I am so excited to get this project underway. Our first week of sifting through the birth announcements to ascertain the top baby names for 2013 in Australia. We will see what the most unusual names are, how parents name their whole family by the way they match sibling names and what kind of first name and middle name combinations are the most successful.

I went to my local news agency this morning and was only able to find Adelaide’s The Advertiser, The Sydney Morning Herald and Melbourne’s Herald Sun. I couldn’t find anything from Queensland, Tasmania, Western Australia, the ACT or NT, so I am thinking that for the purposes of this survey we will go with the aforementioned three newspapers weekly and if I happen to find another paper on certain weeks I will add those in!

On a Side Note – A Book I Found!

This morning, my husband, M and I decided to treat ourselves. After having an eyebrow and lip wax (just me, not him!), we got our car washed (a massive treat) and then had a scrumptious breakie at an ol’ favourite cafe in the heart of Adelaide, King William Road. We had a wander afterwards and ended up visiting my favourite shop, ‘Presence’ where I found this hilarious book that I think you will all be interested in: ‘Hello My Name is Pabst‘ by Meik Bruno and Kerry Sparks.

‘Hello, My Name is Pabst’ describes itself as a book of ‘Baby Names for Nonconformist, Indie, Geeky, DIY, Hipster, and Alterna-Parents of Every Kind’.

Just flicking through it already, I have seen some great categories of names including ‘Names for a Kickball Dream Team’, ‘Names That Will Grow Into a Mustache’ and my favourite: ‘Names That Could Rock a Miranda July Haircut’ because I simply adore that kind of imagery when I think of names (what hair will this name have, what kind of clothes will they wear, etc).

I won’t go into the names that are listed (because I don’t want to get in trouble) and also because maybe you will want to investigate for yourself. However, I would like to ask you, what kind of name would you put into these categories? I’ll let you know if you say any that are in the book!

Ok, Shutup and Tell Us The Names!

So, I got my three newspapers and opened The Advertiser. Strangely, there were only 43 birth announcements. I have never seen the Saturday announcements so bare! I hope this isn’t a sign of things to come, I thought…

Then I had to look the Sydney Morning Herald over quite a few times until I found the death notices and then had to search that like it was ‘Where’s Wally’ to find four birth announcements. In the meantime, I had taken to the SMH website and found some birth announcements there but there were only a few from each month.

Then I got to Melbourne’s paper and there were just eight! I went on to their website and was able to pull quite a lot off that. However, it was EXTREMELY time consuming!!!!!!

So, what am I going to do? Back to the drawing board me thinks. I can get the top 100 names for both boys and girls for most areas of Australia but only from 2012 backwards.

Send me your ideas on what you think I should do, if you want. I like the idea of finding out the sibling names that have been placed together. I also like the idea of spotlighting unique names. What I might do is at the end of each month I will list a running list of the top 10 names for each paper and all up.

Top Baby Names In Australia

In South Australia, the top girls name was Grace – but as a middle name. Grace appeared three times.

The top boys name was William as a first name and a draw between James and Paul for a middle name. All scored 2.

I know, it’s early days. Things will get more interesting as time progresses.

I couldn’t believe my eyes when I read that a child named, Beverley-Anne Jane has just been born. THIS YEAR!

The main reason for my surprise is that it is an out-dated name that is not currently very fashionable as, according to Think Baby Names, in the Us Beverley/Beverly reached it’s peak of popularity in the 1940s to 1960s and hasn’t really been seen much since. It was more favourable in the era just after the one that is currently being raided with names such as Florence, Maisie, Edith and June being used more and more right now.

I went to school with a girl called Bev and she used to hate her name. She was a great girl though and when I think of the name I think of a gorgeous lilac colour. So it may come back soon… what do you think?

In Victoria, Madison was the top girls name appearing three times and Rose was the most popular middle name with three as well.

Surprise, surprise, Joshua was the top boys name with three and David scored three as well making it the most popular middle name for boys.

In New South Wales, Elizabeth and Grace both scored two for middle name status and David was a winner again with two middle names. All other names appeared only once this week, with some interesting ones such as boys Inigo and Jozsef and girl Josefa listed.

Top 10 Baby Names of the Week 2013

I am still working out my Excel Spreadsheet formula (with the help of M – he is a wiz), but for this week there really is no stand out top 10. Most names appear once, so hopefully next week or maybe the week after we will see some names start to emerge.

Final Note

Well, it has been a messy post but I wanted to communicate with you as promised. If you have any ideas of where we should go from here, please let me know.

Hope you have a great week and I will talk to you next Saturday!

Lxxx

Thanks for hanging in there with me while I’ve had a pretty long absence. Life got a bit busy for a while there with my studies, however I have now finished and plan to put more time into My Favourite Name!

On a downer, last week I suffered from an Ectopic Pregnancy. I had to have my right fallopian tube removed, which has been devastating. Fortunately for me I have a wonderful husband and gorgeous family and friends who have been my strength.

Throughout my life, I’ve been faced with some difficult challenges, as most people do, but what has always got me through is the hope of having my own family. I worry now that I may not ever get my chance of having this one major dream of mine realised. It has been hard to think of baby names when the thought of not ever being able to have children to wear them is so painful. However, the thoughts keep coming and I’ve realised that what may be totally cathartic is to still get them out in the world in this blog by sharing them all with you!

So, I’ve decided to slightly change the direction of my blog, because I want to talk about more names in a post than just the one at a time because there are so many! I want to try to record each week’s birth announcements in the newspapers from across my country, Australia. We will see what were the most popular names for the week, month and year, have a look at any sibling names and do a spotlight on a couple of names. I think we will see some fairly predictable names come through, but I except that we will also come across some pretty unique names.

It’s Tuesday night, so I am going to start this plan for one year from this Saturday. I’m really excited about the experience and I hope you are too! Let me know what you think, and if you want to help me out with the birth announcements from your neck of the woods, wherever you may be (Paris in Texas or France, Bath in England, New Delhi India, Kyoto in Japan or Winnipeg in Canada it doesn’t matter ) then please please please share!!

Thanks for reading and helping me through my recovery. See you on Saturday!

Lxxx

Before we start looking at the name Jessica and her fiancée, Eric chose for their baby girl, I want to first mention Jessica’s baby shower (and the accompanying video). The baby shower looked really low key (for a celebrity at least) and while it was a Charlotte’s Web theme, there wasn’t too much overkill on the cutesy animals and instead it looked very baby friendly but chic as well. Check out the very cute and retro looking video that captured the day with a a 50s-esque feel. Note to self – want this for my baby shower!

Now, on to the name. Maxwell Drew Johnson.

Maxwell is in honour of Johnson’s middle name and the maiden name of his mother. Drew is the maiden name of Simpson’s mother. I personally love love love honouring family members with names. I appreciate the tradition and symbolism of names and think it would be the ultimate gift to name a child after someone special. So to me they’ve done a great thing there.

However, I just am not sure about the whole androgynous name thing. I may be able to get around the Maxi (although not sure if she will appreciate that nickname in years to come – especially if she has a paranoia about ‘leakage’ – anyone seen those ads?), but Maxwell is a definite boys name and Drew doesn’t help the situation.

Didn’t her parents consider that she may have to endure problems such as being housed with two overtly sexual young men due to a housing mix up at college à la Lara Flynn Boyle’s character, Alex in the film, ‘Threesome’?

Also, isn’t the name Drew only allowed to be used by Drew Barrymore herself and herself alone as a girl’s name? Too much?

Doesn’t a girl deserve to have a name that highlights some sort of femininity? A name that garners some kind of respect from peers and authority? One that you can confidently use to announce and assert yourself in court, at the doctors or on the phone to the electricity company? Maybe I am being too harsh, though. At least she hasn’t got a name that you can’t say without laughing, like Buffy or Misty…

Look, all in all it’s not too bad when you compare to some other classic celebrity names like Inspektor Pilot or Moses. Maybe it will take off (a recent study shows that this is probably the case) and maybe when we see how absolutely gorgeous she is (as I am sure she will be) we will learn to love the name.

What do you think of the name? Would you use Maxwell for a girl? What about Drew?

On a slightly different topic, Maggie Gyllenhaal had another baby girl. I love Maggie but am also not sure about her choice; Gloria Ray. I loved Ramona (her first daughter) but can’t seem to get over the old lady stigma I have attached to Gloria. However, Maggie is so cool, hippy and a lover of vintage (so like me! ha!), so I am going to work on this and hopefully when we see the little cherub it will change my opinion all together!

Write back and let me know what you think!

Men named Arthur comes in all shapes and sizes. While some think of arthur in relation to the Dudley Moore/Russell Brand character from the film of the same name, or Arthur the cartoon bear with harry potter glasses (although I think that’s less likely) or maybe think of actress Selma Blair’s little boy, Arthur Saint, I prefer to think of King Arthur – a man who was strong, extremely fair (knights of the round table- how progressive) and quite romantic, or Arthur Miller the playwright who wrote ‘The Crucible’ and ‘Death of a Salesman’ (and was once married to Marilyn Monroe). Oh, and don’t forget the very clever Arthur C. Clarke who created Sherlock Holmes!

Popularity

The name Arthur is a name that you might expect to don a man over the age of 65 years. However, with new parents wanting to honour fathers, grandfathers or family names, arthur has started to rise in popularity – however not to the point that you will find you have two arthurs in one classroom at school! Be careful if naming your little boy, Arthur. It is far from being in vogue and family and friends who are known to prefer the newer names like Brayden or Jay might not be so happy or supportive when you announce your newborn son’s name.

Personality:

Arthur springs to mind a gentle, yet masculine man who is a dependable and loyal friend, father and brother. I imagine Arthur to be a man who knows what he wants to do and does it with dedication and attention to detail. He is a perfectionist who likes routine and is a very attentive husband and a fun, supportive and loving father. I think of Arthur as a debonnaire gentleman who serves himself a scotch on the rocks at night when he gets home.

Meaning

There are many meanings of the name Arthur but the ones that come up again and again are the english meanings: brave, a leader, noble, and follower of the god Thor. My favourite, however, is the celtic origin of the name in which Arthur means “bear” – how adorable!

An Arthur I know…

My husband’s grandfather was named Arthur. Although I never met him, I almost feel like I knew him because of how much everyone loves to talk about him. He was a police officer who worked in country South Australia during the 40s, 50s, 60s, 70s and 80s. He was gentle, patient, wickedly funny and loved to eat sweet things. He never placed judgement on his children and I have a photo of Arthur and his wife sharing a passionate kiss well into their late 60s. He was like a father to my husband and had very special relationships with all of his grandchildren. My husband thinks back fondly to his childhood when he would be desperate to go stay at Nan and Pops house.

Name Numerology

In name numerology, the A of Arthur is a 1 in numerology and this represents communication and independence. Often people with A, J and S names are found to be leaders (whatever they do). The full name of Arthur is calculated as a 5, which means that men named Arthur are entertainers who are intelligent and curious, restless, busy, youthful, great with their hands, make friends easily and love change, are trusting and innocent, like to try everything and are a lot of fun to be with.

Imagery

When I think of the name Arthur, I sometimes imagine a ruby red woolen jumper (warm, reliable and easy to be with!), but with a younger man, I think of a beautiful golden liquid – like scotch or molasses.

Sounds like…

Some pretty names that are similar to, or great nicknames for Arthur are: Art, Artie, Archie, Bear, and maybe even Arturo.

Suggested Middle Names…

James, William, Finn, Samuel, Henry, and Hugo.

Siblings?

Sisters: Eleanor, Esther, Harriet, Alice, Dora, and Rose

Brothers: Rupert, Jasper, Theodore, Lewis, Casper, and Frederick

Do you know of any Arthurs? Are you an Arthur? Tell us what the name means to you!

Lxxx

Enid Blyton’s book, ‘Naughty Amelia Jane’ was a childhood favourite of mine. I loved it not only for the fun story about a mischievous little doll named Amelia Jane, but for my beautiful older sister Amelia who actually owned the aforementioned book.

Popularity

In Australia, the name Amelia is becoming increasingly popular (#12 in Australia). In the last couple of years, I’ve known quite a few parents who’ve assigned the name Amelia as a first or second name to their newborn daughters. Each time, I have been extra excited and happy for the lucky parents for choosing such a gorgeous name.

Personality:

The name Amelia springs to mind an extremely graceful and pretty girl. A lady that is clever, yet humble and kind. A woman who could be your very best friend and would make the most wonderful mother, daughter or wife.

Meaning

Amelia is a charmingly classic and very lady-like name that means ‘Worker of the Lord’ in Hebrew and ‘Industrious, admiring’ in Latin American.

An Amelia I know…

My sister is a person who will go out of her way to please others. She is generous, kind, friendly, has impeccable interpersonal and communication skills and a dedicated work ethic. She is extremely creative with a flair for art and music. She is a loving and attentive mother and a loyal wife.

Name Numerology

In name numerology, the A of Amelia is a 1 in numerology and this represents communication and independence. Often people with A, J and S names are found to be leaders (whatever they do). The full name of Amelia is calculated as a 6, which means that women named Amelia have a tendency to be family oriented, love the home, are fair and seek justice, are loving and caring, charming and charistmatic, emotional, artistic and beauty loving, and a friend to everyone.

Imagery

When I think of the name Amelia, I imagine a cotton fabric that is a dusty rose colour with hints of gold around the border.

Sounds like…

Some pretty names that are similar to, or are great nicknames for Amelia are: Emily, Amelie (have you seen the French Film, ‘Amelie’? – The title character is the personification of this delightful and oh-so-feminine name), Emilia, Emilie, Mia, Lia, Milly, Millie and Milla.

Suggested Middle Names…

Jane, Grace, Mary, Kate, Daisy, Solange, Blyth, Rose, Eve, Louise, and Celeste

Siblings?

Sisters: Grace, Hannah, Celeste, Isobel, Mary and Fiona

Brothers: Jacob, Christian, Harry, Caleb, Lucas, and Nicholas

Do you know of any Amelias? Are you an Amelia? Tell us what the name means to you!

Lxxx

But then I moved on to naming my future children with the boys I liked at school.

This, I guess, is the point at which I am today. So, I’ve taken a trip down memory lane and have gone through lots of my past diaries to give you an idea of the names I’ve considered.

However, I’ve left out my current favourites as they are pretty much the final list of names that my husband and I will name our children (more on that later!).

In the comments box below, I’d love it if you wanted to share your favourite names – past and/or present for us to check out. It’s interesting to see what names have been popular and are now out of fashion and which ones are coming in.

So, here’s to all the names I’ve loved…(in the order that I remembered them)

Lxxx

Girls:

Lindsay, Jordan, Beatrice, Beatrix, Bea, Caitlin, Jennifer, Beth, Megan, Lucy, Kirsty, Jacquie, Eve, Evie, Evangeline, Emmeline, Emmy, Mathilde, Rosie, Clementine, Adelaide, Sadie, Reese, Claudia, Ella, Ellie, Nina, May, China, Annie, Amelie, Michaela, Mia, Lana, Ava, Lara, Leda, Gabrielle, Isla, Aurelia, Ebony, Tate, Olive, Dora, Julia, Bella, Rane, Noelle, Celeste, Eden, Eliza, Jasmyn, Jasmine, Chell,, Martine, Esme, Toby, Cara, London, Asia, Darcy, Winter, Grace, Ivy, Dolly, Molly, Polly, Layla, Lola, Renee, Lila, Bianca, Poppy, Hattie, Hettie, Hannah, Harper, Harlow, Genevieve, Elyce, Lily, Willow

Boys:

Patrick, Ethan, Daniel, Ben, Benjamin, Jacob, Caleb, Noah, Jack, Darcy, Charlie, Harry, Sebastian, Jonathon, Rhys, Lachlan, Oscar, Michael, Toby, Lewis, Henry, Jasper, Elton, Luca

It’s nice to meet you. My name is…

Well, actually that’s the basis of my whole blog – what a name means to you and me. I am truly obsessed with names, call me an Onomaphile if you will – I love it! So, if I told you my name now I wonder what kind of image might spring to mind. Let’s hold off on my name until we get acquainted.

I am a 29 year old woman, with every bone in my body clucky to the max. Since I can remember, I have always always wanted babies and have deliberated on my baby name list at every chance. I remember asking my mum once, ‘Mum, when can I have a baby?’ to which she replied (bless her heart), “when you’re 16″. Hahaha my beautiful mum, who has been gone for just over 18 years, would have meant 16 in the biological sense, but to the 6 year old me that meant permission to conceive in 10 years. Fortunately, I came to my senses and am so responsible (to my dismay) that I’ve held off from having children, with my husband, until I complete my university degree in Psychology (but don’t hold my studies against me – consider me a Carl Rogers wannabe, but I digress…).

So back to names. There are countless blogs throughout the internet that discuss baby names, what they mean, where they originate from, what sibling names go well with them and what kind of names are similar. There are fantastic blogs offering advice to expectant parents on how to name their children to honour other family members (without using unfashionable names such as Beryl or Neville, to put it nicely) and make sure the name doesn’t rhyme with the last name or sound ridiculous (like another great Psychologist who had the unfortunate name of Erik Erikson – seriously, what were his parents thinking?!).

I am a regular guest on most of these blogs and, I must confess, I am also a massive fan of checking the name numerology of the names I love – to make sure that the name I choose will provide the most ideal personality for my future children. More on that subject to come…

So names. In this blog, let’s talk about every name imaginable. Nothing is barred (although, let’s not do the Hitler thing like this couple). I am going to work through the A to Z of names, discussing the imagery of each and including my personal opinion of what names it goes well with, what kind of occupation it may be compatible with, great nicknames for it, what colour is conjured and maybe even what kind of material springs to mind (this is a phenomenon is referred to in Psychology as Synaesthesia). We might even try to get to the numerology of names (although that is slightly tricky as you need the full legal name to correctly identify a person’s name numerology), and even talk about a celebrity baby name or two, if the mood strikes.

Please feel free to comment on any name with your opinion of what the name means to you – I would love to hear how one name can mean so many different things to different people. For example, the name Alexia might make someone think of a beautiful, petite woman whereas I instantly think of the cabbage patch doll my sister had when we were kids!

Also, I would love it if you wanted to ask questions – I am no expert but after years and years and years of studying names DAILY (and writing and rewriting my name list endlessly), I have a large lexicon of  names and I have spoken to countless people about their favourite names over the years. More on that too…

But for now, let’s get started!

L xxx

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