British Baby Names

Name Musings: August 2017

 

 

August started out on holiday on a little cruiser on the Norfolk broads with my family and has ended in a new classroom -- half completed before thirty children descend next week -- but has offered up plenty of interesting names. 

 

Camellia

Being on the Norfolk broads, away from civilisation, my main source of name-spotting was the names of other boats. One that particularly caught my eye was Camellia. 

Camellia is the name of a pretty flowering plant with pink or white flowers. It got its name from botanist Georg Josef Kamel whose name in turn is most likely a form of Camillus. 

In 2015, 4 girls were given the name Camellia in England and Wales. But with Amelia, Olivia and Emily occupying the top 3, I think there is so much potential for Camellia 

 

Clorinda

With no internet and very little phone signal on the boat, it was the perfect opportunity to indulge in summer chic-lit, happily commandeered from my came-prepared mum. This section from Katie Fforde's Summer at Sea really tickled me:

Now, I can't work out whether Ms Fforde was being ironic here and having a little chuckle at the desperation of some parents to have a "unique" name choice, or the way parents can often pick up on a "hot" new name and be heartbroken when there are several other children with the name at their nursery or play group. Or... perhaps not.

Clorinda -- which hasn't ranked at all in England and Wales in at least two decades -- is a literary name coined in the 16th century, possibly from the Greek Chloris "pale green, youthful, fresh."

 

Aibne

You may remember this Name Help post where Scottish Adrian and half-French Eloise were stumped for girls' names. Well, I'm delighted to share with you that they welcomed a little boy named Aibne Keziah Ferguson. 

Aibne (AYB-nee) is the Scottish form of the Old Irish name Aibhne (EV-nyə). The meaning is uncertain. Aibhne is the modern genitive for of the Irish word abhainn "of the river," but this could be coincidence. It may be connected to the Old Irish aoibh "smile."

 

Kezia

And while we are on the subject, Aibne's middle name, Keziah, hit headlines this month with the announcement that Scottish MP Kezia Dugdale has resigned as leader of the Scottish Labour party.

Kezia(h) is a biblical name, traditionally borne by one of the daughters of Job, meaning "cassia tree." In both France and Britain, the name is occasionally given to boys thanks to Nigerian guitarist Keziah Jones. 

Traditionally, Keziah is pronounced kə-ZĪ-ə (rhyming with Mariah ala Carey), however, in Britain, we tend to favour KEZ-ee-ə -- especially with the spelling Kezia. 

 

Temperance

I absolutely love antique virtue names: Patience, Prudence, Virtue, Verily, Verity, Mercy, Clemency, Amity... I could go on. Temperance is definitely on that list and I just delight to see it used, even on centuries-old records. Imagine my pleasure, then, to see this video by Help for Heroes featuring veteran Simon Brown and Temperance Pattinson, aged 5½. 

At the beginning of the video she says: "I'm called Temperance Pattinson, but everybody calls me Tempy, and I don't mind which one you call me. I like my real name best, but you can still call me Tempy."

How adorable is she? I love how she prefers her "real" name (i.e. full name) but accepts that people like to shorten it. 

Then she goes on to explain why she swam 100 metres and completed a triathlon to raise money for Help the Heroes. Quite an amazing girl! It makes me love the name Temperance even more.

 

 

Cormoran

The BBC has recently aired the first adaptation of J.K. Rowling's detective Strike series: The Cuckoo's Calling. Rowling wrote under her nom de plume Robert Galbraith, but in true Rowling style, the names are a delight for name-nerds. 

The series focuses on private investigator, Cormoran Strike. Cormoran is a name which comes from Cornish folk-lore as the name of a giant who built St Michael's Mount. The surname, Strike, "she came across by accident, the surname of the author of a book on Cornwall she happened across, immediately recognising it as right."

In the novels (and new adaptation) Cormoran is a son of a rock star. His name -- Cormoran Blue Strike -- certainly echoes this rockstar child vibe. 

Personally, Cormoran reminds me of the cormorant bird, and I wonder whether Rowling thought of this given that his right-hand woman is Robin.

In further swoon-worthy name-i-ness, Robin's full name is Robin Venetia Ellacott and other characters include Lula, Jago, Ursula, Cyprian and Leda to name a few. 

 

Kythe

Whenever I do a Sibling Spotlight, I can go a little "screen blind" flicking through thousands of census records attached to a particular name, generally with the same names repeated over and over. "John, Sarah, William, Mary.... Sarah, Mary, John, Elizabeth....William, Mary, John..." You get the idea. 

Then, every now and then, a truly unusual name will leap out at me, and the sheer glee I feel makes the hour after hour of trawling all worth it. 

One such name from this month's Sibling Spotlight for Hector was Kythé. 

Kythé Caroline Mackenzie was born in 1833 in Scotland, granddaughter of Sir Hector Mackenzie, 4th Baronet of Gairloch. Funnily, she's not the only Kythé or even the only Kythé Caroline. Not only were two of her granddaughters later named Kythe Caroline, Kythé Caroline Wright, daughter of John Wright, Justice of the Peace for Nottinghamshire was born in 1834 and Kythe Caroline Watson was born in Gairloch in 1835. 

The name Kythe most likely comes from the Scots word kythe meaning "to reveal, show, prove". The accent of the e, I believe, is a 19th century affectation to make the pronunciation of the 'e' apparent. 

 

Tephi

Another pleasing find from the Sibling Spotlight for Hector was Tephi.

Tephi is a pseudo-Biblical name (said to derive from the Hebrew taph "little one"), much talked about by 19th century British-Israelite authors. It's all very complicated, but apparently, Princess Tea (whose nickname was Tephi) was the daughter of Zedekiah, the last king of Judah. This Tea-Tephi was brought to Ireland by the prophet Jeremiah, married an Irish king and thus founded a line of Davidic kings that the current British royal family is descended from. The story is still hotly debated.** 

Nevertheless, the exposure in British-Israelite literature saw that three little girls were given the name in England and Wales in the 19th century: 1883, 1885 and 1892. 

Regardless of the validity of this legend, I think Tephi has a very sweet and appealing vintage sound. Part Tilly, part Effie. Today, Tephi is associated with designer Chessie Grievson's London fashion label, Tephi, recently worn by Pippa Middleton at Wimbledon. As Chanel, Kenzo and Dior are all used as "luxury" names, why not Tephi?

 

 

And, on a complete side note, I also went down the rabbit hole of the internet recently and ended up looking up Gabriella Wilde's family (the actress who plays Caroline Penvenen in Poldark). She has two sons with balancing androgynous first name/colour middle names: Sasha Blue (b. 2014) and Shiloh Silva (b. 2016). She has a sister named Octavia, half-siblings Olivia, Arabella, Georgiana, Isabella and Jacobi, plus "unofficial stepsisters" Pandora and Cressida. Quite a name-y bunch!

 

 

Name Help: A Brother for Rose

Kate is expecting her second baby. A boy! A brother to join daughter Rose. 

Kate writes: "my husband and I are struggling to decide on a boys name. Our daughter is Rose and we want something not too common, but will carry well in America and in the U.K. (He is American), and has a history.  He isn't as keen on British classics like Arthur and Rupert so...

On our lists we both like are:

Rex- but is it ready for a revival? Would it work well?
Rufus- husband isn't too sure on this though.
River- we both like but is it a bit too out there and it doesn't have a historical use.
Casper/ Caspar- both like but is it a solid name to use.
Ronan- I'm not as keen on this one.

Middle names would be Anthony Donald we think after family."

 

※    ※    ※    ※

 

Personally, I think Rex is perfectly usable. In fact, its super stylish! It is on a steep upward curve in England and Wales, going from #891 to in 2005 to #212 in 2015 and is set to rise further. It's at #632 in the US, but has lots of potential alongside the likes of Max, Jax, Knox etc. 

 

Jasper – If you like Casper but it feels a little unsubstantial, then perhaps Jasper strikes the right note. Perfectly historic and gentlemanly, Jasper also has a subtle nod to nature which links it nicely to Rose. While not incredibly common, Jasper is rising on both Britian and America (#104 and #209 respectively) so it is a little more 'solid' than Casper while retaining the same sound. 

Brooks – This suave and sophisticated surname-first name sits nicely between stately Rex and Rufus and earthy Ronan and River. In the U.S., it is a rising trendsetter having risen smoothly from #596 to #231 in ten years, and there are plenty of famous Americans sporting the name, including silent film actor Brooks Benedict (1896-1968) and baseball player Brooks Robinson (b.1937). It is rare in Britain but translates well, especially given that Brooklyn is more common for boys here. 

Roscoe – Another breezy surname-first name, which has plenty of history as a given name in America thanks to US senator Roscoe Conkling (1829-1888), a worthy Radical Republican who was strongly opposed to slavery. Thanks to him, the name was in the top 200 in America in the late 19th century and only fell out of the top 1000 in the 1970s. Perfectly ripe for revival. In England and Wales it has already risen steeply from #2458 in 2012 to #753 in 2015. 

Jonah – Smooth and affable Jonah is a stylish Biblical staple which ranks in the sweet spot of "not too common, not too uncommon" in both the U.S. and U.K. (#150 and #158 respectively). 

Rafe – Between Rex and Rufus is dapper Rafe, the phonetic spelling of the Southern English old pronunciation of Ralph -- a name with bags of history and class. 

Rhett – In America, Rhett fills the space that Rex does in Britain. Ranking at #220 and still rising, Rhett has a similar vintage and heroic charm with a touch of Golden-age Hollywood as Rex  does-- think Rhett Butler and Rex Harrison. It's still rare in Britain, but translates perfectly well. 

Everett – For a more common twist on Rhett, consider Everett, a name with plenty of history dating right back to the Carolingians. It's #114 in the US and, while only #1511 in E&W, it is on a steep upward curve, 

Asher – At #71 in the U.S., Asher is a friendly Biblical name (it actually means "happy") with lots of charm and heaps of style. It's #284 in E&W but has potential to rise further, especially given our fondness for Ashton and Ashley. 

Maxwell –  Marrying the sounds and style of Casper and Rex, dashing Maxwell ranks #111 in America and #128in E&W putting it nicely in the the sweet spot of popularity. 

Ezra – The hot and stylish biblical boy on the block.  Sleek Ezra is already #85 in the U.S. and rising at #127 in E&W (it won't be long outside of the top 100). It's not Noah-popular, but it is well known enough to sit well either side of the pond. 

Heath – Just as natural as River, ruggedly handsome as Ronan and smooth as Rex. Either a nature name in its own right, or a short form of literary Heathcliff (as with actor Heath Ledger), Heath feels simultaneously both fresh and yet as old as the hills.

Rowan – Part River, part Ronan. Rowan is both a nature name, and an anglicised spelling of Ruadhán -- in use since at least the 6th century -- so that 

Griffin – Griffin's pedigree is one with plenty of history. As an anglicised form of the medieval royal Welsh name Gruffudd (Griffith), Griffin was not uncommon in Tudor England. It is a "known" name but not common name in Britain, but at a stable rank of #229 in America. 

Judah– Sleek biblical Jude is #61 in E&W and #161 in America. A less common, but equally stylish and historic variant is Judah: #234 in the U.S. and #577 and rising in E&W. 

Bennett – Bennett feels like a tailored modern first name taken from the surname, but, in fact, as the medieval English vernacular form of Benedict, Bennett's credentials as a given name far exceed the surname. 

Reeve – Rex, Rufus and River make me think of sophisticated and cultivated Reeve. In the Middle Ages, a reeve was an official, estate manager or a king's officer, and even has a literary twist thanks to Chaucer's The Reeve's Tale from The Canterbury Tales. As a given name it dates from the 17th century (I actually have a great x7 uncle born in 1715 named Reeve), but the surname goes back to the 13th century, and the title of reeve itself is Anglo-Saxon, so its roots are well established. 

Xander – A sleek and preppy short form of ancient and heroic Alexander which has been used as a standalone name in Germany since at least the 16th century. At #201 in America and #277 in E&W, it is in the sweet spot of popularity. 

Soren – This Scandinavian form of the Roman family name Severinus. Søren (Danish/Norwegian) and Sören (Swedish) have been in use since at least the 15th century. The spelling Soren is now used outside of Scandinavia in the English-speaking world.

 

I hope this has been of use. Best wishes for finding the perfect name for your son. 

 

UK Birth Announcements 21/8/17 - 27/8/17

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:

Angus John

Archie Montague Clunie (Thea Celia Louisa)

Arthur John

Atticus Arthur Freddie (Henry)

Benjamin Philip (Jacob Peter)

Bradley Sean

Braydon David James (Liana & Phoebe)

Cole Brett

Dominic Joseph (Gabriella Molly)

Fredrick Luke (Barnaby Alexander "Barney")

Geordie Maurice Tosco (Phoebe & Ned)

Harry Anthony (Grace Ivy Rose)

William George (Amelia & Lukas)

 

Girls:

Alice Eliza

Amelia Helen

Annabel Rose

Annabella Lily Beatrice (Henrietta Rose Elizabeth)

Audrey Rose Alexandra

Ava Rose

Cecily Charlotte Parke (Elodie Jean Hedley)

Chalice Helen

Charllie Marie [sic] (Laila)

Ella Elizabeth

Hermione Mary (Arthur Ralph)

Iris Daphne Mary (Alfred Thomas Surjit)

Jessica Elizabeth Jackie

Lois Kathryn (A.J. & Lucy)

Mabel Gabrielle Eve (Henry George Oliver & George)

Margie Penelope (Arlo Finnian)

Matilda Irene (Olivia Rose)

Olive Francesca May (Evangeline Violet Grace)

Rosanna Patricia

Verity Hazel (Ralph David)

 

Twins:

Charles & Elisabeth

 

Name of the Week: Louis

 

 

Origin:

Louis is the French form of Clovis and Ludovicus, both Latinised forms of the Old High German name Chlodovech and its Frankish counterpart Hludowig.  Both names derive from the Proto-Germanic elements *hluda- "heard of, famous" (from which we get the English word 'loud') and *wiga "war, battle."

Usage:

The founder of the Merovingian Dynasty of Frankish kings, Chlodovech I (466-511) — commonly known as Clovis I — was the first Frankish king to unite all the Frankish tribes together, establishing a Frankish Merovingian kingdom for two centuries. Soon after his death, he was considered a hero and a model king*. For the French, he is the founder of France* and so it is little wonder that Louis became not only the most common regnal name for later French kings, but also the most successful of all French names.  Not only was Chlodovech (and its many variant forms) borne by several early Frankish tribal kings and three 9th century Frankish kings, during the Middle Ages, it was also borne by six Holy Roman Emperors, twelve French kings, two kings of Hungary and two French saints (one was Louis IX of France (1214–1270) and one was bishop Louis of Toulouse (1274–1297)).  By the early modern period, variant forms of Chlodovech had firmly established themselves across Europe: Louis in France, Ludwig in Germany, Luis in Spain and Portugal and Luigi in Italy.  The Old French form Loois was introduced to Britain by the Normans and quickly became spelt phonetically in English as Lewis and Lowis. The Red Book of the Exchequer in Essex in 1166 mentions a Lowis le Briton and the Curia Regis Rolls of Rutland in 1205 record a cleric with the Latinised name Lodowicus.  However, Lewis was never common in the Middle Ages. It does not rank at all in George Redmonds' survey of 1000 names from ten English counties 1377-81 or later in Smith Bannister's rank of top 50 names from 1538 to 1700 in England. It does appear once in my survey of names used in Elizabethan Norfolk, which shows it was in some use, even though it was uncommon.  Lewis was at least used enough to create the surname Lewis, Lewes, Lowis, Lowes and Lewison, however. Significantly, Lewis was used from an early date in Wales as an anglicised form of Llewelyn. As patronymic system of being called "son of" (ap) was the norm in Wales, when English surnames were enforced, any man known as "ap Llewelyn" (i.e. son of Llewelyn) would have been 'translated' as Lewis, and eventually these became hereditary surnames. Even today, Lewis is still a very common surname in Wales*.  From the 16th century, the surname encouraged the use of the given name — particularly in Wales where the practice of doubling names (i.e. Evan Evans) and adopting surnames as first names, like the old patronymic tradition, was common.  A survey of personal names used in Glamorgan in the 1851 census puts Lewis at #18 overall and #14 among men born before 1800. Data from the 1881 census also shows that both the surname Lewis and the given name were most common in Wales.  Data from the Surname Atlas In 1714, Georg Ludwig, King of Hanover, became King of Great Britain and Northern Ireland. Louis was used to render Ludwig and thus his regnal name became George Louis. This, arguably, "introduced" Louis to Britain. However, rather than replacing Lewis, or being used alongside it, Louis and Lewis became amalgamated together for a long time. The reason for this is that the English pronunciation of Louis was not the French LOO-ee, but the anglicised LOO-is, just like Lewis. During the 18th and 19th century, Louis and Lewis were used interchangeably as spellings. For example, Prince Frederick of Wales, son of King George II, was known both as "Frederick Lewis"* and "Frederick Louis"* equally. Similarly, many census records from the 19th century record the same person as "Lewis" in one decade and "Louis" in another, demonstrating how Louis was pronounced as Lewis at this time.  Even E.G.Withycombe's Oxford Dictionary of English Christian Names (first published in 1945) puts Lewis and Louis together and notes that: "The French pronunciation is used in Lowland Scots e.g. Robert Louis Stevenson." The implication being that the English pronunciation of Louis at this time is not the same as the French one. Louie was used as a given name in the 19th century, but this was largely a girls name — a diminutive for Louisa and Louise.  It would be wrong, however, to conclude that Louis in the French pronunciation was not used in Britain, especially given that it was such a common French name (notably used by a further six French kings from the 17th-19th century), as author Robert Louis Stevenson (1850-1894) bears out.  Birth rankings for England and Wales in the 19th century show that Lewis was always the more common form, and gradually declined with the turn of the 20th century.    Lewis Louis 1850: 1860: 1870: 1880: 1890: 1900: 1904: 1914: 1924: 1934: #45  #46  #40 #49 #55 #62  #70 #78 #98 — #96 #73  #63 #57 #68 #80 #78 #79 — — Both Lewis and Louis fell out of the top 100 by 1934. Lewis returned to the top 100 in 1984 at #66 and was #22 in 1994. Louis returned in 1994 at #66.  Both Lewis and Louis have been in the top 100 in England and Wales ever since. Lewis peaked in 2001 at #10 and Louis reached a peak in 2004 at #38.  By the end of the 20th century, the French pronunciation of Louis became more common in Britain. However, even today, Louis is still pronounced as Lewis in some cases. Perhaps that is why the spelling Louie has risen sharply in the last two decades, and now outranks Louis itself.    Louis Louie Lewis 1996: 1997: 1998: 1999: 2000: 2001: 2002: 2003: 2004: 2005: 2006: 2007: 2008: 2009: 2010: 2011: 2012: 2013: 2014: 2015: #61 (1001 births) #54 (1325 births) #50 (1433 births) #49 (1397 births) #46 (1516 births) #39 (1864 births) #41 (1721 births) #41 (1699 births) #38 (1976 births) #43 (1611 births) #54 (1350 births) #60 (1338 births) #59 (1205 births) #66 (1067 births) #69 (957 births) #68 (961 births) #81 (815 births) #77(827 births) #68 (999 births) #78 (854 births) #255 (112 births) #206 (161 births) #152 (230 births) #144 (240 births) #141 (268 births) #127 (338 births) #116 (415 births) #111 (470 births) #91 (637 births) #107 (534 births) #102 (579 births) #96 (668 births) #93 (729 births) #84 (757 births) #74 (904 births) #74 (887 births) #79 (832 births) #71 (868 births) #67 (1015 births) #63 (1002 births) #24 (3569 births) #21 (4065 births) #18 (4518 births) #13 (4916 births) #13 (4574 births) #10 (4636 births) #14 (4273 births) #13 (4056 births) #14 (3850 births) #19 (3343 births) #21 (3238 births) #16 (3468 births) #14 (3482 births) #21 (3008 births) #27 (2565 births) #39 (2035 births) #43 (1654 births) #46 (1329 births) #46 (1236 births) #56 (1148 births) In French-speaking countries, Louis remains popular: #1 in Belgium, #4 in France and #12 in Switzerland.

Famous Bearers:

Royalty: * 18 Kings of France from 815-1830.  * 6 Holy Roman Emperors. * 10 Dukes and 3 Kings of Bavaria.  * 2 Kings of Holland. * 2 Kings of Hungary. * 1 King of Portugal * Louis Mountbatten, 1st Earl Mountbatten of Burma (1900-1979), born "Prince Louis of Battenberg," uncle of Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh, British naval officer, last Viceroy of India (1947) and the first Governor-General of independent India (1947–48). Prince William (and -either directly or indirectly- Prince George) have Louis as a middle name in honour of him.  * Prince Louis of Cambridge (b.2018), second son of Prince William and fifth in line to the British throne. History: * Louis Gallodier (1734–1803), ballet master and choreographer. * Louis Spohr (1784–1859), German composer. * Louis Braille (1809–1852), inventor of braille. * Louis Vuitton (1821–1892), French fashion designer. * Louis Pasteur (1822–1895), French microbiologist and chemist. * Louis Sullivan (1856–1924), American architect. * Louis Blériot (1872–1936), French aviator and inventor. * Louis Chevrolet (1878–1941), racing driver and the founder of the Chevrolet Motor Car Company. * Louis Jouvet (1887–1951), French actor and director. * Louis de Broglie (1892–1987), French physicist and Nobel Prize laureate. * Louis Calhern (1895–1956), American actor. * Louis Armstrong (1901–1971), American jazz musician. * Louis Leakey (1903–1972), British paleontologist. * Louis Jordan (1908–1975), pioneering American jazz, blues and rhythm & blues musician and songwriter. * Louis Van Lint (1909–1986), Belgian artist. Contemporary: * Louis C.K. (born 1967), American comedian. * Louis Theroux (born 1970), British television broadcaster. * Louis Smith (born 1989), British Olympic gymnast. * Louis Tomlinson (born 1991), British pop singer. * Louis Almond (born 1992), British footballer. Literature and Other Media: * Louis de Pointe du Lac, main character in Anne Rice's Interview with the Vampire. * Louis Tully, character in the "Ghostbusters" movies. * Captain Louis Renault, character in the film Casablanca.

Variants:

Louie, Lewis (English), Loïc (Breton), Luigi (Italian), Luis (Spanish, Portuguese)

Pronunciation:

LOO-ee (UK, France); LOO-is (UK) [key]

Possible diminutives:

Lou, Lee

Sibling Names:

Harriet     Amelia     Eleanor     Sophia     Matilda     Imogen  Oliver     Frederick     Charles     Hugo     Oscar     Albert

Name Lists:

European Royalty   Gorgeously Georgian   Victorian Darlings   Slim Softies   Bronte Names   Operatic Appellations

 

If you like Louis you may also like:   Harvey, Elliott, Stanley, Gabriel, Hugh, George, Albert, Sebastian, Philip, Leon

Thanks to Rach for requesting this name.  

 

Sibling Spotlight for Hector

 

Below is a selection of British siblings with Hector, 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. For example "(William) Henry" would mean that person had the official name William Henry but was known familiarly simply as "Henry."

1590s: Hector Lachlan Finvola Katherine Donald John   1640s: Murdoch John Mary Ewen Julia Hector   1770s: Letitia Isabella Daniel Hector   1830s: Elizabeth Frances Frances Letitia Grace Dorothea Hector Stewart Crofton Toler Mary Hector Christine Isabella Kythé Caroline Lisette Scott John Inglis Harry Maxwell Georgina Elizabeth   Helen Donald Hector Robina Archibald Flora Christian (g)   Julia Harriett Sidney Longhursh Hector Nelson William Lewis James Agnes Eliza Emily Catherine Fanny Eliza Arthur Bruce Harry R.    Nicholas Joseph Julia Ann Matilda Theresa Clementina Louisa Hector Edwin Justinia Esidora 1840s: John  Alexander Catherine Hector Finlay Lachlan Hugh Euphemia "Effy" Murdo   Edward Wellington (b) - mother's maiden name Barbara Hector Washington (b) Forestina (g) Forester (b) Harriet Thomas Hannah Hector Olivia Utah (b) Deseret (g)   Priam John Phancy (g) Avis Joseph  Er (b) Hector   Virtue Pleasance Guildford Broughton (b) (Blanche) Josephine (Ernest) Nelson Hector Wellington Thirza Mahala Elvina Tamason Alice Alexandra   Hugh John Hector Flora Charles Sibella Duncan Margaret Alexandrina Mary 1850s: Emma Olivia Louisa Ann Amelia Agnes John Frederick Edward William Laura Matilda Hector Augustus Dinah Laurina Samuel Orlando Eugene Victoria (g)    Alice Emmeline Hector Clara Josiah Albert Reuben Maria Sarah Jane   Penelope Alma Sebastopol (g) - born at the time of the Battle of the Alma and the Seige of Sebastopol. Victor Hugo Cornelius Montalembert Hector Leonidas Maria Louisa Ernest   Kate Rebecca Harold Hector Nathaniel Ada Ann Horace Clark Harry Joseph Agnes Sarah Herbert George   1860s: Louisa Hector Theophilus Ada Emma Gilbert Ernest Arthur Frank Walter Ebenezer Alice Frederick James   Harry Clement John John Richard Rosa Priscilla Kate Emma Charles Emily Jane Hector Annie & Laura (twins) Blanche Bertha Victor Maud   1870s: Mary Agnes Julius Hector Celia Annie Adelaide Maud   Clementina Mills Annabella Scott Hector James   Mary Ann Dolina (William) Colin George Williamina Hughina William John Hugh Hector Sinclair   1880s: Alexander Primrose Daniel Stuart Hector Angelina Victoria   John George Barbara Ann Ernest  Edith Emily Ethel Selina Caroline Hector  Katherine Louisa   William John Jamesina Mary Hector Hephzibah Jessie (g) Alexina Edith   1890s: Hector James Victor George   Hector Soulbien Esme (g) Sylvia Adrienne   Margaret Annetta Murray Stewart Theodore Olive Euphemia George Graeme Violet Mary Constance Effie Stephanie Helen Hector William   (Baxter) Clifford Tephi Marianne George Herman Hector Chamberlain   Albert Edward Beatrice  Lawrence Florrie Edith Theodore Alexandra Everilda Hector Olive Florence

1900s: Hector Lorenzo Eglantine Marie Elizabeth   Bella Mary Gertude Matilda Elizabeth May James Walter Agnes Theresa Cecil Copping Valentine Victor Madge Evelyn Lawrence Arthur Patricia Camille Hector Kernot   Gaetano Paulo Lavinia Charlotte Victor Frederick Elvera Amelia Hector Redvers Vincent Charles Doris Violet   Evangeline Winifred "Eva" Hector Donald Leo Miller   Vernon St Clair Ernest Cecil Hector Stuart Ursula Gladys Ella Constance   Mary Beatrice Hector Austin Hercules Achilles Ivy Rosetta   1930s: Peter Simon Hector Rober Nicholas Ernest   1960s/1970s: Ptolemy Hector Augustus Jack Patricia Louise   Rachel Elizabeth Frances Thomas James Buchan Robert Alastair Howie Hector Michael Hepburn   Robert Harry Gavin Malcolm Hector George Douglas James   1980s: Molly Louise Hector Erskine Patrick Arthur Paris Matthew Richard Samuel Hugo   Kathryn Rose Georgina Clare Hector Grant   Hector Frederick Hugo Percy   Hector Donald Arthur Edwina Margaret Fiona Milo Edmund Courtney   Hector Adam Eleanor Kate Angus Richard   Hector George Amelia Elizabeth    William John Douglas Alexander Hector Gordon Geordie Robert Mungo   1990s: Hector Alexander Edward Kenneth Arthur Frederick   Georgina Lucy Hector James   Adelaide Elspeth Theodore Hector Aidan   Hector Aubrey Peter Honor Alison Averil Flora Rosalie Helena  Davina Martha Grace    Hector Hugh Rufus Frederick Toby David   Bertrand Wallace Hector Guy Drusilla Augusta  Cordelia Hero    2000s: Hector Alexander Sasha Nathalie Arthur Peter   Hector Ralph Charles Falconer Jack   Julius Michael Blanche Isabel Hector Charles   Isadora Cecily R. Camelia Anna Ena Rainbow Hector Blake R. E. Skye Sari S. R.   Hector Alexander Brisbane Cosmo Seymour Victor Felix Kenneth Strick   Hector Roland Cecily Margaret   Flora Emily Hector Charles Eleanor Rose "Nell"   Camilla Louise & Phoebe Victoria (twins) Oliver Patrick Hector Henry Xanthe Julia Francesca Maria Aloysius Michael Beatrice Grace Isadora Kallisto   Edward Albert "Ned" Hector John & Benedict William (twins)   Algernon John Gedge "Algy" Hector Orlando Gedge Violet Rose Maturin "Letty"   Hector Valerian Pandora Hope Valentine John   Jemima Fleur  Arthur Edward Peter Hector George Jocelyn   Saskia Anne Sophia Bee Algie James Hector Jack   Hector Alasdair MacLeod Floraidh Annabel Cousin   Isabella Aurelia Beatrice Hector James Raphael Octavia Benedicta Catherine   Hector John George Alexander Inigo Francis Alfred Michael Poppy Elizabeth   Flora Charlotte Anne Hector Peter Charles & Dougal Henry George (twins)   Hector Alexander Miranda Isabella Fergus Robert    Bertram Arthur "Bertie" Hector Otto Tabitha Ksenya   2010s: Hector Percy Algar Flora Alice Cressida Helena Christine Rufus William Henry   Hector Valentine & Clementine Mary (twins)   Hector Humphrey Sophia Willa Octavia Emma   Hector Anthony Francis Margot Elizabeth Ursula   Zinnia Kitty Hector Rasmus Hugo Rufus   Gabriel James Hector Fox & Rafe Michael (twins)   Hector Foxx Henrietta Verity Verity Beatrix   Hector George Florence Pixie   Merlin Charles Hector Sylvester & Lorcan Sebastian (twins) Ophelia Sylvianne Fortune    Iris Elizabeth Hector Donald & Alice Katherine (twins)   Ruairidh Donald Gregor Duncan  Hector Malcolm   Edward "Woody" Hector Geoffrey Jago Harry Ayre Alastair Peony Olivia   Alexander Charles Hector George Frederick & Artemis Elizabeth Clementine (twins)

 

 

Name Help: A Sister for Chloé and Léonie

 

Julia is looking for a name for her third daughter, to join Chloé and Léonie.  

Julia writes: "I am French and my husband is English and we are looking for a French name as this is important for us to make this origin part of their identity, especially with a traditional British surname.

Our first daughther is Chloé (not really french but didnt realise it when naming our daughter 9 years ago) second is Léonie... for this one we are thinking of Zélie. While I absolutely ADORE the name I am worried it is too similar to Léonie. My husband on the contrary likes the similarity but I prefer my children to have different sounding names.

 

Another thing that worries me -and to be fair it might be irrelevant -is that we are thinking of having another child in the future and should it be a boy we both love the name Félix, which I worry is once again too similar to Zélie.

 

I would greatly appreciate your views and advice on this dilemma!

 

Other names on our list were: 

Margot -- if we do not choose Zélie this would probably be second choice but I'm worried of the proximity with "Maggot."

Apolline -- but sounds a lot like Appalling and worried a lot of people would call her Apple.

Phillipine -- big no no from my husband.

 

Do you have any other suggestions?"

 

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To be honest, when I first read the first few lines of your email, the name Zélie came straight to mind before I read that it was your first choice. I think it's perfect. Soft, feminine, chic and stylish, effortlessly French and yet not too difficult for Brits.

I truly don't think Zélie is too close to Léonie. Yes they both end in -ie, with the second 'é', but the two-syllables versus three-syllables gives both a different rhythm for me. Félix, on the other hand, is rather close in sound, but the future is uncertain, and feelings towards names shift. What you have to ask yourself, I think, is if it is worth letting go an name you love for the sake of a name that may never come to be. 

Margot is another fantastic choice, and one I would certainly have suggested for you. I feel the same way about Margot that you do. It is my favourite spelling of the name, but I too find that final -t troublesome for my English-speaking mind. The good news is that, though Margot is the traditional French form, the spelling Margaux is actually the most popular spelling of the name for babies born today in France and Belgium. 

 

End with -e:

If you like names to be different, but your husband likes the similarity, why not embrace the fact that -- though they are distinct in sound -- both Chloé and Léonie end with the letter -e. Your third daughter could share this pattern while still having a distinctive name from her sisters.  

Camille – While Camilla has an upper-class quality in Britain, the French form Camille is sweet and gentile. 

Eloise – Both Eloise and Heloise (or Éloïse and Héloïse) are Old French names which have had centuries of use in France and a romantic heritage. At #101 in England and Wales it is also as familiar a French choice as Chloé and Léonie to Brits. 

Rosine – This French diminutive of Rose has all the appeal of Rose and Rosie but with an elegant twist. 

Juliette – This French diminutive of Julie is the original basis on which Shakespeare's famous Juliet is based. 

Josephine – It may have been adopted into English thanks to the wife of Napoleon, but Josephine's origins are thoroughly French and perfectly sweet. 

Soline – A versatile variant of Solange which ranks in France's top 100 currently. Also worth considering is alternate form Solène.

Méline – The same ending of Apolline and Phillipine is echoed in mellifluous Meline -- The French form of Melina -- currently at #105 in France.

Célestine – This 'heavenly' name shares the same style and rhythm as Phillipine but with a lighter feel. 

Lucienne – Lovely Lucie is a top 20 staple at the moment, but you may find it a little too close to Léonie. Longer form Lucienne retains all of Lucie's sweetness with added elegance and flourish.

Sabine – Sabine peaked in the 70s in France which means that it more commonly found as the names of French mothers rather then their children at the moment. Despite this, Sabine has a distinctly unique and chic style in Britain. 

Delphine – Like Sabine, Delphine reached its peak in the late 1970s in France but in Britain it is a sophisticated and stylish choice. 

Odette – Pretty princess name Odette is elegently French in style. In Britain it is easy to pronounce but also exotic. 

Ariane – Ariana is hot right now in the UK, so how about using the French version Ariane? Just as much appeal but more individual. 

Oriane – Similar in sound to Ariane, Oriane/Orianne derives ultimately from the Latin aurum "golden."

Émeline – The French diminutive form of the Germanic name Amalia which was introduced to Britain by the Normans. Victorian Britons revived it in the form Emmeline, giving it a gentile vintage style. 

Lunève – This is a bit of a wild card, I admit. A combination of Luna and Eve, this is a very rare name which is starting to get mention on French baby forums and even ranked in Quebec in 2015. 

 

Other Ideas: 

Lilou – Lilou is to France what Isla is to Britain. Back in 1997, it didn't rank in the French top 500 but by 2002 had broken into the top 100 and was #8 by 2010. With its short and sweet bouncy vowels, Lilou has just as much potential for success in Britain. 

Maëlys – A French feminine form of the Breton name Maël meaning "chief, prince, ruler." Maelys (without the tréma)  was in the French top 20 from 2007 to 2010 but it now ranks at #185 while Maëlys (which entered the top 100 in 2010) has now replaced it as the most popular spelling at #34 (plus Maëlle at #93, Maëlyne at #223, Maëlya at #227, Maëly at #261, Maëlie at #291 and Maëline at #295). 

Maylis – Similar to Maëlys, Maylis is the name of a French town which also doubles up as a girls' name in France. The spelling Mailys is a little more popular currently for French parents. 

Magali – If you love Margot but aren't sure, consider Magali -- a French (Occitan) form of Magdalene. 

Camélia – The French form of Camellia -- a lovely colourful flower. Not only does it look like an elegant twist on the #1 English name Amelia but also brings to mind the play and novel La Dame aux Camélias by Alexandre Dumas. 

 

 

I hope you find the perfect name for your daughter. Best of luck. 

 

UK Birth Announcements 14/8/17 - 20/8/17

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 Thomas

Blake James

Cassius Reece James (Milana Rosanna)

Ezra James (Zoe Violet & Zachary Peter)

Finbar Arthur Bulwer

Fletcher Mark

Fraser David (Ben William)

Frederick Noel 

Hamish Alexander (Annalise)

Harris James Robert (Lewis & Finlay)

Harrison Robert

Henry Alexander (Amy)

Innes Alexander (Callan Laurence & Freya Elizabeth)

Joshua Logan

Kulyn Richie 

Nico Robert (Ava & Jack Matthew)

Oliver William (Phoebe Mabel)

Rocco Ignacio Romeo (Rio Santiago Valentino)

Rufus Patrick King (Wilfred Douglas William & Rafferty Tom)

Wilfred Anthony Collis

 

Girls:

Arabella Alexandra (Henry David)

Ava Isabella

Ava Rose

Edith Jessica (Eilidh Arya)

Edith Rose 

Elisabeth Annie

Ella June (Callum John Wade & Evie Elizabeth Rose)

Flora

Helena Ellen-Ann (Elisabeth Georgiana Alice, Charlotte Victoria Louise & Eric Richard Albert)

Lucinda Rose

Madeleine Violet (Sebastian Henry)

Quinn Penelope Mary (Jack & Joshua James)

Róisín Kathleen

Sophia Dolly

 

Twins:

Lockie James Ian Hope & Star Victoria Flora Hope (Farleigh Elizabeth Winefride & Phoenix Vivyan Peter Hope)

 

Name of the Week: Hazel

Origin:

Hazel is the common name (scientific: Corylus avellana) for a deciduous broadleaf tree native to the Northern Hemisphere. They are commonly known for their edible nuts (hazelnuts) and historical use for building fences/housing in wattle and daub thanks to its flexible nature. It is so bendy in spring that it can be tied in a knot without breaking. The name for the hazel comes from the Old English word hæsl, hæsel, itself from Proto-Germanic *hasalaz (also the source of the Norse hasl and Germanic hasel) all of which derive from the ancient Proto-European root *koselo-.  Since ancient times, the hazel has been regarded as having magical qualities in Britain. To the Celts, the hazel was considered the 'Tree of Knowledge' with hazelnuts being described as 'nuts of wisdom'* and are mentioned in the Irish legend of Finn MacCool as the source of his wisdom.  Later, particularly in floriography (the language of flowers), the hazel came to represent reconciliation.  Hazel is also regarded as a golden-brown colour – taken from the colour of hazelnuts – and is often used to refer to eyes. "Hazel eyes" are regarded as being a mix of greens, golds and brown shades and are quite rare. The first instance of "hazel" being used as a colour in print comes from Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet (1592) when when Mercutio says to Benvolio: "Thou wilt quarrell with a man for cracking Nuts, hauing no reason, but because thou hast hasell eyes." Hazel has been used as a surname since the middle ages, also spelled Hazell, Hasel(l), Haisell, Heazel(l) and Hessel(s). This surname originally signified a person who lived by hazel trees and dates from at least the 12th century.

Usage:

Though Hazel looks like a typical Victorian nature name, it is very difficult to establish exactly when Hazel was first used as such. In the late 18th century and early 19th century, Hazel was used for both boys and girls and most likely represents use of the surname as a given name – especially given that the spelling Hazell is often found. Other similar surnames such as Hazelwood, Hazelrigg, Hazelhurst, Hazelton and Hazeldene were also adopted as given names.  Further muddying the waters is the occasional use in the 18th and 19th centuries of the Biblical name Hazelelponi which appears in the Old Testament for the sister of Jezreel, Ishma and Idbash of the tribe of Judah and is of intriguing etymology. There is anecdotal evidence of some of these girls names Hazelelponi going by the nickname Hazel.  If I were to try to pinpoint the specific switch from Hazel used as a general surname-name to conscious adoption of a nature name, I would place it in the 1880s. It was particularly in the late 1880s that floral names began to take off as a fashion (as we can see from newspaper articles and the rise of deliberately named floral sibling sets). It is also during the 1880s that Hazel became more regularly used and became more commonly used for girls (though boys did still receive the name at this point). Either way, for whatever reason Hazel was used as a given name, it was rare in the first half of the 19th century and still uncommon by the turn of the 20th century as births in England and Wales show: 1840s: 4 births 1850s: 8 births 1860s: 7 births 1870s: 24 births 1880s: 106 births 1890s: 424 births 1900s: 895 births Though these numbers look significant towards the end of the century, it is worth noting that in the 1890s this represent an average of 40 births per year, which puts it well below the top 200. It still ranked only #222 in 1900 when 80 girls were given the name that year. This means that, though Hazel became an 'established' name by the end of the 19th century, it was never a popular one in Britain.  In other English-speaking countries, however, Hazel did enjoy popular success in the late 19th century and early 20th century.  Hazel broke into the US top 100 first in 1886 at #81 and rose quickly to #22 by 1895. It enjoyed top 50 status continually until 1926 and didn’t leave the Top 100 until 1936. After such a long period of popularity, next came the inevitable decline as Hazel gradually fell in use over the course of the mid-20th century, finally leaving the top 1000 after 1975.  Though we don't have data as early as in the US, the picture for Australia and Canada is very similar. Hazel ranked in the top 50 of New South Wales in the 1900s, 1910s and 1920s, and was still in the top 100 in the 1930s, falling out by the 1940s.  In British Columbia, Hazel was in the top 100 from at least 1915 up until 1942.  Hazel finally reached the top 100 in England and Wales in 1924 at #69, rising to #44 in 1934, #47 in 1944 and finally #73 in 1954, after which it fell out of the top 100. It is interesting to note that just as Hazel was falling out of the top 100 in America, Australia and Canada, it was reaching a peak over here.  Hazel took off even later in Scotland. From ranking #65 in 1950 it remained in the Scottish top 100 up until the 1990s, though it never managed to break into the top 50 and steadily declined from 1994-2014.  It is tempting to look to Ethel, Mabel, Myrtle and Olive (also in the US top 100 in 1886) as style indicators for why Hazel took off in late 19th century America, but, with the exception of Myrtle, all these names were also in the England and Wales top 100 during the same period. The fact is, I'm at a loss to explain why Hazel wasn't as popular in Britain as elsewhere in the English-speaking world until much later. Popularity of names can be unpredictable and sometimes it they defy current name trends. This, however, does explain why Hazel has been a rising Edwardian-style revival recently in America, Australia and Canada, while over here it still has a retro feel. The last time Hazel was in the top 100 in E&W it sat between Jill, Joyce, Annette and Beverley. From 1996, Hazel has consistently ranked below the top 200 in England and Wales, reaching its lowest point of #469 (66 births) in 2002.  In the last few years, however, it has seen a not-insignificant rise, from #318 (147 births) in 2013 to #252 in 2014 and #219 (238 births) in 2015 showing signs of possible revival.  Similarly, in Scotland, Hazel reached its lowest point of #294 (14 births) in 2014 but has since started curving back up, ranking #252 in 2015 and #142 (34 births) in 2016.  Thanks to its late Victorian-Edwardian status, Hazel currently ranks in the top 100 in rest of English speaking world: #28 in New Zealand, #36 in Canada, #52 in America and #64 in Australia.

Famous Bearers:

History: * Hazel Hotchkiss Wightman, CBE (1886-1974), American tennis player. * Hazel Miner (1904-1920), American heroine who died saving her siblings during a spring blizzard in North Dakota. * Hazel Scott (1920-1981), jazz and classical pianist and singer. Contemporary: * Hazel R. O'Leary (b. 1937), former United States Secretary of Energy. * Hazel Byford, Baroness Byford (b. 1941), Conservative member of House of Lords. * Hazel O'Connor (b. 1955) is a British singer-songwriter and actress. * Hazel Blears (b. 1956), British politician and Labour MP for Salford. * Hazel Irvine (b. 1965), British television presenter. * Hazel Crowney (b. 1982), British-born Bollywood film actress. Literature and Other Media: * Hazel Bellamy, character in Upstairs, Downstairs (1971-75). * Hazel Lancaster, main character in book/movie The Fault in Our Stars. * Hazel Levesque, demigod daughter of Pluto in Rick Riordan's Heroes of Olympus series. * Hazel Williams, character on Gossip Girl (2007-12). * Hazel, a song by Bob Dylan.

Variants:

Hazell, Hazelle

Pronunciation:

HAY-zəl [key]

Possible  diminutives:

Hay, Haze, Hayzie, Zel, Zelie

Sibling Names:

Violet     April     Beatrix     Iris     Olive     Sadie  Jasper     Eli     Hugo     Douglas     Chester     Miles

Name Lists:

Vintage Names   Guys and Dolls   Arboreal Names

  

If you like Hazel you may also like:   Ruby, Maeve, Sylvia, Mabel, Vivian, Mavis, Stella, Audrey, Nancy, Rosa

Thanks to Charlotte for requesting this name.

 

Name Help: A Brother Name for Harry

Lucy is expecting her second baby -- gender unknown -- to join son Harry. 

Lucy writes: "We have three girls names that we both agree we really like: Florence, Cecily and Penelope. Boys names are proving more tricky, however....

For names we have ruled out: we adore Sebastian but cannot use it for family reasons. We love Wilfred but friends have named their children it recently so it's probably not an option. 
For names we both like: Noah but wonder if it's a bit trendy.  Also, Theodore with the possible nickname of Teddy but unsure of the combination "Harry & Teddy".

I like Jonty and Max. My husband likes Jack and Caspar. Do you have any other suggestions that we can consider?!"

 

※    ※    ※    ※

 

 You have a great list to work from with a wide appeal so there are several names that I can suggest which are similar to those on your list.

 

Jasper – Mix together Jonty, Jack and Casper and you get gentlemanly Jasper. Just on the cusp of the top 100, it is a familiar name but uncommon enough to be interesting. 

Maxwell – Max with a bit of a twist. Maxwell is an affable and stylish traditional with a tailored appeal. 

Rex – With the sounds of Max and the dapper appeal of Casper, regal Rex -- already at #127 in the South West as of 2015 -- has a rising profile which puts it in the sweet spot of being "a little bit different but not outlandish."

Jonah – If Noah feels a bit to trendy, how about Jonah? Just as Biblical and stylish with similar sounds but far less expected. 

Lucas – Max and Casper share the same strong k and s sounds. Sleek Latin Lucas also shares these stylish sounds and is both a traditional and modern choice. 

Dominic – The same debonair classical Greek/Latin saintly style of Sebastian and Theodore is reflected in distinguished-yet-down-to-earth Dominic. 

Edward – As regal and historic as Harry, Edward is an undisputed classic with a quirky edge. Teddy is a traditional nickname for Edward, as is Ned. 

Reuben – Sitting between Sebastian and Noah for style is gentlemanly Biblical Reuben which feels dignified and unpretentious at the same time. 

Ralph – Wilfred's affable grandad--vinatge-chic is echoed in Ralph - a cheerful name with Viking heritage. 

Chester – With a similar sound to Casper combined with Wilfred's convivial charm, Chester is a happy-go-lucky vintage choice with plenty of charm. 

Felix – A refined name with the slick and fashionable x ending. It's upbeat meaning of "happy, lucky, blessed" is one of its many endearing qualities. 

Gabriel – As sophisticated as Theodore and Sebastian and as amiable as Casper and Jonty, biblical Gabriel literally has the word "hero/warrior" in its etymology. 

Tobias – With its genial Dickensian vibe, Tobias sports the fashionable -s ending giving this traditional a modern edge. Sleek variant Tobin is also worth considering. 

Arthur – Solid, heroic, regal and also pretty darn cute as well. Arthur is a staple for young British boys today but it still retains a quirky appeal. 

Winston – An undeniably heroic name with heaps of cheery, jovial charm. 

Rufus – Just like Harry, Rufus has its roots in medieval English kingship. Today it feels delightfully amiable and cheerful. 

Leon – Leo's sleek and cultivated big brother. Leon is straightforward and fashion-forward. 

Franklin – With Frankie a trending popular choice at the moment, Franklin is getting some attention for its sweet and serious vintage style.

Louis – Royal Louis has an ancient history, but that doesn't  detract from its fashionably modern sound and style. A great complement for Harry. 

 

 

I hope this has been of use. Best wishes for finding the perfect name for your son. 

 

Finds from 1876

 

1876 - the year that Queen Victoria became "Empress of India" and Scottish inventor Alexander Graham Bell filed a patent for the telephone.

Below is a selection of names from the GRO Birth Records for England and Wales in 1876. All are first names and middle names — the surnames are not included unless indicated by 'sn' — and have been checked against other records for accuracy.

Abednego Harvey Aberhard Rudolf  Abid Ellateef Abijah Stephen Achille Herbert Charles Adin Asaph Admiral Noah Adolphus Orvel Aeneas Henry Agathos Daniel Agrippa William Ahmed Laban Aidyl William Papworth Alaric John Alewyn Henry Alonso Christian Valentine Alured Humphrey Amaziah Henry Amos Adalbert Aneurin Erasmus Aquilla Ernest Araunah Charles Archelaus Job Arrowsmith Arundel Castle Asceline Fitzarthur Ashantee Henry Austin Napoleon Ballantyne Beautymine (sn: Blake) Baptist Andrew Bristo Cornelius Broxholm Woodrow Caesar John Cajaction Diasantius Herbert Rivatt Camille Harmodius Captain George Cave Ludford Collingwood Valentine Colonel Nelson Corbulious Coates Count Lorenzo Curwen Randolph Denchfield Fleet Derwen Maddock Trevor Dick Christmas Doctor Albert Donnison Mattison (sn: Gibson) Duke Ernest Egbert Ethelred Energetic Alfred Engelbert Lutyens Rothwell Epaphroditus Simeon Eustace Sylvanus Fenwick Fryer Fildecevvra -- brothers were named Tralaverio Stansfield and Le'Gran Omega.  Gamble Ekin Vickers Giordano Bruno Glaucus Walter Goliath Gwillym Golyddan Hedley Esau Hetherington Smedley Hyacynthe Eldred Rewse Inflexible Reuben  Iphis Knapton Justinian George King Arthur Lancelot Leopold Leonidas Robert Linnaeus James Lyulph Ydwallo Odin Nestor Egbert Lyonel Toedmag Hugh Erchenwyne Saxon Esa Cromwell Orma Nevill Dysart Plantagenet ("L.Y.O.N.E.L. T.H.E. S.E.C.O.N.D") Naphtali James Narborough Montague Nehemiah Oswald Neptune Henry Nicolas Leonidas Normington Sinkinson (sn: Sellers) Offin Edmund  Omer Kelita Onesimus Josiah Orpheus Vincent Parmenas Joshua Paulus Aurelian Winthorpe  Pericles Pharaoh James Prince Ebenezer Tulip Percy Urban Godfrey Lloyd Xenophon Henry Zacharias Nicodemus Zoram Eber C.

Achsah Ann Addie Florentia Adeline Urania Adelini Myrtilla  Adeliza Priscilla Adolphine Julia Ethel Gertrude Adora Beatrice Adrielle Winifred Afra Ellen Agenora Constance Agostina Maria Alcestie Maud Aleida Marguerite Alexina Edith Algerina Almeida Julia Alsina Helen Marion Alverella Louise St Aubin Ambrozine Philippa Aminda Lauretta Anetta Lucy Aniceta Maria-del Pilar Ankaret Hyde Clare Anselena Sarah Anstice Matilda Appolonia Pelagia Argentine Martha Ariadne Belinda Ariel Jane Marion Armetrude Charlotte Violet Arminell Rosa Asenath Estella Averietta Maud Aynhoe Julia Ellen -- born in the village of Aynhoe Azeline Elizabeth Barbarina Mary Bathia Berry Bolina Daisy Bonella Clara Britannia Louisa Britomart Theodosia  Bruerton Isabel Camilla Gustava Emma Bligh  Cassidena Barbara Celestine Naomi Cincinata Caroline Comfort Berinthia Constance Ethelwynne Cordelia Zenobia Cristabella Priscilla Desdemona Rosina Effie Ophelia Eglah Lydia Enriqueta Celestina Erinthia Evangeline Everilda Florence Evangeline Andrewartha Galatea Leonora Gesine Martha Haidee Helen Happiness Hazelelponi Hedwig Theodora Rosamond Hildegarde Eveline Land Hughina Marion Hypatia Violetta Isolina Athanea Ivy Clelia Guilietta Jessamine Emmaline Kerenhappuch Maria Kingbro Winifred Leopoldina Caroline Lina Onyx Nathalie Alphonsina Nellie Otilia Nora Thusnelda Norina Lillian Sheridan  Obedience Olliff Virginie Orlinda Bessie Pauline Alphonsine Percina Lizzie Prima Josephina Prissy Rose Urania Antoinette Urettia Jane Windsor (sn: Castle)  Yetta Jochebed Zara Lillias Zingra Jane Zorella Louisa

For a look back at previous years' "Finds from" posts, click on the category links below ↓