Priscilla
September 9, 2015 § 2 Comments
ORIGIN:
Diminutive of “Prisca”, from a Roman family name meaning “ancient” or “of ancient birth”.
VARIATIONS and NICKNAMES:
Cece, Cila, Cili, Cilka, Cilla, Cille, Pricila, Pricilla, Pris, Prisca, Priscila, Priska, Priskilla, Prissie, Prissy, Scilla, Sileas, Silja, Silje, Silke, Sile, Sille, Sisi, Sissie, Sissy, Zilla, etc.
REFERENCES IN LITERATURE:
– Priscilla Lapham (called “Cilla“), Mrs. Lapham’s devoted, reliable, practical teenaged daughter, who remains a true friend to Johnny through all the turmoil of Johnny Tremain by Esther Forbes (written in 1943; set during the years leading up to the American Revolutionary War, 1773-1775).
WRITERS:
– Priscilla (1735-1812), pen name of English activist, reformer, and writer Ann Jebb.
– Priscilla Buckley (1921-2012), American author and editor.
– Priscilla Galloway (b. 1930), Canadian children’s book author.
– Priscilla Napier (1908-1998), English author and biographer.
– Priscilla Uppal (b. 1974), Canadian novelist, playwright, and poet.
– Priscilla Wakefield (1751-1832), English activist, children’s book author, and writer.
Victoria
September 2, 2015 § 6 Comments
ORIGIN:
Latin, from the Roman goddess of victory; feminine form of “Victorius” (which is also, of course, from Latin, meaning “victory”).
VARIATIONS and NICKNAMES:
Latoya, Toree, Tori, Toria, Toriana, Torie, Torri, Torrie, Torry, Tory, Toya, Vic, Vicie, Vickey, Vicki, Vickie, Vicky, Victoire, Victoriana, Victorina, Victorine, Victory, Vicy, Vikki, Viktoria, Viktorie, Viktorija, Viktoriya, Vitoria, Vittoria, Wikolia, Wiktoria, etc.
REFERENCES IN LITERATURE:
– Aunt Victoria, Shad’s aunt in Washington, who works as a nurse during the war, in Across Five Aprils by Irene Hunt (1964; set during the American Civil War, 1861-1865).
WRITERS:
– Victoria Benedictsson (1850-1888), Swedish novelist who published under the pen name “Ernst Ahlgren”.
– Victoria Mary Clarke (b. 1966), Irish journalist and writer.
– Victoria Chang (b. 1970), American poet and writer.
– Victoria Hislop (b. 1959), English novelist and short story writer.
– Victoria Newcomb (b. 1974), American novelist.
– Victoria Ocampo (1890-1979), Argentine intellectual and writer.
– Victoria Strauss (b. 1955), American fantasy author.
– Victoria Williams (b. 1958), American musician, singer, and songwriter.
Sheila
August 10, 2015 § 3 Comments
ORIGIN:
Alternative / Anglicized spelling of “Sile”, an Irish variation of “Cecilia” / “Cecily” / “Cicely“; or an alternate spelling of “Sheela” / “Shila”, a Hindu / Sanskrit name meaning “good character” or “good conduct”.
VARIATIONS and NICKNAMES:
Cacilia, Cacelie, Caecilia, Cecilia, Cecilie, Cecilija, Cecille, Cecily, Cecylia, Cicely, Cicily, Cila, Cila, Cili, Cilka, Cilla, Cille, Cissi, Cissie, Cissy, Shayla, Shaylah, Shelagh, Sheelagh, Sheelah, Sheilah, Shelia, Shyla, Shylah, Sila, Sile, Sileas, Silja, Silje, Silke, Silla, Sille, Sissi, Sissie, Sissy, Tsetsiliya, Zila, Zile, Zilla, Zillah, Zille, etc.
REFERENCES IN LITERATURE:
– Sheila Kriszinski, Lily’s new best friend in high school, who counts as somewhat “bad company”, in Sleeping Arrangements, by Laura Cunningham (published 1989, set in the 1950s).
WRITERS:
– Sheila Baxter (b. 1933), Canadian activist and author.
– Sheila Bhatia (1916-2008), Indian playwright and poet.
– Sheila Burnford (1918-1984), Scottish-Canadian author and traveler.
– Sheila Callaghan (b. 1973), American playwright and screenwriter.
– Sheila Connolly (b. 1950), American mystery author.
– Sheila Cussons (1922-2004), South African painter, poet, and writer.
– Sheila Finch (b. 1935), Anglo-American science fiction author.
– Sheila Fischman (b. 1937), Canadian columnist, editor, and translator.
– Sheila Fitzpatrick (b. 1941), Australian-American author, historian, and professor.
– Sheila Meiring Fugard (b. 1932), South African novelist, playwright, poet, and short story writer.
– Sheila Gordon (1927-2013), South African novelist.
– Sheila Heti (b. 1976), Canadian author and editor.
– Sheila Holland (1937-2000), English romance author who also published under the pen names “Charlotte Lamb”, “Laura Hardy”, “Sheila Coates”, “Sheila Lancaster”, and “Victoria Wolf”.
– Sheila Kaye-Smith (1887-1956), English novelist.
– Sheila K. McCullagh (1920-2014), English author and children’s book writer.
– Sheila E. Murphy (b. 1951), American poet.
– Sheila Nicholls (b. 1970), English singer and songwriter.
– Sheila Nickerson (b. 1942), American poet and writer.
– Sheila Quigley (b. 1947), English suspense and thriller author.
– Sheila Rowbotham (b. 1943), English activist and writer.
– Sheila Stewart (1937-2014), Scottish author, singer, and storyteller.
– Sheila Stuart (1892-1974), pen name of Scottish author and children’s book writer Gladys May Baker.
– Sheila Walsh (1928-2009), English romance author who also published under the pen name “Sophie Leyton”.
– Sheila Watson (1909-1998), Canadian critic, novelist, and teacher.
Igor
August 4, 2015 § Leave a comment
ORIGIN:
Russian variation of “Ingvar”, from the Old Norse “hero” name “Yngvarr”, meaning “warrior of the god Yngvi-Freyr“; sometimes used as a variation of “George“.
VARIATIONS and NICKNAMES:
Ingvar, Ingvarr, Yngvar, Yngvarr, Yngvi, etc.
REFERENCES IN LITERATURE:
– Igor, the (possibly false) name of more than one of Uncle Len’s mysterious friends, in Sleeping Arrangements, by Laura Cunningham (published 1989, set in the 1950s).
WRITERS:
– Igor Akimushkin (1929-1993), Russian writer and zoologist.
– Igor M. Diakonoff (1915-1999), Russian historian, linguist, scholar, and translator.
– Igor Goldkind (b. 1960), American lecturer, poet, science fiction author, and writer.
– Igor Guberman (b. 1936), Russian-Israeli poet and writer.
– Igor Marojević (b. 1968), Serbian novelist, playwright, short story writer, and translator.
– Igor Severyanin (1887-1941), Russian poet.
– Igor Škamperle (b. 1962), Slovenian essayist, novelist, sociologist, and translator.
– Igor Štiks (b. 1977), Croatian author, editor, reporter, and scholar.
– Igor Talankin (1927-2010), Russian director and screenwriter.
– Igor Torkar (1913-2004), pen name of Slovenian poet, playwright, and writer Boris Fakin.
– Igor Yefimov (b. 1937), Russian-American philosopher, publisher, and writer who also publishes as “Andrei Moscovit”.
Ava
July 12, 2015 § 6 Comments
ORIGIN:
Alternately spelled “Eva”. Possibly an English variation of “Eve”, meaning “to breathe” or “to live”; or from Persian, meaning “voice” or “sound”; or from Greek, meaning “bird-like”; or a shortened version of Germanic names such as “Avis” or “Avila”, or even “Hedwig”.
VARIATIONS and NICKNAMES:
Avalina, Avaline, Avalyn, Avelina, Aveline, Avelyn, Aven, Aveza, Aviana, Aviance, Avice, Avila, Avis, Aviva, Chava, Chavah, Chave, Chavilah, Eabha, Eeva, Eevi, Efa, Eua, Eva, Eve, Evelia, Evie, Evika, Evita, Evvie, Evvy, Ewa, Hava, Havilah, Havva, Hawa, Ieva, Iva, Ivah, Yeva, etc.
REFERENCES IN LITERATURE:
– Ava, founder and leader of Camp Ava, where Lily spends a miserable summer, in Sleeping Arrangements, by Laura Cunningham (published 1989, set in the 1950s).
WRITERS:
– Ava (c.1060-1127), German poet, also known as “Ava of Göttweig”, “Ava of Melk”, or “Frau Ava”.
– Ava DuVernay (b. 1972), American director and screenwriter.
Gabe
June 11, 2015 § Leave a comment
ORIGIN:
Shortened version of “Gabriel”, from the Hebrew “Gavri’el”, meaning “man of God” or “God is my strength”.
VARIATIONS and NICKNAMES:
Cebrail, Dzhabrail, Gabby, Gabey, Gabi, Gabie, Gabor, Gabriel, Gabriele, Gabrien, Gavrail, Gavrel, Gavriel, Gavril, Gavriil, Havryil, Jabrel, Jibril, etc.
REFERENCES IN LITERATURE:
– Gabe Shaine, Rosie’s younger brother, a librarian who moves in to help raise Lily, in Sleeping Arrangements, by Laura Cunningham (published 1989, set in the 1950s).
WRITERS:
– Gabe Hudson (b. 1971), American educator, novelist and writer.
Bart
May 21, 2015 § Leave a comment
ORIGIN:
Shortened version of “Bartholomew“.
VARIATIONS and NICKNAMES:
Barth, Bartholomew, Bartie, Bartlett, Bartley, Bartol, Barty, Bertok, Mees, Mies, Tolly, etc.
REFERENCES IN LITERATURE:
– Bart Taylor, a young man of Jessica Hurstwood’s acquaintance, in Theodore Dreiser’s Sister Carrie (published in 1900; set 1889-1890s).
WRITERS:
– Bart Kennedy (1861-1930), English journalist, memoirist, and novelist.
– Bart Van Lierde (b. 1974), Flemish novelist, playwright, and songwriter.
Baby-Naming Trends of the Past
January 8, 2015 § Leave a comment
What’s that they say?
“Everything old is new again.”
“There is nothing new under the sun.”
“History repeats itself.”
“What goes around, comes around.”
It all seems so appropriate for the subject of naming trends. We even have an early 19th century preference for “K” names to thank for making “Katherine” (and it’s nickname, “Katie” / “Katy“) more common than “Catherine“!
Click through to the article for more baby-naming trends that aren’t as modern as we might think!
Most Popular Boys Names Since 1960
November 15, 2014 § Leave a comment
A Wondrous GIF Shows The Most Popular Baby Names For Boys (By U.S. State) Since 1960:
“Social Security Administration data visualized in the most lovely way possible.“
1960: David, James, John, Michael, and Robert
1961-65: David, James, John, and Michael
1966-67: David, James, and Michael (wow, the 1960s really knew how to mix things up!)
1968: James, John, and Michael
1969: James and Michael
1970: David, James, and Michael
1971: James, Jason, John, and Michael (way to go, North Dakota, trying to shake things up a bit!)
1972-74: Chris, James, Jason, and Michael
1975-76: James, Jason, and Michael
1977-79: Chris, James, Jason, and Michael (alright, Alabama, bringin’ “Chris” back!)
1980: Chris, James, Jason, and Michael (these names are on a serious roll!)
1981: Chris, James, Joshua, Matthew, and Michael
1982: Chris, Joshua, Matthew, and Michael
1983-84: Chris, Matthew, and Michael
1985-86: Chris, Joshua, Matthew, and Michael
1987: Andrew, Chris, Joshua, Matthew, and Michael (Nebraska, you little rebel!)
1988: Chris, Joshua, Justin, Matthew, and Michael
1989: Chris, Joshua, Matthew, Michael
1990: Chris, Jacob, Joshua, Matthew, Michael, and Tyler
1991: Chris, Jacob, Joshua, Michael, and Tyler
1992: Chris, Jacob, Joshua, Michael, Nicholas, and Tyler (I see what you did there, Maine!)
1993: Chris, Jacob, James, Joshua, Matthew, Michael, and Tyler
1994-95: Austin, Chris, Daniel, Jacob, James, Joshua, Michael, Tyler and William
1996: Austin, Chris, Daniel, Jacob, Jose, Joshua, Matthew, Michael, Nicholas, Tyler, and William
1997: Austin, Chris, Daniel, Jacob, James, Jose, Joshua, Matthew, Michael, Nicholas, and William
1998: Austin, Daniel, Jacob, James, Jose, Joshua, Matthew, Michael, and William
1999: Daniel, Jacob, Jose, Joshua, Matthew, Michael, Tyler, and William
2000: Daniel, Jacob, Jose, Joshua, Matthew, Michael, and William
2001: Anthony, Daniel, Jacob, Jose, Joshua, Matthew, Michael, and William (now Nevada’s trying to stand out from the crowd)
2002: Anthony, Daniel, Ethan, Jacob, Jose, Joshua, Matthew, Michael, Nicholas, and William
2003: Anthony, Daniel, Ethan, Jacob, Jose, Joshua, Matthew, Michael, and William
2004: Anthony, Daniel, Ethan, Jacob, Jose, Joshua, Michael, Ryan, and William (and Delaware finds a way to buck the trends!)
2005: Angel, Anthony, Daniel, Ethan, Jacob, Jose, Joshua, Matthew, Michael, Ryan, and William (this time Arizona introduces a fresh name)
2006: Angel, Anthony, Daniel, Ethan, Jacob, Jose, Joshua, Logan, Matthew, Michael, Noah, Ryan, and William (ooh, both Hawaii and North Dakota taking a stand!)
2007: Aiden, Angel, Anthony, Daniel, Ethan, Jacob, James, Jose, Joshua, Logan, Matthew, Michael, Noah, and William (ah, bit of fresh air from Alaska, there!)
2008: Alexander, Anthony, Carter, Daniel, Ethan, Isaiah, Jacob, James, Jayden, Jose, Michael, Ryan, and William
2009: Aiden, Alexander, Anthony, Daniel, Ethan, Jacob, Jayden, Jose, Logan, Michael, Noah, Ryan, William, and Wyatt
2010: Alexander, Elijah, Jacob, James, Jayden, Logan, Mason, Michael, Noah, Owen, Samuel, and William
2011: Alexander, Anthony, Carter, Jacob, Jayden, Liam, Mason, Michael, Noah, and William
2012: Alexander, Benjamin, Elijah, Ethan, Jacob, James, Jayden, Liam, Mason, Michael, Noah, and William
Most Popular Girls Names Since 1960
November 15, 2014 § Leave a comment
A Wondrous GIF Shows The Most Popular Baby Names For Girls (By U.S. State) Since 1960:
“Social Security Administration data visualized in the most lovely way imaginable”
1960: Donna, Julie, Karen, Lisa, Lori, Mary, and Susan
1961: Brenda, Lisa, Lori, Mary, and Susan
1962: Lisa, Lori, Mary, and Susan
1963-64: Lisa, Mary (way to branch out, people of the 1960s!)
1965: Lisa. (That’s it. Just “Lisa”. Most popular name in every state.)
1966: Lisa and Mary (ooh, Hawaii, you little rebel!)
1967: Lisa, Mary, and Michelle (Colorado throwing a curve ball)
1968: Angela, Lisa, and Michelle (this time it’s Louisiana trying to be unique)
1969: Angela, Jennifer, Kimberly, Lisa, and Michelle (now Utah and Alabama are breaking away from the pack!)
1970: Angela, Jennifer, Lisa, Kimberly, and Michelle
1971: Angela, Jennifer, and Michelle
1972: Angela, Jennifer, and Melissa (guess West Virginia wanted a different “M” name?)
1973-78: Jennifer. (And now we know why schools in the 1980s were so full of Jennifers.)
1979: Amanda and Jennifer
1980-81: Amanda, Jennifer, and Jessica
1982: Jennifer and Jessica
1983: Amanda, Ashley, Jennifer, and Jessica.
1984: Ashley, Jennifer, Jessica
1985-88: Amanda, Ashley, and Jessica (and just like that, “Jennifer” was over.)
1989: Amanda, Ashley, Brittany, and Jessica
1990: Ashley, Brittany, and Jessica
1991-92: Amanda, Ashley, Jessica, and Sarah (New Hampshire, bringing in some fresh blood!)
1993: Ashley, Emily, Jessica, Samantha, and Sarah.
1994: Ashley, Emily, Jessica, Megan, Samantha, and Taylor
1995: Ashley, Brittany, Emily, Jessica, Samantha, Sarah, and Taylor
1996-98: Alexis, Ashley, Emily, Hannah, Jessica, Madison, Samantha, and Taylor
1999: Alexis, Emily, Hannah, Madison, Samantha, and Taylor
2000: Alexis, Emily, Hannah, Kayla, and Madison (Hawaii being the odd one out again!)
2001: Alexis, Ashley, Emily, Hannah, Madison, and Taylor
2002: Alexis, Emily, Emma, Hannah, Kayla, and Madison
2003: Alexis, Emily, Emma, Hannah, and Madison
2004: Alyssa, Ashley, Emily, Emma, and Madison (this time New Mexico’s the rebel)
2005: Alyssa, Emily, Emma, Madison, and Olivia
2006: Ava, Emily, Emma, Isabella, Madison, and Mia (guess Arizona was feeling left out of the “not like the others” loop)
2007: Addison, Ava, Emily, Emma, Isabella, Madison, Olivia, and Sophia (this time Rhode Island bucks the trend!)
2008: Ava, Chloe, Emily, Emma, Isabella, Madison, and Olivia (looks like Hawaii really dares to be different)
2009: Addison, Ava, Emma, Isabella, Madison, and Olivia
2010-11: Ava, Emma, Isabella, Madison, Olivia, and Sophia
2012: Ava, Emma, Isabella, Olivia, and Sophia
The Art of Literary Nomenclature 