Nature Namemas: Berry

Yummy Fruit 

There are many berries out there, most of which are very yummy. The winter berries include cranberries and holly. Then you have strawberries, blueberries, blackberries, raspberries, and more. If you are ever in the wild be cautious about what berries you pick and eat because some can be poisonous! 

Baby Name 

Fruit names seem to be an up and coming trend every once in a while. We already know of an Apple and I can see Plum being a great name so why not Berry? Berry is an unisex name. The spelling Barry is more boy but I feel as if Berry is a girly version of Barry. In 2017, only 6 baby girls were given the name and no boys. I personally enjoy Berry as a nickname for other longer names like Berenice, Beretta, Berker, Berkley, and many others. The most famous Berry out there is the Motown founder Berry Gordy.

Christmas Association 

Berries add such elegance and color to garland and wreaths and other Christmas decor. They are used in baking pies and treats. There are many names that I used I figured here on my nature namemas that berries add to the character. 

Nature Namemas: Garland

Baby Name

The name is used on both girls and boys. In 2017, the name was more popular for boys than girls with 16 boys receiving the name and only 9 girls. The most famous bearer of the name is Judy Garland, actress in the Wizard of Oz. As for the boys there was Garland Erastus Bayliss, an American historian and academic and Garland Gregory, an American NFL player.

Christmas Association 

Garland is put up everywhere in my house; the railings and fireplace and tv stand. The adore the outside of our house. Most often garland is the greenery that can have berries or other nature things. At Christmas time garland can also be the garland beads or garland tinsel. 

Nature Namemas: Evergreen

Forest of Trees and Greens

Evergreen is a word that refers to foliage that reminds green and functional through multiple seasons. They are trees that do not shed their leaves seasonally. Evergreen symbolized strength, determination, and immortality among over things. Forest are also great symbolisms as well. They are mysterious places that can be calming and make you one with the earth.

Baby Name

Evergreen is an extremely unique name. In 2017 the name was used on less than 5 baby boy and baby girls. In 2016, 13 little girls were given the name. Personally I think the name works great on either gender. It's a nice alternative to Everly, a name for girls that is getting more and more popular. Ever is a great name for either a boy or a girl. Evergreen reminds me of the name Everdeen from The Hunger Games. The surname of Katniss. 

Christmas Association 

Evergreen covers every Christmas tree out there. So if none of the Christmas tree names suit you maybe Evergreen will! And it's one of the few Christmas tree names that works really well on girls. Other Christmas plants and shrubbery could also be categorized under the name Evergreen as well. 

Nature Namemas: Dove

The Bird

Doves are associated with peace. They are also associated with love. I have seen them released at weddings. During February you can find doves on different Valentine's Day decorations and cards and artwork. The most common image of the dove you see is the white dove but there are actually other colorings that are more common.

The Name

Bird names are all the rage and Dove is one of the new bird names out there. Although you really can't say it is a new bird name because it was used in the 17th century and in the top 1000 throughout the 1890s. Personally I love the name Dove as a middle name. It is unexpected but soft and short. In 2017, 26 sweet little baby girls were given the name. 

The Christmas Association 

During Christmas time doves can be found on cards or in trees as ornaments. They are in the lyrics of 12 days of Christmas on the second day. Jesus was born on Christmas and the was born to bring peace into the world. Everything doves symbolize are what is wanted to be felt during Christmas, peace, love, and purity. 

Nature Namemas: Celyn

Holly 

Holly is the evergreen scrub or small tree with red berries on it. The are found in the subtropical regions of the world. There are over 200 species of holly that date back hundred and hundreds of years. In my house we have fake holly sitting on our coffee table and dining room table. They make beautiful centerpieces. In some cultures holly leaves are used to make daily teas. 

Baby Name 

At first glance I am sure many people will think the name is for girls but actually Celyn is a boy name. It is pronounced KELL-in. In Welsh the -lyn ending is used on boys. In the little country of Wales Celyn is ranked in the top 100 but is very unpopular elsewhere around the world. In 2017 no little boys in the US were given the name and just 5 girls bare it. 

Christmas Association 

In Welsh, Celyn means holly. Holly is a universal symbol for Christmas. With Holly being used as a girls name most of the time I think Celyn is a nice way to honor a Holly or Christmas while using a subtle name.

Nature Namemas: Ember

Fire-y Flames

Embers are the glowing hot coal after a fire is put out or one that rekindle a fire. You can look at embers are positive or negative. Wild fires are often caused by embers left over. They can be devastating for anyone involved as I am sure many of you have seen on the news these last few months. But embers can also be looked at as positive. I see embers as possible to restart something, whether it is a fire or not. Someone can have an ember inside them that can restart a love for something or someone. 

Baby Name

The name seems to be gaining in popularity in recent times. In 2017 the name was ranked at #289 and that's up from #320 in 2016. If you take a look back at years before that you can see the steady climb in popularity. It's a nice fresh take on the almost dated Amber while at the same time can be confused with each other. Em- trends are popular and have been for many years. Ember fits in while also standing out. 

Christmas Association 

Fires in the fireplace are a common image of Christmas time for families everywhere. Many songs mention fires. Chestnuts Roasting on an Open Fire is one of the most famous ones. It is also said that Santa goes down the chimney into the fireplace. All and all I'd say fireplaces and fires are a staple to Christmas in the wintertime.

Nature Namemas: Basil

Christmas Basil 

This year I gave my boyfriend a Christmas advent calendar. Every day he has been opening a gift from December 1 to December 24. One of his gifts was a little Christmas Basil kit. I had never heard of Christmas basil before but thought it was cool. Christmas basil is not much different from regular basil. It is a new basil from he British breeding of Thai and Genovese crosses. The plant has large glossy leaves with a fruity, mulled-wine smell that reminds people of Christmas. Purple flowers make the plant perfect for decorations while you are still able to eat the plant. 

Baby Name

The name has been around since the 4th century when St. Basil the Great was bishop of Caesarea. Basil was in the top 1000 list in the US until the 1970s. At one point was eve in the top 300s in the early 1900s. In 2017, only 58 baby boys were given the name. It has a nice modern ring to it while still having some hidden history.

Christmas Association 

Basil is a bit of a stretch when it comes to Christmas names but I think it works perfectly. Basil plants are dark green like many other foliage of Christmas and if a Christmas tree name isn't for you than Basil is perfect while still looking like a Christmas plant. The Christian side of Christmas is also covered with the name Basil since Basil is a saint name. During Christmas I think just about any saint name works.

Nature Namemas: Clementine

The Fruit 

Clementines are hybrids between willow leaf mandarin oranges and sweet oranges. It was named after the orphanage of Brother Marie-Clement in 1902 where it was founded. You can find the fruit in many different areas of the world but the tastiest clementines come from the hottest regions in the world like North Africa, Mediterranean basin, and California. 

The Baby Name 

The name Clementine has been around for many many years. In 2014, after 61 years off the charts, Clementine made her way back onto the charts. Since then the name has been climbing up the charts and sits at #744. The name has a vintage feel for many parents and if you can get over the song "Oh, My Darlin Clementine" I thin kits just perfect. The name is coming back into the limelight with celebrity babies bearing the name as well as characters in tv shows. We'd be here for a very long time if i list all the name bearers!

Christmas Association 

Does your family put clementines in your stocking? My family does not but my mom said she got them growing up. It is a tradition that many families do and has been around for decades. There are many reasons why the tradition started. The most popular being that it was a treat during the Great Depression. Another reason I found was that they look at oranges as the gold St. Nicholas put in stockings. Either way Clementine is a great Christmas name that is subtle and sweet.

Nature Namemas: Fraser

Fraser Fir
Fraser firs are named after the John Fraser a scottish botanist who explorer the Appalachian Mountains in the 18th century. The leaves of the tree are well-formed, soft, and face upward. The most widely used as Christmas trees. Fraser firs are the most popular Christmas tree for the White House than any other tree. The tree is actually an endangered species in part because of climate changes.

The Name
The tv show Frasier made the name popular but the original spelling is Fraser from Scotland. The meaning is unknown in Scottish but could possible mean strawberry in French. In 2017 the name was given to just 11 baby boys. The name falls into multiple name trends included nature names and surname names.

The most famous Fraser out there is the Canadian explorer Simon Fraser. He is known to have charted much of British Columbia in Canada. Another interesting fact about the famous explorer is he was also a fur trader.


The Christmas Association 
There are many different types of Christmas trees out there but the Fraser fir is said to be the most popular. It has soft needles that don't prick you when you are hanging ornaments and they have just enough space between the branches to decorate. Many fake trees can be found as Fraser firs as well.

Nature Namemas: Lumi

Today's Namemas name is not completely a Christmas name. It can be used for a winter baby as well. And I know that it is summertime for some people during Christmas so this may not help very much. But for me a snow filled Christmas is what its all about! 

The Name

Lumi means snow in Finnish. It is virtually unheard of in America or England but is in the top 50 in Finland. The loo sound at the beginning of Lumi makes it fit in with names like Lucy and Lulu. It is also two syllables and ends in the -ee sound. Overall a great name that would fit in but stand out all at the same time. In 2017, Lumi was given to 18 baby girls in the US. 

The Christmas Association 

I'm from the east coast of America so snow is a normal symbol of Christmas. I now that isn't the same everywhere. For instance I would some Australian mommas on instagram who are having trouble making their elf on the shelf summarized. This name is perfect for any winter Christmas baby especially if you have always dreamed of a white Christmas.

Nature Namemas: Douglas

Happy Namemas day 2! Today I have a boys name for you since I started out the week with a girls name. Usually I do alternating genders but this year I have an unisex name and a little more girl names that boys. But non the less there will be some great names in this lineup! 

Douglas Fir

Douglas Firs are named after David Douglas, a Scottish botanist who studied the tree in the 1800s. The name Douglas fir is a false idea. The tree is not a true fir tree. Now I don't know a whole lot of trees but from what I understand the reason it is not a true fir has to do with the way the cones face. Douglas firs are not just used as Christmas trees. The buds have been used to flavor a clear, colorless fruit brandy. Native Hawaiians used the trunks to make canoes.

Baby Name

You could find the name Douglas everywhere int eh 1950s and 1960s but since then the name has declined in popularity. Personally I think Douglas is the perfect old man chic name. The name originated as a Celtic river name and down the line gained the association to a Scottish clan known for their strength and courage. There have been many famous Douglas' out there from war generals to actors to athletes. Everyone can find a Douglas to associate with. 

Christmas Association 

The Christmas association here is one of the main symbols of Christmas: the tree. There are many types of trees out there that are used to decorate and place presents under and Douglas fir is one of them. It ranks in the top 10 most popular Christmas Trees. The tree has been used around Christmas time since the 1920s. In 2016 the White House used a Douglas Fir as the Obama's last Christmas tree while on office. 

Nature Namemas: Anise

Welcome to the first day of my third annual Namemas! My personal countdown to Christmas with names for 12 straight days. I asked my followers on instagram (if you aren't following me there you need to!) what theme I should use and Christmas nature names was the winner. My other themes were pretty cool too. Maybe I'll save them for next year.

First up is the girl's name Anise! One of my favorites for this year.

Plant Name

Anise is the name of the licorice plant and is considered a spice. The plant comes in the shape of a star. It's used to flavor food and alcoholic drinks. When used in the herbal medical world it is given to prevent gas. 

Baby Name

Anise is an extremely rare name. In 2017, the name was given to just 6 babies and in 2016 it was given to 13 babies. The name has been around for years and years but never popular. If you take a look at the 1893 SSA names you will see 5 baby girls with the name. Personally the name is a great alternative to Ann- names since there are so many out there. The most favorite Anise is Anise Koltz a Luxembourgian poet and children's author. 

Christmas Association 

Anise is used in baking throughout Christmas time. I personally grew up using anise in pizzelles but the spice is also used in Italian, German, and Polish cookies. The spice is also a great Christmas name for its star shape. 

Hello December: 12 Names Given to 12 Babies in 2017

Happy December! It's hard to believe this year is almost over. Every year I make goals for my blog and name instagram and this year I did so poorly on them. But then I remind myself its ok when you are forcing yourself to write or post it isn't enjoyable anymore. So for the upcoming year I am just going to write and post as I please with no goals in mind.

In honor of the month of December I have 12 names given to just 12 babies in 2017 since this is the 12th months of the year. I love looking for names this way because you find so many unique names without having to go through a million different names.

Girls

1. Netta: English short form of names ending in Netta; Plant, Scrub in Hebrew 
2. Luisana: Spanish, German Feminine form of Louis (Famous in War) 
3. Kitty: English Diminutive of Katherine (Each of the Two)
4. Hava: Hebrew form of Eve (To Breathe, To Live)
5. Arista: Latin; Ear of Corn 
6. Oksana: Ukraina form of Xenia (Hospitality) 
7. Urvi: Sanskrit; Wide
8. Viva: Latin; Alive, Living 
9. Lilinoe: Hawaiian; Fine Mist 
10. Humaira: Arabic; Red, Red Color
11. Dione: Greek; Of Zeus, Goddess
12. Arna: Hebrew; Mountain of Strength 

Boys

1. Dudley: English; Dudda's Clearing 
2. Revel: English; A Merry Celebration 
3. Taliesin: Welsh; Shining Brow
4. Virgilio: Spanish and Italian form of Virgil (Staff Bearer)
5. Haidar: Arabic; Lion
6. Irwin: English; Boar Friend 
7. Narciso: Italian, Spanish, and Portuguese form of Narcissus (Sleep, Numbness)
8. Edgard: French Variant of Edgar (Wealth, Fortune, Spear)
9. Keir: Scottish; Rough Wet Ground
10. Calixto: Spanish and Portuguese; Wine Cup
11. Horatio: English Variant of Horatius (Hour, Time, Season)
12. Ollin: Aztec-Nahualt; Movement 

Do you have a favorite name from the list? Anything that surprises you? 

2017 Comeback Kids

Some namers take a look at the SSA list every year and group together all of the name that weren't on the top 1000 the year before into one category. I on the other hand like to split them up into two categories; newbies and comeback kids. This posts today is all about the comeback kids. What are comeback kids exactly? They are ones that have previously been on the top 1000 list but were not on the 2016 list. Some names haven't been on the list for 1 year while others haven't been on for 62 years! The following lists are in order from last time spent off the list to most time off the list.

Bishop #988

Last Ranked in 2015 (#989)

Rashad #981

Last Ranked in 2015 (#945)

Kylen #980

Last Ranked in 2015 (#987)

Yadiel #975

Last Ranked in 2015 (#972)

Dilan #920

Last Ranked in 2015 (#903)

Ayan #907

Last Ranked in 2015 (#997)

Frankie #898

Last Ranked in 2015 (#994)

Aaden #888

Last Ranked in 2015 (#784)

Juelz #776

Last Ranked in 2015 (#990)

Mike #949

Last Ranked in 2014 (#976)

Randall #960

Last Ranked in 2014 (#909)

Simeon #974

Last Ranked in 2012 (#981)

Khari #969

Last Ranked in 1994 (#952)

Bjorn #953

Last Ranked in 1980 (#959)

Jenny #996

Last Ranked in 2015 (#967)

Tara #985

Last Ranked in 2015 (#912)

Kimora #960

Last Ranked in 2015 (#958)

Meilani #911

Last Ranked in 2015 (#951)

Aminah #887

Last Ranked in 2015 (#902)

Alisa #988

Last Ranked in 2014 (#945)

Sonia #983

Last Ranked in 2014 (#949)

Renee #966

Last Ranked in 2014 (#950)

Magdalena #955

Last Ranked in 2014 (#974)

Miley #923

Last Ranked in 2014 (#792)

Jurnee #950

Last Ranked in 2013 (#896)

India #890

Last Ranked in 2013 (#968)

Raylee #881

Last Ranked in 2012 (#937)

Saanvi #991

Last Ranked in 2012 (#901)

Xiomara #848

Last Ranked in 2010 (#984)

Selene #917

Last Ranked in 2006 (#987)

Samira #992

Last Ranked in 2005 (#974)

Treasure #968

Last Ranked in 2004 (#889)

Emerald #979

Last Ranked in 2002 (#995)

Octavia #593

Last Ranked in 1998 (#877)

Sunny #984

Last Ranked in 1985 (#962)

Florence #980

Last Ranked in 1981 (#956)

Opal #859

Last Ranked in 1960 (#918) 

Luella #905

Last Ranked in 1955 (#971)

Which names for each gender spent the most time off the top 1000? For boys it was Bjorn for spending 37 years off the list and Luella for the ladies. She spent 62 years off the list.

One interesting thing I noticed was some of the names on the list have only ranked for two years in total, this year being one of them. For boys that would be Khari and for girls it is Treasure, Jurnee, Aminah, and Meilani. 

I feel like this year the list is on the smaller size. I was expecting a lot more names. Are we not using extremely unique names as much? One can always wonder. As for the names that are on the list I am excited to see Bishop, Simeon, Magdalena, India, Selene, Octavia, Florence, and Opal on the list. A few of those I had actually predicted would make their ways back! 

Other 2017 SSA List Posts

Top 10 Names 

New Top 100 Names
Newbies

2017 Newbies

Every year when the new Social Security Administration (SSA) name list comes out I take a look at some categories of names immediately. One of which is names that have never been on the top 1000 before but have made it this year. And every year I think there can't be many new names to the list. But then I am reminded that there are thousands upon thousands of names in this world just waiting to be discovered. Just to be clear these names have never been on the most popular list since the charts first came out in 1880!

Below you will find all of the names along with their rankings for this year. I've also included something new this year. I went and include how many spots the name moved from the previous year.  You can find them in parenthesis.

1. Jaxx #1000 (+64 spots)
2. Decker #996 (+20)
3. Alaric #994 (+96)
4. Jovanni #987 (+68)
5. Gianluca #986 (+168)
6. Ledger #973 (+205)
7. Zahir #966 (+147)
8. Shmuel #965 (+40)
9. Reign #961 (+236)
10. Gatlin #957 (+282)
11. Koa #939 (+294)
12. Zayd #931 (+211)
13. Kaiser #929 (+75)
14. Shepard #926 (+118)
15. Nova #918 (+323)
16. Wells #915 (+504, Name with Biggest Increases)
17. Briar #880 (+128)
18. Kace #870 (+315)
19. Caspian #868 (+328)
20. Jaxxon #846 (+214)
21. Kairo #803 (+423)
22. Colson #736 (+323)

1. Alora #1000 (+111 spots)
2. Yara #987 (+352)
3. Marlowe #981 (+50)
4. Spencer #975 (+87)
5. Egypt #974 (+62)
6. Ensley #965 (+1461, Name with Biggest Increase)
7. Legacy #945 (+97)
8. Oaklee #942 (+251)
9. Mylah #941 (+196)
10. Melania #930 (+720)
11. Malani #921 (+271)
12. Oaklynn #886 (+1072)
13. Lyanna #858 (+304)
14. Paisleigh #840 (+364)
15. Dream #828 (+840)
16. Everlee #762 (+250)
17. Amora #698 (+317)
18. Oaklyn #676 (+749)
19. Emberly #629 (+616)

Other 2017 SSA List Posts

Top 10 Names 

New Top 100 Names

Comeback Kids (Back on the Top 1000)

2017 Top 100

The top 100 names have a special feel to them. They are popular but at the same time there are so many that just simply aren't. I often see parents saying they want a name below the top 100 because in their eyes the top 100 is too popular. But there are so many things to love about the top 100. A lot of the names you probably haven't even met an actual baby with the name. With that being said a name moving into the top 100 is a good thing. It makes the name just a little more familiar to the ears.

Every year only a few names move into the top 100 usually right below 10 for each gender. Here are this year's names.

Jameson and Maverick are names that I had predicted would make their way into the top 100 and they did. I am a little surprised about Kayden moving up. I had thought that the whole Aiden/Kayden trend was dying down but I guess not. What are your thoughts on it?

As for girls I had predicted Valentina, Everly, and Emilia would make their ways into the top 100 and they did! I can see the appeal in Emilia and Everly. E names seem to be a plus for girls lately. Isabelle surprised me a little bit because of how popular Isabella is but she had been just shy of the top 100 last year. 

As for the names that have fallen from the top 100 list because of these new names they are:

1. Bentley #100 --> 102
2. Brandon #99 -->114
3. Tyler #91 -->106
4. Kevin #90 ---> 101
5. Zachary #89 -->103

1. Faith #100 --> 119
2. Brainna #98 --> 123
3. Taylor #91 --> 112
4. Katherine #90 --> 105
5. Kylie #83 --> 114

It seems that most of the names that have fallen from the top 100 are names some would find dated almost. Names that were much more popular 20 years ago. Brandon, Tyler, Kevin, Brianna, and Taylor are all names common to my generation. People of the 1990s. Bentley and Kylie surprise me a little bit in their falls. If anything I would have thought they'd stay right around the same. 

Be sure to follow me on Instagram for more new name talk! I will have a few things on there that won't be posted on here. Or at least not for a little bit that is. 

Other 2017 SSA List Posts

Top 10 Names 

Newbies
Comeback Kids 

2017 SSA List!

Merry Name Christmas!! Yep I'm declaring today the ultimate naming holiday. Who'd be in to petition making today an actual holiday?! For the last few weeks I have been waiting and prepping and waiting and prepping some more. Now that its here I can't contain myself! Last night I couldn't sleep. I rolled around in bed just so excited for today to come! And then this morning I refreshed the SSA name page a million and ten times waiting for the list to get posted. But ITS FINALLY HERE!! Before I get into the whole list I am going to sit down and look over the top 10. Enjoy this excitement for just a little bit. Take it all in.

1. Liam +1
2. Noah -1
3. William
4. James +1
5. Logan +13
6. Benjamin
7. Mason -3
8. Elijah +1
9. Oliver +3
10. Jacob -3

1. Emma
2. Olivia
3. Ava
4. Isabella +1
5. Sophia -1
6. Mia 
7. Charlotte 
8. Amelia +3
9. Evelyn +3
10. Abigail -2

I am so pleasantly surprised at this new list! First there were 2 new boy names and 2 new girl names, all of which I am happy made the list. For the boys Logan jumped 13 (yes 13!) spots into the top 10 and Oliver jumped 3 spots. They knocked out Michael and Ethan. This is the first time since 1943 that Michael is not in the top 10. After 74 years this classical name is not longer in the top 10.

The two girl names that made their ways into the top 10 were Amelia and Evelyn. There was a lot of talk around the name world of Amelia moving into the top 10 and it was right. I'm not sure if anyone would have guessed Evelyn but it is a nice surprise. I think out of both list Evelyn is my favorite move. Because we have 2 new names we had to lose 2. Those were Harper and Emily. Although it wasn't much of a drop, spots 11 and 12 respectively, I'm still a little shocked about Harper. I know Emily has been around for a while but Harper had only spent 2 years in the top 10. I thought for sure she'd move up more this year. 

Noah was knocked from the #1 spot after 4 years while Emma kept her crown for the 4th year in a row. 

Overall, I am happy with the top 10 list. It's nice to see some fresh names. This year may be my favorite top 10 in the last few years. Keep an eye out for more posts about the 2017 SSA list! 

*Bold Names Are Names New To The List*

Other 2017 SSA List Posts

New Top 100 Names
Newbies

Comeback Kids (Back on the Top 1000)

Sibling Names: Jack and Ashley

Jack and Ashley are both family names for me. I have a cousin named Jack and he is one of 7: Erin, Caitlin, Megan, Michael, Cullen, Jack, and Cecelia! Ashley is my middle name and I knew so many Ashley's growing up. I guess that's what happens when you are born in the 90s.

Jack and Leo

Jack and Henry

Jack and Harry

Jack and Benjamin 

Jack and Lucas

Jack and Tyson 

Jack and Oscar 

Jack and George 

Jack and Max

Jack and Bobby 

Jack and Beatrice

Jack and Aria 

Jack and Abigail "Abby"

Jack and Ava 

Jack and Josslyn

Jack and Sophia 

Jack and Audrey

Jack and Jill 

Jack and Genevieve "Evie"

Jack and Carter (g)

Jack and Zoe

Jack, Grace, and Harry

Jack, Molly, and Caroline

Jack, Claire, and Joey

Jack, Ethan, and Grace 

Jack, Olivia, and Angela

Jack, Reese, and Darren 

Jack, Issy, and Jonah 

Jack, Ruby, and Frankie (g)

Jack, Lennox, and River (b)

Jack, Byron, and Georgie 

Jack, Evelynn, and Tristan 

Jack, Samantha, and Gianna

Jack, Henry, and William 

Jack, Luke, Annie, and Lexie

Jack, Harry, Thomas, and Ruby

Jack, Emma, Ava, and Elena 

Jack and Nate (twins), Elijah, and Oliver 

Jack, Jayden (g), Bradley, Blaze, and Gunnar 

Jack, Zeon, Kaire, Taliah, Alizah, and Jasmine 

Jack, Izrael (g), Sequani (b), Henri, and Francis (b)

Jack, Darlene, Barbara, Nancy, Richard, and Susan 

Jack, Madalyn, Ann, Evelyn, Amelia, and Brantley 

Jesse "Jack", Michael, John, Davis, Hazel, Florence, Julia, and Benjamin 

I am always interested when I see half overlapping siblings like Jack, Grace, and Henry with Jack, Grace, and Ethan. Another interesting comment from this gathering was Jack and Jill. I should have known at least one set of Jack and Jill would pop up! By far the most interesting comment on this post was a Jesse nicknamed Jack. I wonder where that could have come from. 

Ashley Michelle and Tyler Patrick 

Ashley and Tyler 

Ashley and Jeremy (x2)

Ashley and Philip

Ashley and Andrew 

Ashley Morgan and Matthew Kaleb 

Ashley and Jonathon

Ashley and Jessica (x2)

Ashley and Kayla (x2)

Ashley and Courtney 

Ashley and Lindsey

Ashley and Heather 

Ashley and Adrianna 

Ashley Elizabeth and Danielle Jeanine 

Ashley and Cara 

Ashley and Megan 

Ashley and Katarina 

Ashley and Dana

Ashley and Stephanie 

Ashley and Melissa 

Ashley, Chris, and Brittany

Ashley Elizabeth, Emily Lauren, and Laura Katherine 

Ashley Brooke, Joshua, and Matthew 

Ashley, Erin, and Alexa

Ashley, Ryan, and Brooke 

Ashley, Austin, and Amanda 

Ashley, Cody, and Ryan 

Ashley Danielle, Annie Marie, and Adam Gabriel 

Ashley, Haley, and Emily 

Ashley, Brittani, Hannah, and Cassi 

Ashley Suzanne, Christina Joy, Nickolas Austin, and Tyler Daniel 

Ashley, Evan, Lindsay, and Austin 

Ashley, Heather, Aaron, and Braden 

Ashley, Melissa, Derek, and Tyler 

Ashley, Michael, Aidan, and Matthew 

Ashley, Trent, Jill, Sawyer, Sandi

Ashley, Jessica, Karl, Audrey, and Terrell

Ashley, Sabrina, Tequila, Caya, and Sean 

Ashley, Cara, Courtney, Josiah, Elias, and Gracie 

There were a lot of of double sibsets. Ok maybe only 4 but since I don't often multiple comments with the same exact siblings. This name also had a lot of middle names commented along with siblings, adds to the interesting information. 

2017 List Predictions {New to Top 100}

On Sunday I talked about names that I think/am predicting will make it onto the top 1000 list for the 2016 statistics. Today I am talking about names I predict will make it into the top 100. Last year when I did this list I did a very bad job. None of the boy names I listed made it into the top 100 and only 2 of the 4 of my girl names did. I am hoping this year I will do better but there is very little room for guessing wrong. Most years less than 10 names make it into the top 100 that were not in there the year before. Some of the names that I predicted would make it into the top 100 and didn't will be on this list again. 

Miles- Miles has always been in the top 1000 list since the very first year it came out in 1880 but it has never ranked in the top 100. In 2016 Miles was ranked at #105 making it the highest it has every ranked. Although the name only moved 3 spots from 2015 to 2016 I can still see the name moving t least 5 spots within the year. 

Harrison- Like Miles, Harrison is another name that has been in the top 1000 since 1880 and has never been in the top 100. Unlike Miles though, Harrison jumped 13 spots from 2015 to 2016 and currently ranks at #107. I can see the appeal in the name Harrison because it is similar to Harry and Henry while offering a longer name option. 

Declan- I had Declan on my list before the 2016 ranks came out. The name missed the top 100 by 9 spots ranking at #109. In 1998, Declan ranked for the first time in the top 1000 at #712. In just 10 years the name made itself into the top 500 at #346 and has grown since then. Declan has a lot of appeal to families that want a unique name without going so far off the charts. 

Everett- Everett jumped 22 spots from 2015 to 2016 and is now ranked at #114. Thats the biggest jump out of the boy names on my list. One thing I have noticed is that boy names move a little slower than girl names. At one point in time Everett was ranked in the top 100 from the 1900s to the early 1920s. With that time frame coming back around I wouldn't be surprised to see Everett in the top 100 in 2017. 

Jameson- Jameson, like Declan, is another name I had on my list from last year. In 2016 the name ranked at #128, so a little farther down on the list. It did jump 16 spots in on year. Jameson would make a great alternative to James making me thinking it may make it into the top 100. 

Emilia- Emilia missed the top 100 by just 2 spots but from 2015 to 2016 it jumped 43 spots. I am adding this name to the list not only because of the decent sized jump in numbers but because Emilia is very similar to Amelia as well as Elena and Eliana. Elena and Eliana both made it into the top 100 last year.

Everly- I had Everly on my list last year but it didn't make it into the top 100. Like Emilia it had another nice sized jump of 31 spots to #107. E names seem to be a favorite for girls. And if the amount of times I have heard the name Everly in the last year means anything than the name will rank in the top #100. 

Valentina- In 2016, Valentina ranked at #106 just below Everly. The appeal I see in Valentina is the romantic, grand vibe. You can't see the name Valentina without thinking of a beautiful tough girl. The name only jumped 8 spots from 2015 to 2016, the smallest jump on my girl list. 

Josephine- I am surprised Josephine is not on the top 100 list! It is so close to being a classic and was once ranked in the top 50 int he early 1900s. From 2015 to 2016 Josephine jumped 17 to #114. Will Josephine jump at least 14 spots this year?

Ivy- Ivy is another name I had on my list last year that didn't make it into the top 100. Although the name has been on the list since the 1900s it has never ranked in the top 100. It has a vintage feel to it but isn't overly old lady chic. 

I am really interesting to see how all these names do when the new list comes out. I hope this year I am better than last year! 

Sibling Names: George and Violet

Sundays use to be one of my least favorite days. Everyone knows that Sunday night feeling of the impending Monday and week ahead. Now that I am doing the Real Life Sibling Sets every Sunday is just so much better. I really enjoyed the comments from the weeks of George and Violet. One person wrote the longest, sweetest comment about her family history of the George's in her life. You will also notice that one of the siblings in the Violet category overlaps with the George category (would you call them categories?) and now I didn't plan to have these two names in the same blog posts!

In case you missed it, every Sunday I post a name on my instagram asking my followers to comment names of the siblings they know for the posted name. I ask for only real life siblings so none from movies and no suggestions for future siblings.

George Walter and Elizabeth Hanna

George and Lucille

George and Marina 

George and Isabell

George and Charlotte 

George Janet

George and Charles 

George and Jack 

George and Jackson

George and Paul 

George and Oscar

George and Deane (b)

George and Harold "Harry"

George, Shannon, and Lynne

George, Rachel, and Matthew 

George, Oscar, and Eartha

George, Ava, and Petra 

George, Amelia, and Harry 

George, Alice, and Charlee (g)

George, Tom, and Scott 

George, Makenna, Bryant, and Kelly (b)

George, Evelyn, Violet, and Helen 

George, Evelyn, Robert "Bob", Nancy "Nan", and Charles "Chuck"

George, Eleanor, Charlotte, Josephine, Simon, Henry, and Madison 

George, Archie, Elwood, Joann, Peggy, Gertrude, and General Kimp 

George, Lorenzo "Locks", Maddalena "Maddie", Ann "Annie)" Frances (g)

George, Lorenzo, Anthony "Tony", Ann, Michael, Vincent "Vinny", Frances "Franny" (g), Terrence "Tex", Kevin, Bernard, and Michelle 

The last two sibling sets are father and son! Their family also had a lot of George variants like Georgia, Georgiana, and Jorge. 

Violet and Mabel 

Violet and Vivian 

Violet and Layla

Violet and Hazel

Violet, and Scarlett 

Violet and Ember 

Violet and Lily 

Violet and Emily 

Violet and Willow 

Violet May and Elliana Rose 

Violet and Emilia 

Violet and Petra

Violet, Penelope, and Tallulah 

Violet, India, and Atlas 

Violet, Elijah, and Charlotte 

Violet, Micah, and Hudson 

Violet, Madison, and Amber 

Violet, Margo, and Lucy 

Violet, Amelia, and Lydia

Violet, Amber, and Ruby 

Violet, Evelyn, Helen, Estelle, and George 

Violet, Edith, Ethel, Virgil, and Victor 

Violet, Ethel, George, and Oscar 

Violet, Tristan, Leland, and Milo 

Violet, Bryant, Shawnie, Keith, and Crissy

Violet, Rose, Benjamin, Samuel, Adam, Jonathan, Gershom, Gabriel, and Isaiah

2017 List Predictions {New to Top 1000}

Every May the Social Security Administration post the most popular baby names for the previous year. In the name community it is seen as our own personal Christmas. The excitement us name lovers feel is the same excitement you had as a child on Christmas Eve.

It's only March but I have already been thinking about the new list. I can't wait to get my hands on the new names and to spend hours looking over the names and their popularity. I am so fill of excitement that I have already made a list of posts I want to make (if my life allows it) when the new list comes out. Until then I decided to make some predictions about what I think may happen when he list comes out. There will be two posts, one for the new to the top 1000 and one for the new to the top 100. 

Last year I did the same kind of posts. When I made my 2016 predictions for new names to the top 1000 I picked 4 girl names and 4 boy names. Only 2 for each gender made it onto the top 1000. I've included all 4 of those names on this years list. 

Kaiser- Kaiser was on my list last year but did not make it onto the top 1000. In fact it was ranked at #1001 and short by just 1 spot! The only reason the name wasn't on the top 1000 was because of alphabetical order. The #1000 boy name for 2016 was Jonathon and was given to 202 babies. The same number of babies also received the name Kaiser. The reason I still have Kaiser on this years list is because there was a continued increase in the number of babies given the name Kaiser. In 2015 only 140 babies received that name. I think the name fits with the -er boy names as well as sounding similar to names like Tyler and Kai. 

Simeon- Simeon is the other name on this years list that was also on my list last year. I included the name again because it was so close to being in the top 1000. It ranked at #1012 and given to 199 babies just 3 less babies than the top 1000 name. Simeon is a biblical name and sounds like a fresh take on Simon. Biblical boy names are what many of the top 100 names are. You can see the appeal in an unique biblical name. 

Briar- Briar ranked at #1004 in 2016 and was actually in the top 1000 in 2015. I am not sure why it fell off the charts but I can see it making a come back. The more time that passes the older all the Brian's in the world get and I can see more parents wanting to honor them. Briar is also a lesser known nature name that means thorny plant. 

Bear- Fox is a name that moved into the top 1000 name in 2016 so why not Bear? It is both a nature name and word name. People love their nature names thats for sure. Its also a celebrity name. Past One Direction band member, Liam Payne named his son Bear Grey in March of 2017. Celebrities have had influences on names plenty of times in the past. 

Archie- America has a way of picking up names that are more popular over in Britain many years later. Archie is one of those names that I have been hoping will gain popularity. I'm adding the name to this list now because of the popular show Riverdale. If you haven't seen the show the main charter is named Archie and it is based off of the comic character. If there is one name on this list that I am iffy about making it on to the top 1000 it is Archie. 

Etta- Etta was a name that I was rooting for right before the 2016 list came out but sadly she did not make it. I am adding the name back to the list for multiple reasons. To start it had an increase in 53 from 2015 to 2016. If it makes another big leap like that this year it will definitely be in the top 1000. Etta is similar to the popular names Ella and Emma. If you have also heard of the 100 year rule than you can agree that Etta is ready for a comeback. The 100 year rule is when a name makes a comeback a 100 years after it was popular. 

India-  India was just one spot shy of the top 1000 spot in 2016 and one baby short! The funny part of this name was that in 2015 262 babies were given the name and the same amount were give the name in 2016. I am interested to see if the name increases or stays stable in this coming year. Place names are all the range so I can see the appeal in India. Plus the nickname Indie is super cute. 

Opal- Opal is similar to other much more popular gem names out there like Ruby and Pearl. Besides being a gem name it is also a vintage name. I am seeing more and more vintage names coming back. A 100 years ago the name was in the top 100, making it a perfect candidate for the 100 year rule. Numbers wise the name has had an increase of babies born with the name over the last 3 years. from 183 in 2014 to 256 in 2016. 

Elodie- With how many times I've heard the name Elodie in the last few months you would think it was already in the top 1000. The name appeals to parents because of her El- beginning. It also sounds like a princess name and that is a factor some parents like. Like I mentioned with the name Archie, Elodie is more popular in England and Wales ranking at #166. 

Florence- Some of the trends I am hoping to see in the next 5 years gaining popularity are more names from the top 100 from 100 years ago and names that the British love. Florence is one of them. In England and Wales, the name ranks at #23 and 100 years ago in 1918 the name was #14. If we take a look the numbers, Florence has had an increase in babies born: 183 in 2014 to 215 in 2015 to 247 in 2016. 

I am really excited to see how all of my names do this year. I love just about every name on this list so I wouldn't be upset if they hopped onto the top 1000 list. What are some names you are hoping make it onto the list in May?