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!

Why I can't I be me?

Here's the deal...I'm atheistic. I don't subscribe to ANY religion whatsoever. Most people respect that and leave me be. I don't shove what i DON'T believe down their throats so I would appreciate the same respect. Sure I'll comment on things, just as religious people do, and I don't try and pick a debate with them on it. If they have something to say I listen, I might not agree w/it, I might even voice how I feel if I'm talking to a like-minded person or am asked directly, but I don't go shoving it down people's throats (If I'm wrong about my assumptions that I don't do that, please let me know so I can correct that behavior but I honestly don't think I do that.) I do NOT like, tolerate, or appreciate people that shove it in my face.
I love my sister-in-law, and my brother. I love my sister and my brother-in-law, I love my mom and dad. All of them believe in a higher power, more specifically the Christian dogma. I, do not. Though I was raised in a household that went to a Christian church every Sunday. I can remember since I was 5yrs old, that  I didn't believe what they were saying in Sunday school. I just didn't. I thought they were lovely stories, but not much else. The older I got, and the more I studied the Christian bible and the things within, the more I realized that I truly did NOT believe the 'teachings', I thought some of the stories were good life lessons about forgiveness, acceptance, and the human spirit so to speak, but literal truth? no. I do know that some history is injected into the stories, but ALL legends from ancient cultures has a kernel of truth laced through the story. That is known well. I don't want people to take this next part the wrong way- but I have to liken it to something.

People that are gay talk about knowing it since they were "such-in-such" age, or that they've ALWAYS felt that way. Why? Because they were BORN that way. I feel the same way about religion and my atheism. I have ALWAYS felt this way, I was BORN this way. I'm not saying it's right or wrong to believe in something like "god" or whatever, what I'm saying is that ever since I was a CHILD I've listened to that rational voice in my head that said- "HOW?, WHY?" and I have NEVER EVER felt like I've gotten a clear or certain answer about it from the religious community. I have truly searched my mind, heart, and what one could consider "spirit" about how I feel, what I believe, or DO NOT believe. This is not some random rebellious thing. It's not something that I have doubts about. It's not my way of being "different from society" on purpose because I'm dissatisfied. Just as much as someone who truly believe in the Christian god (or ANY god for that matter) I truly do NOT believe in one, in ANY.

It's not your JOB to tell me I am wrong, or that I am missing something in my life, or that one day I will feel the "wholeness" of what you say you have. I don't FEEL empty, I do not feel un-whole, I am NOT missing anything from my life. I am happy, I love my family, I have great friends, I have fabulous kids and a wonderful life that I enjoy fully and completely. I'm not angry, or cynical, or offended, or trying to be something I'm not. I am me. And what I am is an Atheist. If that bother you and moves you to "pray" for me, do so...if that is what you feel you must do to make yourself feel better about who I am. If that means that you can accept me, and just leave me be, but PRIVATELY wish for something, by all means, knock yourself out. That is your right, and your guaranteed freedom to do so. It doesn't bother me when people tell me- "God bless you". I don't burst into flames when someone tells me- "I will pray for you". It doesn't offend me when people say- "God spoke to me about you". NONE of that bothers me. I accept that people will deal with life's ups and downs in their own way, they use what tools they NEED to use to get through life, to help others and to be there for others in the way in which works best for THEM. 
What bothers me, what angers me, what offends me is when someone tells me or unsolicitedly gives me their opinion about what THEY think *I* need to do w/my own life, my own beliefs, my OWN CHOICES in life. You don't have that right, shockingly...but true. YOU DO NOT HAVE THAT RIGHT.

While I appreciate the little Christmas card that my sister-in-law sent me (signing my brother's name to it of course), it was cute and funny and full of good humor and holiday cheer, I did NOT need the three paragraph plea to "find Christ". The card hit my shredder the second I skimmed over the "personal note", just for me. NOT for my kids, not for my husband, for ME. I was singled out, told I was not good enough to her and then given suggestion on how to 'improve myself through Christ'--that's paraphrasing to say the least and maybe a bit out of context, but when it comes to something like attacking someones CORE BELIEFS AND VALUES, she might as well have sent me a card that said- "You're gonna burn in hell, Have a Merry Christmas Heathen. Love your 'better than you are' SIL."

Note to others-
Just to give you some perspective and understanding of what this feels like on THIS side of the fence, leave your little speeches for like-minded friends, it's NEVER a good idea to attack someone like that during what should be a holiday to enjoy. I embrace Christmas differently than Christians do, but doesn't make me a monster, nor does it makes me needing of your condesention, your lectures, your loathing, nor your pity. If you want to send me a cutsie card w/the baby Jesus on the front of it surrounded by barn yard animals, shimmering star up above and glitter text saying: A KING IS BORN..by all means, send it. i think the artwork is quite lovely....however skip the personalize message of 'salvation' inside the card. a simple: We love you, and are thinking about you. Merry Christmas. Likewise I'll skip inserting a printed out article from the American Atheist Monthly. mmmkay? Thanks so much.

-Jaesus: Your *trying to be* Friendly Neighborhood Athiest.

Lovliness!

I'm so in love w/my new little niece. She's just the sweetest baby girl! :) just thought I'd share that...and some pics.

~Jaesus