Sib-sets

Today I wanted to explain what is meant by the term 'sib-sets'. People who like baby names often talk about sib-sets to describe the names given to brothers and sisters in one family. A sib-set displays the parents' naming style much better than just a single name. Most parents will go with a certain type of name for all their children. There is more to think about when naming second, third etc children because they have to sound 'right' with the other names already picked.

So, for example, if you were to choose the name Hudson for your first child, it would seem rather mismatched to name a second son Benedict. Hudson is trendy and modern, Benedict is old-fashioned and distinguished. It's not always as obvious as this but it's something to bear in mind. 

You also might want to think about going for similar popularity. You may not want to name a daughter Aurora and then your son, Stephen. Perhaps Soren would make a better choice?

Another consideration is number of syllables and sounds within names. This is less important, although it can be nice to have similar lengths to names. An example of this working well would be: Annabelle, Violet and Oliver. However, I think Isla, Amelia and Nate also sound lovely together because of similar sounds and similar styles. I guess you may want to avoid any really obvious differences, such as Sebastian, Isabella and Jay. 

I find sib-sets fascinating and I love trying to work out connections between siblings' names. I love it when parents add in hidden connections, such as similar meanings in all their names, or the use of a theme (word names, nature names, virtue names - perhaps this is more appropriate for middle names?). 

There is a lot to think about when naming subsequent children but, then again, the very most important factor is always whether you, as parents, like the names you have chosen. I don't agree at all with forcing a theme on all your names (eg - same letter for all names) or discarding a long-loved name because 'it wouldn't go'. Where would be the fun in that?

Xanthe

Xanthe, f.

Meaning: yellow or golden

Sorry it's been a while but I'm now feeling freshly inspired to write a baby name post, as I have several friends who are due to have babies very soon and I'm all excited to know what they will be called!

For most people, the letter X would present a bit of challenge to come up with a name they liked. However I love the letter X and especially the name Xanthe. In fact I wasn't sure whether to post on this name because if we had another baby I would love to use Xanthe for a girl. 

Xanthe appeals in many different ways, with the energetic and charismatic 'z' sound at the start. But it also has a beautiful, delicate ending, '-thee'. I love that it is a little exotic and that it has the cheerful nickname - 'Xan'. The first time I heard this name was on the radio and I remember it being so striking. It must be great to have a name like this!

The only negative is that, because it begins with X, it immediately comes with an 'out-there' label. You would certainly get a few raised eyebrows from more conservative namers. If this wouldn't bother you then Xanthe is an amazing name and I would love to hear it more often.

Walter

Walter, m.

Meaning: 'battle leader', Germanic

A lot of 'W' names have an old-fashioned feel to them; Winston, Wesley and our name today, Walter. I love all these 'grandpa' names! People who analyse naming trends often talk about about the 100 Year Rule, which desribes how long it takes for a name to come back into fashion. Therefore names which were popular in 1910-1920 are starting to rise again in the charts (think Charlotte, Ella, Eva, Grace and Violet for the girls; Harry, Jack and Leo for the boys).

Based on US figures, between 1910-1920, Walter rose as high as number 10 in the popularity charts, showing how prevalent it was in that decade. I think it has a distinguished, suave and intelligent feel. Possibly slightly nerdy? Or at least, I'm not sure that the name's meaning fits it's image!

 It really reminds of one of my favourite films which is The Painted Veil. The character Walter Fane will make you love this name because he is so wonderful! He's a doctor who goes to China to help treat a cholera epidemic and causes his indifferent wife to fall in love with him in the process. I won't spoil the ending but it's a tear-jerker!

Can you imagine a little 'Walt' at preschool? I'm not sure I can quite yet but I really hope we'll get there soon!

Violet

Violet, f.

Meaning: purple, a flower

I have such a love for the name Violet. I like that it's a flower name and a colour; it has the pleasing, humming 'V' beginning; it has the cute nicknames 'Vie' or 'Lettie'. It is girly, sweet and has the potential to age well: it isn't a Daisy or a Poppy but something more sophisticated.

I have to admit that this name does remind me of Charlie and the Chocolate Factory ('you're turning violet, Violet!'). This perhaps isn't the most flattering use of the name but there are plenty of other Violets in popular culture (eg - Lemony Snicket, Downton Abbey, The Incredibles) so it isn't the strongest connection.

Violet has just snuck into the popularity charts in England at number 100. This means it is climbing in popularity (#114 in 2011) but it is still unlikely your daughter will be in a class with another little Violet.

If you like rarer, more unusual names and are feeling brave, how about Vesper for a little girl? This is one of my 'guilty pleasure names' (ie - I love it but would never be brave enough to use it). It comes from the word for 'wasp' in Latin - hence the name for the scooters and the noise they make. It is such a great name to say and totally reminds me of the super cool character Vesper in James Bond 'Casino Royale'. 

Una

Una, f.

Meaning: 'one' or 'lamb'

I have been putting off doing a 'u' name because this is a letter I'm not really keen on. I don't like an 'uh' sound at the start of the name so have chosen an 'ooh' sound instead. Una is an unusual and surprisingly pretty name. It reminds me of the very similar Luna and all its quirkiness.

This name has links with lots of languages (most Romance languages will associate this name with their word for 'one). Therefore this could be good choice if you are a family of mixed heritage and want a name that works in several cultures. I suppose it would suit a first child or daughter with this meaning! The 'lamb' meaning, by the way, is from an Irish origin; nice to have choices!

If you'd like something even quirkier than Una, then Uma is always a possibility, as worn by Uma Thurman. 

A popular trend for girls

A current trend in girls' names can be seen in the number of two-syllable names ending in -a which are on an upward rise in the popularity charts in the UK. Several of these can be attributed to celebrity names. But I think the general liking for these names is because there is a definite girliness to the -a ending and a pleasing simplicity to having just 2 syllables. When you read through this list I'm sure you will be able to think of children recently given these names. I can imagine several of these reaching the highest spots in the popularity charts in the next few years. On the other hand, some of these names are not at all popular yet but still have an upward trend. If you want to be ahead of a new popular name then one of these may be a good choice! I have put their current popularity next to each name (for 2012). 

Alba #483

Ava #6

Bella #58

Etta #852

Eva #24

Isla #8

Layla #29

Lola #23

Luna #337

Lyla #132

Lyra #255

Mila #160

Thea #225

Thessaly

Thessaly, f.

Meaning: a geographical area of Greece.

I was in the mood for a more unusual name today. This is a place name, which has had only very occasional use as a baby name so far. As a place name it fits in with the trend for names such as: India, Aspen, Caspian, Paris, Siena, Roma, Adelaide etc! If you like Greek mythology, you might be interested by Ancient Greek stories including Thessaly, such as the battle between the gods and Titans which is supposed to have taken place on the Plain of Thessaly.

I think Thessaly has a really attractive sound; I love saying this name. It sounds soft with the Th- start and playful with the -lee sound at the end. I really like that it is highly unlikely that anyone else you know would have this name and that your child would be unique in their class. You'd have to deal with spelling the name out all of the time but I think the pronunciation is straightforward enough.

Let's start a new naming trend with Thessaly!