Comments on: PRESIDENTIAL FIRST NAMES

By: Loren

Loren — Sun, 25 Jan 2009 20:26:24 +0000

Bill Clinton’s original name was William Jefferson Blythe III, but he changed it at age 14 to his stepfather’s last name, so he and his younger brother would have the same name.

By: linda

linda — Wed, 21 Jan 2009 06:27:34 +0000

Tirzah–They did say the full Hussein name when he took the oath of office.

By: Melissa

Melissa — Wed, 21 Jan 2009 01:38:47 +0000

Also worth noting as a presidential name is Truman, which had a brief but noticeable spike in popularity right after his election. And isn’t it interesting that the girl’s name Reagan made a significant jump the year he passed away?

By: Tirzah

Tirzah — Tue, 20 Jan 2009 23:42:09 +0000

Did you notice that when they announced President Obama’s name at the inauguration, they said “Barak H. Obama”? It sounded very calculated not to bring attention to the middle name Hussein, especially since even George W. Bush was introduced with his full middle name. I wonder if he will use Barak H. Obama from now on? I didn’t realize that so many Presidents massaged their names. That just goes to show that name is image!

By: pam

pam — Tue, 20 Jan 2009 22:59:39 +0000

nameberry decides! No, really, it’s much bigger than any of us — but this is a great idea that demands at least one blog post. Thank you!

By: jenmb

jenmb — Tue, 20 Jan 2009 22:20:12 +0000

Linda, I recently discovered your site and I love your blog! I would love to see an entry with your opinion on exactly what group of people decides when a name becomes “in fashion” again. Is it celebrity parents? A new adult celebrity with a cool name? Posh parents in NYC? There are a few names (mostly boys) that I think are ready to be rediscovered that you list as “retired”. So who decides when the name becomes cool again? Thanks!

By: Verisimilitude

Verisimilitude — Tue, 20 Jan 2009 19:22:15 +0000

Abraham Lincoln actually hated being called Abe. It’s true!

By: Melissa

Melissa — Tue, 20 Jan 2009 16:46:38 +0000

And don’t forget the popularity of Truman, which had a brief but noticeable spike in the rankings after his election. For girls, I think it’s interesting that the name Reagan made a significant jump the year that president died.