tarka" & Cosima Sukey Sarah "Cosy")

Amelie Nell

Ava Christina 

Beth Emma

Elodie Alexandria

Eloise Georgia

Emily Maria

Erin Rose (Grace Mae)

Esmé Sienna

Evie Savannah (Ethan Stephen)

Henrietta Frances Marianne

Holly Rose

Jemima Chloe (Isla Rosalind & Edie Henrietta)

Katinka Alice

Lara Rose (Oswald George Arthur & Matilda Grace)

Laura Amelia

Laurie Grace

Lexi Iona

Macy Dianne

Maisy Deni-Jo

Marina Sally Joan (Arthur Charles Granville & Catherine Vivienne Calypso)

Matilda Emmeline Alice (George Frederick Wallace)

Martha Felicity (Frances Josephine)

Millie Rose (Faith & Charlie)

Morven Isobel

Nancy Ellen Larissa (Bruce Robert Holland & Ralph Francis Jonathan)

Nevaeh Pearl

Olivia Alison (Lucy Eileen & Emily Elspeth)

Poppy Elodie Rose (Molly Emilia Rose)

Romilly Elsa Margaret

Saffron (Vanilla)

Suki-Ann (Florence "Flo")

Tilly Monica-Mae (Paige & Ella)

Willow Rose

 

Twins:

Edward & Juno 

Henry Clemente George & Tabitha Catherine Cole

Jack David & Thomas Andrew

 

Name of the Week

^.


Theodore is a name of tailored refinement,
with everyman Theo and adorable Teddy built in as nicknames.
No wonder it's on the rise.

 

Origin:

Theodore is the Anglicised form of the Ancient Greek name Theodoros (Θεόδωρος), composed of the elements theos "a god" and doron "gift"

Usage:

Theodoros was a well used name in the Classical and Hellenistic periods of Ancient Greece and can be found in a variety of variant forms such as Thedoros, Theodouros, Theudoros, Thiodoros and Thiodouros. The LGPN ranks it at #4 in the Aegean islands and Cyprus, #9 in Attica, #10 in The Peloponnese, Western Greece and Magna Graecia, #11 in Central Greece and #15 in Macedonia, and it was born by several notable ancient Greeks including the 6th century BC inventor Theodorus of Samos, and 5th century mathmatician Theodorus of Cyrene.   The meaning of the name was cleverly reinterpreted by the early Christians of the Byzantine Empire, from the Pagan "gift of the god(s)" to Christinised "gift of God." It, and the feminine form Theodora, therefore continued to flourish and was used by many early saints, bishops and even popes.  It's prevalent use among early saints and popes of the Eastern Christian Empire meant it was continued through the Eastern Orthodox Church and later Russian Empire quite popularly for centuries, with three Russian Tsars using the name and several religious figures.  It was, however, little used in Britain until the 16th century when it garnered some moderate use in pockets of the country, particularly London which had high influence from immigration.  One boost to the name came in 1768 with Horace Walpole's novel The Castle of Otranto, considered to be the first 'Gothic' novel -- a genre that would become massively popular and influential. Theodore was also supported by the Tractarian Movement (1833-1845) which promoted the names of early saints.  Thus, by the mid-19th century, Theodore had been established as a fashionable choice, ranking #148 in 1870, #149 in 1880, #150 in 1890 and #175 in 1900 in England and Wales. Theo was coined as a nickname, as well as Teddy which was already in common used for popular Edward.  Over the course of the 20th century, the name went into decline, as birth records for England and Wales show: 1890: 135 births 1900: 104 births 1910: 123 births 1920: 82 births  1930: 56 births 1940: 17 births 1950: 16 births 1960: 18 births 1970: 19 births click to enlarge Since 1996 however, Theodore has been on a steady upward curve in England and Wales, from its rank of #209 (152 births) in 1996, to #158 (292 births) in 2005, to breaking into the top 100 for the first time ever at #97 (655 births) in 2012. Diminutives Teddy and Theo have also been on a similar upward curve. All three names were listed in Upswing Boys' Names of 2012, and as of 2013, all were in the top 100: Theo #41, Theodore #78 and Teddy #86.  In both Scotland and Northern Ireland, Theodore has remained below the top 200 in recent years, ranking #280 and #343 in 2013 respectively.

Famous Bearers:

History: * 13 Saints and 1 Blessed including:   - St. Theodore of Tarsus (602-690), archbishop of Canterbury.   - St. Theodore the Studite (759-826), monastic reformer, opponent of iconoclasm, and hymnographer. * Theodorus of Samos (6th-century BC), inventor and architect. * Theodorus of Cyrene (5th-century BC), mathematician. * Theodorus the Atheist (c. 300 BC), philosopher of the Cyrenaic school. * Theodore of Mopsuestia (c.350–428), Syrian Christian theologian and bishop of Mopsuestia. * Theodorus I of Milan, bishop of Milan (475-490) * Patriarch Theodore I of Alexandria, Greek Patriarch of Alexandria (607-609) * Pope Theodore I (642-649). * Pope Theodore II (897) * Theodore (Tewodros) I, Emperor of Ethiopia (1413–1414). * Tsar Feodor I (1557-1598) Tsar of Russia. * Tsar Feodor II (1589-1605), Tsar of Russia. * Tsar Feodor III (1661-1682), Tsar of Russia. * Théodore Géricault (1791-1824), influential French artist. * Fyodor Tyutchev (1803-1873), Russian poet. * Theodore Parker (1810–1860), American theologian and social reformer. * Sir Theodore Martin (1816-1909), Scottish poet * Theodor Mommsen (1817–1903). German historian who win the 1902 Nobel Prize in Literature. * Fyodor Dostoyevsky (1821–1881), Russian novelist. * Theodore Roosevelt (1858–1919), 26th President of the United States. * Theodor Seuss Geisel "Dr. Seuss" (1904-1991), American author * Theodore "Teddy" Wilson (1912–1986), American jazz pianist. Contemporary: * Patriarch Theodore II of Alexandria (b.1954), current Eastern Orthodox Patriarch of Alexandria and all Africa. * Theodore Raymond "T. R." Knight (b.1973), American actor. Literature and Other Media: * Theodore, the hero in Horace Walpole's The Castle of Otranto (1764) * Theodore Seville, one of the brothers in "Alvin & the Chipmunks" * Theodore "Teddy/Laurie" Laurence, a character in Louisa May Alcott's Little Women (1868). * Theodore "Theo" Nott, character from the "Harry Potter" series. * Theodore "Ted" Logan, a character in the Bill and Ted movie franchise. * Theodore "Theo" Huxtable, character on the television series The Cosby Show. * Theodore "Ted" Mosely, character on the television series How I Met Your Mother.

Variants:

Theodoros (Ancient Greek), Theodorus (Latin), Theodor (German, Scandinavian), Teodor (Swedish, Norwegian, Danish, Romanian, Czech, Slovak, Polish, Serbian, Croatian, Slovene, Hungarian, Bulgarian, Macedonian), Feodor, Fyodor (Russian), Tivadar (Hungarian), Teuvo (Finnish)

Pronunciation:

THEE-ə-dor [key]

Possible diminutives:

Theo, Teddy, Ted, Thor, Otto, Todd, Odo, Doro

Sibling Names:

Jemima     Felicity     Elodie     Beatrice     Annabelle     Violet       Dominic     Gabriel     Felix     Sebastian     Frederick    Jasper

Name Lists:

Vintage Names   Victorian Darlings   Names from the Brontes

 

If you like Theodore you may also like:   Edmund, Benedict, Maxwell, Phineas, Lucas, Edward, Thaddeus, Nathaniel, Tristan, Rupert

 

Thanks to Melinda for requesting this post.

Most Popular Restoration Names: A study of 47 Norfolk parishes

The Restoration period was the era following the restoration of the monarchy -- after the massive upheaval of the Civil War and the latter rule of Oliver Cromwell and his son as "Grand High Protector" -- when Charles II was restored to the throne in 1660. "Restoration era" is a somewhat vague term, used to refer to the Stuart monarchs from Charles II that were part of a new political regime. Some end with King James II (1688), others go right up the the Georgians (1714). I have chosen the end in 1702 (the reign of Mary II and William III) which also corresponds with the dates considered for Restoration Literature. 

Sample:

The following rankings have been compiled from a total of 11,843 baptism records (6102 male; 5741 female) in the years 1660 to 1702 from 47 Norfolk parishes. Not all parishes had records dating back to 1660: 

Alby with Thwait: 1675-, Ashmanaugh: 1660-, Beeston St Lawrence: 1660-, Bintry: 1687-, Blickling : 1660-, Brandiston: 1660-, Buxton: 1660-, Caston: 1660-, Coltishall: 1660-, Dilham: 1660-, East Ruston: 1690-, Frettenham : 1660-, Great Hautbois: 1660-, Hackford : 1660-, Hainford : 1660-, Haveringland : 1660-, Hingham: 1683-, Honing : 1660-, Horsham St.Faith cum Newton: 1695-, Horstead : 1660-, Hoveton St.John: 1673-, Lamas: 1660-, Martham : 1660-1692, Morningthorpe: 1660-, Morston : 1689-, Neatishead: 1671-, North Walsham : 1660-, Oxnead : 1660-, Potter Heigham: 1660-, Reepham : 1660-, Ridlington: 1660-1700, Sherringham : 1670-, Skeyton : 1670-, Smallburgh : 1660-, Spixworth : 1660-, Stratton Strawless: 1660-, Thetford St.Marys : 1660-, Tilney All Saints: 1680-, Tilney cum Islington : 1675-, Tunstead : 1678-, Tuttington : 1660-, Westwick : 1660-, Whitwell : 1660-, Wickmere – 1665, Worstead : 1661-

Why Norfolk?:

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

Standardising names:

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

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

Local variations:

The highest raking names in this survey are broadly in line with the national picture for the period. Many names that were popular lower down the ranks in Norfolk were inspired by saints who had churches dedicated to their honour in the local area: Andrew, Augustine, Audrey (St Etheldreda), Barnaby (St Barnabas) Bartholomew, Benedict, Clement, Julian, Martin, Miles, Nicholas, Stephen. St Ursula and St Dorothy were also popularly depicted in local churches. 

The use of surnames was often used to honour a family member or godparent, and in cases of illegitimate children, they often had their father's family name as their given name. Other examples of surnames come from local namesakes such as Shovell in honour of Rear-Admiral Sir Cloudesley Shovel. Some surnames seem to simply have been a local fashion such as Willoughby for girls (which was used for several centuries in Norfolk) and Hammond for boys.

. 

The most popular names in Norfolk during the Restoration Era: .

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 12 14 15 16 17 18 18 20 21 22 23 24 24 26 27 28 29 29 29 29 33 34 34 35 37 37 39 40 40 42 42 42 42 42 47 47 47 47 51 51 51 51 51 51 51 58 58 58 58 58 58 58 65 65 65 65 65 65 65 65 73 73 73 73 73 73 73 73 73 73 73 73 73 73 73 88 88 88 88 88 88 88 88 88 88 88 88 88 88 88 88 88 88 88 88 88 88 88 88 88 88 88 88 88 88 88 88 88 88 88 88 88 88 88 88 88 88 88 88 88 88 88

John Thomas William Robert Richard Henry James Edmund Joseph Edward Samuel Francis Matthew George Charles Nicholas Benjamin Daniel Stephen Christopher Philip Peter Roger Michael Nathaniel Simon Martin Isaac Abraham Andrew Anthony Jonathan Ralph Clement Lawrence Gregory David Jeremiah Jacob Bartholomew Joshua Augustine Humphrey Miles Solomon Timothy Alexander Dennis Leonard Mark Erasmus Ezekiel Jeremy Luke Oliver Tristram Valentine Adam Brian Cornelius Cuthbert Jeffrey Moses Walter Giles Ishmael Israel Job Judah Maurice Nathan Paul Aaron Arthur Bennet Brobert Caleb Clare Frank Hammond Harrison Jasper Josiah Lionel Sabone Shadrach Shovell Absolom Allen Aubrey Aurelius Austin Barnaby Bell Browne Burragh Clopton Cooke Earle Eleazar Elisha Esau Esdras Fairefax Felix Firman Fortune Gabriel Gallant Glen Hall Hardnesse Hugh Isaiah Kettleborough Masters Neriah Oldrid Osmund Palgrave Payton Perry Poynter Reuben Rowland Salmon Salvino Samson Sheldrake Squire Theophilus Thorney Tobias Windwood

1433 863 805 564 246 208 199 161 144 138 122 83 83 82 81 66 61 60 60 58 43 33 25 20 20 19 18 17 16 16 16 16 15 14 14 13 12 12 10 9 9 7 7 7 7 7 6 6 6 6 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1

.

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 17 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 25 27 27 29 29 31 31 33 34 35 35 38 38 38 41 41 43 43 45 45 45 45 45 45 51 51 51 51 51 51 51 51 51 51 51 62 62 62 62 62 62 62 62 62 62 62 62 62 62 62 62 62 79 79 79 79 79 79 79 79 79 79 79 79 79 79 79 79 79 79 79 79 79 79 79 79 79 79 79 79 79 79 79 79 79 79 79 79 79 79 79 79 79

Elizabeth Mary Ann Sarah Susan Margaret Martha Hannah Alice Frances Jane Katherine Amy Bridget Rachel Rose Esther Judith Rebecca Thomasine Dorothy Ellen Matthew Grace Barbara Lydia Anna Emma Abigail Deborah Agnes Christian Helen Prudence Diana Joan Lucy Tabitha Ursula Amphillis Ruth Cicely Isabel Jemima Joyce Lucretia Palgrave Pleasance Willoughby Aurelia Bennet Faith Jeane Joanna Letitia Mariah Marianne Mildred Philippa Temperance Annis Audrey Charlotte Dorcas Eleanor Elling Frideswith Julian Margery Modesty Monica  Muriel Penelope Philadelphia Phillis Verily Winifred Arabella Azoah Beatrice Bertha Camilla Christabel Clemence Daphne Dinah Ednah Edoni Emmenie Euphane Eve Felicity Flora Harriet Jaronomie Josephine June Kezia Knevett Leah Magdalina Marina Mercy Millicent Mirabell Ollye Pamela Patience Peace Phebe Plane Rosamon Sebeliah Selina Stafford Valentine Venus Zipporah

1329 1303 721 401 249 223 185 159 124 117 88 75 68 54 45 44 43 43 29 28 26 22 20 18 16 16 15 15 14 14 11 11 10 9 8 8 7 7 7 6 6 5 5 4 4 4 4 4 4 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1

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

 

Christian = Christiana
Esther = Hester, Easter
Susan = Susanna, Susannah
Thomasine = Thomasina, Tamsin, Tammeson

UK Birth Announcements 3/11/14 - 9/11/14

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:

Albert Michael (Wilfred)

Angus William (Poppy Hannah)

Archer Morris

Arthur Daniel

Arun Krishna (Myah Louise)

Barnaby Frederick Guillot

Blake Logan

Christopher Arthur Gordon (William)

Coreylee Terry (Paul, Emily & David)

Daniel Charles

Daniel Jacob

Daniel William David (Freya)

Dougal Ewan Macleod

Edmund Patrick (Francis William)

Elliot Wilson Stanley (William)

Ellis David

Ellis Peter (Freddie & Tommy)

Ethan Theo

George William (Harry)

Harry Alexander

Lleu Deri

Jameson Alexander Walker - dad is James

Max Oscar

Nile Harwood

Peter Lee

Rhys Michael 

Rocco Feilding

Roman Alexander (Ruby & Corey Christopher)

Samuel Stuart (Mia & Lucy)

Stanley James (Phoebe)

Thomas James (Joseph & Isaac)

William Michael

 

Girls:

Alexandra Marie "Lexie"

Amelia Elizabeth

Amelia Lily

Annabel Rose

Annabelle Dorothy Tijn

Annie Louise (Billy, Reuben & Lilly Rose)

Bethan Haf (Seren Grace)

Bettie-Louise

Cadi Awel (Elan Gwenlli & Lleucu Erin)

Caitlin Mary Rachel 

Charlotte Eleanor

Ember Rae Star (Harley Rayne Beau)

Emma Jean

Esmae Ariana

Evie Rose (James Harry)

Florence Rose

Frances Laura (Rupert)

Hannah Ophelia (Joshua Peter & Amelia Rose)

Imogen Chloe (Alex)

Imogen Ellen (Isla Yvonne)

Islay Ovenstone (Lily & Felix)

Jessica Louise (Finlay & Jackson)

Layla Susie May

Margot Elizabeth Rose (Henry Lewis Clunie & Frederick Wyndham Clunie "Freddie")

Mari Lois

Matilda Evie Martine (Oscar Jacques Michael)

Millie Sue (Jamie)

Rose Mary

Rosie Alice (Daisy Freya)

Sofia Gabriela Louise

Sofia Lily 

Violet Rathborne Linda

Zara Daisy