The 10 Most Inspired Names for your June Babe!
June is here with warmer weather and longer days as we move from spring to summer. June has a plethora of historical events and notable namesakes to draw name inspiration from. Let’s explore this list which includes June baby names from abolitionists, politicians, and women in space.
American patriot Nathan Hale was born June 6, 1775. A solider and spy during the American Revolution, Hale’s famous last words were, “I only regret that I have but one life to lose for my country.” Nathan is derived from the Hebrew name Natan, meaning given. In the Old Testament, Nathan is the name of a prophet as well as one of King David’s sons. Nathan has been in the Top 50 since 1975, currently ranking at Number 38. Actor Nathan Lane, born Joseph Lane, took his stage name after the character Nathan Detroit in Guys and Dolls.
On June 16, 1963 Valentina Tereshkova became the first women to go into space when she flew Vostok 6. Tereshkova manually controlled the spacecraft and orbited the earth 48 times in three days. Valentina is a feminine form of the Latin name Valentine, meaning healthy and strong. This lovely name has spiked in the charts in recent years. First entering the Top 1000 in 1995, Valentina is currently Number 114, up almost 350 spots in the last 10 years alone. Salma Hayek chose the name Valentina Paloma for her daughter born in 2007.
Dr. Sally Ride became the first American woman in space aboard the space shuttle Challenger on June 18, 1983. Ride was 32 during her voyage and remains youngest American astronaut to have traveled to space. Sally peaked in 1939 when it reached Number 52. Only 221 baby girls were given the first name Sally last year. Sally is a diminutive of Sarah, a Hebrew name meaning Princess. Sally is a character name in multiple films including Sally Albright in When Harry met Sally and Sally Finklestein in The Nightmare Before Christmas.
Clarence Thomas, born June 23, 1948, is an Associate Justice of the Supreme Court. Thomas succeeded Thurgood Marshall and is the second African American to serve on the court. Clarence is a Latin name meaning bright or clear. Clarence is also an English title referring to someone from Clare in Suffolk. A popular name in the early 1900s, Clearance peaked in 1905 when it reached Number 17. Last year only 180 baby boys were given the first name Clarence, though many associate it with the guardian angel in It’s a Wonderful Life..
On June 24, 2010 Julia Gillard became Australia’s first female Prime Minister. Gillard was the 27th Prime Minister of Australia, serving from 2010 to 2013, as a leader of the Australian Labor Party. Currently Number 89 in popularity, Julia has been slowly declining over the past 10 years. Julia has been a well loved and used name though, never dipping below Number 141 in popularity. Juliet and Juliette have both been rising in the charts, and may be contributing to the decrease in use of Julia. If you enjoy this sound you may also Jewel, Juliana, Julietta, or Julisa.
On June 9, 1876 The Adventure of Tom Sawyer by Mark Twain was first published. Sawyer was modeled on Twain’s childhood growing up in Hannibal, Missouri. A cool name choice for fans of Mark Twain, Sawyer is an English surname and occupational name meaning woodcutter. Sawyer has rapidly been rising in the charts and peaked last year for both boys and girls. Sawyer is Number 94 for boys and Number 260 for girls. Kate Capshaw and Steven Spielberg used Sawyer for one of their sons in 1992 and Sara Gilbert chose Sawyer for her daughter in 2007.
Jeannette Rankin, the first American woman elected to Congress, was born June 11, 1880. Rankin was devoted to peace, women’s rights, and the elimination of child labor. Jeannette is a French diminutive of Jeanne, meaning God is gracious. Jeannette peaked in 1916, but was only given as a first name to 37 baby girls last year. It may remind you of the Christmas carol “Bring a Torch, Jeanette, Isabella.” Colette, Lisette, and Odette all share the same French origin and delicate ending sound.
On June 18, 1940 Winston Churchill delivered his famous speech This was their finest hour, considered one of the greatest political speeches ever, rallying and inspiring Brits during World War II. The name Winston peaked in 1941 when it reached Number 234. Winston is amongst the old-is-new-again boys names that are climbing the charts. Currently ranked at Number 524, it hasn’t been this popular in fifty years. Winston was the main character in George Orwell’s 1984 and was also used in James Dashner’s 2009 novel The Maze Runner.
Grammy-winning jazz singer and civil rights activist Lena Horne (shown) was born on June 30, 1917. One of the most popular artists of her time, Horne spoke out against and refused to play stereotypical roles. Currently Number 272 in popularity, Lena has risen in the charts over 200 spots in the last ten years.Lena originated as a nickname for names ending in –ena, such as Helena and Magdalena. Two Lenas starring on current hit TV shows are Lena Headey from Game of Thrones and Lena Dunham on Girls.
Abolitionist and author Harriet Beecher Stowe was born on June 14, 1811. Stowe is best known for writing Uncle Tom’s Cabin, a novel depicting the sufferings and oppression of African Americans under slavery. Harriet is an English form of Henriette meaning estate ruler. Most popular in the 18th century, Harriet was only given to 179 little girls last year. But could she be the next vintage name to make a comeback? Sweet nicknames like Hattie and Hetty make Harriet feel more wearable.