British Baby Names

Sibling Spotlight for Mabel

Below is a selection of British siblings with Mabel, 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.

1840s: Benjamin Martha John Caroline Mabel Louisa   George  Alice Alfred Annis Eunice Willoughby (b) Mabel    1850s: Alice Mary Ursula Georgiana Eveline Mabel Gerrald Anthony Pellow Bagnall Gertrude Rose Herbert Hiley Harold William   Isabel Elizabeth Sharkie Albinia Marian Starkie Leila Emily Catherine Starkie Mabel Mary Starkie Edward Starkie   1860s: John Eldow Edward Wynne Mabel Grace Margaret Wynne Adelaide Mary Rose Caroline Anne Charlotte Ralph Vincent   Mabel Theodosia Amy Harriet Nelly Elizabeth Arthur Henry Edith Emily   1870s: Edith  Daisy William Charles Marigold Mabel Blossom Snowdrop   Willoughby Henry Ada Clara Bertie John Sydney Charles Reginald Ernest Mabel Ella  Nellie Hilda Elsie Eveline   1880s: Juliet Matilda Mabel Theresa Charlotte Eliza Edith Helen Elsie Maud   Mabel Louise Effie Dora Sydney William Ida Beatrice Juliet Frances Winifred Inez Bertie Kathleen Henry Mills "Nanki-Poo" Mary Farguhar Frank Leslie Dorothy Isabel   Louis Ernest Richard Sybilla Mary Effie Maud Bertram George Wilfred Edward Mabel Ann & Ewan John (twins)   Bertha Edna Sidney Norman H Eulalia Gladys Mabel Gwendoline Keith Harley    1890s: Asa Eliza Samuel Amy Mabel Emmeline John Methuen Beatrice James Arthur Millicent Elsie   Green (b) Mabel Ezra Victor    Francis Leonard "Frank" Henry "Harry" Cyril Archer "Archer" Blossom Ada Mabel Alice Percy Edward Charles Russell "Charley" Edith Elvina    William Arthur Ernest Royal Mabel Annie Margaretta Maud Dora Daisy Percy Jerrold Ida Emily Horace George Ella Ada Titus James

1900s: Stanley Isidora Adelina Frederick James Mabel Alexandra "Queenie"    Mabel Constance Grace Florence Horace Leonard Stanley Victor Francis Reuben Jennie Louisa   Juliet Marjorie Millicent Mary Mabel Winifred Muriel Annie   1990s: Mabel Luana Arthur Virgil   Isaac Arthur J Mabel Carina J Edgar Alfred K   Sidney Mungo Mabel Josie   Elliot Arthur Mabel Brenda Jasper Andrew Aidan Leslie   Edward Joseph Mabel Rose   Mabel Alice Stanley Lloyd Arthur Harry   Mabel Josephine Eleanor Rose   Walter Xavier Mabel Hester Dora Maud Evie Mary   Rosie Florence Mabel Constance   Mabel Maria Tabitha Felicity Matilda Benedicta Serendipity Daisy A   2000s: Mabel Valentine Maggie Clementine   Florence Silk C Mabel Esme Isis & Elsie Martha Hermanus (twins) Caleb & Reuben (twins)   Esme Grace Mabel Rose   Millicent Joy Mabel Hope   Beatrice Emily Mabel Kitty   Ruby Inge Lydia Margaret Mabel Alice   Mabel Sylvia & Florence Agnes (twins)   Mabel Susanna Elizabeth Frances    Mabel Elizabeth Alice Louise Edward William   Mabel Daisy Cicely Rose   Mabel Mary Dexter Denis   Douglas William Millicent May Mabel Clare   Mabel Elizabeth Rowan John   Mabel Aurelie Verity Georgette   2010s: Mabel Mollie Eva Barnaby George Arthur   Mabel Margaret Dollie Anne   Mabel Grace Lucy Clementine   Mabel Pamela Artereta Reginald Hugh Rivers

This post was requested by Lois.

 

UK Birth Announcements 22/12/14 - 28/12/14

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, Scotland and Northern Ireland.

Sibling names are in brackets. 

 

Boys:

Aiden Jake (Brooke Carol)

Blake Herbert (Imogen)

Christopher Andrew (Anna & Michael)

Edward Alexander Kenneth (Mercia Rose Jemima "Rosie")

Harry Percy

Henry Anders Ludovic

Hudson Grame

Hugh Richard Denis (Annabel Elizabeth Jane)

Jack Ernest Aubrey Hay (Alice)

Joshua Charles William (Eva)

Junior James

Luke Oliver (Maia, Jessica, Matthew & Zara)

Macsen Hywel

Matthew Robert

Maxwell Alfonso (Giulietta Ines Susanna)

Oscar Alexander

Philip Austin

Reuben Ewan

Sebastian Theodore (Luke Jonathan)

Thomas William

Tobias William Edward (Harry Thomas James)

 

Girls:

Amy Rose

Bonnie Marie (Hamish)

Cadence Aurora Eloisa

Caitlyn Lena

Clementine Jemima

Eliza Anastasia

Emily Rose

Georgia Isobel (Isla Elizabeth)

Holly Louise (Daisy)

Holly Mary (James Lewis Frederick & Andrew Ian Lewis)

Lilly Rose (Ruby Rose)

Lucy Isabella Rose

Mair Eleri Ann (Gruffydd Matthew Dylan & Sion)

Myla Grey (Esme Rose)

Olivia Louise (Isabella)

Poppy Jean Gifford (Evie Margaret Kitty)

Ruby Rose

 

Twins:

Henry James & Samuel Christopher

 

Name of the Week

^.


Playful Barnaby has all the old-style homeliness of Harvey
combined with the polish Percival.

 

Origin:

Barnaby is an anglicised form of Barnabas, the Greek form of an Aramaic name.  It appears in the New Testament as the name (or surname) given to Joseph, a Levite from Cyprus who was one of the earliest Christian disciples in Jerusalem and a companion of St Paul. The origin of the Aramaic name is unclear. Many have linked it to the Aramaic elements bar "son" and nebi "prophet, prophesy" however according to Acts 4:36, Barnabas is translated as Υἱὸς παρακλήσεως (Bios "son of" paráklēseus). In Ancient Greek, paráklēsis has several meanings including "exhortation, entreaty, encouragement, comfort, consolation" and was used to refer to a man gifted in teaching or the spreading of Gods message -- in the New Testament, most specifically the preaching of the apostles. St Paul also made a specific link between "prophesy" and "encouragement" in 1 Corinthians 14:3. Therefore, though Barnabas is listed differently under the meanings "son of a prohet," "son of encouragement," "son of consolation" and "son of exhortation," they can all be seen as related to the meaning of a person who teaches and spreads a divine message. Quite an appropriate name for St Barnabas who was a missionary and companion of St Paul.  An alternate British source for Barnaby comes from the hamlet of Barnaby in West Yorkshire. The Domesday Book of 1086 records the place name as Bernodebi which points to it being made up of the name Beornwald (beorn "young warrior" + wald "rule") and the Old Norse byr "settlement, farmstead, enclosure."  There are also several places named Barnby, such as Suffolk, North Yorkshire and Nottingham, which were recorded as Barnebi in the Domesday Book. These most likely come from the Norse name Bjarni (from bjorn "bear") + byr or the Old Norse barn "children" + byr.

Usage:

St Barnabas was a popular saint in the Middle Ages and a multitude of churches were dedicated in his honour. Barnabas, therefore, was used as a name in Britain from at least the 13th century --a Barnabas is mentioned on the Curia Regis Rolls of 1201. The forms Barnaby and Barnabe are found in the 14th century. This, and the placename Barnaby, led to the development of the surnames Barnaby, Barnabe and Barneby.  Barnaby and Barnabas were both maintained through the Tudor period, though they was not especially common. In Smith-Bannisters popularity rankings from 1538-1700, Barnaby only ranked from 1570-9 at #37 putting it among Nathaniel, Abraham, Geoffrey and Reynold.  The short form Barney is attested from the mid-16th century. The name, unsurprisingly, was most common in places with churches dedicated to the saint, such as Cambridgeshire, Warwick, Kent, Suffolk, London, Wiltshire, Norfolk and the Isle of White. It even ranked #40 in the most common names of Elizabethan Norfolk.   Both Barnaby and Barnabas survived through to the 19th century, when it was used consistently in low numbers in England. It was rare in Scotland and Wales, however.  Barnaby did see a brief and small spike in 1842 and 1843 most likely thanks to the serialisation in 1841 of Charles Dickens' novel Barnaby Rudge.  Data from the Surname Atlas Data from the 1881 census (right) shows that both Barnaby and Barnabas weremostly confined to England and, interestingly, most highly concentrated in areas such as East Anglia and the Isles of White where the name had historic use.  Barnabas was most common with 533 males given the name, followed by Barnaby with 88 males.  Barnaby in particular declined in use in the first half of the 20th century to only a handful of births per year. It began to pick up more use in the 1950s and became more established by the 70s, as can be seen by Dunkling's data for the number of boys registered with the name Barnaby 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                   1     1     2     4     2 Since 1996, Barnaby has sat within the top 300 in England and Wales and has gradually been rising. In 1996 it ranked #251 with 113 births. By 2006 it was #236 (162 births) and reached #211 (258 births) in 2012. Traditional short-form Barney has had a similar upward curve to Barnaby lower down the ranks, while Barnabas has stayed outside the top 1000 but, nevertheless has still been rising.  In 2013, Barnaby ranked #212 (251 births), Barney ranked #382 (106 births) and Barbabas ranked #1147 (22 births).

Famous Bearers:

History: * Barnaby Bernard Lintot (1675-1736), English publisher. Contemporary: * Barnaby Conrad (b. 1922), American writer and artist.  * Barnaby Metschurat (b. 1974), German actor. Literature and Other Media: * Barnaby Rudge, titular character of the novel by Charles Dickens. * Barnaby Grimes, series of children's books by Paul Stewart and Chris Riddell. * Barnaby Jones, television detective series (1973-1980). * Barnaby Tucker, character in Hello Dolly! (1969). * "Barnaby Bear" the name of several children's TV characters.

Variants:

Barnabas, Barney (English), Barnabé (French, Spanish), Barnaba (Polish), Barnabás, Barna (Hungarian), Varnava (Russian)

Pronunciation:

BARN-ə-bee [key]

Possible diminutives:

Barney, Baz, Bo

Sibling Names:

Clementine     Tabitha     Clara     Ottilie     Florence     Margot  Jasper     Rupert     Gulliver     Everett     Montgomery     Wilfred

Name Lists:

Vintage Names   Terrifically Tudor   Upright Elegance   Dickensian Names

 

If you like Barnaby you may also like:   Casper, Bertram, Hector, Magnus, Benedict, Wilbur, Rufus, Malachi, Josiah, Abram

 

Thanks to Pia for requesting this post.

UK Birth Announcements 15/12/14 - 21/12/14

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 John

Alfie George (Oliver Thomas "Ollie")

Archie James (Poppy)

Carter Scott

Dara Samuel (Francesca Rose)

Dylan Joseph

Finn Patrick Anthony

Freddie William

George Blakely

Gerard Peter

Hagan Grant

Harry Alexander

Harry James

Harry John Gregory 

Harry Rhys James

Henry Oliver

Henry Wilbur Chandos (Hugh Woodrow Henry "Woody" & Willow)

Hudson Grane

Hugh David Charles

Jack William (Millie Eva)

Jaden Edordu 

James Logan (Miley Lynn)

Joel Henry

Kayden Liam 

Oliver Riley (Imogen Ande)

Peter John (Lucy Anna)

Ralph Benedict (Lily Ophelia)

Ted George

Theodore Robert (Maxwell Harry)

Wilfred Jervoise

Zac Noah

 

Girls:

Beatrice Elisabeth Mary

Bethany Hope (Gracie & Anna)

Charlotte Zara

Claudia Katherine Coco (Heidi Amelia Daintee)

Cora Rose Curgenven (Louis Felix Lindsay & Elmo Arthur George)

Darcey Rose 

Eleanor Rose

Emily Ann

Florence Grace (Charles & Frederick)

Holly May

Holly Rose Barbara

Imogen Joyce Miller

Isabella Rose (Harvey)

Isla Jean

Isla Olivia

Jessica Ella 

Lily May

Lucie Mya

Martha Marie Emily 

Maya Eve

Mirren Isla (Cameron, Rory, Gregor Innes & Murray Nairn)

Nancy Clara Dorothy (Stanley John Alwyne & Ida Grace Diane)

Penelope Molly

Poppy Arabella

Stephanie Keera

 

Twins:

Emily & Kalina

 

Name of the Week

A historical relic which makes
a brave and bold heritage choice.

 

Origin:

Frideswide is the later form of the Old English name Friðuswīþ (Frithuswith), composed of the elements frið "peace, tranquilty, security, refuge," and swið "strong, mighty, powerful." The name became known thanks to St Frideswide (also known as Frithuswith, Frideswith, Frevisse and Fris) who was reputed to have been the daughter of a king of Mercia in the 8th century. Fleeing from an overzealous suitor, Frideswide founded a convent in Oxford. The church later became a cathedral -- which we now know as Christ Church Cathedral -- and in 1289 a splendid shrine was erected over St Frideswide's remains.  The Old Germanic cognate of Frideswide was Frithesuind, latinised as Fredesendis or Frethesenta.

Usage:

Thanks to the cult of St Frideswide, the name was one of the few Old English names to survive the Norman invasion and be used through to the late Tudor period, despite being rare.  The Old Germanic cognate Frithesuind had long since passed into Old French as Fredesendis, Frethesenta and Fressenda. It was used among the Norman nobility and they brought it with them to Britain. A Fredesenda was the second wife of Tancred of Hauteville (980 – 1041), and their daughter Fressenda married Richard I, Count of Aversa and Prince of Capua.  The step-father of William the Conqueror, Herluin de Conteville's (1001–1066) second wife was Fredesendis. Her son Raoul later held lands in Somerset and Devon.  Intriguingly, during the 12th and 13th century, Frideswide was not in use in Britain, yet the Latinised Germanic Fredesendis was. It may be that, in some cases, the Latinised Fredesendis was also applied to the Old English Frithuswith -- in 1450 Godstow says 'Fryswyde the English for Frediswitha' which does show a later connection between the two -- or it may be that Fredesendis only survived among Norman nobility. Henry III's Fine Rolls for the years 1216-1242 list two Frethesentas: Lady Frethesancia de la Haye of Hertfordshire and Lady Frethesenta de Scotney.  The Germanic form of the name seems to have died out in Britain by the 15th century. Frideswide was revived (or continued) thanks to the growing cult of the saint.  St Frideswide was formally adopted as patron of Oxford University in the early 15th century and later became the patron of the whole city. The saint also had a connection to neighbouring Berkshire. Legend has it that before she became Abbess in Oxford, Frideswide and her companions created a woodland oratory in the forest of Berkshire where they lived for three years and a miraculous well was sprung. Also in Berkshire it was said that Frideswide gave a sisterly kiss to a leper and he was miraculously cured.  It is understandable then that two early post-Norman examples of Frideswide are found in Berkshire in 1381. Later it was also, unsurprisingly, most common in and around Oxford. The gentry Savile family in South Yorkshire had connections to Oxford, which may explain Frideswide (Frissold) Savile of Grantham (b.c.1575) whose name was picked up in neighbouring villages in the following decades.  Variations in the spelling of the name was numerous and from it sprung several variant forms, seemingly adapted to local dialect. From the 15th century, Frideswide seems to have been the most standard form but also recorded are Frithswith, Friswith, Frydiswith, Fryswithe, Fryswyth, Frideswid, Fridswid, Frydiswide, Friddeswed, Frisewide, Fryswyde, Freswyd, Frysswyde, Ffrcyswth, Fridsweed, Fridaysweede, Fridayweed, Frizwith, Frizwed, Frissold, Frizwell and Frevisse. Some of the latter spellings explain the use of the diminutive Friday. This multitude of spellings gives us some clue as to the changing and varying pronunciation of the name. In modern terms the saint's name is pronounced FRĪS-wīde or FRĪDES-wīde (long i both times). The Anglo-Saxon Frithuswith would have been approximately pronounced FRITH-əs-weeth. In terms of Frideswide, in Chaucer's English the final e would have been pronounced, but was later dropped from FRID-əs-with-ə to FRID-es-with.  In the 16th century both the spellings Fryswyth / Fryswyde and Frizwed / Friswith suggest that both the short i and long i pronunctaion was in use in various localities.  Smith Bannister's rank of top 50 names from 50 parishes from 1538 to 1670 demonstrates that Frideswide survived quite widely up until 1600, after which it fell out of the top 50 ranks: 1550-9: #21, 1560-9: #18; 1570-9: #28; 1580-9: #36; 1590-9: #41  After the Reformation, Fridewide dramatically declined in use. In the whole of the 19th century, Frideswide was registered only 5 times in England and and Fryswith was used 6 times in Wales from 1885 to 1915. The shortform Friday survived a little longer thanks to it being bolstered by use of the surname.  Since 1930 in England and Wales, Frideswide has been used three times as a firstname and twice as a middle name.

Famous Bearers:

History: * Saint Frithuswith (c.650–727), Anglo-Saxon princess and abbess.  Literature and Other Media: * Dame Frevisse, a character in the Dame Frevisse detective novels by Margaret Frazer, set in England in the 1440s.

Variants:

Frithuswith, Fridswith, Frevisse

Pronunciation:

FRĪS-wīde, FRĪDES-wīde [key]

Possible  Diminutives:

Friday, Frida, Fifi

Sibling Names:

Kinborough     Amphyllis     Loveday     Merilda     Aldith     Petronella  Lambert     Ethelred     Kenhelm     Oswyn     Wolfram     Gospatric

Name Lists:

Terrifically Tudor

 

If you like Frideswide you may also like:  Godeleva, Hawise, Ermintrude, Wyborough, Etheldreda, Ascelina, Parnell, Devorgilla, Galiena, Euphroyne

 

Thanks to Jennie for requesting this post. 

 

Sibling Spotlight for Rufus

Below is a selection of British siblings with Rufus, 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.

1820s: Kezia Jemima Clara John King David Theophilus Cornelius Rufus Reuben   Smith (b) George Levi Elijah Enoch Martha Mary Rufus   Hannah Martha Abraham John Zilla Rufus Susannah Emmanuel William   1830s: Josiah Sophia Jemima Joshua Annis Rufus Susannah Mariah   Adelina Robert Frances Rufus Salome   Elizabeth Rufus Rowena Sabina   William Isabelle Eliza Agnes Ellis Rufus Hephzibah Ezekiel   1840s: Dorcas Rufus Lot Ruth Rose Enoch   Marmaduke Kezia Prudence Rufus Sarah   William Frederick Walter Oliver Rufus Sarah Selina   Henrietta Enoch Francis Lavinia Harletta Eustace Trophimus Marcus Asaph Rufus Alphonso   1850s: Edwin Charles Rufus Frederick Robert Richard Augustus Elliot   Phineas Amos  Jemima Zilpha Rufus Adelaide Erastus   Albert Selina John Everden (b) Mary Ann Rufus   1860s: Martha Ann Lucy Sarah Arthur Clayton Rufus Jane Ellen Annice   Campbell (b) Alice Ann Rose Rufus Vernal Clara   Rachel Joseph Rufus Susannah Lavinnia Adah John William Mercy   1870s: William Edith Hayden Rufus   Grace Lily Rufus Venus   1880s: Juliet Maud Edgar Osmond Rufus Thomas Daisy Evelyn Dunstan George Frank Harry Philip Stanley   Henry Florence Sydney Geneva Montague Edgar Lily Reuben   1890s: Olive James Rufus Ivy Patience   Sylvanus Rufus Arthur Ruby Bruce   Claude Noel Catherine Winifred Vinnette (g) John Richard Rufus Arabel   Bruce Cyril Edgar Nevada (g) John Frank Blanche Rufus

1900s: Herbert Rufus Gwyn Roy   Venus Arthur Ferdinand Dixon Ada May Lucy William Henry Clarence Wilfred Lavinia James Charles Willis (b) Rufus Rowland   Rufus Stanley Ivy Patience   Lilias Rufus Allen Josephine Ambrose Camilla   Amy Rufus Florrie Mary Frank Effie   1960s: Primrose Felicia Harriet Eve Rufus Henry   1970s: Olivia Jo Gabriel Pippa Rufus Tom Hannah Stephanie   Rufus Dudley Alec Gordon   1980s: Rufus Anthony Joanna Lilian Guy Frank   Rufus John Emma Margaret   1990s: Rufus Edmond Iona Elisabeth Honor Mary Jock Henry   Rufus Patrick Katherine Beatrix Honor   Hector Hugh Rufus Frederick Toby David   Rufus William Rawdon William James Harrison "Billy" Kit Cosmo John   Araminta Cicely Jane Rufus Ambrose David   Rufus Alexander Algernon Iona Grace Jean Flora India Oriana   Rufus Drake Heloise Tristan William Ivo John   Isobel Elizabeth Alethea Rufus David Ambrose Alphaeus George Wesley   2000s: Mary Elizabeth Edward Douglas W. Rufus Norman Douglas Halcyon James Douglas "Hal"   Clementina Frederica Julia Rufus Edward Baskerville Cadwallader   Stanley Robert Edward Jasper Ignatius Michael Rufus William Edmund Benedict Henry Montague   Araminta Polly Alice Rufus George Lander   Noah Benedict E Rufus Henry Montague Clara Mary Grace   Wilfred Hugo Rufus Hector   Honor Miranda Nonie Margaret Rufus Benjamin   Eliza India Edward Michael Fitzroy Charles Frederick Samuel "Charlie" Jocelyn Alexander Thomas "Joss" Rufus Harry Roark   Henrietta Kate F Rufus Jago Llewelyn   Kitson Mark Timothy "Kit" Rufus Peter W. Orla Sophia Margot   Rose Paloma Rufus Ludovic   Matilda Alice E Rufus Paul Albert Felix Samuel Victor   Céleste Mary Rufus Alfred Jacques Chloë Geneviève Dorothy Elodie Margot   2010s: Rufus Parnell Ivor Sybil Dorothy Isabel   Orlando Rory Rufus William   Herbie Isaac John Rufus William David Felix Noah Samuel Jemimah Mary Grace   Wilfrid Alec Ferrand Rufus Oscar Charles   Cecily Ann Elizabeth Rufus Peter William    Rufus Patrick  Ned Miles    Hector Percy Algar Flora Alice Cressida Helena Christine Rufus William Henry   Rufus Paul Dina Beatrice

This post was requested by Ruth.

 

Name Help: A sibling for Alexander (Lex)

Jo and Stef are expecting their second child in February; a sibling for their son Alexander Jacob, who they call Lex. They do not know the sex. Their surname is Dutch so they are looking for a familiar name which works well in both languages.

They love their son's name for several reasons: they both like classic names and felt Alexander was a name that worked for all ages. Jacob was a family name on both Stef and Jo's side so they able to include both families. 

Ideally they would like a name that:

• Is familiar but not too popular
• Can be shortened with a nickname
• Works well in both English and Dutch
• Doesn't start with A. 
  
  

Their list:

Sebastian (Seb)

Edward (Ed)

Nathaniel (Nate)
Montgomery (Monty)

 

Cecelia (Cece)

Emilia (Emme)

Catherine (Kitty)

Anna - They both like the name Anna but feel it's not long enough. So far, they haven't found any names that incorporates Anna that they like.

 

For family names, Jo would like to honour grandparents Nathaniel and Aileen. They like Nathaniel but aren't taken with Aileen so much so are considering the middle name Eline/Elina to get a similar sound. 

 

 

※    ※    ※    ※

I can see that you struck gold with Lex's name, Jo! It ticks so many boxes for you and I love the blend of classic combo Alexander Jacob, offset by quirky nickname Lex. I also love that Lex is both an English and Dutch shortform, so the name works seemlessly in both languages, giving equal weight to both. Given all that, I can understand why you want the same for your second child. 

 

Your choices:

I think you have some really great choices on your list.

Sebastian in particular stands out for me as a slick continental choice that has all the refinery and international appeal of Alexander. Sebastian Nathaniel is a little letter-heavy, but the two tend to bounce rhymically into three syllables apiece, making it no longer to say than Alexander Jacob.

Edward is a solid English-heritage staple which has the advantage of having been exported all around the world and adopted into many different languages and the choice of nicknames (Ed, Ned, Ted, Teddy, Woody etc) is expansive. Edward Nathaniel strikes the same chord as Alexander Jacob with a classic, well-travelled firstname balanced with a family name/gentle biblical classic. 

I think all of your girls names fit your criteria very well. You can't go wrong with any of them. I'm drawn to Cecelia the most alongside Alexander as it seems the choice with the most international flair. 

You mentioned that Elina was causing you concern in terms of flow. I agree that Emilia Elina is a little rhymey, but not unpleasantly so, and, while Cecilia Elina is syllable-heavy, it won't cause much hassle, especially as a middle name. Cecelia Eline, Emilia Eline and Catherine Elina would give you the best syllable patterns. 

 

Suggestions:

Joseph -- Joseph is a steady, dignified reliable that works well in many languages and for all ages. Shortform Joe lacks sparkle next to Lex, but the Dutch short form Zef is just as cool and quirky. Joseph Nathaniel "Zef" has a perfect symmetry to Alexander Jacob "Lex". 

Theodore -- Theodore is classic, refined and uncommon, ticking several boxes. Theo, Ted and even Thor are great options for nickname. As a plus, it also shares the same meaning as Nathaniel, so works as an honour name. If it's too tentative a link, perhaps Theodore Nate would cement the link. 

Nicholas -- Greek hero Alexander is perfectly flanked by its Ancient Greek sibling Nicholas. Both have serious suave and sophistication and it has a multitude of possible short forms (Nic, Nils, Nico, Cole). Nicholas Nathaniel has a pleasant alliteration to my ears, but if it doesn't strike you, perhaps Nicholas Theodore works well enough to honour Nathaniel with the N first name + same meaning. 

Dominic -- A dignified classic with an international passport. Dom, Nic and Nico work well as shortforms. 

Benedict -- With an international passport, Benedict is a cultivated and uncommon choice. If Ben doesn't strike you as a shortform, you might prefer Bix, Ned or even Ed.

Rupert -- An affable choice, cute for a child and grand for an adult. It isn't as easy to shorten, but I'm quite taken with the idea of Ru/Rue. 

Laurence -- Laurence perfectly fits the criteria of being familiar without being common. It's also well travelled. Traditional English nicknames include Larry and Laurie but there is also Dutch Lars or even Launce. 

Wild card: Magnus -- Slightly off the beaten track is stately Roman relic Magnus. It has had much success in Scandinavia as well as Scotland which makes it familiar in both Britain and Holland. Mac or Gus would make great nicknames next to Lex. 

 

Evelina -- Aileen is the family name you wish to honour, and Evelina is a perfect way to do that. Aileen is an anglicised Scottish and Irish form of the ancient Germanic name Avelina. Avelina developed into many forms including the Latinised Evelina, as well as Eveline, Evelyn, Eileen and Aileen. There is even a Dutch form! Evelien. Evelina is an underused name that's bang on-trend for style. Nicknames possiblities are also numerous, from Eva, Evie, Effie/Evvie, Vivi, Lina and Linnie. 

Alternatively, you could use it as the perfect replacement for Aileen in the middle spot (Cecelia Eveline, Catherine Evelina etc). 

Eliane -- Another way to honour Aileen is to use saints name Éliane which is an anagram. As a bonus, you could used Anna as a nickname. Totally coincidentally, after I had thought of the French Éliane (ay-lee-AHN), I discovered that Eliane (ay-lee-AH-nə) is used in the Netherlands and is even borne by a young member of the Dutch royal family. For simplicity sake, I would be attempted to use the Dutch spelling (minus the French acute accent) with the el-ee-AN pronunciation. 

Beatrix -- A chic exotic-traditional which is familiar, stylish and underused. Possible nicknames include Bea, Bets, Betsy, Trix and Bix. 

Caroline -- Elegant, classic, underused, familiar and royal. Carrie is a traditional nickname, but I also like Callie or dual Dutch and English shortform Caro.  

Juliana -- To get the nickname Anna, how about stylish and elegant continental choice Juliana? Also worth considering are Rosanna and Christiana. 

Josephine -- A delicate antique which works for all ages and has the choice of some seriously cute nicknames. Josie and Posy are traditional diminutives but there is also Effie, Feena/Fina and Zeffi. 

Marina -- Ancient and elegant Marina hits the magic spot of being familiar and yet, remarkably, very rare. Minnie and Mina make for sweet nicknames. In the same vein is Shakespearean Miranda. 

Henrietta -- A striking internationally renowned antique with elegance and gravity which is offset by the multitude of sprightly nickname choices such Hettie, Ettie, Henny, Ren or even the stylish Dutch form  Jetta.

Wild card: Madelief -- I couldn't resist adding this as beautiful Dutch heritage option into the mix. Madelief, meaning "daisy," is a quirky spin on popular Madeleine. If you use a Aileen-variant for a first name it would also make a striking middle name: Eliane Madelief, Evelina Madelief or Evelyn Madeleif.

 

I hope there is something useful here for you. Please keep us updated when your newborn arrives!

 

UPDATE: It's a boy! Welcome to Lex's little brother Sebastian Nathaniel. Many congratulations!

 

UK Birth Announcements 8/12/14 - 14/12/14

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 Christie (Fraser Ian & Fergus)

Alfred John 

Archibald Thomas Stewart

Archie James (Lewis George Allan)

Arthur John

Callan James (Ceilidh Kathryn Angela)

Daniel Luke

Dylan James

Elisey Christopher Ian

Elliot Arthur (Fraser & Talia)

Finlay Elliot (Harry Alfie)

Finley Lewis

Flynn David (Joseph & Noah)

George Philip (Thomas Peter)

Harley Jai

Harry John

Harry John Gregory

Hugh James (Anna)

Isaac Ross

Jacob Arthur (Eva Grace)

Jamie Alan (Logan Stirling)

John Christopher

Kenneth John

Lefi Siarlys (Martha Teifi & Greta Myfanwy)

Ludo Charles Spixworth

Noah Laurence

Rory Jonathan Rous

Samuel David

William Andrew (Archie George)

William Peter 

Zachary Isaac Nicholas

Zachary Theo

Zak Alexander (Blake)

 

Girls:

Abigail Faith (Bethany)

Ada Elizabeth

Aila Jane (Kyla Ruth)

Arabella Prue Christianna

Beatrice Elizabeth Rose

Charlotte Carol-Anne (Francis Thomas Donald "Thomas")

Cleo Marina

Eleanor Beatrice Ailla

Eleanor Grace "Ellie"

Eloise Grace (Otto Jack Peregrine)

Emily Alison Margaret (Isabel Alison Valerie)

Emily Victoria

Evie Charlotte Louise (Quinn Sophia Joy)

Evie Esther

Florence Mirabel

Henrietta Rose Elizabeth

Imogen Charlotte (Ruairi)

Isabelle Gladys "Izzy"

Isabelle Poppy

Isadora Jeanie Rose (Hector Thomas Julian)

Isadora Prudence Grace

Isla Lucy

Isla Michelle

Ivy May (Rowan Thomas)

Jessica Ottilie

Katherine Janet Christina "Katie"

Lacey Janet

Llio Gwyn (Bleddyn Llyr)

Lola Rose

Lucy Fiona (Catherine & Phoebe)

Lyla Grace Isabelle (Jude)

Natalie Isabelle (Alexander James)

Philippa Shona Joan (Ruairi & Matthew)

Poppy Elizabeth (Hamish William & Clementine Alice "Clemmie")

Sylvie Mia Rose (Phoebe Louisa Marie)

Vivian Fleur

 

Twins:

Alexander Christopher & Phoebe Rose (Elizabeth Anne)

Arlo James & Macy Rose

Bertram Wilbur "Bertie" & Elizabeth Ottalie

Haydn & Tori (Rhian, Kayleigh, Nathan & Zac)

Joshua Arjun & Joshika Hannah (Theo Chrishan)

 

Name of the Week

^.


Preppy surname with a hit of cowboy
and a big dollop of Hollywood.

 

Origin:

Bradley is adopted from the English toponymic surname and derived from a number of villages named Bradley. It is composed of the Old English words brad "broad, flat, open, extended," and leah "open field, meadow, piece of untilled ground."

Usage:

As a first name, Bradley has been in use in Britain since the 17th century. In most cases it was used because it was the surname of a family member or, most often, a godparent. Because Bradley is such a common surname, Bradley fared moderately well as a first name through the 18th and 19th century. From 1838 to 1900 in England and Wales, Bradley had a mean average of 5 birth registrations every year. Charles Dickens even used it as a name for a character in Our Mutual Friend in 1864.  For centuries, Bradley mulled along with moderately low but consistant usage in Britain. Its fortunes began to change in the 1950s, rising to around 50 registrations per year, thanks undoubtedly to influence from America where Bradley was a rising fashionable favourite. It had gained much favour there post-WWII thanks to general Omar Nelson Bradley, known as Brad.  Bradley reached the top 100 in the US in 1960 at #90 -- Brad alone was #134 that year -- and stayed there until 1998.  As this American influence began to spread across Britain, Bradley grew ever more popular. It finally cracked the top 100 in England and Wales in 1984 when it debued at #92. Ten years on, it had been increasing apace to #34 in 1994. There it stayed in the top 50 until 2006, after which it declined rapidly, reaching #100 in 2010.  In 2013, Bradley ranked #117 in England and Wales with 510 births. In Scotland, it ranked #150 with 38 births and in Northern Ireland, it ranked #231 with 8 births.

Famous Bearers:

History: * Francis Herbert Bradley (1846–1924), English philosopher. * Bradley Allen Fiske (1854–1942), American naval officer and inventor. * Omar Nelson "Brad" Bradley (1893–1981), U.S. general. * Bradley Walker Tomlin (1899–1953), American painter. Contemporary: * William Bradley "Brad" Pitt (born 1963), American actor. * Bradley Cooper (born 1975), American actor. * Bradley Wiggins (born 1980), British professional cyclist. * Bradley James (born 1983), British actor. Literature and Other Media: * Bradley Headstone, a character in Charles Dickens' Our Mutual Friend (1864/5)

Variants:

Bradlee, Bradleigh, Bradly

Pronunciation:

BRAD-lee [key]

Possible diminutives:

Brad, Lee

Sibling Names:

Holly     Megan     Caitlin     Amber     Erin     Nicole  Corey     Layton     Harrison     Tyler     Sean     Mason

Name Lists:

Dickensian Names

 

If you like Bradley you may also like:   Bailey, Kyle, Brodie, Oakley, Blakeley, Hayden, Brandon, Riley, Brogan, Kieran

 

Thanks to Chantelle for requesting this post.

Births announced in The Times, 1993

Below are a selection of birth announcements from The Times newspaper that were published in 1993.

Also added are siblings' names (older and younger) where I have found them. 

Archibald Lyttelton Samuel (Atticus Michael Alexander, Edith Clementine M, Willoughby Henry C & Darcy Ellen Fynvola) Archie Ralph Tristram Asher James Mitchell Augustus Alexander Willis Barnaby Alexander Patrick Benedict Rhys Benedict Valentine Eliot (Isabella Constance Eliot) Bertie Richard Glyn Bertram John  Bertrand Peter Roderick Bruno Beau Brynmor & Griffith Caspar Charles Charles Caspian Constantin (Frederick George Constantin, Clementine Alice S, Archie Edward Constantin & James Angus Constantin) Chauncey Frederick Cosmo Alexander Jeremy Dara Alexander (Arya Maurice)  David Rex Dennis Harry Digby Hugh Hercules Edward Stanley Bartholomew Eliot Emanuel (Harry Guillaume) Fabian Thomas Fergus Gerald Michael Finbar Robert Francis Peter Valentine Franklin Alexander Franz Willem David Gilbert James John (Ismay Jack & Rex Hugh Seton) Gulliver Tim Hector Aloysius (Thomas Archibald, Roberta Rose & Frederick George) Hector William Jack (Cosima Inez Candida) Henry Ignatius Lisle (George Alfred Thomas) Hugo Barnabas Luke Ignatius John Inigo Julian Clare (Theodora) Ivo Patrick Pery Ivo Peter Gordon Jago Nathaniel (Francesca Rose) Jaspar Rex Fane (Angus John Topham & Archie Charles Lindley)  Jethro David Jolyon Charles Holland Jolyon Merlin Jackson (Mylo Arthur) John Leonardo John Thaddeus Kit Alexander Giles Kitt Piers  Leopold Daniel Ludovic James Luke Xavier Malachy Bartholomew  Max Benedict Maximilian Zola (Cosima Alexis)  Miles Tangueray Willaume Nicolas Basil Giuseppe Olof Ricardo Peregrine Robert Pierre Erich Patrick Robin Hugo Rory Charles Rollo Ruairidh Greville John Rufus Frederick (Hector Hugh & Toby David) Rupert Shelley Matthias Samuel Tadeusz Lionel Saul Ralph Walter Sebastian Arthur Emlyn Sebastian Hendrik Aloysius (Charlotte Antonia Carolina) Sholto Richard John Stefan Matthew Raphael Theodore Charles Thomas Aquinas William Tobias Wolff Torin Douglas Campbell  Tristan Conradin Remigius (Seraina Jennifer Tanja) Xan John

Agatha Christiane Allegra Sybil Heloise Amabel Dinah Amelia Calypso Amity Catharine Amourie Honor Josephine Anastasia Marcelle Mary (Georgiana) Annalisa Rose Ariana Therese Artemis Cecilia Maria Atalanta Oonagh Augusta Daisy Maria (Charlotte Alexandra) Beatrix Julia Carinthia Alexandra (George Frederick) Carlotta Magenta Carys Fleur Catriona Mya (Albany Maisie & Willow Jonica Mima) Cecilia Diana Catriona  Christabel Lily (Cicely Violet & Esmond Gerald Beau)  Clio Catherine Victoria (Alexander, Sophie Anastasia & Louis) Clio Sarah Marguerite (Zoe Jane Suzanne) Constance Genevieve Cressida Jemima Flora Decima Emily Cloudesley Devon April & Emma Gwendolyn  Domenica Rose (Finean Mark Aidan) Dominique Eloise (Cameron James)  Eleni Joyce Lucy (Edward Norman, William Norman & Joseph Yiannis) Elizabeth Rosa Bonny Evangeline Violet Margaret (Peter Maurice Percival & Cliantha Florence Beatrice) Flavia Polly Frances Florence Emma Clarita (Sophia Felicity Sybil & Dominic Hugo Christopher) Fredericka Nora (Patrick John)   Harriet Phoebette (Frederick Kaspar) Hester Innogen Hero Honor Euphemia Imogen Margaux Iolanthe Maude Iona Vive Jacinthe Indrani Marika (Chantal Priya Lilian) Josephine Letitia Kiloran Imogen (Sophia Venetia, Lydia Iona & Eloise Georgia) Kitty Patience (Sophie Louise & Rose Elizabeth) Kitty Sybilla Leticia Sadhbh Miriam (Jack Peregrine, Christopher George, Felicia Grace Lilian, Harry Charles & Michael Peter) Lettice Cecily Lilias Clara Lois Kitty Louella Mary Margot Reine  Mariol Vanessa Matilda Ursula Addison (Adelaide Jane Forbes)  Meriel Esther Millicent Rose Mina Annabella Minna Rosalind Miranda Cicely Artemis (Camilla Rose Atalanta, George Rufus Tristram, Hester Jane Calypso & Felicity May Callisto) Morna Diana Gwendolyn Nadine Louise Melita Octavia Clementine Alice (Maximilian Alexander Knowles, George Rufus Cairns & Flora Violet Victoria) Octavia Romily Polly Georgiana Poppy Camilla Mary Prudence Charlotte Victoria Quinta Amelia (Octavia) Rhianna Wendela Avis Roberta Darcey Rosalind Loveday Rosemary Sofia Rowena Alice Susannah Nesta Tamsin Iona Tara Juno Tatiana Alida Theadora Evie Venetia Marina Patricia  Verity Lois Philippa (Duncan Edward Arthur) Zinnia Elizabeth