From the Dustbin: Mercy

Mercy Otis Warren

I debated whether Mercy belonged in the Beyond Hope feature or the From the Dustbin feature. Ultimately, I decided that Beyond Hope is for really obscure virtue names, and Mercy just doesn't feel all that obscure to me. I think it's lovely, and was surprised to find that it has only been in the top-1,000 three times — most recently in 1889!

Rectify this situation, prospective parents. Mercy is a great name — nice sound, solid meaning, unusual-yet-familiar, etc. In 2010, 202 families named their daughters Mercy, so it just needs a little bit more oomph to make the list.

Beyond Hope: Satisfaction

In honor of Thanksgiving, today's name is Satisfaction Belcher. Little Satisfaction was born in Boston on February 23, 1656.

Happy Holidays!

Bottom of the Barrel: Galaxy

In 2010, 6 American girls were given the name Galaxy.

I never really considered it before, but Galaxy has a lot of the elements of a successful modern girl's name: an -ee ending, a sexy x, and a sense of destiny (though somewhat subtler than Destiny).

Bottom of the Barrel: Trippton

Bristol Palin and son, Tripp, via Harper's Bazaar

In 2010, 6 American boys were given the name Trippton.

This is a name that rolls a couple of trends into one. First, there's Tripp, a name that was riding the cowboy/western/rugged masculine trend fairly successfully before the birth of Tripp Johnson (son of Bristol Palin) launched it up several hundred places on the top-1,000 chart (there were 23 boys named Trip/Tripp born in 2000, 47 in 2005, 194 in 2007, and 378 in 2010).

Then, there's the -ton ending. Modern parents who like a short name, but think it needs a longer version are likely to stick a -ton or -son on the end (see also -lyn for girls). Examples include Treyton, Cashton, Coleton, Jaxton, Daxton, Maxton, etc. In my opinion, there's nothing wrong with Trey, Cash, Cole, or Jax/Dax/Max as given names (not my style, but fine names), and sticking a -ton doesn't really make them more sophisticated. I much prefer the straightforward Cash to the over-reaching Cashton.

Trippton sits at the intersection of these two orbits. I can see it appealing to fans of the rugged masculine style — maybe a good brother for Mavryk. That said, if you have kids named Trippton and Mavryk, be prepared for people to assume that you are a Palin devotee.

Name of the Day: Dowsabell Webb

Dowsabell Webb, died 1659

I love the Boston vital records. I could (and do) read them for hours at a time.

Dowsabel is an archaic synonym for "sweetheart." It is an English adaptation of "dulcibella," which means sweet and beautiful in Italian.

From the Dustbin: Mahlon

Mahlon Mitchell

Mahlon has never been a super popular name in America, at least, not in the last 130 years, which is how far back the Social Security data goes. But, up until the early 1950s, it was solidly in the top-1,000, usually in the 600-800 range, but bobbing up as high as the 490s.

In the Bible, Mahlon is the husband of Ruth and the sort-of great-grandfather of King David. I say sort-of because he is not actually the father of Obed, David's grandfather. Instead, Obed is the product of a levirate marriage between Ruth and one of Mahlon's relatives (Boaz) after Mahlon's death. Biblical families are complicated.

In any event, Mahlon has fallen out of favor in the last 60 years. In 2010, only 42 boys were given this name.

Still, you may find yourself hearing Mahlon mentioned in the national media if Mahlon Mitchell, president of the Professional Fire Fighters of Wisconsin ends up running against Governor Scott Walker.

Beyond Hope: Mindwell

In colonial New England, Mindwell was a feminine name.

It literally means "be obedient," as in "mind your husband well."

Mindwell Wilcoxson lived in Connecticut in the 18th century — he mother's name was Silence and she had a sister named Thankful.

Bottom of the Barrel: Mccartney

Paul and Stella McCartney

In 2010, 7 American girls were given the name McCartney.

The Mc/McK/Mac names are big. In 2010, the top 1,000 included

• Makayla (#43)
• Mackenzie (#69)
• Mckenzie (#146
• Makenzie (#153)
• Mikayla (#179)
• Makenna (#201)
• Mckenna (#228)
• Michaela (#392)
• Mikaela (#431)
• Mckinley (#556)
• Mckayla (#614)
• Makena (#900)
• Micaela (#956)

There are dozens of variations in the extended list: McClain, Makynli, Mckeyla, Makya, Macayle, Makyla, Mckenzy, Makhia, Mckell, Mckay, Makiya, Makaylin, etc. I would make a comprehensive list, but I can't spend two hours writing a blog post. It's somewhat like the -ayden ending for boys: it's unusual in other historical eras and has dozens of variants. Though the frilly -ellas and -lias are very popular as well, Mc- is certainly a leading sound in androgynous American girls' names of the early 2000s. Is it a short-lived trend or the emergence of a new classic? I think Michaela is already well established and that Mckenzie will be around for a long time, but I have a hard time imagining much of a shelf life for Mckinley.

McCartney is one of the more unusual variants out there. Fans of the Beatles? Of Stella? Your guess is as good as mine.

Name of the Day: Outerbridge Horsey

When I showed my husband the name Outerbridge Horsey, he said it sounded like the sort of name that you would give to a fake corporation if you were teaching a course about business law.

According to Wikipedia, there have been at least seven American men named Outerbridge Horsey over the centuries. The original Outerbridge Horsey was born in 1715 to Nathanial Horsey and Martha (Outerbridge) Horsey of Virginia. The next six generations of Outerbridge Horseys lived fairly distinguished lives — one was a Senator from Delaware, another was a diplomat, etc. Outerbridge Horsey VII currently lives in Washington, DC, where he is an architect.

Time-Sensitive Naming Advice

Alright, name nerds, we have a tricky one this week. I'm posting this a bit early just in case baby arrives before my regular Tuesday advice time! Melissa writes:

We are in desparate need of name help! I am due TOMORROW with baby #5, and there is still no concensus on names. We don't know if it's a girl or a boy. We love old names that are not popular, names that have meaningful meanings (Cameron is out because it means crooked nose, etc), names that are difficult to shorten into nicknames (I hate nicknames), and names that honor family. Our last name is a common English name that rhymes with Barter and starts with a C.I love the names we have picked for our children so far, and we have received many compliments on our selections. Our four children's names are:
 
Nora Katherine: Nora means "light" and is an old family name on my husband's side; Katherine is my grandmother's name
Christopher Emmett: Christopher is my husband's and his father's first name; Emmett means "hard-working, industrious", and he goes by his middle name (as my husband Todd does)
Claire Eloise: Claire means "bright", and is just plain beautiful; Eloise is a nod to my husband's grandmother Lois
Colin Jacob: Colin means "victory of the people", and was my husband's grandfather's middle name; Jacob is my father's name
 
Now, there are a few rules. Because of his parent's accidental pattern of initials for the boys in his family (CTC and CJC), he insists that all boy first names must start with a "C". That narrows things down significantly! The family member names left to choose from include William (my grandfather), Andrew (my husband's grandfather's middle name), Laurie (my mother's name), and Leigh (my sister-in-law's middle name). The other women on my husband's side have names like Nancy, Geraldine, and Muriel, none of which we want to name our children!
 
On to favorites. For the boy side: I have always loved the name Clive. My husband is neutral on it. His family is adamantly opposed to it (which almost makes me want to insist on it). My favorite boy name is Clive William. Clive means "cliff" (which is my husband's brother's name), and William means "resolute defender" (and is my grandfather's name). Strong, masculine, unique. Another more recent contender is Caleb Andrew. Caleb means "loyal", and Andrew means "manly" (and is my husband's grandfather's middle name). And for girls. My husband has a sudden fascination with French names, and has suggested Colette and Lisette, but with no middle name possibilities. I am not fond of either option, and don't think they fit with our other names. My favorite name for a girl is Adelie (or Adelaide) Laurelle. Adelie is Old German, means "noble". Laurelle means "laurel" or symbol of victory, and is a nod to my mother. My other favorite is Eleanor Lauren. Eleanor means "light", and Lauren means the same as every other "Laur" name. :) Our concern with Eleanor is its similarity to Nora, and that it could be shortened to Ellen or Ellie, both of which we strongly dislike.
 
So given that information, do you have any suggestions? My husband's new position on names is ambivalence; he is no longer interested in name discussion, even though we have not reached a solid decision. We are both open to suggestions at this point. I would love your input! Thanks so much!

I'll do my best!

For boys:

• Clive: I think Clive is a great name, fits your criteria well, and is the clear front-runner. It is quite a bit more unusual than your other children's names (which are all in the top 150 or so), but that doesn't bother me. It's not entirely unfamiliar — the fame of Clive Owen helps here. The only thing that makes me hesitate is that Claire and Clive might be too close. But if you can get your husband on board, this seems like a great choice (his family will get over it).
• Caleb: Also a good choice. Since meaning is important to you, note that some books/websites give the meaning as "dog" as in loyal as a dog. Caleb is a closer match to Nora, Christopher, Claire, and Colin in terms of current popularity
• Carl: Carl/Karl comes from the Old Norse word for "free man." It can't be shortened, is strong, and isn't too matchy with any of the other C names in your family. Unfortunately, it's not good with your last name.
• Callum: Means "dove." Ca- names are tough with your last name, but I think the alliteration here is pleasant.
• Conrad: This is a German name meaning something along the lines of "brave counsel." It certainly sounds like a strong name (maybe a bit too strong!). I suppose someone could shorten it to Connie, but I would hope no one would assume that a Conrad goes by that nickname. Drawback: consecutive boys named Colin and Conrad may be twin-matchy.
• Cedric: A great name, and it has the same Celtic vibe as Colin and Nora without sounding too much like any sibling names. The problem is the meaning — it was invented by Sir Walter Scott in the 19th century because it sounds like a good name for a medieval night. It does sound good, though.

A few others don't really pass the "meaningful" test (Calvin, Cormac).


As for middle names, would you consider Laurence/Lawrence to honor your mother?


In the end, I think Clive William is a great name. It's your favorite and your husband has decided not to decide, so I think that gives you freedom to declare Clive William the winner, in the absence of other contenders. If he really doesn't like it, he'll let you know and you can enter another round of negotiation. It's possible that he may like it, but has reservations about his family's dislike, or hasn't really considered it carefully because it is a bit more unusual than the other children's names.


If he doesn't come around, I like Caleb Andrew, Callum Andrew, Cedric William, or Conrad Laurence.




For a girl:

• Colette/Lisette: I agree that these names don't go very well with the sibling names. They do tell me that your husband is open to something a little frillier, though.
• Adelie/Adelaide: These are beautiful names. I would worry a little about them being shortened — the name Addison has spawned thousands of little Addies, and someone with an Ad- name might find herself with an unwanted nickname. You can do your best to insist that everyone call her Adelie, but you said that you are looking for a name that resists nicknames. One alternative would be to use a shorter name with a similar beginning, like Ada or Adele.
• Eleanor: I don't think you can use Eleanor if you already have a Nora. They are much too close. In fact, two of the three Noras I know are actually Eleanors nicknamed Nora. I agree that there is a strong possibility of Ellie as well.
• Amelie/Amalia: Like Adelie, but harder to nickname. Amelie/Amalia means "industrious" (similar to Emmett). It's a little long/frilly next to Nora and Claire, but is in the same vein as Adelie.
• Stella: Nora and Claire make me think of Stella. Similar in popularity (though Stella is a bit trendier), strong, not too frilly, good meaning ("star").
• Eve/Eva: I think Eve is lovely with Nora and Claire — the name of the first woman means "to live" or "to breathe" in Hebrew.
• Laurel/Laurelle: A great first name, as well as a beautiful and meaningful middle name. I like Laurel better with Nora and Claire — those two names are so strong and feminine without being fussy. Laurel feels similarly streamlined, like Katharine Hepburn in pants, ready to kick ass and look good doing it.
• Helen/Lucy/Phoebe: Both Nora and Claire mean light/bright/clear — it might be neat to have a third sister with a similar name meaning. All of these names mean mean light in some form. I think Lucy is a particularly good match for Nora and Claire.

Possible middle names: Lauren, Laurel, Laurelle, Leigh, Adelie/Adelaide, possibly Colette or Lisette, feminine versions of William and Andrew (Willa? Andrea? Andra?)


What do you think of

• Amalia Leigh
• Stella Colette
• Eve Laurelle
• Laurel Adelaide/Adelie
• Helen Leigh
• Lucy Adele
• Phoebe Laurelle/Lauren/Laurel

In the end, I would pick Clive William or Lucy Adele. Readers? What do you say?

Bottom of the Barrel: Eleftherios

In 2010, 6 American boys were given the name Eleftherios.

No, not a Tolkien character — the father of modern Greece! Eleftherios Venizelos, a revolutionary and politician in the early 20th century, is widely credited with modernizing the Greek state. Though not uncontroversial, Venizelos obviously has some fans in the US. Either that or there really is an obscure Tolkien character out there.

From the Dustbin: Artemas

Artemas Ward

Artemas Ward was a hero of the Revolution, but his name is largely unknown in the modern US.

The precise etymology of Artemas is a little fuzzy. It may denote a male disciple of the goddess Artemis or it may be a version of the name Artemios, which shares a Greek root.

In any case, there were hundreds of men named Artemas in 19th-century America, most of them named for General Artemas Ward. Among them was my husband's great-great-great-grandfather, Artemas Washington Comstock.

Artemas may sound too much like Artemis to be a good candidate for a comeback among English-speakers, but its Italian and Spanish form, Artemio, might make a good choice for someone looking for an unusual alternative to Matteo and Luca. There were 24 little boys named Artemio born in the US in 2010.

Beyond Hope: Comfort

Comfort Starr House, Guilford, CT

Dr. Comfort Starr was an early emigrant to Massachusetts. He had a bunch of children, some of whom moved to Connecticut. The Comfort Starr house is one of the oldest buildings in Connecticut.

Beyond Hope is a recurring feature that highlights unusual virtue names.

A J Name for Baby Duggar!

photo via Duggar Family Website

Everyone has an opinion on the Duggars. Here is mine: I am grateful that I live in a country that allows Michelle Duggar to live her life the way she wants to, while simultaneously allowing me to make different choices.

Now that that's out of the way, let's name Duggar baby #20!

The older Duggar children are:

• Joshua James
• Jana Marie
• John-David
• Jill Michelle
• Jessa Lauren
• Jinger Nicole
• Joseph Garrett
• Josiah Matthew
• Joy-Anna
• Jedediah Robert
• Jeremiah Robert
• Jason Michael
• James Andrew
• Jackson Levi
• Johannah Faith
• Jennifer Danielle
• Jordyn-Grace Makiya
• Josie Brooklyn

Obviously, there's the whole J thing, but let's look more closely at their style. Some elements that stand out:

• Biblical Names: These are not required, but the Duggars are open to Biblical names, particularly for their boys.
• Trendy Trend: The younger Duggars have trendier names (Jackson, Jordyn, Brooklyn) than most of the older kids.
• Modern Simple: The Duggars seem to favor names that are familiar to modern American ears. Even Jeremiah and Jedediah, which have "old" written all over them, are fairly common names in Christian circles, and won't cause many double-takes.

Here are some possibilities for Duggar baby #20 (if it's a girl):

• Jerusha: too obscure?
• Jael: too awesome?
• Judith: perfect!
• Julia: too boring?
• Jemima: works in England, still not ok in the US
• Jacqueline: not Biblical

Here are some possibilities for Duggar baby #20 (if it's a boy):

• Julian: too hipster?
• Jonah: too expected?
• Judah: seems like a good fit
• Jubal: too obscure?
• Jared: too boring?
• Jabez: If anyone can make Jabez happen, it's the Duggars.

My recommendations: Judith (mn Hope?) or Jabez (mn Luke? Peter? Paul?)

My predictions: Juliana or Jonah

What do you think? Give your recommendations and predictions in the comments.

Bottom of the Barrel: Gazelle

In 2010, 7 American girls were given the name Gazelle.

Like Giselle, but wilder.

Name of the Day

Today's name of the day is

Dr. Ethylin Jabs

Ethylin is a professor of developmental and regenerative biology at Mount Sinai School of Medicine. What a perfect name for someone in the medical field.

Bottom of the Barrel: Mavryk

In 2010, 9 American boys were named Mavryk.

Obviously, any maverick worth his salt is not bound by the conventions of spelling.

From the Dustbin: Erastus

Erastus inscription in Corinth

Erastus was in the top-1000 several times at the end of the 19th century, but it hasn't been on the extended list since 1957. Erastus of Corinth is mentioned in the Bible as an early Christian, and there were several famous Americans named after him in the 18th and 19th centuries (railroad magnate Erastus Corning, university president Erastus Otis Haven, etc.).

I don't think Erastus has quite the comeback potential of Barnabas or other early Christian names. It sounds too much like medical/sexual words like estrous and masturbate.

Beyond Hope: Silence

Silence Hayward was born in Boston in 1683. Her mother's name was Experience.

I have seen one man named Silence in the records, but it was generally a feminine name. As a teenager, Benjamin Franklin published a series of saucy letters under the pseudonym Silence Dogood.

Beyond Hope is a recurring feature that highlights unusual virtue names.

Bottom of the Barrel: Betzabel

In 2010, 5 American girls were given the name Betzabel.

As far as I can tell, Betzabel is a version of Bathsheba. In Spanish, Bathsheba is Betsabe (32 girls in 2010). It's not a stretch to see how Betsabe can become Betzabe (6 girls in 2010), and Betzabe can become Betzabel. There's also Betzabeth (12 girls in 2010).

I like it. It's sort of like Isabel, but more punk.

Going to the Girls?

Paraphrased from a baby name board:

I am due with a boy in December. My husband and I decided to name him Jalen after my husband's favorite basketball player, Jalen Rose. I shared the name with my sister and she gave me a weird look and said that Jalen is a girl's name. She said we should name him Jayden so everyone will know that he's a boy. Is she right?

Your sister has a point, but she's not 100% right about Jalen.

When Jalen Rose started playing for Michigan in 1991, his name jumped into the national spotlight. It debuted on the top-1,000 charts in 1992 at an impressive #377. It trended generally upwards, peaking at #106 in 2000, and declining since then. It's still a relatively popular name for boys at #393. The alternative spelling, Jaylen, is even more popular, at #203. So, if you name your son Jalen, he will certainly not be the only one around. Jalen has never been in the top 1,000 for girls (though Jaylen is #906 for girls).

The problem is that names ending with -ayla and -aylin are very, very popular for girls at the moment. Your sister probably knows several little girls named Jayla (#132), Kayla (#49), Kaylin (#399), Jayleen (#452), Jaylee (#612) etc., not to mention sound-alikes like Kaitlyn. When your sister says that Jalen is a girls' name, she probably doesn't mean that she knows a bunch of girls with that name, but that the -aylin sound is common in feminine names.

It's true that there are lots of little boys named Jayden — in fact, if you aggregate all of the spellings, it is the 2nd most popular boys' name in America (after Aiden). The thing is, it's also fairly popular for girls (#212). If it's important to you that your child's name not be gender-ambiguous, changing from Jalen to Jayden won't help.