British Baby Names

Name Help: A brother for Théodore

 

 

Karen and Julien are expecting their second son, a brother for Théodore Donald Georges.

Karen writes: 

"Now we know we're having a boy, we're quite stuck for names. Théodore was the only name we could agree on for our first! We both like Odin, and Leopold... But I'm a bit worried about shouting the name Leopold at soft play if I'm honest! We'd shorten to Leo, but then fear everyone will think we have boys called Theo and Leo (maybe that's not that bad! In any case, we don't plan to shorten Théodore's name, but if we did it would be to Ted or Teddy). I do like the idea of a Teddy and a Leo...We will probably give this baby our fathers' names as middle names, so William Louis. 

I am Scottish, and my husband is French, so we need a name which works in both languages. Slightly different pronunciations in both languages are okay, as is a name which sounds obviously "foreign" in the UK.

 

I like Aubrey, Claude, Yves, all of which Julien hates, and he likes Aaron, Logan, Nathan - none of which I love.

 

 

※    ※    ※    ※

 

At first it seems that you both have very different styles, but as I've delved into the top rankings and currently trending names in France, and see how the likes of Nathan, Evan and Liam sit alongside Antoine, Baptiste and Sacha as the most popular names, I feel that there is plenty of scope to find a name that feels right for you both. 

 

Bilingual Choices:

Gabriel – For me, the ultimate complimentary name to Theodore is Gabriel. Both are classic, genteel yet down-to-earth and affable. It also has the added bonus of being used in both France and Britain. It is currently more popular in France. 

Arthur – Another gentlemanly name which makes a great compliment for Theodore.

Alban / Albin – Alban was the first British martyr so has a long history of use here even though it is now rare in use. Alban is also used in France, where it is more common but not popular (typically ranking between #100-#150 in France each year). Of a similar ilk is Albin, the name of a 6th century Breton saint. 

Lorenzo – An Italian and Spanish form of Laurence that has been in France's top 100 since 2003. If you like Leo but are unsure of Leopold, how about using Leo as a nickname for Lorenzo?

Hugo – A stylish and affable choice both sides of the Channel. 

Raphael – A dashing Biblical name with pan-European appeal. 

Elliott – A name that ranks in both the British and French top 100 lists but not super popular. It shares the same gentlemanly feel as Aubrey and the modern appeal of Logan. 

Nolan – A Gaelic name which is more common in France than Britain. It's a known but uncommon choice here, but shares a similar sound to Nathan and Logan. 

 

Cross-over Names:

Loan / Lohan – Both Loan and the spelling variant Lohan can be found in France's top 200, meaning both are known but neither are wildly popular. Loan/Lohan is a form of the Breton name Elouan (from eu "good" and lou "light"), born by a 7th century saint. Lohan also has just as much Scottish pedigree, being a Scottish surname which is a variant of Logan. 

Ewen – Ewen is used in Scotland as a spelling variant of Ewan/Euan. It is also a Breton name, used in France, meaning "good friend."

 

Usable British:

Everett – A genial and dashing name that feels distinguished yet down-to-earth. 

Bennett – The medieval English form of Benedict which feels fresh and refined today. 

August – A paired-down form of Augustus, most commonly found in Germany and similar to the French Auguste.

Ronan – A Gaelic name which ranks in the top 400 on both sides of the Channel. Familiar but not common. 

Phineas – Quirky and dapper, much like Leopold. Phineas is an uncommon but stylish Biblical name. 

 

Usable French:

Matteo / Matheo – Both the Italian Matteo and its French form Mathéo rank within France's top 100. It's uncommon in Britain but highly stylish. 

Clement – A fashionable choice for French parents, ranking in the top 30. Here it a a cute grandpa name. Rare but ripe for revival. 

Corentin – A striking Breton name meaning "hurricane" that has been used sicne the 5th century. The French pronunciation stresses the first syllable. However, the Cornish cognate, Corentyn, stresses the second (ka-REN-tin).

Maxime / Maxence – Both Maxime and Maxence make very dapper and dashing Max- names (all of which I always think compliment the Theo- names marvelously) that wear well outside of France. 

 

I hope this has been of use. Best wishes with the name hunting. 

 

 

UK Birth Announcements 21/11/16 - 27/11/16

A round-up of names from birth announcements announced in British newspapers in the last week.

Sources include a national paper (The Telegraph) and a broad range of local newspapers from across England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland.

Sibling names are in brackets. 

 

Boys:

Aaron Jackson (Chloe Jessica)

Albert Fred Arthur (Isaac)

Arden (Florry)

Ezra Wyatt (Noah Arthur James)

Hamish Oliver Francis (Ottilie Jane Elizabeth)

Jacob Theo (Zachary Steven & Isaac Jake)

Oliver Christopher William

Ralphie Frederick John

Ross Alexander David

Theodore Albert

Toby Dillan (Daniel Owen)

Wilfred Buchanan Augustus (Maximilian Lewis Archibald "Archie")

Wilfred Jack Pewtress (Arthur George Aspinwall)

 

Girls:

Amelie Norah

Celestia Emilia Grace (Willoughby Edward James & Marietta)

Ebony May (Archie Joe)

Edith Margaret Julia

Ela Emlyn (Arthur)

Emma Lynne

Isabelle Daisy Evelyn (Benjamin Arthur Alderson)

Isla-Faye

Isobel Mary Daphne

Jocelyn Joyce (Nicholas)

Lauren Annie (Alexander Duncan "Alex" & Sammy)

Lauren Caskie

Margo Elise

Rachel Louise (Hannah Rose)

Rae Ellen

Rosie Grace

Runa Danae (Elora Rose)

 

Twins:

Connie Grace & Marnie Olivia

  

Name of the Week: Rupert

 

 

Origin:

Rupert is the English form of Ruprecht which is itself the German form of Robert. Both derive from the Old High German name Hrodberht, from hrod- "fame, glory," and -berht "bright."

Usage:

Ruprecht itself can be found in use in Germany from the early Middle Ages, and like Robert in Britain, it was a fairly common name borne by saints and royalty. The latinised Rupertus can also be found be found alongside Robertus in French documents in the 11th century.  Two notable German saints to bear the name were Saint Rupert of Salzburg (c. 660–710) and Saint Rupert of Bingen (712–732), while Rupert of the Palatinate (1352–1410) was King of Germany.  Despite these namesakes, and its common use in Germany, the name never picked up use in medieval Britain. Why would it? We were happily using the cognate Robert which had been brought over by the Normans where it reinforced the Old English Hreodbeorht.  It wasn't until the 17th century, and the arrival of Prince Rupert of the Rhine (1619–1682) to our shores, that Rupert began to pick up use in Britain. Named after the 14th century King Rupert, Prince Rupert was the son of Frederick V, Elector Palatine and Elizabeth Stuart, sister of King Charles I. Rupert was a true Renaissance man: general, admiral, scientist, sportsman and colonial governor. He was, and still is, most famous for his prominent role as a Royalist commander during the English Civil War and was considered a Royalist icon. The name was used by his many admirers.  click to enlarge Even in 1881, we find that Rupert was most common in areas where Prince Rupert had had some involvement, such as Staffordshire and Buckinghamshire, where Rupert is known to have had military involvement during the Civil War. It was rare in Scotland and Wales which, for obvious reasons, didn't have the same links to the English Civil War. The name was never wildly popular,  however. Robert -- a name by which was also known by his contemporaries -- continually remained the dominant form in Britain. During the late 19th century, Rupert consistently ranked in the third quarter of the top 200 in England and Wales: 1860: #226 1870: #194 1880: #124 1890: #140  1900: #147 Registered births per decade in England and Wales: 1840s: 1850s:  1860s: 1870s: 1880s: 1890s: 1900s: 1910s: 1920s: 1930s: 1940s: 1950s: 1960s: 1970s:  116 births 187 births 272 birth 659 births 1470 births 1556 births 1538 births 1145 births 674 births 310 births 334 births 604 births 1728 births 1395 births Throughout the 20th century, one of the most enduring images for the name is that of Rupert Bear, a children's comic strip character created by the English artist Mary Tourtel in 1920 that later became the subject of many children's books from 1928 onwards and four television series (1967-77; 1985-88; 1991-97; 2006-08).  Jilly Cooper gave the name a rakish quality when she gave the name to the central character of her Rutshire Chronicles series (1986-2016). From 1996 to 2002 in England and Wales, Rupert gradually declined from #335 (71 birth) in 1996 to its lowest point of #586 (34 births) in 2002. Since then it has been steadily rising however, taking a big leap from #500 in 2008 to #366 in 2009 and joining the top 200 again in 2014. Some of this may be thanks to the notability of several British actors on the scene during this period named Rupert such as Rupert Everett, Rupert Grint, Rupert Penry-Jones and Rupert Friend.  In 2015, Rupert ranked #143 (396 births) in England and Wales and #529 (5 births) in Scotland.

Famous Bearers:

History: * Saint Rupert of Salzburg (c. 660–710), first bishop of Salzburg.  * Saint Rupert of Bingen (712–732), regarded as patron saint of pilgrims. * Rupert of the Palatinate (1352–1410), King of Germany.  * Prince Rupert of the Rhine (1619–1682), noted soldier, admiral, scientist, sportsman and colonial governor. * Rupert Brooke (1887–1915), English poet. * Rupert Davies (1916–1976), English actor. Contemporary: * Rupert Keegan (born 1955), English Formula One driver. * Rupert Everett (b. 1959), English actor. * Rupert Graves (born 1963), English actor. * Rupert Penry-Jones (born 1970), English actor. * Rupert Friend (born 1981), English actor. * Rupert Grint (born 1988), English actor. Literature and Other Media: * Rupert Bear, a cartoon bear created by Mary Tourtel. * Rupert Campbell-Black, the central character in the Rutshire Chronicles series by Jilly Cooper. * Rupert Giles, watcher on the television series "Buffy the Vampire Slayer".

Variants:

Ruprecht (German), Roopertti (Finnish)

Pronunciation:

ROO-pət [key]

Possible diminutives:

Rue, Rhett, Rep

Sibling Names:

Felicity    Arabella     Jemima     Aurelia    Edith     Philippa  Edmund     Barnaby     Angus     Felix     Monty     Wilfred

Name Lists:

Upright Elegance  Victorian Darlings   European Royal Names  Gilbert and Sullivan Names

 

If you like Rupert you may also like:    Hugo, Ralph, Bertram, Oscar, Hector, Benedict, Rufus, Percival, Hamish, Leonard

 

Thanks to Emma for requesting this post.

UK Birth Announcements 14/11/16 - 20/11/16

A round-up of names from birth announcements announced in British newspapers in the last week.

Sources include a national paper (The Telegraph) and a broad range of local newspapers from across England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland.

Sibling names are in brackets. 

 

Boys:

Archie Reginald

Bailey John

Benjamin Matthew

Charles James Byrne

Eddie Geoffrey (Sid William)

Harry James (Olivia Ann & Cerys Louise)

Ike William Stuart (Erin)

Jacob James (Izabelle Georgina)

James Galvin

James Richard

Max (Shaun Jnr, Natalya, Luke & Daisy)

Nicholas Armistice Mallard "Nicko" -- born on Nov 11th

Oliver Gordon (Daniel Grant)

Oliver James

Oran Lewis (Egan Bryan)

Riley Dale

Seth Dafydd (Hari Gruffydd)

Thomas Andrew Holden

Twm Dafydd (Lewis, Cet, Teagan, Hari George, Elwyn Neil & Elin Mari)

Wilfred Fox Digby

 

Girls:

Alice Catherine Veronica (Arthur Edward Hunter)

Arabella Elizabeth

Audrey Frances (Louis)

Beca Grug (Aron Huw, Erin Gwen & Math Owen) -- Grug = GREEG "heather"

Camilla Rose

Constance Diana Isabel

Eliza Rose

Mireille Beatrice Winnie

Ophelia Anne Betty (Amelie Rose Katherine)

Rosie Neve

Sophia Rose (Maisie Isla)

  

Name of the Week: Clementine

 

 

Origin:

Clementine is a feminine form of Clement, an anglicised form of the Latin Clemens. In Latin clemens meant "merciful, gentle, mild" and is the basis for the word clement in English. The Romans personified clementia "calmness, gentleness" as their goddess of clemency, leniency, mercy, forgiveness and salvation. She was often depicted with her sister Justitia "justice." Clementine is also the name of a citrus fruit -- a cross between a mandarin orange and a sweet orange -- said to have been named for Father Clement Rodier, who found the species in the garden of his orphanage in Algeria.

Usage:

Clementina is attributed to an early saint -- one of the eleven thousand maidens who travelled, and were martyred, with Saint Ursula on pilgrimage to Rome. However, her name is very hard to find in most lists of saints.  We do find Clementina in use in small numbers in the Middle Ages on the Continent (particularly by royalty), but this was more likely thanks to the popularity of the cult of 1st century pope St Clement during the Middle Ages, resulting in more than forty churches being dedicated to him.  In fact, the most common feminine form to be found in medieval records in Britain was the Latin Clementia or Clemencia, but in actuality these women would have been known by the vernacular form Clemence. In George Redmonds rankings for 1377-81, comprising 1000 names from 10 English counties, Clemence ranks at #44 which he categorises as "infrequent."  Both Clement and Clemence gave rise to a bevy of derivative surnames, including Clem (a medieval pet-form), Clemm, Clemence, Clemans, Clemons, Clemmans and Clemmens.  The name Clemence continued in use right up until the 17th century. It appears in six out of sixteen decades in Smith Bannister's rank of top 50 names from 1538 to 1700 in England: 1550-9: #14; 1560-9: #22; 1570-9: #17; 1580-9: #32; 1600-9: #35; 1610-9: #39. After this date, it no longer appears in the rankings.  Clementina began to pick up usage in Britain in the 18th century. Writing in 1863, Charlotte Mary Yonge tells us that it was "rendered popular for a time in honour of the Italian lady in Sir C. Grandison." The History of Sir Charles Grandison is an epistolary novel by Samuel Richardson first published in February 1753. This may have had some impact on the name, but there are plenty of baptism records for Clementinas in Britain earlier in the 18th century.  More likely, Clementina was adopted thanks to Maria Clementina Sobieska (1702-1735), a Polish princess and wife of James Francis Edward Stuart, Jacobite pretender to the British throne. Certainly, even in the 19th century, we find Clementina (and Clementine) in high concentration in Scotland which had strong Jacobite links.  click to enlarge Clementine itself came into use during the 19th century, adopted from the French Clémentine, which was also in some use among European royalty. It was not as common as Clementina, as data from the 1881 census shows (right). Clementine peaked in the 1880s and contemporary newspapers at the time would suggest that this was influenced by Princess Clémentine of Orléans (1817–1907) and Princess Clémentine of Belgium (1872–1955) as they were both featured in several articles during this decade.  Births for Clementina and Clementine in England and Wales:   Clementina Clementine 1840s: 1850s: 1860s: 1870s: 1880s: 1890s: 1900s: 1910s: 1920s: 1930s:  1940s: 1950s: 1960s: 286 births 387 births 389 births 366 births 319 births 283 births 175 births 121 births 59 births 15 births 14 births 15 births 26 births 65 births 76 births 85 births 81 births 92 births 79 births 62 births 79 births 32 births 9 births 21 births 8 births 14 births One notable Clementine born at its peak was Clementine Churchill, Baroness Spencer-Churchill (1885–1977), the wife of Sir Winston Churchill who was a peeress in her own right thanks to her charitable works.  Though the name Clementine had all but died out by the 1930s, the small revival in the 1940s was most likely thanks to her.  The pronunciation of Clementine is up for debate -- those -ine names can be tricky. Some pronounce Clementine to rhyme with Josephine, in the French style ("een"), while others rhyme it with Caroline (like "line" and "fine"). In general, it is pronounced KLEM-ən-teen (rhyming with Josephine) in Britain after the French, and was the pronunciation used for Baroness Spencer-Churchill. In America, however, it is commonly KLEM-ən-tīn (rhyming with Caroline), as seen in the America folk song "Oh My Darling, Clementine." Since 1996, Clementine has been steadily rising from its lowest point of #946 (22 births) in 1997. It broke the top 500 in 2010 and by 2014 ranked #415. Clementina, on the other hand, is now rare and has been given to no more than 6 babies in any given year since 1996, well below the top 3000.  In 2015, Clementine ranked #395 (116 births) in England and Wales and #806 (3 births) in Scotland.

Famous Bearers:

History: * Princess Clémentine of Orléans (1817–1907), princess of Saxe-Coburg and Gotha. * Clementine Augusta Spencer-Churchill (1848 - 1886), daughter of the sixth Duke of Marlborough and great-aunt of Winston Churchill.  * Princess Clémentine of Belgium (1872–1955), daughter of King Leopold II of Belgium. * Clementine Churchill, Baroness Spencer-Churchill (1885–1977), the wife of Sir Winston Churchill and life peer in her own right. Contemporary: * Clémentine Célarié (b. 1957), French actress. * Clementine Ford (b. 1979), American actress. Literature and Other Media: * Clementine, the heroine of a series of children's books by Sara Pennypacker. * Clementine Kruczynski, character played by Kate Winslet in Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind. * Clementine, a Muppet character on Sesame Street.

Variants:

Clemence, Clemency; Clémentine (French), Clementina (Italian, Spanish, Portuguese), Klementyna (Polish), Klementina (Slavic)

Pronunciation:

KLEM-ən-teen / KLEM-ən-tīn (English) klem-on-TEEN (French), KLEM-ən-tee-nə (German) [key]

Possible  diminutives:

Clemmie, Clem, Citty/Kitty, Mena, Minnie, Tina

Sibling Names:

Marguerite     Rosalie     Iona      Beatrice     Arabella     Margaux    Sebastian     Gabriel     Barnaby     Hugo     Maximilian     Lucian

Name Lists:

Vintage Names  Upright Elegance

  

If you like Clementine you may also like:   Evangeline, Genevieve, Vivienne, Emmeline, Christabel, Ottilie, Cosima, Letitia, Seraphina, Albertine

 

 Thanks to Lottie for requesting this name. 

Sibling Spotlight for Hazel

Below is a selection of British siblings with Hazel, from the last century to modern times. All Hazels listed are female unless indicated by "(b)".

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. For example "(William) Henry" would mean that person had the official name William Henry but was known familiarly simply as "Henry."

1820s: Caroline Hazel   1830s: Colin Archibald Hazel Isabel "Bell"   Sarah Robert Emma Elizabeth Caroline Hazel   1840s: William Hazel (b) Eliza Alfred Martha   Eliza Fanny Jabez Hazel   Levi Mary Ann Alfred Jeremiah Matthew Nancy Adelaide Sarah Ann Hazel (b) Lawrence   1850s: Margaret Eliza John Hazel (b) Hannah Elizabeth Solomon Alexander   James Elizabeth Sidney Ambrose Rachel Hazel (b)  Edgar   Ambrose Catherine Hazel (b) Mary Ann Henry Ernest Alice Naomi   Mary Ann Edwin George Hazel (b) Esther Martha Arthur Joseph   1860s: Walter Hazel (b) Elisha (b) Hannah   James Charles Frederick George Hazel Robert (b) Horatio Annie Jane Kate Mildred Mabel Ethel   Mary Ann Barbara Williamina Thomas Hazel (b)   Elizabeth Hazel Patrick Hazel Elizabeth Helen Ann Whitemann Mary Christina Pan   Hazel (b) Leticia Gwen   Fanny William Hannah Hazel (b) Edward Dinah Elias David Phillip Abraham   1870s: Edward Aubrey Sybil Geraldine Norah De Riemer Hazel Kathleen   Rosa Louis Alice Hazel (b) William   Albert David Charles Edward Mabel Ellen Ruth Hazel Edith Rose Ellen Elizabeth   1880s: Hazel (b) Fred Abner Mary Ethel Clifford Parr   George Ernest Edith Violet Rosina Pamela Lily Gertrude Florence Jane Hazel Mary   Montague Claude Ruby Colinette Dagmar Louise Stella Christine Hazel Frederica Irene Sylvia Ida Vera   Ethel Rachael Percy Edward Beatrice Mary Hazel Christina Leonard John Florence Evelyn   Hazel Frances William Robert Olive Margaret Henry Giraud B. Charlotte Beatrice Gladys   Winnie Maria Hazel May Florence Mary   Mervin Vincent Hazel Grace Ruby Geraldine Fern Ismay Percy Cecil Spencer Harold Walter Sydney Horace Isdale   Clara Martha Charles De Rouse Maude Rosetta Laura Eleanor Alice May Florence Elizabeth Ethel Agnes Hazel Edith George William   Joan Olive Ivor Avery (g) Hazel Rose

1890s: Olive Ann Emily Hazel May (Azylpha) May Blanche Elvina Melita Mabel Garnet Arthur Ernest Albert William Roland George Charles   Amy Edith Gladys Mary Selwyn Percy Eunice Mildred Hazel Ursula Ernest Meredyth   Royce Wilfred Leighton Minetta Mary Hazel Enid   Oscar Stafford Roy Marston Hazel Australia -- mother's birthplace Jack Stafford   Fred Charles Jack Angier Athol Hazel Walter Bert Hazel Griggs (b)   Percy Hazel Edith Laura Eleanor Susannah Margaret Sybil Elvina Marie Olive Ailwyn Edward Dawson Philip Desmond George   Daisy Isabella Ivy Alice Violet Ida Iris Adrienne Hazel Vivienne   1900s: Hazel Hyacinth Daisy Annie Kate Augusta Florence Phyllis Winifred   Mabel Emma Joan Florence Gwendolen Norah Ethel Wilfred James John Philip Hazel Mary   Alice Elsie Elizabeth May Albert Edward Violet Emma Hazel Irene George James   Doris Lilian Hazel Daisy Charles William Ivy Gertrude Irene Muriel   Kenneth Pardoe Hazel Mary Lizzie Alfred Ernest Frederick Arthur    1910s: Elizabeth Jean John Weston Edith Frances Hazel Mary Richard Weston   Cecil Havilland Cecily Mildred Rosemary Hazel Carterette   Hazel Lily Alexander George   1920s/1930s: Hazel Patricia Pamela Jean Veronica Mary Christina Muriel   Hazel Rosemary Christopher Francis   Norman Alaric Hazel Leslie Derek Edwina   Hazel Jill June Snowden Beatrice Ann   Hazel Winifred Pearl Robert Victor Raymond Colin Thomas Trevor John Maureen Robina Alan Lyall Graeme Clarence   Elizabeth Hazel Phyllis St. Leger Francis St. Leger Hazel Helen Patricia Sybil   Robin Hazel Nonie Jillian Marguerite   1940s/1950s: Virginia Helen Hazel Louise   Hazel Mary Daphne Elizabeth   1980s: Claire Emily & Jack Matthew (twins) Hazel Rosalie   Oliver Edward Rupert Jessica Elizabeth Hazel Ruth   1990s: Henry Bertrum Laird Hazel Francesca   Hazel Elizabeth Fiona Mary   John Angus Hazel Alice   2000s:  Violet Emma Hazel Joy   George Caspar Hazel Marie    Alexander John "Sandy" James Stewart "Jamie" Hazel Anne Isabel   2010s: Montgomery Welch "Monty" Hazel Hawley   Hazel Frances Carlina Thomasina Rachel Ann   Benjamin Hazel Marie Clara Rose   Lily Alice Hazel Mhairi   Caleb James Hazel Louise   Eleanor Patricia Mary Hazel Sophia   Wallace James Hazel Agnes

 

 

UK Birth Announcements 7/11/16 - 13/11/16

A round-up of names from birth announcements announced in British newspapers in the last week.

Sources include a national paper (The Telegraph) and a broad range of local newspapers from across England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland.

Sibling names are in brackets. 

 

Boys:

Aaron John (Cooper Christopher & Alexander Jacob "Alex")

Arthur James Alexander

Arthur Leslie

Conor William

Daniel Marcus (Matthew Lee)

Hugo Edward George (Ottilie Florence Rose)

Leo Haim

Oliver William

Oscar Oliver (Joshua Stephen)

Ronnie Egerton (Freddie Oliver)

Sebastian Aki (Kaia Sophie & Finlay Peter)

Sonny Morgan

Wilfred Alan Charles

 

Girls:

Alexandra Olivia Mary (Harry Arthur Douglas)

Amelia Chloe

Charlotte Elizabeth (Hannah Rose)

Elif Marjorie Mary

Eliza Rose

Eliza Scarlett Sarah

Emily Elizabeth Jane

Evelyn Alice

Felicity Rae

Florence Elizabeth

Georgia Audrey Elizabeth (Reuben Warrick Peter)

Isabel Beatrice

Isobelle Lily

Lilly May (Kyle)

Maisie Olivia (Sam Christopher)

 

Twins:

Holly Ann & Poppy Alice (Sophie Amelia)

 

Triplets:

Catherine Anna, Elsie Margaret & Alexandra Ella 

  

Name of the Week: Rory

 

 

Origin:

Rory is the Anglicised form of the Old Gaelic name Ruaidrí, derived from ruad "red" and ri "king." The modern Gaelic spellings are Ruaidhrí and Ruairí, though many variants are used in both Scotland and Ireland today (see variants below).

Usage:

Ruaidrí was a favourite name in medieval Ireland, and well used in Scotland. It was particularly popular for the O'Connors (Ó Conchobhair) of Connacht and was born by at least four Kings of Connacht. The most famous of these was Ruaidrí Ua Conchobair "Rory O'Connor" (c. 1116–1198), the last High King of Ireland before the Norman invasion of Ireland. The O'Connors anglicised Ruaidrí as Roderic (Ruaidrí Ua Conchobair is often called Roderic O'Connor) but other Irish clans favoured Roger as an anglicised form.  Thanks to heavy anglicisation, the name almost died out in Ireland by the 18th century. It did, however, manage to survive in small numbers in Scotland, particularly in the Highlands before it started to make its revival in Ireland in the 19th century.  click to enlarge Data from the 1881 census shows that, at that time, Rory was most common in the Scottish highlands, particularly in Inverness and Ross & Cromarty, but extremely rare elsewhere. The name was rare in England and Wales until it began to pick up at the beginning of the 20th century. Curiously, this was the time when the name saw a dip in use in Scotland, seeing a revival again in the 1950s when it matched its previous peak in the 1860s.   Statutory birth registrations per decade in Scotland and England & Wales:   Scotland England & Wales 1840s: 1850s: 1860s: 1870s: 1880s: 1890s: 1900s: 1910s: 1920s: 1930s: 1940s: 1950s: 1960s: 1970s:  7 births 13 births 40 births  13 births 3 births 2 births 7 births 1 birth 3 births 1 birth 9 births 43 births 165 births 337 births 0 births 0 births 0 births 0 births 2 births 2 births 6 births 8 births 16 births 25 births 122 births 526 births 783 births 865 births click to enlarge In Scotland, Rory entered the top 100 in 1984 at #98 (44 births) and has been steadily rising ever since. In England and Wales, Rory first entered the top 100 in 1996 at #93 It declined after that point, plateauing around the #130 mark for several years until it began to rise again in 2011, reaching the #99 in 2012. Some of the renewed success in 2011 is most likely thanks to the character Rory Williams in Doctor Who, portrayed by Arthur Darvill (2010-2012).  In 2015, Rory ranked #23 (233 births) in Scotland and #74 (912 births) in England and Wales.

Famous Bearers:

History: * Ruaidrí mac Fáeláin (d. 785), King of Leinster. * Ruaidrí na Saide Buide "Roderic O'Connor" (d.1118), King of Connacht.  * Ruaidrí Ua Conchobair , King of Connacht from 1156 to 1186, and High King of Ireland from 1166 to 1193. * Rory na-bhFeadh mac Donough Ua Conchobair, King of Connacht 1316-1317. * Ruaidri mac Tairdelbach Ua Conchobair (d. 1384), King of Connacht. * Rory O'Tunny (c. 1541–1542) Irish sculptor. * Ruairí Óg Ó Mórdha "Rory O'More" (d.1578), King of Laois. * Rory O'Moore "Sir Roger Moore" (1600–1655), Irish landowner one of the four principal organizers of the Irish Rebellion of 1641. * Ruairí Mac Easmainn (1864–1916), Irish patriot, poet, revolutionary and nationalist. Contemporary: * Rory Calhoun (1922–1999), American actor. * Rory Gallagher (1948–1995), Irish musician. * Rory Brennan (b. 1945), Irish poet. * Rory McGrath (b. 1956), British comedian. * Rory Bremner (b. 1961), Scottish comedian. * Rory Kinnear (b. 1978), British actor. * Rory Culkin (b. 1989), American actor. * Rory McIlroy (b. 1989), Northern Irish golfer. Literature and Other Media: * Rory Williams, companion of Doctor Who 2010-2012.

Variants:

Ruaridh, Ruairidh, Ruairi, Ruaraidh, Ruari, Ruaidri, Ruariadh, Ruary, Ruiridh, Ruraidh, Ruraigh, Rury, Rori,

Pronunciation:

ROR-ree [key]

Possible longer forms:

Roderick, Broderick, Rodrigo

Sibling Names:

Lucy      Isla      Emily     Isla     Anna     Erin  Euan     Owen     Brody     Toby     Lewis      Max

Name Lists:

Slim Softies

 

If you like Rory you may also like:    Rowan, Sorley, Callum, Harris, Ethan, Riley, Dylan, Rhys, Cody, Harvey

 

Thanks to LB for requesting this post.

Name Help: A sister for Lillian

 

 

Amanda and Joe are expecting their second daughter soon, a sister for Lillian Isobel. 

Amanda writes: 

"For this baby, my considerations are similar to what they were for Lillian – pretty, not ‘popular’ but also not strange, preferably a name that hasn’t already been used by family, friends (and for me even friends of friends – which makes this a difficult task).  I’m not a huge fan of names that will automatically be shortened to nicknames (eg if people call Lillian ‘Lily’ I get annoyed – that is not her name, in my opinion it’s a different name entirely).  My husband just wants to find a nice name we agree on, and isn’t concerned about popularity, or if it has already been used, and nicknames don’t bother him.  Plus the difficulty this time is it has to go nicely with Lillian, which obviously wasn’t a consideration the first time round.

The middle name for baby #2 will likely be Jean – not a brilliant choice, but it is the middle name of both our mothers / the grandmothers, and so should keep both ‘sides’ happy. 

We are Scottish, but currently living in Singapore (baby will be born in Singapore).  And as the baby will be born near Christmas, should we consider a Christmas / Scottish / Singapore influence in the name?

Names currently on our shortlist, and pros / cons:

• Polly – this is our current favourite, and the name we agree most on.  Like Lillian, it isn’t popular but also isn’t too unusual.  (645^th in Scotland for 2015).  Our concerns are, would a ‘Polly’ get teased (eg Polly had a dolly, Polly put the kettle on, Polly parrot etc), and is it a serious enough name for a teenager, a grown up (not just a baby)?
• Flora – this was my favourite for #1, and was on our shortlist going into hospital.  But my husband wasn’t convinced then and still isn’t convinced now (I sort of feel this is my second chance to use it).  I like Flora for its Scottish sound, and links, such as Flora Macdonald helped Bonnie Prince Charlie escape to Skye, and the Skye Boat Song (over the sea to Skye) was what I walked down the aisle to at our wedding and a very special song for me). 
• Ava – my husband really likes this, and I do like it but it is just the popularity that puts me off (6^th in Scotland for 2015).  Plus I feel it is quite short. 
• Zara – a recent addition to our shortlist.  It is nice, and would fit most of the criteria, but I might take some convincing. 
• Megan – I suggested it as a sort of joke but now my husband thinks this is his favourite! It's nice but I wouldn't be keen on "Meg" as a nickname.

Other names we have considered but are not suitable (for reasons such as friends or family have used them, they won’t suit the surname or middle name etc):  Matilda (friends and family have used); Georgina (I like but husband doesn’t, and wouldn’t go with Jean as a middle name); Willa (recently used by a friend); Sophie, Olivia (too popular); Hannah (was on the shortlist for #1, but we are not so keen this time). 

 

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I have to admit, I'm in camp Polly. It's a lovely vintage name: upbeat and feminine without being too frilly -- just like Lillian. As for teasing potential, I really don't think it's an issue these days. Children are exposed to so many different names that they just accept them as they are. And other associations don't seem to bother them much. I've known many Billys who don't care about the saying "silly Billy."

And as for being serious, I know a few grown women named Polly who are perfectly feisty and suit their names well. Plus, any Pollys today is part of the same generation as Millys, Mollys, Poppys and Ellies. 

I also love Flora for you. If it hadn't have been on your list already, I would most certainly have suggested it for you. I love it's sweet Scottish roots and gentle vintage style. 

 

Annabel – A pretty name which is historic and fresh at the same time. It is also a Scottish name. Originally Amabel (from Latin amabilis "lovable"), the name was rendered as Annabel in medieval Scotland and later spread beyond. Both Annabel and Annabelle are below the Scottish top 100. 

Clara – Ranking #134 in Scotland, Clara is a sweet vintage gem that sits beautifully next to Lillian. 

Sylvie – A gentle, delicate name which isn't too fussy or frilly. It is easy to spell and pronounce but only ranks at #416. 

Thea – Chic and sleek Thea is perfectly ladylike with a quiet strength. 

Estelle – Sweet Estelle is feminine without the frills -- much like Lillian. It also ranks below the Scottish top 1000, making it accessible yet uncommon. Both Estelle and cognate form Stella (also worth considering) mean "star" which feels quite appropriate for a child born during advent. 

Marnie – Easily accessible and ranking at #182, Marnie is a sweet vintage choice that feels perky and upbeat. 

Rosa – Also ranking jointly at #182 is Rosa. Feistier and bolder than dainty Rose, but just as sweet and feminine. 

Pippa – Like Polly, Pippa is an upbeat and lively name. Universally known but not popular,  Pippa also has a symmetry like Lillian. 

Adeline – Pretty Adeline a elegant and stylish. Accessible yet uncommon. 

Elspeth – A gentle, ladylike Scottish heritage name which ranks at #300. 

Mirren – In a similar vein to Megan is Mirren, with the added advantages of it being Scottish, less common (ranking #177 to Megan's #66) and also pretty nickname-proof. 

 

Morven – An even rarer Scottish choice is pretty Morven. It shares similar sounds to Megan with the stylish 'v' of Ava. 

 

Seasonal Choices:

Robyn – The cute robin bird has been tied to Advent and the Christmas period for centuries. Robyn is a frills-free feminine choice which makes an understated seasonal choice. 

Eira – A perfect winter choice is the Welsh name Eira meaning "snow." 

Celyn – Holly is the perennial favourite name in the run up to Christmas (it always hits the top 10 most popular names every December). For a rarer choice, consider the Welsh Celyn "holly." Or there is Amara, one of the holly species names. 

Winter – My wild card suggestion is Winter. Just as pretty as a name as Summer but ranking at #379. 

 

I hope this has been of use. Best wishes with the name hunting. 

 

 

UK Birth Announcements 31/10/16 - 6/11/16

A round-up of names from birth announcements announced in British newspapers in the last week.

Sources include a national paper (The Telegraph) and a broad range of local newspapers from across England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland.

Sibling names are in brackets. 

 

Boys:

Archie Robert James

Benjamin Michael (Toby Joseph)

Charles William (Harry David)

Charlie Albert (Ava Rose)

Edward Michael Henry (Emily Grace Fairles & Georgina Mary Beatrice)

George Leigh

Hector John Robert Cornelius (Arthur Mac Reginald, Matilda Macqueen Bliss & Primrose Constance Handley)

James David (Benjamin Thomas)

Jamie Richard-Michael

Joshua Matthew (Charlotte & Owen Thomas)

Logan Gray (Hamish Robert & Catherine Audrey "Cate")

Rocco Edward Millar (Florence & Rafferty Henry Bear)

Ruaridh Malcolm

Sandy James (Kenny & Isla Rachel)

Wilfred Charles Arikoglu

 

Girls:

Amelia Ivy

Annabelle Zara (Harriet Anne Mary)

Arabella Grace (Arthur Thomas Roy)

Cara Jeanne

Darcie Louise

Elizabeth Isla Yorke "Ellie"

Elladie Jayne

Emily Kate (Annabel Mary)

Gracie Pearl (Phoebe May)

Imogen Ruth

Isla Rose

Lily Maud

Lucie Elizabeth

Mary Elizabeth Anne

Molly Grace (Poppy Willow Elizabeth)

Olivia Denise Jennifer

Orla Rose

Poppy Alice Georgina

Savannah Lucy (Carter)

Sofia Rose (Ava Rose)

Sophia Anna Rose

 

Twins:

Millie-Rose & Christal-Rai