News from Guest Writers
We regularly feature guest writers who are experts on various aspects of baby names, name history, and name usage around the globe.
Thu Sep 30 2021
My Name, My Story: Zara
Guest writer Zara Zong tells the story of the names she was given, in China and America, and the name she chose for herself.
Sat Sep 18 2021
Authors Get to Name Everyone!
Most fiction authors get to name a whole world of characters — but getting it right is a fine art. Author Maria Frazer shares her top tips for choosing names that enhance your story and keep your readers on board.
Sat Aug 28 2021
Real Romani Baby Names Make History
Unearthing a fascinating collection of old Romani names that were used in England around the turn of the last century.
Tue Mar 16 2021
When British Names Stand Out
An American name nerd's fantasy — moving to England, where the names are fanciful and posh. Or are they? Guest blogger Gabrielle Carolina gives us an expat's perspective of naming habits across the pond.
Fri May 15 2020
Vintage British Nicknames
A fascinating compilation of lively, almost-forgotten old diminutives that deserve a new look, by Eleanor Nickerson aka Elea of the blog British Baby Names.
Thu Apr 27 2017
French Boys’ Names: From the Top 100 in France
Names that are super popular in France which could catch on here.
Mon Apr 24 2017
10 Great Girl Names from the French Top 100
10 great names from the French popularity lists.
Thu Apr 20 2017
What Will Be the Next Liam…and Sophia?
Names like Liam and Sophia have become thoroughly integrated into American nomenclature. What’s next?
Tue Apr 18 2017
International Baby Names: Boston Marathon winners
Taking a look at some of the more interesting international names of past Boston Marathon winners.
Sun Apr 16 2017
Pregnancy Tips: Organizing your home pre-baby
Some practical tips for organizing your home pre-baby that you might not have thought of.
Thu Apr 13 2017
Inventive Baby Names for your Tech-Savvy Tot
Inventive inventor and other tech-savvy baby names.
Tue Apr 11 2017
Lion King Baby Names: Simba, Nala, Timon
The animal stars of the Disney classic, “The Lion King” have had some influence on baby names. Proves you don’t have to be a Princess.
Sun Apr 09 2017
What Will the Next Zuckerbaby be Named?
Sophie’s predictions for the forthcoming babies of celebrity dads Mark Zuckerberg, Oscar Isaac, Peter Dinklage and more.
Thu Apr 06 2017
12 Great Shakespeare Names: Ophelia, Orlando, Oberon
A National Poetry Month salute to one of the greatest character namers of all time–the Bard of Avon.
Tue Apr 04 2017
Starbaby Report for March: Azalea, Lyric and two Judes
All the celebrity babies born in March, including the new Cumberbatch boy and Tori Spelling’s 5th.
Tue Mar 21 2017
Baby Name Namesakes: Harriet Beecher Stowe in the UK
A genealogist’s thoughts on how an American author became a British baby namesake.
Sun Mar 19 2017
Naming Rules from a 6-year-old Name Nerd
Having some fun with Claire Shefchik and her early childhood name notebooks. Do you have any of your childhood name lists?
Thu Mar 16 2017
Lucky Baby Names: The Luck of the (Non) Irish
For St. Patrick’s Day, names that mean lucky–but aren’t necessarily Irish!
Tue Mar 14 2017
Baby Names Right Up Your Street
Place-names are hot: continents, countries, states, cities, boroughs–and now even street names get their turn.
Sun Mar 12 2017
Baby Name Remorse: Helping Your Children Love Their Names
We’ve all heard about parents’ name remorse, but what if it’s the child who doesn’t like his or her name? Here are a few tips on helping them embrace their name.
Tue Mar 07 2017
Movie Names: Alfred Hitchcock’s Golden Girls
Most of Hitchcock’s thriller masterpieces featured glamorous, cool, collected blonde beauties; here are some of their names that you might want to share.
Sun Mar 05 2017
Powerful Girl Names: International leaders
We commemorate International Women’s Day with the names of the strong women who have become leaders of their countries.
Thu Mar 02 2017
Delicious Baby Names: Benedict, Reuben & Ruth
These names’ associations with famous foods makes them all the more appealing.
Tue Feb 28 2017
The Virtues of a Virtue Name
Is there pressure on a girl named Faith to be particularly faithful? Grace to be graceful, Prudence to be prudent? Here’s one such bearer’s take on the subject.