Casper

Casper, m.

Meaning: 'treasurer'

Ooh I love this name so much. I think a little boy called Casper would adorable. I can't imagine it so much on a grown man but it's not that different to Jasper so I think I'd get used to it.

My husband has banned us from using this name because he still associates it with Casper the Friendly Ghost. I personally don't think that should put people off as the connection isn't very strong anymore - the film was out a looong time ago now. 

It would also make a good Christmassy name if you had a baby around this time of year, as Casper was supposed to be one of the three wise men who visited Jesus in Bethlehem. I like connections like this which aren't as obviously Christmas-related as Holly or Noël.

If the ghost connection is too strong for you but you like the sound of the name, then how about Caspian? Alas, this has also been banned by my hubby but maybe you are more adventurous than he is :)

Benedict

As I chose an 'A' name for the first post it makes sense for me to continue through the alphabet. So I will upload a name that I think is a good choice (although not necessarily my favourite for that letter) as I go through the alphabet. Today it is:

Benedict, m.

Meaning: 'blessed', Latin

I think this name would be an excellent choice if you like Ben but think that Benjamin is a bit overused. Benjamin is currently #32 on the ONS baby name list for 2012 (England and Wales), whereas Benedict doesn't feature in the top 100.

This name has come back into the public eye through Sherlock actor Benedict Cumberbatch, who I personally love so that's a positive connection! It has a great meaning (the Latin for 'blessed'), so perfectly reflects the feelings of a parent when they have a new baby.

If you aren't very daring with names but want a name none of your friends have used then this could be the name for you, as your son could go by Ben but have an unusual full name. I think Benedict sounds suave and sophisticated. I guess one thing to consider might be the possibility that children in the playground might pick up on the '-dict' ending (!) but I don't think that should put you off the name if you like it.

One last interesting fact is that this can also be a female name. I have a friend whose family is Catholic and she has a sister called Benedicte.

Aria

Aria, f.

Meaning: 'lioness' in Italian, or a musical term.

I really love this name at the moment. I think it is so beautiful sounding but also fierce (especially meaning 'lioness'). I can imagine it on a confident, little girl and also a grown woman who is CEO of her own company too. I like that it has a musical meaning; perhaps a good choice if you play an instrument or sing for fun/work.

The only thing that puts me off about this name is its connection with Game of Thrones and the character 'Arya'. I always read this name as 'Ar-ya' when I read the books and was surprised when in the series they pronounced it 'Aria'. I really like GOT but I would always be wary using a name from something in the media which has been so popular. You're bound to be asked if you named your child after the character. I have the same issue with the name Brody (which I LOVE) and its Homeland connection.

Sad times. I still think I would use this name but maybe when GOT has died down in popularity. As there are probably going to be multiple series to come, I might be waiting a long time!

Welcome to The Namery

The Namery is a place where wonderful names live! It is a place where names can be discussed and appreciated. I am a big name nerd; I love looking at trends in current baby names, researching where names come from and talking about names with anyone who is interested!

On this blog I will discuss individual names and look at trends and themes too. I'm not into criticising names so I will only talk about names that I find interesting and likeable. Even if I wouldn't use a name, I still appreciate other people's styles and tastes.

I hope you enjoy! Please leave comments and let me know your opinions and if there are any names/trends you'd like me to discuss Cx