Baby Name of the Day- Juliette

Today's name is Juliette.
JULIETTE
Gender: Feminine
Usage: French
Pronounced: zhoo-lee-ET [key]
French diminutive of JULIE

The SS list, lists the name Juliette at the number 549 spot. Juliette first appears on the SS list at number 606 in 1881. It decreased in popularity until 1892 then slowly rose in popularity until the 1910's. The name became less popular through to the 1970's but held on in the top 1000. After 1972 Juliette fell of the top 1000 for years, and didn't make a return until 1995 when it held the 962 spot. It has slowly but steadily risen in popularity since. It's still a very uncommon name at the number 549 spot, but might increase in popularity due to current name trends.

I personally prefer the Anglicized form of Juliette; Juliet, this spelling was first used by Shakespeare for the lover of Romeo in his play 'Romeo and Juliet' (1596). Juliette has a softer younger feel to it than Juliet. It has become quite a popular suggestion for people to throw out on baby name forums. I can definitely see it's appeal. Juliette has a soft yet modern look to it, but sounds the same as the well known classic version of Juliet. I was very surprised to learn that Juliette is a diminutive name for Julie, and not the proper name to the diminutive sounding Julie.
I think Juliette is a lovely name that suits very well any little girl. It is strong, yet sweet and soft. It's familiar yet not overused and boring. The name is very whimsical and flowing to me. It reminds me of a princess in a fairy tale, a very girly name indeed.

First/Middle names for Juliette I think would need to be either short and sweet or a bit stronger than the more gentle feel of Juliette. Names I would suggest:

Juliette Claire
Juliette Estelle
Juliette Corinne
Juliette Catherine
Juliette Hope
Elise Juliette
Elizabeth Juliette
Christine Juliette
Melody Juliette
Meredith Juliette
Lydia Juliette

The flow is important here. The -et- ending on the name Juliette can be tricky to pair with a strong feminine name with out falling into a default name (as a middle) such as Marie, Rose, Ann, or Lynn. All traditional middle names, and yet boring and uncreative at the same time. It takes a bit more time and consideration to pair a good strong name when using Juliette than say a more commonly used name like Emily or Abigail.

Alternatives for Juliette might be:

Juliet (obviously)
Judith
Judy
June
Julia
Julie
Juliana
Julianne
Julissa
Juniper

I tend to find Judith a nice strong name, but maybe a bit dated. Julianne is a very pretty name that is also underused and would probably be a bit easier and flexible to find a first/middle pair. Julissa is one I don't hear much and has a younger sound to it. Juniper is very unique but not so different as to be trendy. Which ever your choice may be I think these similar names; and Juliette it self, would be a lovely choice in a world full of Emma's, Emily's and Madison's.

Overall I think Juliette is a nice choice that will stand the test of time. I find the name whimsical yet not too young, as it will age beautifully into adulthood. The common nickname Julie is also one that works well in the adult world as well as on a young girl. I actually have become a bit more fond of the name Juliette just doing this review, which is a rare thing indeed. :)

~Jaesus

Baby Name of the Day- Reagan

Today's name is Reagan.
REAGAN
Gender: Feminine & Masculine
Usage: English, Irish
Pronounced: RAY-gən [key]
From an Irish surname, an Anglicized form of Ó Ríagáin meaning "descendent of Riagán". The name Riagán possibly means "impulsive". This surname was borne by American president Ronald Reagan (1911-2004).

The SS lists Reagan at the number 141 for 2008 for a girl. The name first appeared on the SS list in the year 1975 for girls at the number 947 spot. The following year in 1976 it dropped of the top 1000 completely only to show up yet again the next year in 1977 at the number 952 spot. Reagan fell off and on the list until 1981. It stayed off the list from 1981 to 1992, the following year in 1993 it showed up at the number 950 and made a huge leap to the number 704 spot in 1994 and again in 1995 at the number 575 spot. It's popularity increased very quickly the last part of the 90s. It peeked out at the number 138 spot in 2005. Reagan holds a strong spot at number 141 for girls.

The SS lists Reagan at the number 972 for 2008. The name first appeared on the SS list in the year 1996 at the number 931 spot. It has had a short run on the list, slowly gaining popularity and peeking out in the year 2004 at the number 595 spot, then slowly falling back down the list to rest at number 972 for boys.

I personally do not see the appeal for this name on a girl. For me it is neither feminine or remotely pretty. I see this as a very masculine name. On a girl it seems awkward and unfitting. On a boy Reagan is strong and well rounded. The popularity for this name on girls I believe started with the movie The Exorcist. The possessed girl, played by Linda Blair, was named Regan. The popularity wavered and then bounced back soon after Ronald Reagan took office as President of the United States.
There are a few alternate spellings for Reagan in the feminine form- Regan, Reagan, Raegan and even Rhegan. For me the most feminine spelling would be Raegan, but pronounced ree-gan not ray-gan. For a boy I prefer the spelling Regan or Ragan.

I don't find this name horrible as a whole, just very masculine. It's hard for me to find a name that fits with Reagan in a feminine sense, while matching masculine names with Reagan is not a problem for me at all.

First/Middle names for Reagan I think would have to fall into either the extreme feminine or the extreme masculine to help determine which gender this name is on. To use another possible unisex name would invite unwanted questions for your little one for the rest of their lives. I certainly wouldn't recommend using names such as Jamie or Taylor. For me it goes a step further even. With the rise in names being used on girls that for the most part are boys names you'd probably want to stay away from names like Riley, Evan, Kyle, Blake, Avery, Aubrey, and Mackenzie just to name a few popular "stolen boys names now turned girl names".
Some first/middle suggestions for boy and girls would be-

Girls:
Reagan Elise
Reagan Ciara
Reagan Louise
Reagan Kate
Reagan Dawn
Natalie Reagan
Lydia Reagan
Amelia Reagan
Eleanor Reagan

Boys:
Reagan James
Reagan Thomas
Reagan Donovan
Reagan Henry
Reagan Brody
Wesley Reagan
Lucas Reagan
Matthew Reagan
Eric Reagan

Alternatives for this name, obviously first and foremost would be the alternate spellings. Other alternatives for Reagan could be-

girls-
Reegan
Regina
Rehan

some a bit different but similar-
Meagan
Teagan

boy-
Reegan
Reginald
some a bit different but similar-
Fagan
Sagan

Overall I find the name Reagan a nice choice for boys, but one that is not quite feminine enough to sway me to consider this for a girl. I fear in time it will go the way of Brandy, Gerri, and Billie which sound like poor hick names. Reagan on a boy does sound very masculine, but it's over popularity on girls over shadows it's appeal with most people. Which I find a shame. This is one of those names that should have never been touched by feminine use.

~Jaesus

Family Name Review Day- Ronald

*Photo courtesy of my dad, Ronald Shaw*

Today's family name review will be on my dad's name, Ronald.
RONALD
Gender: Masculine
Usage: Scottish, English
Pronounced: RAHN-əld [key]
Scottish form of RAGNVALDR, a name introduced to Scotland by Scandinavian settlers and invaders. It became popular outside Scotland during the 20th century. A famous bearer was American actor and president Ronald Reagan (1911-2004).

The ss lists Ronald at the number 308 spot for 2008. Ronald first appeared on the top 1000 list at number 868 in 1883. The name's popularity rose quickly over the next 20 yrs and by 1908 it was at the number 247 spot. It's peek was in 1941-1943 at the number 9 spot. This was most likely due to the actor, ( and Future US President) Ronald Reagan. From 1950 to 1958; during the time frame my father was born, Ronald was in the top twenty. It slowly lost popularity after 1959 and rests at the 308 spot today.

I love this name. It's Scottish and I'm a huge fan of Scottish and Irish names. For the meaning one had to look up the Scandinavian name that Ronald was derived from; Ragnvaldr which means "counsel, advice" and "ruler". When I think of this meaning and my dad I smile. It's dead on with who my dad is.

I have met a few Ronald's but not many and I think that's a plus when you are looking for a name that most people know, but not too many have. Ronald is a strong masculine name, no stealing for fad girly naming here. Most people who dislike this name make two comments, 1. "It reminds me of Reagan" or 2. "It reminds me of Ronald McDonald". I can understand if you are not a fan of Reagan then Ronald might not be something you'd entertain, but the "McDonald" excuse is just immature really. Sure I'm biased to this name, but it's not a horrible name.

Middles or Firsts for Ronald are not too hard to come up with. Ronald has a nice round feel to it and goes with many many names. some I would consider (or have chosen myself)-

Ronald Gavin
Ronald Garrett
Ronald Thomas
Ronald Marcus
Ronald James
Ronald Connor
Ronald Dean
Ronald Wyatt
Hayden Ronald (what I named my youngest child actually)
Patrick Ronald
Lucas Ronald
Aaron Ronald
Eric Ronald
Benjamin Ronald
Nathan Ronald

I think Ronald makes a great first or middle name. My favorite combo with Ronald as a first name is a middle name that starts with a G. Could be my bias speaking again since my dad's middle name starts with a G, but it does sound nice. I think with Ronald as a middle name a softer ending on a first name is best, usually with an N ending or an S ending such as Lucas or Benjamin.

Alternatives for Ronald might be-
Ronaldo
Reynold
Randall
Roden
Ronan
Rondell
Ronnie
Ron
Ronwen

Some alternatives are obvious, others are a bit more whimsical but I don't think any are too far from the original Ronald to not be a true tribute name. Ronan seems to be one that stands out for me. Said row-nan, it's a very interesting alternative and sounds a bit more modern than the classic sounding Ronald. Ronnie is usually considered a nickname for Ronald so I cannot see this as a proper name, but I do have a soft spot for it because it is in fact, my dad's nickname amongst family, and Ron is his nickname professionally.

Overall I think Ronald's is a well known but under used name. It's masculine and well rounded. Ronald would make a nice first or middle name and flows really well with names that end in N or S. This name is great for a baby and due to it's nicknames (Ronnie and Ron) it is easy to transition from childhood to adulthood with this name. I would like to hear it more often as I find Scottish names very strong and whimsical in a way. A great choice if you're looking for an under used yet very heard of name.

(note: I'm not asking the Y!A community about this name because it's a family name, and one I know most people do not like, and I'd rather not read people bashing the hell out of my dad's name.)

~Jaesus

Baby Name of the Day- Austin

Today's baby name is Austin.
AUSTIN
Gender: Masculine
Usage: English
Pronounced: AWS-tin [key]
Medieval contracted form of AUGUSTINE (1). Modern use of the name is probably also partly inspired by the common surname Austin, which is of the same origin. This is also the name of the capital city in Texas.

The SS lists this name at the number 55 spot for 2008. The name Austin first appears on the SS list at the number 220 spot in 1880. It kept a pretty steady spot in the 200s and 300s until the 60's-70's when it dropped into the 400s and 500s. Slowly after 1972 Austin started to gain popularity again and by 1982 it was at the number 156 spot. Austin entered the top 100 in 1986 at the number 90 spot, and jumped to number 10 in just 9 short years. Austin's peek was in 1996 and 1997 at the number 9 spot for both years. After 1999 the name has slowly lost popularity and now rests at a nice spot at number 55.

I personally love this name. It's one of the few "place names" that I enjoy hearing. There is a certain roughness about it, something that is very manly and chiseled sounding. In my imagination (purely my own silliness of course, lol) I picture a well formed roughneck, dirty and tired from working on the rig. A pair of piercing blue eyes, brown hair, square jaw, nice smile and a slight dimple. A total "Texan", but NOT a cowboy. Just someone really manly and handsome. This could of course be caused by the fact that I was born and raised in Texas, and this is one of the many "good 'ol boy" names used in West Texas were I grew up. There is a collection of names in this area of Texas in which has that rough, hard working, manly feel to them, and Austin is in this category.

I personally enjoy the name Austen (with an e) better, but my love of this name isn't for the rough nature and hometown ties, it's because of Jane Austen the author. I separate the names Austin and Austen as two totally different 'feels'. Austin is rough and manly while Austen is handsome and elegant. Austin is steak and potatoes and Austen is veal and caviar. Also Austin is the state capital of Texas (yes, not San Antonio or Dallas like most Yankees think. *wink*), so i do prefer the Austen spelling as not to seem too corny...I love Texas and I am a proud Texan, but I'm not naming my kids Austin, Dallas, Houston or Antonio; but Austen is great. lol

Middle and First names for Austin-

Austin James
Austin Christopher
Austin Lucas
Austin Brody
Austin Edmund
Vincent Austin
William Austin
Douglas Austin
Kyle Austin

I think Austin is a fairly hard name to pair, but it's not too difficult. Finding the right flow and rhythm is what is the hardest. I think it would be a better first name than middle, though I do like the flow of it with a longer surname when it's used as a middle.

Alternatives for Austin-

Obviously my favorite Austen.
Aubrey (yes, this is masculine but ill leave it for another blog)
Aubren
Auden
Audi
August
Augustus
Augustin
Auren

Many of these alternatives are quite nice. I love Aubrey, but it's over use on girls (dag-nabbit!) turns me off too much. Aubren is a great one, has the feel of both Austin and Aubrey and is very masculine in look and sound. The traditional August and Augustus are great, but may only appeal to certain crowds. Auren and Auden a classic alternative with a modern feel. I think both of those would appeal to a very wide crowd of parents. Any of these names would make a great choice IMHO. 

Over all I find Austin very appealing and quite uncommon, though heard of. It has a very masculine quality to it that is very nice, and yet spelled slightly different it can have a real regal look. The name fits great with a well chosen middle or first name and balanced surname. The alternatives are great and vast. I really think this is one of those fast risen and fast fallen names that should have stuck around on the top 10 for just a tad longer. It's sparkle has not faded yet.

~Jaesus

Baby Name of the Day- Troy

Today's name is Troy.

TROY
Gender: Masculine
Usage: English
Pronounced: TROI [key]
From a surname that originally denoted a person from the city of Troyes in France. This was also the name of the ancient city that was besieged by the Greeks in Homer's 'Iliad'.

The SS lists Troy at the number 231 spot for 2008. The name Troy first shows up on the list in 1880 at the number 742 spot. The following year it dropped to the number 859 spot in 1881 but had a dramatic rise in popularity the following year in 1882 at the number 467 spot. From there it's popularity slowly rose over the next hundred years and by 1982 was sitting at the 115 spot. Troy's peek in popularity was in the 60's and 70's when the name held spots from number 67 in 1962, number 40 in 1967 and 1968, number 69 in 1975 and finally lost favor in 1979 at the number 99 spot, after which Troy lost it's place in the top 100. It's popularity has decreased steadily ever since and now resides at the number 231 spot for 2008. A nice spot really.

I personally do not care for the name at all. To me it definitely screams "70's action movie star". I have known a few Troy's growing up..all babies from the 70's during it's most popular peek. The name does have a certain appeal being a reference to Homer's Iliad. However it's abrasive, short sound dates the name terribly I'm afraid. I honestly cannot recommend a name that I truly think has seen it's 'glitter' and has now faded. However, perhaps as a family name tribute I could see my way around the dated "fad" sound of the name. Troy was to the 70s as Aiden is to the 2000's, a "trend" name. I don't much care for trend names, but they have their time in the spotlight and certainly before they became so very popular they were unique and fresh.

Middle names for Troy in my opinion need to be carefully considered. Troy is a very abrupt, abrasive sounding name that something a bit more well rounded is needed in order to balance out the flow. Also taking into consideration the flow of ones surname is important. Someone named Troy Robinson sounds well rounded and full, rather than say someone named Troy Flint which is very abrupt and choppy. You'd have to have a spectacular middle name in the there to win me over with that first/surname combo. So if you have a short surname I'd recommend a decent flowing middle. If you have a long surname I'd recommend a full but short 2 syllable middle name.

For instance-
Troy Deveraux- middle suggestions- Patrick, Clinton, Marcus, Dylan
Troy Smith- middle suggestions- Alexander, Timothy, Christopher, Donovan

Taking ALL names into account pairing Troy will be no problem. I do recommend a name that flows well and is evenly balanced, otherwise Troy just sounds and old and dated as it truly is. Taking the length, middle and surname into account will help you bring a fresher sound to an old classic name.

Overall I think Troy is workable if one is prepared to really work with and mull over good middles that flow well from start to finish, otherwise you'll end up with a choppy odd sounding mess. I personally wouldn't use the name Troy because I find it too short and abrasive sounding in general, but if this name was to honor family in some way; or you're just a huge Homer fan, I can understand the significance. An -iffy name with some potential.

~Jaesus

Baby Name of the Day- Isaac

Today's name is Isaac.
ISAAC
Gender: Masculine
Usage: English, Hebrew (Anglicized), Biblical, Biblical Latin
Pronounced: IE-zək (English) [key]
From the Hebrew name יִצְחָק (Yitzchaq) which meant "he laughs". Isaac in the Old Testament was the son of Abraham and the father of Esau and Jacob. As recounted in Genesis, God tested Abraham's faith by ordering him to sacrifice his son, though an angel prevented the act at the last moment.
As an English Christian name, Isaac was occasionally used during the Middle Ages, though it was more common among Jews. It became more widespread after the Protestant Reformation. Famous bearers include the physicist and mathematician Sir Isaac Newton (1643-1727) and the science-fiction writer Isaac Asimov (1920-1992).

The SS lists the name Isaac at the number 37 spot for 2008. Isaac first appears in the top 1000 in the year 1880 at the number 62 spot. It steadily lost favor over the years and by 1967 was at the number 379 spot. After that year Isaac slowly but steadily returned to favor and it's popularity increased until today as it rests nicely in the number 37 spot.

I personally like the name Isaac, but it's not one I would use myself. The appeal of this name is understandable. It's classic, and strong. A very masculine name and not likely to be "stolen" by the 'boy-name-turned-girl-name-fad' groups out there who have destroyed such great boy names as Elliot and Evan. Isaac has the feel of other biblical names as Isaiah, Elijah and Ezra. It's not an overly popular biblical name such as Noah, Paul, Luke, and esp Matthew, Mark, Michael, and John. Isaac has a very ancient feel to it that I love. I am a huge fan of ancient names, and the beauty of them is sometimes lost on modern parents. They pick names solely because they "sound good" and not for the meaning and/or history of the name, which I find a shame.


Middle names for Isaac that I think would work well, well...honestly I think just about any style would work. I also think it would work with something equally masculine or a bit softer in feel. I also think Isaac would work well as a middle name also. Isaac is a versatile name and one that I believe will be popular for a good long while. I think it's popularity will increase before it drops again.

First/Middle combos I like-
Isaac Henry
Joseph Isaac
Isaac Andrew
Lucas Isaac
Donovan Isaac
Isaac James

A very masculine name indeed, and it's pairings are anything from very masculine to cute masculine. I think with the perfect pairing it would be a very professional name as well.

Alternatives for Isaac-
Isaiah
Isaias
Ismet
Ismail
Israel
Issay
Ishmael
Istvan

Overall I think Isaac is a very nice masculine name that is popular, heard of and nice yet not overused too much. I think it would work great as a first name or a middle name and I think it has great alternative names as well. It's not for me personally, but I do see it's mass appeal for it's uncommon beauty and strength.

~Jaesus

Name of the Day- Maeve

Today's name is Maeve.

MAEVE

Gender: Feminine

Usage: Irish, Irish Mythology

Pronounced: MAYV [key], and in some places MAY-vee

Anglicized form of the Gaelic name Medb meaning "intoxicating". In Irish legend this was the name of a warrior queen of Connacht. Her fight against Ulster and the hero Cúchulainn is told in the Irish epic 'The Cattle Raid of Cooley'.

The SS lists Maeve at the number 638 spot for 2008. The name Maeve showed up on the 1000 list in 1997 at the number 953 spot, and increased in favor over the next 10 yrs. By 2007 it had reached it's peek at the number 619 spot but slipped the following year in 2008 to 638. The name Maeve is ranked at number 455 in Scotland and does not appear on any top 1000 list for England or Ireland. Maeve is ranked at number 491 in Alberta Canada, at 427 in British Columbia Canada, and at 453 in Quebec Canada. Interestingly Maeve is listed at the number 98 spot for New Hampshire US, and the number 359 spot for New York US.

I have always had a soft spot for Celtic and Gaelic names. Being of Irish/Scottish/Welsh heritage I have always had a high interest in the language and culture. I would normally prefer the traditional spelling of Madb, but Maeve is a very lovely Anglicanism form. Maeve is a very soft name, very feminine. It's uncommon usage is a plus for me. I do like names that are truly uncommon, yet lovely. Maeve does fit this bill very well.

I would consider Maeve as an alternative to the over used May/Mae. May/Mae has always sounded a bit "farm girl" to me. It's not a negative association but rather one that I find too simple. I like simple names, but there are those in which I would consider the extreme, May/Mae is one; others would include Sue and Faye.

Maeve would work as a first or a middle in my opinion and would go well with a first/middle which begins with a vowel or ending in a consonant or an -a- ending, such as- Eleanor, Ellen, Amelia, Ariana etc. I also think names starting with a consonant and ending in the -a- sound would be good as well, such as- Bianca, Clara, and Hannah.

Maeve Eleanor
Ellen Maeve
Maeve Amelia
Maeve Ariana
Bianca Maeve
Maeve Clara
Maeve Hannah
etc.

Alternatives for Maeve-
Obviously May/Mae
Maebelle
Macy/Macie
Mabel
Maeron
Maeryn
Marion
Maelie
Meako
Meagan
and the more literal Maive (said the name as Maeve)

Overall I think Maeve has a certain appeal, but I think it's one of those names where you either love it, or hate it. Paired with the right first or middle it could be a very lovely name choice. I think this is a name that one needs to mull around in their heads for a while before deciding on. It's not for the faint of heart, but is a strong feminine name that will carry well on a child and into adulthood.

~Jaesus

Family Name Review Day- Glenda

Today's name review is on a family name...my family that is. Glenda, my mother's name.
GLENDA
Gender: Feminine
Usage: Welsh, English
Pronounced: GLEN-də [key]
A name created in the 20th century from the Welsh elements glân "pure, clean" and da "good".

I remember asking a question about my mother's name on Yahoo!Answers. One answerer told me that Glenda was the incorrect spelling, that it was Glinda. This is FALSE. Glinda is an Americanized version of the traditional Glenda, popularized by the 1939 classic movie The Wizard of Oz. Everyone remembers Glinda the Good Witch. Glinda (Glenda) was chosen as the Good WItch's name because of it's definition- pure, clean, good.
I grew up thinking my mother had a very unique name, it was pretty and feminine.

The Social Security lists for the name Glenda start in the year 1911 at the 843 spot. It's popularity slowly increased over the next 3 decades. After the release of the movie The Wizard of Oz. It's highest rank was at 79 in 1944, and then it's popularity decreased. Between 1950 and 1955 Glenda went from 87 to 128. My mother was born with in that 5 year time frame. After 1955 it's popularity decreased considerably and by 1989 it was sitting at the number 900 spot, and then fell off the top 1000 list entirely, and has stayed off for the last 20 years.

I personally find the name Glenda beautiful, comforting sounding, calm, and earthy. It's uncommon beauty is easily over looked in this day and age when names like Gemma and Gillian are more popular G names for little girls. Glenda is a very grow up sounding name, so I can understand a parents reluctance to put such a strong name on a tiny baby...but in my opinion that is what nicknames are for, and I honestly would rather my daughter have a strong name to carry to adulthood than a 'cutsie' name that doesn't sit well on an adult woman once she is grown. I suppose nicknames for Glenda could be Glenn or Glenny/Glennie. I prefer Glennie (very similar to my childhood nickname Jennie).

I think Glenda is a perfect choice if you are looking for an uncommon but heard of name for your baby girl. It's not a name that is so far out there that it would cause upset in a child as they grew up, but not so common to being boring, overused, or uncreative as I fear many Emma's, Madison's or Sophia's might feel as they get older.

Middle names for Glenda that I personally find nice would be-
Glenda Corinne
Glenda Adelaide
Glenda Rose
Glenda Roisin
Glenda Dawn
Glenda Elise
Glenda Kate
Glenda Faith

I think a simple or very feminine middle would go best with Glenda. Something I usually stay away from, Rose would actually compliment this name. Glenda being so unusual and uncommon Rose balances it out. I think something classic and timeless like Adelaide or Roisin (row-sheen, Irish), would be lovely as well. Either short and sweet, or classic and super feminine this name carries either type of middle name very well.

Alternatives for Glenda would be-

Glinda
Yolinda
Yolanda
Brenda
Linda
Glenna
Glennis
Glenn
Glenys
Glenza
Overall I think Glenda is a very strong feminine name that will carry any simple or classic middle name well. It will look and sound professional on a grown woman, but can be simplified to a cute nickname as a child to soften it to a becoming favorite. Glenda is a highly likable and well-known name that I personally would love to see more of.

(note: I'm not asking the Y!A community about this name because it's a family name, and a rare one, and one I know most people do not like, and I'd rather not read people bash the hell out of my mother's name.)

~Jaesus

Name of the Day- Julian

photography courtesy of my dad, Ron Shaw
Today's name is Julian. JULIAN
Gender: Masculine
Usage: English, Polish, German
Pronounced: JOO-lee-ən (English), JOOL-yən (English), YUWL-yahn (Polish), YOO-lee-ahn (German)
From the Roman name Iulianus, which was derived from JULIUS. This was the name of the last pagan Roman emperor, Julian the Apostate (4th century). It was also borne by several early saints, including the legendary Saint Julian the Hospitaller. This name has been used in England since the Middle Ages, at which time it was also a feminine name (from Juliana, eventually becoming Gillian).
As of 2008 it holds the number 61 spot. Uncommon, but heard of. The name is listed on the SS list of names from the year 1880 and on. The years listed are more than likely compiled from census records over the past 129 years. Social Security was not signed into effect until August 14, 1935, and only became active after January of 1940...so getting an accurate number on Julian before 1940 is part research and part estimation. The Social Security website lists Julian at number 296 in 1880. Julian steadily gained in popularity from 1880 until around 1924 when it was at the number 193 spot. In 1925 Julian's popularity slipped down to 196 and continued to lose favor up till 1962 when it held the number 366 spot. The following year Julian yet again gained popularity and started sliding back up on the list bumping 6 places up in the course of just one year (from 366 to 360). By the year 2000 Julian was in the top 100 sitting nicely at number 87. And has had a nice slow pace up the list ever since.

I personally have always loved the name Julian. I had a friend in high school with this name. He was dark haired, dark complected and very athletic. The association I had with the name helped shape my feelings about it. For me Julian is an ethnic name, and a very lovely one at that. A favorite among the Hispanic community of my hometown. I always pictured this name on a boy with dark features, and big deep brown eyes, but this is not limited only to dark featured boys. I certainly can equally see this on a light haired child, maybe with a sprinkle of freckles across their nose and lovely hazel eyes (or blue if you prefer lol).

I think Julian is one of those diamond in the rough type names. A name whose potential is often over looked on first glance because of it's "soft look". Julian does look a bit effeminate on first glance. I can certainly understand the the reluctance of some people to use it if they are looking for a more harsh sounding or "rough" looking spelling, (ex. Jack, Colton, Hunter...all very strong sounding names w/hard consonants) Many people mistakenly confuse Julian for the feminine form of the name: Julianne (JOO-lee-ann). I think perhaps this confusion has led to it's under usage.


There are many options as far as middle names go for Julian. It's widely versatile (my opinion of course), and would suit many different styles of names. Some that I personally find pleasing to the ear would be:

Classic-
Julian Edward
Julian Charles
Julian Walter
Julian Christopher

Edgy-
Julian Keaton
Julian Cale
Julian Braxton
Julian Jagger

Preppy-
Julian Preston
Julian Spencer
Julian Seth
Julian Quinton

Mid-West-
Julian Colter
Julian Tanner
Julian Wyatt
Julian Logan

Common-
Julian Michael
Julian Lee
Julian Andrew
Julian Matthew

As you can see...a very versatile name. I truly think if you bounce enough middle names at Julian you will find one that sounds appealing even if you don't care much for the name Julian to begin with. Or...maybe I'm just biased and hopeful? Who knows.

Alternatives for Julian:

Jules
Julius
Juliano
Julianus
Julien
Julio
Julyan

Over all I think the name Julian is a lovely choice for a little boy. It will age well and fit most any middle name your heart desires...yes, a most underestimated name indeed.

~Jaesus

Baby Name of the Day- Olivia

Today's name is Olivia.

Gender: Feminine
Usage: English, Italian, Spanish, German, Finnish
Pronounced: ə-LIV-ee-ə (English), o-LEE-vee-ah (German)

This name was first used in this spelling by William Shakespeare for a character in his comedy 'Twelfth Night' (1602). Shakespeare may have based it on OLIVER or OLIVA, or perhaps directly on the Latin word oliva meaning "olive". In the play Olivia is a noblewoman who is wooed by Duke Orsino but instead falls in love with his messenger Cesario.
The name has been used in the Engish-speaking world since the 18th century, though it did not become overly popular until the last half of the 20th century. Its rise in popularity in America was precipitated by a character on the 1970s television series 'The Waltons'.

As of 2008 it holds the number 6 spot on the USA's Social Security list. A very high spot. The name started to gain popularity in the US in the late 1980s, and jumped significantly in 1990 from number 123 to number 72 and gained popularity from there. By 1999 it was at number 20 and at number 10 by 2001. The highest spot Olivia has held is at number 4 in 2005 and has slowly dropped ever since, until 2008 when it moved from number 7 to number 6.

I personally adore this name, popular or not. It was mine and my husband's first choice for our daughter for many months after the sonogram confirmed we were having a baby girl in 2006. We chose it for a middle name to Tatum, then later to Josephine, but after researching the name more, we threw it out completely, and regrouped (as many parents do...the baby name merry-go-round i call it).

There is something very sweet and vibrant about the name. I first heard of it watching the Cosby show. Olivia Kendall who was played by Raven Symone (she had a show on the Disney Channel called That's So Raven, and is also a singer in the group Cheetah Girls on occasion) was introduced to the show as Denise's step-daughter.
She was a very cute and curious child, and I enjoyed her scenes with Bill Cosby. I don't have much in the negative to say about Olivia, except for it's popularity. That is very discouraging to me, and obviously was enough to make me rethink it's usage on my own daughter. Nothing makes a name's sparkle fade than over usage.

The most common (and over used) combination of first/middle that I've seen with Olivia is Grace. Others would include: Olivia Rose, Olivia Marie, Olivia Claire, Olivia Michelle, and Olivia Ann. As far as these names go I find them pretty, yet unsatisfying. They are run-of-the-mill, and slightly uncreative. Catchy?, yes. Pretty?, yes...but how many other little Olivia Grace's will they meet?

I still think Olivia stands the test of time. I still find it refreshing and wonderful. So perhaps we should consider other alternatives as middles for this fabulous name that would help it stand out amongst the crowds of Olivia Grace's. Suggestions that I find quite nice would be-
Olivia Dawn
Olivia Catherine
Olivia Simone
Olivia Corinne
Olivia Josephine
Olivia Siobhan (shi-vawn, Irish)
Olivia Colleen
Olivia Verity
Olivia Temperance
Olivia Kristen
Olivia Rochelle
Olivia Kate

Alternative names to Olivia that might be preferable if you wish to stay away from a top 10 name would be-
Alena
Alivia
Alcina (al-see-nuh)
Alcinda
Olive
Olympia
Ophelia
Olesia (O-leesee-uh)
Olena (O-lean-uh)
Olinda
and the traditional Roman Oliva

Some of these are a bit out there, but others are quite lovely. Such as: Olesia (variant of Alicia), though not too similar to Olivia I personally get the same style-ish feel. Others more literal would be Alivia (ah-liv-ee-uh). Which is less common at the number 181 spot for 2008. If you want to use this name, but are unsure of the popularity something like the traditional Roman Oliva might be right up your alley. Said the same as Olivia but spelled a bit different. It's is a late Roman name meaning olive, and was the name of a 2nd century saint from Brescia. Modern Olivia was derived from this name (as well as being the feminine variant form of Oliver).

Either way, this name is truly a classic that will age well and sound mature and professional on an adult.

All comments welcome, and happy naming!

~Jaesus

Stupid Blogger!!

Omg I am SO pissed off! My baby name blog is a total MESS and a total loss. SO, I'll just transfer what i can from that blog over to HERE and start the hell over. I'll review a baby name on occasion on this damn blog then. freaking morons changed the format to the point where it's impossible for me to edit, update, change font, or color. When I try to do this it comes out like a crazy rainbow of stupidness.

As a huge Star Trek fan, I found this insanely perfect for the moment!

as you can see on my old baby name blog HERE.  How stupid is that?!

Anyways, I'll be posting three of the blogs off of there NOW, and work on more later. UGH what a pain in the ass man!

No really...what's your real name?

Sorry I've not blogged in a while, and I do promise to do those Q&A videos. I have all the questions you've sent me on my formspring. I've been sick. Real sick...and honestly it's not pretty. lol I doubt you'd want to see me sniffling through questions. Answering them in my feverish daze. I'm feeling a bit better today...but not up to a video.

However my dear hubby and I came across a website that listed funny last names. He read them to me and had me almost peeing myself.
Here is a list of my favs:
(note: these are REAL names straight from the phone book)
Bolivar Shagnasty
Michael Hofacker
Rev. William R Dickgraber
Freddie and Jo Skunkcap
Harry Beavers

Harry W. Wacker

Haywood Jablowme

Miracle Fingers

and Phat Ho

:) love weird things on the internet. So I do promise I'll be back shortly once I kick this cold's ass.

Jaesus.