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