|
February 9,
2005
The
Name Game
Just admit it: What's one of the best, most fun parts about having
kids? Why naming them, of course. Brings out the narcissist in all
of us pretty much no matter how you slice it. You can be boring
(and narcissistic), simply adding a numeral à la Thurston
Howell IV. Or, you can go out of your way to be kooky (and narcissistic),
à la Moon Unit and, more recently, Apple.
Whichever way you swing, there are lots of books and online lists
to turn to for inspiration. A new book, The Baby Name Wizard,
takes a more modern approach, using computer research to analyze
thousands of names for their style, usage and popularity. Essential
bits of information, like alternative and international spellings,
nicknames, compatible options for boy and girl siblings, and potential
pitfalls (a Romeo or Juliet is bound to get teased in junior high)
are all included. Next to every entry is a tiny graph that charts
the name's popularity over the last hundred years: Want to be ahead
of the curve? -- Zelda peaked in 1910 and has been dipping ever
since, but stay away from Wyatt; there have never been more of them
on the playground.
You'll know immediately how popular a name is today, what other
choices are similar, how people use it, and where it fits in the
numerous style categories such as Old Testament or New Age. There's
plenty here to spark your imagination. To wit: the new classic (Alexandra),
the nickname-proof (Devin), the future Porch Sitter (Eunice), the
70s-80s icon (Stacy or Jennifer), the Solid Citizen Award (Jane),
the “ens” (Caitlin).
Even if you wind up going with Anne or John, it's fun to imagine
the possibilities: "Now Cordite, eat your peas …"
Available
online at babynamewizard.com.
|
