March Baby Names: From Abigail to Xanthe
March is the month that comes in like a lion and goes out like a lamb, when snow is (finally, hopefully) melting, school vacations begin, and St. Patrick’s Day revelry takes place, and is also noteworthy for being Women’s History Month. Here are a variety of names that would be perfect for a March-born baby, from those borrowed from celebrities to those that celebrate feminism or an Irish heritage.
March Baby Names
Abigail—Abigail was the name of two first ladies, Abigail Adams and Abigail Fillmore, the latter born in March of 1798. Abigail is an ancient name with biblical roots that has remained steadily popular for many decades. Although it is not an unusual choice, it’s still a dignified name with a number of admirable forbearers.
Ansel—Ansel Elgort, the breakout actor who played Augustus Waters in The Fault in Our Stars, was born on March 14th, 1994. He was named after the iconic photographer and environmentalist Ansel Adams. Ansel is derived from Anselm, a saint’s name familiar to many Catholics, and would be a particularly apt choice for those with Scandinavian roots.
Emmeline—Emmeline Pankhurst was a noted English suffragist, which would make the name perfect for a little girl born during Women’s History Month. I have always considered Emmeline a lovely name, a great combination of two solid, feminine appellations—Emily/Emma and Caroline.
Graham—Alexander Graham Bell, the inventor of the telephone, was born in Edinburgh in March of 1847. Alexander is a solid boys’ choice, and Bell an attractive option for girls. However, Graham stands out as a cosmopolitan name that has, until recently, been more popular in English. Graham is a sleek moniker with British charm, and one that has begun to climb here—now at Number 203.
Jane—U. S. First Lady Jane Pierce, who was born in March of 1806, the wife of Franklin Pierce, president from 1853 to 1857. I know of her particularly because I am originally from New Hampshire, and Pierce is the only Commander-in-Chief from my state. Jane is an elegant classic that has come back into vogue recently– another perfect choice for a girl born during Women’s History Month, as there are so many prominent Janes who paid significant roles in the women’s rights movement.
Jackson—President Andrew Jackson, well known for his advocacy for the common man, was born on March 4th, 1829. His first and last names are both popular options for boys, although surname choices are particularly in vogue now. In fact, Jackson is now eight places higher on the national list for boys than Andrew! Despite its popularity, Jackson is an admirable pick with a classic nickname option.
Marina—The March birthstone is the aquamarine, a gorgeous blue gem that is, however, not quite suitable as a baby name. Marina is a related choice that would be perfect for a little girl born in March. Alternatively, a parent might try one of the other beautiful girls’ names that mean blue—Neela, Indigo, or Azure.
Patrick—Probably the most classic March name that would be perfect for a baby born around St. Patrick’s Day, Patrick is a versatile choice for boys with a number of great nickname choices, currently standing at Number 154. On a personal note, one of my younger brothers is Patrick, and he has always loved his name.
Simone—Another Women’s History Month possibility: Simone is attached to Simone de Beauvoir, one of the most iconic feminist writers and the author of The Second Sex. The French appellation Simone is sophisticated but not showy, ladylike and not overly used, now at Number 675.
Xanthe—Technically, the flower for the month of March is the daffodil, but that seems a bit over-the-top for a modern-day girl. Why not use a name meaning “yellow” instead? And if this name seems too out-there for you, I have actually met a real-life girl who wears it well. The X at the beginning is spunky and unexpected, and it does have a subtle connection to the flower that symbolizes the month of March.