British Baby Names

UK Birth Announcements 25/5/15 - 31/5/15

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:

Arthur Angus William

Blair William (Niamh & James John)

Brayden Owen

Daniel James

Ethan Millar

Euan James (Callum James)

Harry Ian

Hector Malcolm (Ruairidh Donald & Gregor Duncan)

Hugo Archie Tickridge

Hugo Ridley

Jack Charles

Jackson Charlie

Jamie Lyall

Joshua Daniel (Luca)

Logan James

Magnus Connall (Floyd Patrick)

Reef Lewis (Araya Layla)

Rupert Oliver Michael (Henry William Heneage)

Sebastian Thomas Harry

Thomas Francis Conolly (Emily)

Wilfred Hector (Fergus George, Charles Alexander "Charlie" & Eliza Rose)

 

Girls:

Angelica Mary Rose

Ella Kate

Elspeth Dorothy

Emma Sophie Bunny (Annabelle Teal Henrietta)

Flora Susannah (Rory Edward Allerton)

Jessica Mia (Lewis)

Lara Samantha

Myrtle Primrose (Walter Fitzgerald)

Olivia Marie

Olivia Rose

Poppy Elizabeth

Suki Jemima (Eliza Dorritt & Rufus James)

Willow Dorothy

 

Twins: 

Charles Frederick Crawford & Hugo John Francis

 

Name of the Week

A colourful place name, symbolised by a She-Wolf and Madonna,
made fashionable by a stylish actress.

 

Origin:

Siena is the name of an ancient and still flourishing city in Tuscany which was first settled by the Etruscans nearly 3000 years ago. The spelling Sienna is more commonly used as the name for colour, derived from the clay terra di Siena "earth of Siena," which was named for the city. In the Renaissance, the pigment was used to create oil paint, widely used by artists. Sienna was first used as a name for the colour in England in 1760.  The Roman name for Siena was Sena Julia (Seana Julia). Old local tradition has it that the city was founded, and named, sometime in the 4th century BC, by Brennus, the leader of the Senones, an ancient Celtic tribe of Gaul. Reference to this goes back as early as the 12th century in John of Salisbury, Bishop of Chartres (d.1180) correspondence. In one letter to Baldwin of Boulogne, archdeacon of Sudbury he says, "When we met at Siena, a city which Brennus, leader of the Senones, is said to have built as a settlement for his sick soldiers..."*  The fact that the Romans named the city Sena Julia ties in well with this theory, as the Senones capital in northern Italy was similarly named Sena Gallica. Sena then, was most likely a corruption of Senones.  Senones was the Roman name for the tribe, thought to derive from sen "old, ancient," perhaps as indication that they were one of the more established and ancient Gaulish tribes* i.e. "the ancient ones." Another theory, is that Siena was founded by Senius and Aschius, sons of Remus. When Romulus murdered Remus, the brothers fled Rome taking the famous statue of the Capitoline Wolf from the Temple of Apollo in Rome with them. Senius then gave his name to Siena.  However, as there are no records of this story prior to the 15th century, this appears to have been a Renaissance founding-myth, created by the Sienese themselves.* During this time, many Italian cities, such as Florence and Venice, were looking for good foundation stories which would link them (politically and civically) to the glory of the ancient Roman Republic and Siena wanted to get in on the act as well.  Their arch-rivals, the Florentines, were very scathing of Siena's foundation myth, and Florentine chronicler Giovanni Villani refuted it vociferously.* When native Sienese Pope Pius II was elected in 1458, even he weighed in on the issue.  Several statues depicting the She-Wolf nursing twins were erected all over the city and it became Siena's official symbol.  Siena was also dedicated to the Virgin Mary -- a devotion they took very seriously. To the Sienese, the Virgin was not only their patron, but also the ultimate ruler of the city and divine mediator.* So much so that allies demonstrated their loyalty to Siena by making offerings to the Virgin in the Cathedral. The Sienese took Marian art and festivals to new heights and through it they affirmed a strong spiritual and civic identity.* Pope Pius II famously canonised St Catherine of Siena (d.1380) in 1461. Such is her veneration that she is now counted as the patron saint of Italy, alongside St Francis of Assisi, and as one of the six patron saints of Europe. Another notable namesake is St Bernardino of Siena (d.1444), a Franciscan missionary who is now considered “the Apostle of Italy.”

Usage:

Siena/Sienna was adopted as a given name in the late 18th century in Europe. Some of the use may be due to a family connection to the city of Siena. It was not uncommon for children to be named after a foreign city if they were born there, or if there was a family connection -- as with Florence Nightingale (b.1820) and her sister. The tradition for the well-healed to embark on a 'Grand Tour' saw Tuscany as a popular destination. Other examples seem to have been inspired by Saint Catherine of Siena. There are several examples from Germany of girls with the given name "Katharina Von Siena" while a Bernardina de Siena Gregoria Gonzalez Cillero in Avila, Spain in 1809 most definitely looks to be named in honour of St Bernadino of Siena.  The earliest record I can find in Britain is a baptism of girl named Sienna Burne in Manchester in 1806. Though there is a baptism in 1799 for Elizabeth Siena Gordon on a British military base in South Africa.  Sien(n)a was, nevertheless, an uncommon name, given only a handful of times in the 19th century. It was still uncommon in the 20th century, but began to pick up to regular usage per year by the 1980s and increased gradually in the 1990s.  Births in England and Wales: 1950s: 1 birth 1960s: 2 births 1970s: 2 births -- one was actress Sienna Tiggy Guillory. 1980s: 24 births 1990s:    1991: 6 births    1993: 12 births    1995: 14 births click to enlarge In 1997, Sienna ranked #1126 with 17 births in England and Wales. It gradually rose over the proceeding years to #427 (82 births) in 2003.  Then came the change.  In 2004, Sienna jumped up to #155 with a birth count of 341 -- a more than 400% increase. The following year in 2005 it more than doubled again, hitting the top 100 at #70. It has been rising up the top 100 in England and Wales ever since and currently sits at #22. The reason for this rise by 2004 was all thanks to model-turned-actress Sienna Miller. As Vogue puts it: "After meeting Jude Law on the set of Alfie in 2003 Miller shot to fame and swiftly became a global style icon, epitomising boho chic alongside Kate Moss." In short, in 2003/4 you couldn't pick up a magazine in Britain without seeing pictures analysing everything Ms Miller wore, how she had her hair, and reading gossip about her relationship with Jude Law.  Other variations of the name such as Siena, Cienna and Sienna-Rose are also on an upward curve (see right).  When all the spellings are combined, Sienna was #20 in 2013.  In 2013, Sienna ranked #22 with 2211 births in England and Wales. It also ranked #53 (98 births) in Scotland and #38 (62 births) in Northern Ireland in 2014.

Famous Bearers:

History: * St Catherine of Siena (d.1380), co-patron saint of Italy and a patron saint of Europe. * St Bernardino of Siena (d.1444), Franciscan missionary who is now considered “the Apostle of Italy.” Contemporary: * Sienna Guillory (b.1975), British actress. * Sienna Miller (b.1981), British actress. Literature and other Media: * Sienna Blake, a character in Hollyoaks (2012-) portrayed by Anna Passey. * Sienna Cammeniti, a character in Neighbours (2008) portrayed by Erin McNaught.

Variants:

Siena, Cienna, Ciena

Pronunciation:

see-EN-ə  [key]

Possible  Diminutives:

Sisi, Senni

Sibling Names:

Isla     Eliza     Darcey     Esme      Lyla     Mila  Leo     Blake     Oscar    Dexter     Max     Roman

Name Lists:

N/A

 

If you like Sienna you may also like:   Savannah, Alba, Leila, Emilia, Aria, Keira, Sierra, Lena, Annabella, Scarlett

 

Thanks to Chantelle for requesting this post. 

Off-the-Grid Scottish Place Names

Place names are hot-name property at the moment as are Scottish names; combine the two together and you have a winning combination. The success can be seen in the likes of Isla, Ailsa, Skye, Iona, Arran, Harris, Struan, Brodie, Ross, Clyde, Errol -- all of which have made an easy and longstanding transition as given names. 

But there are still some Scottish places that have yet to go mainstream, but nevertheless make great choices.

Here is a rundown of my top 15 under-the-radar Scottish place names:

 

Airdrie

With it's pleasing sound, a Celtic twist on vintage Audrey, it's surprising Airdrie hasn't fallen in with the success of Isla and Skye. 

Airdrie is a town in North Lanarkshire which was once notable for its weaving industry. Older forms of the name include Ardre, Ardry and Ardrie, but has been known as Airdrie since the 17th century. It possibly derives from the Gaelic An Àrd Ruigh meaning "high pasture land, level plateau" (which would fit the topography of the town) or Ard Reidh meaning "high plain." 

Airdrie is a rare Scottish surname, and even rarer as a given name. Most examples of the name as a given name are as a middle name, most likely from the surname. A handful of babies have been named Airdrie in the 20th century, however, including one girl registered in Scotland in 2013. 

 

Airlie

Airlie is a parish in Angus, known principally for being the seat of the notable Olgivy Clan. Charles I created the title Earl of Airlie in 1639 for James Ogilvy, 7th Lord Ogilvy of Airlie, a staunch royalist who lead the Battle of Kilsyth. When the family's home Airlie Castle was destroyed by rebels in 1640, it gave rise to the popular Scottish ballad The Bonnie House of Airlie.

The etymology of Airlie is uncertain. It is possible that it derives from the same source as Errol, which was once called Arrol and Erolyn. though even that is obscure. It may be derived from the Scots Gaelic ear "east" and nil "landmark."

Though Airlie has never been common, it has been in use as a given name for girls from at least the 19th century. Since 1980, Arlie has been registered seventeen times as a first name in Scotland, given to no more than one girl in any given year. 

 

Alva

A town in Clackmannan which is first recorded as Alueth. The town's name derives from aileach "rocky" or ail "rock" and  mhagh "plain". Other Scottish place names such as Alloa, Alyth and Alloway derive from the same source. 

Alva has long use as a given name, thanks to its unrelated use in other cultures:

* Alvah is a masculine Hebrew name found in the Bible meaning "exalted, highness." It was often spelt Alva and was also the middle name of Thomas Edison. 
* Alva is used as a Scandinavian feminine form of Alf "elf" and Alfarr (Alvar) "elf army."
* Alva was used to Anglicise the Irish feminine name Almhath. 

Of the 50 Alvas on the 1881 UK census 74% were male and 26% female. The number had almost tripled by 1901, with women taking 39% of the share. Since the 20th century, the name has been more common for girls. In 2013, 5 girls were registered in England and Wales and one in Scotland with the name Alva. 

 

Aros

Aros is a placename given to the picturesque Aros River, Aros Park and Aros Castle on the Isle of Mull. The name derives from the Old Norse àr-òss "estuary."

Aros is very rare as a given name but not completely without precedence. Three males have been given Aros as a first name in Scotland since 1950, and one girl was registered Aros-Eve in 2011. 

 

Brae 

Brae is a name that is found on the map all over Scotland, including Skara Brae, the famous Neolithic settlement on Orkney. Brae most likely derives from the Scots Gaelic bràigh "upper part," though in some cases it may be from the Old Norse breiðr "broad."

Brae is pronounced the same as slick Bray: a name which appears in several places in England and is also a Cornish given name, derived from bregh "brave."

Since 1980, Brae has been give to two boys and one girl in Scotland. Though it has never ranked for girls, Brae has ranked for boys nine times since 1996 in England and Wales with a birth count between 3 and 9. 

 

Clova

Glen Clova is a pretty glen in the Angus Glens within the Cairngorms National Park. The meaning is uncertain -- some have attempted to derive it from the Gaelic claon mhath "good slope" or the Old English cleof heah "high cliffs" but others believe it to be an ancient name, the meaning of which is lost to us. 

The name has seen some usage for girls since at least the 19th century. While some are probably taken from the place name, others may have been mispellings of Clover.

Since 1950, Clova has been registered eleven times as a first name in Scotland, given to no more than one girl in any given year.

 

Corran

Corran is a bay on the Isle of Skye, which in Scots Gaelic means "rounded bay."

Corran is also an Irish masculine given name of legend, given to bard of the Tuatha De Danann. It derives either from the Irish corr "crane" or caor "rowan berry."

The name has seen moderate use across Britain since the 19th century -- though especially in Scotland -- and much of it has been unisex. The reason for this perhaps lies with the names use as a surname: an anglicised form of the Irish O'Corraidhin.

In 2013, 4 babies were registered with the name in Scotland (3 boys, 1 girl) while 4 boys recieved the name in England and Wales. 

 

Eriska

Part Erica, part Mariska; a rarity with a lot of potential.

Eriska is a small tidal island off Scotland's west coast and part of the Lynn of Lorn National Scenic Area. Etymologically it most likely shares the same route as Eriskay, an island in the Outer Hebrides which derives from the Old Norse Erikr + ey "island," therefore "Erik's island." 

Intriguingly, the Gaelic name for Eriska is Ùruisg, the Scots Gaelic name for a brownie -- a sprite who was believed to dwell in streams and waterfalls. For this reason, many translate Eriska as "water nymph island."

Eriska has only very recently been adopted as a given name and it is still rare. It was registered for one girl in Scotland in the years 2006, 2008, 2011 and 2012 while Eriskay was used once in 1976 and 2006.

 

Evanton

Evan is a solid fashionable staple, so why Evanton with its hip -on ending.

A village in Easter Ross in the Highlands, Evanton quite prosiacally means "Evan's town." It was, in fact, named by the founder Alexander Fraser in the early 19th century after his son Captain Evan Fraser. 

Evanton has been registered for only one boy in 1962 in England and Wales. 

 

Evelix

Eve, Beatrix...Evelix! 

Evelix is both the name of a village and a river which runs through it in Sutherland. Evelix is the anglicised spelling of its Gaelic name Èibhleag, which literally translates as "burning coal, cinder, ember" and is pronounced EEV-lək.

Thus far, Evelix has not been used as a given name in Britain. 

The Sunday Post - 8th March 1942

Kiloran

Kiloran Bay is a well known beach on Colonsay and also features as the name of a ficticious isle in the 1945 film I Known Where I'm Going! 

The name in Gaelic is Cill Oran meaning "Chaple of St Oran." Oran, or Odhran, was a 6th century Irish saint who preceded St Columba as bishop of Iona.

The name Odhran derives from the Old Irish odhar "pale," though in Modern Scots Gaelic oran means "song."

Kiloran has been in use in Britain since the 1920s at least. It is rare in general, but it is not altogether uncommon to find it in announcements in The Times or The Telegraph. 

 

Morven

Morven is the name of a mountain in Caithness and in Aberdeenshire. Both names derive from the Gaelic Mhòr Bheinn -- mor "big, great" and beinn "mountain, hill."

Morven is also an alternate form of Morvern, a peninsular in Lochaber. This derives from an alternate route, however -- muir, "sea" and beàrn "gap, breach."

Morven has been in use across Britain since at least the 19th century, mostly for girls, but occasionally for boys. It has ranked in the top 250 of Scotland for girls since 1975, peaking at #92 in 2000. 

 

Roslin

Looking for a Celtic or nature twist on Rosalind? Look no further.

Roslin is a village in Midlothian, also found spelt Rosslyn and Roslyn. It is famous for Rosslyn Chapel which, since the 1980s has been connected to the Knights Templar and the Holy Grail, a trait reinforced by Dan Brown's Da Vinci Code (2003). 

The old spelling Roskelyn shows clearly that the name derives from the Gaelic ros "headland, promontory," and cuileann "holly." 

Roslin, Roslyn and Rosslyn have all been in use in Britain for girls since at least the 19th century.
Since 1975, Roslin has been used 21 times in Scotland, though Roslyn is the much more common spelling, having been registered 324 times, most especially in the 70s and 80s. 

 

Tiree

The Isle of Tiree is the most westerly island of the Inner Hebrides mentioned in Enya's Orinoco Flow (1988). The origin is debated, but most likely is that it derives from the Scots Gaelic tir "land" and iodh "corn."

Tiree is also spelt Tyree, which itself became a surname. Both Tyree and Tiree have been in use for both boys and girls in Britain since the 1980s, though it has never quite managed to crack Scotlands top 500 for either gender. 

Tiree is pronounced tī-REE (the first syllable is the same as 'tie') in Scotland. 

 

Vaila

With its easy pronunciation -- VAY-la -- Vaila has all the same stylish and poetic qualities as Isla, yet is much less common. 

Vaila is a small island in Shetland, which was colonised by the Vikings from the 8th century.

The Old Norse name was Valey a compound of valr which could mean either "the battlefield, the slain" or, in its Germanic counterpart, "Welsh/Roman/Celt," + ey "island." Alternatively, the first element could be valdr "might, power." Other theories put forward are that it means "falcon island, "horse island" and "round island."

Vaila has been in use since the 19th century and has maintained quiet use ever since. Of the 183 registrations of the name (some as middle names) in Scotland from 1855 to 2013, the majority were born in Shetland itself. 

In 2014, Vaila ranked #430 in Scotland with 8 births. 

 

Births announced in The Times, 1997

Below are a selection of birth announcements from The Times newspaper that were published in 1997.

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

Admiral Donovan Alec Felix Teddy (Frederick Stuart James & Angus Benedict William) [twins] Alexander Thor & Otto Benjamin  Algernon Morys Lyndhurst (Rebecca Margaret Rosemary) Alphaeus George Wesley (Isobel Elizabeth Alethea & Rufus David Ambrose) Alwyn Rhys (Gareth Owen Eliot) Archibald Charles Willoughby Arssenii Arthur Asa (Henry Nathaniel, Wilkie Arthur & Honor Johanna) Arthur Isao  Atticus John Samuel Atsuhiko Edward Augustus Barnaby Luke Augustus Edward Marcus Bede Laurence John Bertrand Nicholas David (Frederick Ernest Seagroatt) Blaise Freddy (Milo David Louis) Bramwell Richard Bruce Charles (Angus John. Lucy Caroline & Rory Alexander) Casimir Stanley Chester Felix Finbar (Scarlett Allegra) Clovis George Balfour (Holly Audrey & Rowan Swynfen) Clyde Lionel Cosmo Charles Arthur Courtenay Traice Alexander Darius Charles (Rhys William & Artemis Elena)  Dexter Rhys (Dylan Mark & Griffin Taylor) Domenico Peter Lorenzo Edmund Florian Esmond Gerald Beau (Cicely Violet & Christabel Lily) Edward Benedict Lysander Edward Peregrine Lysander Fabian Benedict Aitken Felix Charles Faustus Felix Fraser Fabio Felix Leopold Zeus [twins] Fergus Maclean & Tobias Sebastian Flinn Jesse John  Flynn Francis Ford Henri Gerard Benedict Alfred Francis Gideon Ben Hal James Oliver (Alice Isabel & Imogen Grace) Hallam Edward Gwilym (Helena d'Esterre & Ivor Alexander Iain) Hannibal Harold Roy Griffin (Angus Robert Griffin) Harry Mortimer Anthony (Hope Nina June) Harvey Chadder James (Aidan Foster Tom & Luke William Glenn)  Horatio Arthur Ian (Aidan William, Archie Claude Ian & Maude Annette Clemency) Hugh Leofric Dashwood Humphrey Alexander (Willa Frances) Inigo Arthur Peter (Algernon Alexander Harry & Percy Edward Udal) Inigo Francis Hasluck  Iolo Taliesin Ivo David Orlando (Archibald Edward FitzGerald & Georgia Charlotte Clementine) Jago Gabriel Scoley (Maya Georgia Carmichael & Oscar Felix Gallop) Jasper Felix Udny Marshall Jethro Simon Joscelin Richard Jocelyn Valentine Frost [twins] Konrad Maksym & Tomasz Jack Ludovic James (Max Neils deCardonnel & Sophia Benedikte Irene) Lysander Orion (Caprice Elektra) Matthias Michael James Maxim Sebastian Francis (Alexander Richard Murray, Thomas John Glover, Olivia Victoria Rosie, Alasdair Stephen Watkins & Xavier Nicholas) Maximilian Jacobus Matheus Merlin Edward (Cosmo Simon) Michael Storm Montague Angus (Stella Edwina Isabelle)  Montague Leopold Montague Orlando William Morton Hugo Alexander Mungo Lionel Percy (Bevan Michael Branston & Tallulah Smiles) Mycroft Arjuna Lucian (Ava Kathleen Esther, Atticus Sailesh V & Ottilie Uma M) Omar Vincent Orlando Atticus Alexander (India Amelia Rosalind) Orlando Gabriel Walter (Tobias Horatio Francis) Oscar Hal Finch (Ella Charlotte Nissa & Jake Marcus Guy)  Quentin Aleksander (Bryony) Raoul Cosmo Rhydian Angus (Archibald Diego) Romilly James Francis (Julius John Ramiro & Frederick Antonio) Rowley William Roy Cornelius Tayto Rufus Ambrose David (Araminta Cicely Jane) Ryo Alexander Seosamh Olsin Edward (Darcia Aine & Georgia Charlotte Rebecca) Shinpei Andrew Sholto Douglas Hope [twins] Simba Daniel & Tinashe Idah Skyler Louie Solomon Joseph Talan Alexander (Jake Benjamin) Taliesen Bryher Tassilo Augustus (Cosima Gemma Angelika) Theodore Alvaro Armand Patrick Tobias Cedric (Naomi Julia) Tobias Cornelius Tomas Javier Eusebio Tomos Cledwyn (Rhiannon Sian Evans) Varian John Connan Eustace (Avery Joan Constance Elita) Vere Orlando Abinger (Allegra Amber Joanna & Luke Rex Broke) Walter Benedict (Edward James & Charlotte Daisy)

Agatha Charlotte Elfride (Tycho John Paul, Edith Cynthia Marigold & Leo Thomas Alfred) Agatha Martha Dorothy (Thomas More & George Edward Frederick) Albany Maisie (Catriona Mya & Willow Jonica Mima) Ambrosia Maria E Angelica Lily Bella Annis Hope Anoushka Poppy Joy April Marguerite Arabella Felicienne (Roseanna Mariette & Camilla Elizabeth) Astrid Capucine Octavia (Iskander Luke, Michaela Beatrice, Benedicta Josephine, Xavier Axel, StJohn Olaf, Caius Hugh & Marcus Edmund) Augusta Juliana Rose Aurelia Cecily Cassiopeia Rosemary Chiara Zuleika Clara Averina (Louis William Markland)  [twins] Clementine Violet & Matilda Daisy Cleodie Flora Caroline Clio Diana Coco Rafaella Karin Constance Emerald Mary (Jack George & William Frederick) Cornelia Beatrice Vita (Morgan Sarah Elizabeth) Cosma Serena Grace (Arabella Cordelia Rose) Cressida Rose Betsy Darcey Kathleen Delilah Betsy (Rex Douglas) Dorothy Elizabeth Vesey (India Mary Vesey) Eliza Angharad Mary Eliza Rose Horatia Emberlin Lydia Grace (Phoebe Elizabeth C) Emerald Rose Etheldreda Anne Eugenie Carole Allegra (Jacques Michael Alexander) Fenella Natasha Fernanda Elizabeth Flora India Oriana Floriana Victoria (Alastair Charles Michael & Oliver Valentine Chancourt) [twins] Florence Dorothy & Tarquin Cedric (Hector George Dominic & Frederick Charles) Genevieve Isla (Imogen Victoria & Jemima Charlotte) Hebe Cordelia (Polly Antonia & Daisy Amelia) Hedda Andrea Kristina Hetty Alexandra (Charles Joseph) Ianthe Elizabeth Sophie (Theophilus Christopher Vesey & Hermione Mary Callender) Imogen Sapphire Iona Lucy Violet (Louis John Lockington) Ionia Rachel (Lola Rose) Iris Miranda [twins] Isabella Marie & Jerome Leonardus Isadora Margaret Rose Isla Violet (Martha Rose) Josephine Juliet (Beatrice Charlotte) Katya Gwendoline Mary Kinvara Siobhan Iona (Saoirse Lucy Isla & Cliona Mhairi Eriska) Kitty Aurora (Toby Charles Alan & Thea Appleton) Kitty Rosetta Grace (Finn Arthur Robert & Fergus Michael Fyers) Laetitia Cornelia (Maxwell Durkin Arend) Lara Lilly Tatiana Juliet (Benedict Roland Julian & Sebastian Harry Bartholomew Aubrey) Leonora Xa (Elvira Joy) Lili Franziska Lucca Leonora (Theodore Giles) Lucy Persephone Mahalia Mary Magenta Mamie Honoria (Genevieve Grace) Margaux Emily (Elodie Mathilda) Margot Linnea Marina Dorothy Blase Mathilda Bluebell Millicent Margaretta (Josephine Ryland) Niamh Andrina (Ciaran Ronald George) Ochre Georgina (Edward Nott, Freya Esme & Rufus John) Octavia Skye (Safia Daisy & Barnaby Augustine) Odette Rebecca Diana (Isabella Violette Anya) Olympia Lumiere Petrus (Athena Enaid Nikolai) Ombeline Ophelia Lalley Oriana Sofia Orla Francesca Ottilie Frances Gretel (Maximilian Rory John) Paloma Scarlett Panda Sarah Pansy Georgia (India Roda & Lally Victoria) Penelope Josephine Rosemarie Phoenix Scarlett Philomena May (Crispin Brodrick) Polly Theodora  [twins] Posie Elizabeth & Rufus Edward (Scarlett Mary) Riannah Estelle Tyra Romilly Juliet Rowena Demelza Victoria Saga Leah Camilla (Max Oscar Samuel) Sasha Ida Rhiannon Selyna Columba (Christina Bryana & Joshua Julius) Serena Cory Rose (Alice Laura, Piers Christopher Douglas, Rory Alexander Charles & India Mary Halliday) Spyroulla Stella Lucie (Alicia Grace & Olivia Hope) Sukey Julia Anne Tabitha Elysia Tiger Olivia Tigerlily Amelia (Hector Walter) Tula Edite (Lamar Alexander & Ira Jake) Varvara Anastasia Velvet Verity Constanza Elizabeth (Corinna Marian Mona) Viola Emiko (Elisa Mary Rika) Willa Isabel Yseult Alys (Osburh Scheherazade) Zalie Pamela Zephyr Leonora (Celeste Caroline & Eva Drusilla)

Some interesting parent names:

Antonella
Auriol
Avery 
Benedicte
Biddy
Bindy
Boo
Darcy
Jette
Lalley
Louisette 
Myrtle
Nieves 
Romila
Rosabelle 
Roselle
Sol
Xara
Xiaodi
Winky
Zela

Apostolos
Belco
Bernie
Campbell
Deacon
Godolphin
Jokunbo
Kipper
Lascelle
Lyall
Nagi
Panos
Peregrine
Toffer
Wolfgang

 

UK Birth Announcements 18/5/15 - 24/5/15

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:

Alfie Robert 

Cory Jake (Kayla & Erin Jade)

Edward Alexander Louis

Edward Arthur Harry

Edward Christopher Patrick "Teddy" (Octavia Mary & George Simon Frank)

Edward Patrick Asgill

Felix Phillip Gatton

Freddie Joshua Harry

George Iain Murray

George Thomas

Harry Charles

Isaac Harry (Emily Florence)

James Mervyn (Isobel Mary)

Jamie Lyall

Jobey Wayne Clark

Joshua Robert Steven

Lomond Alexander William

Magnus Alexander

Max James

Nico James Cospatrick (Harry & Rory)

Oliver James

Reuben Peter (Zach)

Samuel Aubrey Sugden

Samuel James (Oliver William & Sophie Elizabeth)

Serge William

Thomas Frederick Charles Valerian

Walter John Holbrow

William James Alexander (Brodie David Taylor & Edward John Macs)

 

Girls:

Astrid Lily Aliette Mary

Bobbie Jane

Cara Christina

Coco Daphne Grace

Daphne Cordelia Dorothy (Eric Gerald Stanley)

Dolcie Rose

Eliza Sharaya (Olivia & Lennon)

Emma Margaret Grace (Adam Thomas)

Emmie Alexandra (Janie Anna)

Evie Mae

Fearne Elizabeth (Murray James)

Grace Catherine Brooke (Jessica Isobel Jane & Emily Margaret Eleanor)

Imogen Louise (Freya)

Isabella Margaret Annie (Hollie Elizabeth Frances)

Jemima Joanna Emmeta (Maximus Rupert Eaton)

Leah Rose (Kayden)

Lexi Olivia (Charlotte Jessica)

Lily Rose

Lola Joyce

Lucy Grace

Marguerite Coco Beatrice (Oscar)

Marina Frances April

Martha Mary-Anne

Maya Alexandra

Morven Elizabeth

Nixie Marie

Sienna May (Theo George & Anya Elizabeth)

Sofia Antonia

Tassia Polly Katie (Jasper Jock)

Victoria Emily

Violet Tamale

Zara May (Khloe May)

 

Name of the Week

Gaelic Nolan is a stylish choice in France
but seriously overlooked in Britain.

 

Origin:

Nolan is an anglicised form of the Irish surname Ó Nualláin meaning "descendant of Nuallán." Nuallán itself is comprised of the Old Irish word núall "a howling, cry," a derivative of the Proto-Celtic *now­slo­ "cry, shout." Most likely, the name was originally given a byname: a nickname given to describe a person's distinguishing characteristics. One theory is that the name was derived from a pre-Norman chief of the clan who held the office of herald to the King of Leinster.* The sept held power in the barony of Forth in County Carlow and were known as the Princes of Foharta.

Usage:

The Surname Atlas: click to enlarge Like all surnames, Nolan had some use from the 16th century as a given name. It did not, however, become established until the 19th century.  On the 1881 UK census, there were only 34 people with the name (22 males having it as a first name; the rest as a middle name).  It is interesting to note that the name was concentrated in Larnarkshire, Lancashire and Surrey -- areas where the surname was in the highest use.  There was an initial flurry of Nolans in the 1850s, which may have been influenced by Captain Louis (Lewis) Nolan (1818-1854), famous for his part in the Charge of the Light Brigade in 1854.  Crimean battle baby names were all the rage, and the birth of a Nolan Inkerman Porter in 1855 (Inkerman after a famous Crimean battle) is suggestive that Nolan was used as one such name.  Nolan was a rare given name, but it did pick up some usage in the 20th century as we can see from birth registrations in England and Wales: 1850s: 4 births 1860s: 4 births 1870s: 7 births 1880s: 7 births 1890s: 22 births 1900s: 23 births 1910s: 32 births 1920s: 30 births 1930s: 44 births 1940s: 44 births 1950s: 56 births 1960s: 55 births 1970s: 78 births This corresponds with Leslie Dunklings data which tallies the number of boys named Nolan per 10,000 births in England and Wales which shows a peak in 1980: 1900 1925 1935 1950 1955 1960 1965 1970 1975 1980 1985  1990    -    -    -    -    -    -   1    -   1    2     -     - Click to enlarge By the late 1990s, Nolan was back to being a rarity. It did not rank at all in England and Wales in 1996 and 1997 and was only give to 3 boys in 1998 (#2901). By 2005 it had risen to the top 2000, but it was only in 2013 that Nolan saw a significant rise, from #1152 (23 births) to #771 (41 births).  In Scotland Nolan was #266 (4 births) in 1975 but from then on was only registered for one baby per year bar one until 2008. Since then it has been rising slightly, ranking #399 (8 births) in 2014.  Nolan has not been given to more than two boys in any year in Northern Ireland since 1997.  Internationally, Nolan has seen more success in other countries, ranking #81 in America and #66 in British Columbia in 2014. It is also surprisingly popular in French-speaking countries: #15 in France and #60 in Belgium in 2012.

Famous Bearers:

History: * Captain Louis Nolan (1818-1854), British Army officer and cavalry tactician best known for his role in the Charge of the Light Brigade. Contemporary: * Nolan Ryan (b. 1947), Hall of Fame Major League Baseball pitcher. * Nolan Hemmings (b.1970), British actor. * Nolan Roux (b. 1988), French footballer. Literature and Other Media: * Nolan Heinberg, the secret identity of Omni-Man.

Variants:

Nuallán (Irish), Nolann, Nolhan (French alternates)

Pronunciation:

NŌ-lən [key]

Possible diminutives:

Nole/Noel

Sibling Names:

Orla     Erin     Kiera     Tara     Melissa     Gemma  Boyd     Fraser     Gregor     Blaine     Shay     Blake

Name Lists:

Celtic Surnames

 

If you like Nolan you may also like:    Brodie, Logan, Callum, Liam, Calvin, Rory, Lennon, Euan, Callan, Arran

 

Thanks to Sydney for requesting this post.

UK Birth Announcements 11/5/15 - 17/5/15

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:

Alfred Frank

Alistair Alan

Ben Harry 

Benjamin Peter (Charlie Thomas)

Bobby Jacob (Violet Mai)

Charles Peter David (Joseph)

Cole Robert (Danielle, Murray & Archie)

Corey Lee (Aiden James)

Dylan Sebastian

Ethan Mitchell

Evelyn Ralph Constantine

Francis Stuart Roger

Harry Joseph (Aubrey Emelia)

Henri James (Olivia & Charlie)

Isaac James (Molly)

Jack William

Jacob Steven (Ruby Rebecca)

Joey Russell (Luca David)

Lucas James

Luis James George (Jo-Ellen)

Maximus Nicholas

Otto Johnny Peregrine (George Peregrine)

Rory John (Kian Robert)

Ruadhan Angus

Ted William (Henry & Esme)

Thomas Bernard (Rosie)

Thomas James (Ellie Rose)

 

Girls:

Annabelle Kate (Benjamin & Oliver)

Ariana Lily (Tomas Kees & Sienna Elizabeth)

Ava Leigh

Ayla Jasmine

Bethany Skye (Jessica Lilly)

Bonham Arlandria (Theodora Tabitha)

Clemency Lily Lawrence (Ottilie Fleur Harington)

Clementine Constance Anna (Xanthe Mary Daisy)

Daisy Polly (George John)

Dottie Elsie (Douglas Stewart)

Eleanor Marie (Bobby Frazer)

Emily Alice Olivia (Hugo Arthur Lyell)

Emmy Ella

Evie Grace (Jake John)

Gabriella Molly

Harriet Jane

Imogen Grace (Benjamin, Caitlyn & Emily)

Isabella Grace

Isla Georgia

Louisa Rose de Maré (Sasha Sophia & Theodore James)

Maddison Tessa Joan

Matilda Florence Susanna

Nancy Elizabeth (Martha Hope & George Arthur)

Nina Louise (James Benjamin)

Orla Mary

Penelope Alice (James & Phoebe Johanna)

Poppy Elizabeth (Kai William David)

Sophie Rose (Hope Elizabeth)

Thomasina Carlotta

Winnie Gwen

 

Twins:

Elliot Ithan & Phoenix Tye

 

Name of the Week

Vivid Violet is the Victorian Darling
turned Comeback Queen. Expect to see more of her
in the next decade.

 

Origin:

Violet is the name given to a group of small purple-blue flowers. The name of the flower has been used since at least the early 14th century, itself derived from the Old French violete, diminutive of viole "violet," from Latin viola "the violet." By the late 14th century, the term violet also came to describe the colour.  The violet has been revered since ancient times. The flower is alluded to several times in Greek mythology: some goddesses are referred to as "violet-haired" or "violet-garlanded," and there was even a water nymph (Oceanid) named Ianthe, which literally translates as "the violet flower." To the Romans it symbolised innocence and was used to decorate tombs -- particularly those of the young -- as a symbol of mourning and affection for the deceased.  Because the violet plant hides its flower within its leaves, the plant has long been associated with modesty and humility. In the Middle Ages, Christians directly linked it to the Virgin Mary, giving it the name "Our Lady's Modesty." According to one legend, violets were originally white, but turned purple to echo Mary's mourning when she saw her son die on the cross. Given this strong association, it is little wonder that several Renaissance Madonna and Child paintings depict violets.* In Victorian floriography, violets also symbolised modesty, however, blue violets specifically meant 'faithfulness' while white violets stood for 'Let's take a chance on happiness.'

Usage:

As a given name, Violette and Violetta was used on the Continent in the Middle Ages. There are a few instances which occur in England, such as Violet de la Bere wife of Sir John Chandos (d.1370) vice-chamberlain of England and constable of Aquitaine.  The Latinised Viola was also in some use -- it was borne by Viola of Teschen, Queen of Bohemia and Poland (1291-1317) -- as was the Spanish variant Violante.  Violet continued as a given name well into the 17th century. It was uncommon in England, but was well used in Scotland from the 15th century -- especially in Perth -- most likely thanks to their strong cultural and political ties with France.  Violet moved beyond Scotland's borders into general use in other English speaking countries in the late 19th century.  Of the 809 Violets recorded on the 1841 census, 69% were living in Scotland compared with 30% living in England. The number increased across all countries to 1356 in 1861, with Scotland only just leading with 55%.  The Surname Atlas (click to enlarge) By 1881 Violet had surged in popularity in both England and Scotland, with the number of Violets registered increasing tenfold to 8120. Given England's larger population, it took the larger share of 84% as can be seen by the distribution map on the right. However, when we look at births per 100,000 -- balancing out the population differential -- we can see that Violet's popularity was evenly spread across Scotland and England.  In terms of ranking, Violet ranked #156 in England and Wales in 1860, #99 in 1870, #68 in 1880, #43 in 1890 and #19 in 1900. It was also #36 in Scotland in 1900. Violet stayed strong in the top 100 in the first half of the 20th century, before it fell dramatically out. In England and Wales it ranked #17 in 1904, #20 in 1914, #29 in 1929 and then fell sharply to #62 in 1934 after which it fell out of the top 100.  Afterwards, Violet continued to decline, becoming extremely uncommon as it hit "grandma name" status. This is reflected in the number of birth registrations in England and Wales: 1930: 2221 births 1950: 253 births 1970: 28 births The name's mid-century unfashionable status is reflected (and perhaps added to) in Roald Dahl's choice of the name for his character Violet Beauregarde in Charlie and the Chocolate Factory (1964).  Violet stayed in the top 100 of Scotland for longer, ranking just #100 in 1950, after which it fell out.  click to enlarge By 1996, Violet didn't even rank in the top 1000. It rose ever so gradually to #656 (41 births) in 2002 but it wasn't until 2005 that it saw a dramatic rise, going from #607 (50 births) to #273 (161 births). It has been rising rapidly ever since, finally hitting the top 100 again in 2012.  The jump in 2005 was most likely helped along by two high-profile films of 2004 featuring characters named Violet: Lemony Snicket's A Series of Unfortunate Events and The Incredibles.   Violet ranked #78 in England and Wales in 2013, #141 (35 births) in Scotland in 2014 and #191 (10 births) in Northern Ireland.  Internationally it ranks #67 in America, #30 in Canada, #51 in Australia and #47 in New Zealand.

Famous Bearers:

History: * Violet Florence Martin (1862–1915), Irish writer. * Violet Hunt (1862–1942), British writer. * Violet Jacob (1863–1946), British writer. * Violet Vanbrugh (1867–1942), British actress. * Violet Gordon-Woodhouse (1872–1948), British musician. * Violet Markham (1872–1959), British writer and social reformer. * Violet Loraine (1886–1956), British actress and singer. * Violet Bonham Carter (1887–1969), British politician and diarist, daughter of Prime Minister Herbert H. Asquith.  * Violet Hopson (1887–1973), British actress. Contemporary: * Violet Affleck (b.2005), daughter of Jennifer Garner and Ben Affleck.  Literature and other Media: * Violet Gray, a Peanuts character. * Violet Beauregarde, a character in Roald Dahl's Charlie and the Chocolate Factory (1969). * Violet Crawley, Dowager Countess of Grantham, a character on Downton Abbey played by Dame Maggie Smith. * Violet Baudelaire, a character in Lemony Snicket's A Series of Unfortunate Events (1999). * Violet Parr, a character in The Incredibles (2004).

Variants:

Violette (French), Violetta (Italian), Violeta (Spanish), Fioled (Welsh), Wioleta, Wioletta (Polish)

Pronunciation:

VĪ-ō-let  [key]

Possible  Diminutives:

Vi, Vivi, Lettie, Lottie

Sibling Names:

Elsie     Florence     Alice     Beatrice      Eliza     Annabelle  Theo     Stanley    Jude     Alexander     Edward     Oliver

Name Lists:

Dulcet Dainties   Victorian Darlings   Names from Enid Blyton   Names from Tennyson   Butterflies

 

If you like Violet you may also like:   Iris, Elodie, Clara, Ivy, Peony, Emilia, Margot, Bella, Evelyn, Edith

 

Thanks to Kaela for requesting this post. 

'Twas Ever Thus: Edwardian Name List

An intriguing article entitled Fashion and Things Feminine by Miss Ida Meller appeared in the Morpeth Herald on September 12th 1908. 

It begins by discussing the fashion for long coats for autumn -- dark blue, powder blue or raspberry-red with velvet collar and cuffs are recommended -- flannel striped shirts, and the ultimate space saving device in the bedroom: laundry bags!

But then it moves on to listing fashionable names for babies, the extract of which I have listed below.

All the spellings are exactly as they are printed in the original scanned newspaper page (I had to check Imorgen several times).

 

BABY'S NAME    When the moment arrives for deciding on a name for baby, it is not always that a choice of pretty names comes readily to the mind. The following little reference list of a few names for the boys and girls may give acceptable suggestions for christening days.  Girls' Names:– Adela, Adelaide, Adeline, Alexia, Aline, Alison, Alma, Althea, Amabel, Angela, Annette, Antoinette, Audry, Aveline, Avice, Babette, Barbara, Beatrice, Beatrix, Belinda, Bernadine, Bertha, Beryl, Blanche, Brenda, Bridget, Bride, Camilla, Camille, Carlina, Carmela, Catherine, Cecile, Cecilia, Celia, Celine, Clarissa, Charity, Christabel, Christina, Clair (or Clare), Claribel, Clarice, Clarimond, Claudia, Claudine, Clementine, Clothilde, Colinette, Cordelia, Coriana, Cornelia, Cynthia, Deborah, Dinah, Decima, Diana, Delora, Dolores, Dorette, Dorothea, Drusilla, Dulce, Dulcibella, Dulcima, Edna, Eileen (or Aileen), Eirene (or Irene), Elaine, Ellinor, Eleonora, Elfrida, Elizabeth, Elise, Elissa, Ella, Elsa, Elspeth, Emeline, Emelye, Enid, Ernestine, Esmeralda, Estelle, Esther, Ethelwyne, Eugenia, Eunice, Evangeline, Eve, Evaline (or Evelyn), Faith, Franchette, Felicia, Felicity, Fenella, Feodora, Flavia, Florinda, Floredice, Floria, Florise, Florentina, Francelia, Frances, Gabrielle, Genevieve, Gillian, Ginevra, Giralda, Gladys, Gretchen, Griselda, Gwendolen, Gwyneth, Gwynne, Helen, Hero, Hermia, Hermione, Hilda, Hildegarde, Honor, Hope, Hortense, Imorgen, Inez, Iris, Irmentrude, Ivy, Janet, Jean, Joan, Jocelyn, Jessica, Joyce, Judith, Julia, Juliet, Kathleen, Karina, Laura, Laurette, Lavinia, Leila, Lena, Lenora, Leonore, Letitia, Lettice, Lilias, Lilith, Lisbet, Lisette, Lois, Lola, Lucia, Lucille, Lucinda, Lucretia, Lydia, Mabel, Madeline, Magdalen, Maisie, Marcella, Marcia, Margaret, Margherita, Mariana, Maureen, Meta, Meg, Melina, Melissa, Melusine, Mercy, Mildred, Milicent, Minna, Mona, Monica, Muriel, Myra, Myrtle, Nancy, Narisse, Naomi, Nina, Nora, Octavia, Olga, Olive, Olivia, Pamela, Patience, Patricia, Patty, Paula, Paulette, Pauline, Peggy, Penelope, Petronia, Philippa, Phyllis, Pleasance, Portia, Prudence, Rachel, Regina, Rhoda, Rita, Robina, Robinetta, Romola, Rosabel, Rosalie, Rosaline, Rosalynd, Rosana, Rosette, Rosina, Rosemary, Ruby, Ruperta, Ruth, Sabina, Sadie, Salome, Sapphire, Sara, Selina, Serene, Sheelah (or Sheila), Sibyl, Sibila, Sylvia, Sophia, Stella, Suzanne, Suzette, Teresa, Theodora, Trixy, Ulrica, Una, Ursula, Venetia, Vera, Veronica, Victorine, Viola, Violette, Virginia, Virgine, Vivia, Vyvian, Winifred, Wilhemina, Yoldande, Zoe, Zara. Boys' Names:– Alaric, Alban, Aldred, Alfric, Allan, Almeric, Alphonse, Alvan, Alwyn, Ambrose, Andrew, Angus, Anthony, Archibald, Athelstan, Aubrey, Austin, Augustus, Baldwin, Bardolph, Basil, Bernard, Bertram, Brian, Bruno, Caspar, Cedric, Christopher, Clarence, Claud, Claudius, Clement, Constant, Conrad, Cuthbert, Cyril, Damian, Dan, David, Denis, Desmond, Donald, Duncan, Dunstan, Edgar, Egbert, Emanuel, Eric, Esmond, Eugene, Eustace, Evan, Everard, Everemond, Fabian, Felix, Francis, Ferdinand, Gabriel, Gaspar, Gaston, Geoffrey, Gerald, Gerard, Germain, Gideon, Gilbert, Godfrey, Godwin, Gregory, Griffith, Guy, Harold, Hector, Herbert, Hildebert, Hildebrand, Hilary, Horace, Hubert, Humbert, Hugo, Humphrey, Ivan, Jerome, Justin, Kenneth, Lambert, Lancelot, Lawrence, Leopold, Lionel, Lucian, Manfred, Marcus, Mark, Martin, Marmaduke, Maurice, Max, Meredith, Michael, Mervyn, Miles, Morgan, Neil, Nicholas, Nigel, Noel, Norman, Olaf, Oliver, Orlando, Oscar, Osmond, Oswald, Otho, Patrick, Paul, Peter, Philip, Pietro, Ralph, Randal, Randolph, Raphael, Raymond, Reginald, Reuben, Reynard, Richard, Robin, Rodolph, Roderick, Roger, Roland, Rufus, Rupert, Stephen, Sylvester, Silas, Terence, Theobald, Theodore, Timothy, Trystan, Ulric, Urban, Valentine, Vibert, Vincent, Vernon, Victor, Vivian, Waldemar, Wilfred.                              The Morpeth Herald and Reporter                                         12 September 1908

.

I wonder if any babies were named from this list? Which ones are your favourite? 

 

Name Help: A sister-name for Charlie and Tilly

Tamara and Craig have two children, Charlie and Tilly, and are ready to try for baby #3. They have no problem with settling on boys' names; it's the girls which are proving tricky for them. 

Tamara is looking for a name which is "pretty, cute and vintage" that, ultimately, she and Craig can agree on. 

Tamara's list:

Flora
Rose -- They know a little Rosie.
Tessa / Tess -- Tamara isn't sure if it's too much with Tilly, and which sounds better.
Marcie
Mamie
Marnie 
Beatrice nn Bea
Annie -- Craig really dislikes this.
Florence 
Amelie 
Darcy/ Darcey/Darcie -- Tamara says "Although I tend to think of Mr Darcy, I feel it suits Tilly. I like the vintage feel this name gives off, but don't like that it is unisex- will people assume when I would say my children's names, that Darcy is a boy? Also not sure which spelling to use, which is less masculine?
Molly-- Tamara really likes this but it is already used by a family member.
Tabitha -- They don't like nn Tabby as Tilly and Tabby are too similar sounding.

Other names Tamara likes: Elodie, Dulcie, Bonnie, Edie, Elsie, Romy, Blythe, Connie

Craig's List:

Yasmine -- Tamara doesn't like how it sounds with Charlie and Tilly. Jasmine is also currently used in the family.
Mailie (pr May lee) -- Craig actually made it up as he likes the name Mae and Tamara likes 'ee' ending names. Tamara isn't keen.
Anais -- Craig used to live in France so likes a few French names (but not Amelie). Tamara does not like the pronunciation and worries she would be forever explaining her name.
Seren
Margaret – Chris really wants to honour his grandmother Margaret  but Tamara does not particularly like the name. They have considered using Maisy/ Daisy as a first name to honour her, however were put of due to knowing people with these names. They don't really like many of the pet forms: Maggie, Megan, Marguerite, Peggy or Pearl.

Names they both like:

Kitty -- They both really love this but Tamara is worried about teasing potential. They have considered it as a nickname, but don't like any longer forms. 
Mae -- Tamara feels it's a little short sounding with Charlie and Tilly and is considering Maeve.
Clementine 

Names they cannot use due to family/friends: Molly, Lilly, Rosie, Naomi, Sophie, Ruby, Jasmine, Poppy, Ebony, Amelia.
Family names which could be honoured: Jane, Amanda, Gillian, Ann, Mary, Alice, Hilda, Violet, Mabel, Hazel, Ada, Ruth, Joyce, Madge.

 

※    ※    ※    ※

I think you have a very strong list to work from, Tamara, and lots of avenues you could go down. It doesn't seem that you have any problem with finding inspiration -- you have a great list to choose from -- so perhaps it is more useful for me to weigh in on your current favourites. 

 

Kitty 

As a Primary School teacher, I can honestly say that name-teasing is something that is given more credence in the minds of adults than actual reality. I know lots of Billys who don't get "Silly Billy," several Lukes who don't get "puke," Teddys who don't get teased for having the same name as cuddly bears...

Perhaps sixty, forty, twenty years ago, when most children in British schools had a name from within the top 50, an uncommon name may have garnered more attention. These days, classrooms still have plenty of top 50 choices, but they are mixed up alongside a whole variety of exotic names and daring new coinages. And kids today don't bat an eyelid. They just take it all in their stride because variety in names is their norm. 
Kids do still get teased sometimes; it's an unfortunate byproduct of navigating through the social jungle that is 'the playground'. But these days, teasing about names in a varied naming landscape just doesn't have the same sting, so most kids don't bother! 

I really, honestly, don't think Kitty will be a teasing issue. Kitty as a term for a cat is quite an antiquated term, only really used for small children. I can't think of anyone I know older than five who genuinely uses the term "kitty" themselves to refer to a cat. 

When I hear Kitty, I don't think of a cat, I think of it as a 19th century literary name. Kitty Bennet in Pride and Prejudice is my first thought, but then there is also Princess Ekaterina Alexandrovna Shcherbatskaya, known as "Kitty", in Anna Karenina. 

Interestingly, regional data in England and Wales in 2012 had Kitty ranking far higher in the South of England than nationally. While Kitty ranked #345 overall that year, it was #265 in the South East and #290 in the South West. Given that you live down south, Kitty is in far more familiar name-territory in your neck of the woods. 

If you still feel Kitty is better as a nickname, how about using Kitty as a nickname for Clementine? 

 

Mae

I think Mae would work for you on several levels. It's a sweet vintage gem that works nicely with Charlie and Tilly. Much like solid classics Anne, Jane, Grace, Ruth, Mae's power lies in her petite proportions. 

As an added bonus, Mae handily honours grandma Margaret. Traditionally, May/Mae came into use as a name as a pet form of Mary and Margaret. 

There are a few other longer forms you may want to consider:

Maelie -- A French feminine form of Mael, a Breton name meaning "prince, ruler." Maelie is quite a rarity, but the form Maelys is a top 20 favourite in France. 

Amabel -- A delicate vintage gem which goes back to the Middle Ages. It comes from the Latin amabilis "lovable" and therefore shares the same etymological route as Amanda. The name later turned into pretty and rising favourite Annabel. Amabel (which rhymes with Annabel) has all the same charm but is more unexpected.
Amabel nn Mae would incorporate Margaret, Amanda and Mary nicely. 

 

Rose

Like Mae, Rose is a pretty vintage that perfectly stands alone. It is an iconic flower: beautiful, sweetly smelling and with thorns not to be messed with, something typified well by Billie Piper's feisty portrayal of adventure-loving Rose Tyler in Doctor Who. 

I personally think Rose works perfectly well as it is, but if you fancy lengthening it, and Rosie is out, how about:

Posy -- It shares the same 'ose' sound so I think Posy works perfectly nicely as a nickname for Rose. Given that a posy is a small bunch of flowers, calling Rose "Posy" is a nice floral tie. 

Rosalie -- This pretty French form was fashionable in Victorian Britain and lends itself easily to Rose as a short-form. 

 

Darcy

There can be little argument that Darcy is a perfectly acceptable, and popular, girls' name, mostly thanks to ballerina Darcey Bussell. If you lived in Australia, Darcy may be mistaken for a boy, but in Britain, most will assume Darcy is a girl. Darcey and Darcy are both in the top 100 for girls, and Darcie is only just below. Add all the spellings together and the name actually ranks #32 in England and Wales. 

To avoid gender ambiguity, I would opt for the spelling Darcey. It is not only the most popular spelling, it also avoids Mr Darcy connotations. 

 

Other Strong Choices:

Flora and Tess are also good strong choices from your list. 

Flora is a Victorian darling; easy to spell and pronounce yet unexpected and uncommon. Flossie and Florrie are cute vintage diminutives worth considering. 

File Tess alongside Rose and Mae: a beautiful antique gem which holds strong on its own. Tess also has a refined literary feel thanks to Thomas Hardy's Tess of the d'Urbervilles.
Far from being too much with Tilly, I think Tess (or Tessa) make a nice family tie. The dad and son have C names, the mum and daughters have T names.

 

Suggestions:

Belle -- Mae, Rose, Tess. You can see why my mind is drawn to Belle for all the same reasons I listed for Rose and Mae above. If you prefer it as a nickname, Amabel (see above) and French Abelie, a feminine form of biblical Abel, is worth considering. 

Esme / Esmee -- With a beautiful meaning of "loved, esteemed," Esme ticks the boxes of pretty, cute and vintage perfectly. 

Lottie -- There is something extremely charming about Lottie. Traditionally used as a diminutive of Charlotte, Lottie also works as a nickname for Ottilie and Violet. 

Alba -- An elegant and continental vintage gem which is seriously going places. In ten years, Alba could easily be the new Ava, but until then, your daughter could be one of the trend-setters. 

Sadie -- A feisty old-school diminutive of Sarah which makes a stylish and sassy companion for 'battle mighty' Tilly.

Polly -- You love Molly but can't use it, so I am drawn directly to pretty Polly. Sitting perfectly between popular Molly and Poppy, Polly is familiar and yet unexpected. Like Kitty, it is more popular in the South East and South West than the rest of the country, with 35% of the Pollys named in 2012 living in Southern England. 

Aoife -- A gorgeous vintage Irish choice, meaning "beauty." The spelling is not intuitive, but Aoife is quite well known now (especially since Una Foden named her daughter Aoife Belle) and most people know that it is pronounced EE-fa. 

Adelie -- Seeing Ada on your family names list brought to mind French variant Adelie. It shares the same -ie ending as Charlie and Tilly with a French twist that might suit Craig.

Evelie -- Adelie then led me to Evelie, another antique French choice, a twist of classic Eve. 

Clelie -- You asked about how Clelie was pronounced. It's CLAY-lee (the first syllable is said quickly: close to CLELL). Only a step away from Chloe, Clelie is the French form of Clelia (derived from the Roman Claelius). Clelia Borromeo was a notable 18th century mathmatician, and the French Clelie also has literary ties in France. 

Elysee -- Catering to Craig's "out there" taste with a French twist, Elysee is the French form of Elysia, derived from the Ancient Greek's Elysian Fields which has now come to mean "paradise."

 

Hopefully, this has been of help. Best wishes with the name hunting!