First-Time Parent and Gem Babies’ Names Bundle
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Contents
Cover
Title Page
Babies’ Names
First-Time Parent
Copyright
About the Publisher
Julia Cresswell is an authority on first names, and has written a number of books on the subject
Contents
Cover
Using This Book
Registering Your Baby’s Birth
A
B
C
D
E
F
G
H
I
J
K
L
M
N
O
P
Q
R
S
T
U
V
W
X
Y
Z
Top 50 boys’ and girls’ names in England and Wales, 2003
Top 50 boys’ and girls’ names in Scotland, 2003
USING THIS BOOK
Today’s parents have an enormous pool of names to choose from, probably more than at any other time in history. Alongside the traditional stock of names from the Bible, the classical world and the old Germanic names brought over by the Anglo-Saxons and the Normans, we now have names from all over the world, both Continental versions of traditional names and names from cultures with which our grandparents had little or no contact. This has led to a change in the attitude to what a ‘real’ name is, and as a result people now feel free to create a wonderful range of new names, many unique to their child. The danger here, of course, is that the child will have a lifetime of explaining what their name is, and how it is spelt, but many of these names pass into general circulation, particularly those that are blends; that is, combinations of sounds from other names. In addition, a much wider range of spellings of any given name is used by parents, perhaps to distinguish their child from others of the same name. I have tried to include as many of these different spellings as is reasonably possible, under the standard or traditional form of the name. I have also included a wide range of short forms. This is not only to show the range available, but also so that parents can check that all possible forms of a chosen name go harmoniously with the surname. For however determined a parent might be to use one particular form of a name, someone will at some time use a pet form of the name. I have also given a lot of information about naming habits in America. In part, this is because so many new names come from America, particularly from the African-American communities, which are particularly rich coiners of new names. But it is also because of America’s dominance of the entertainment world. I hope that those curious about the unusual names they find used by actors and musicians will find the answer here.
Most of the variant names in this book have been cross-referenced to the name you can find it under. But in order to squeeze as many names as possible into this small book, if the cross reference would come near the headword, then it has been left out. Please look for the name you want under alternative spellings, and check under overlapping sounds such as ‘C’ and ‘K’, or ‘sh’ and ‘ch’.
The first edition of this book was compiled in 1967. Since then I have revised it at regular intervals to bring it up to date. Leslie Dunkling has added names from Arabic and from the Indian Sub-continent.
I hope that this book will help you find just the right name for your child.
JULIA CRESSWELL, 2004
REGISTERING YOUR BABIES’ BIRTH
If you have your baby in a hospital in England or Wales, there is a good chance that your local registrar’s office will have a branch there. It is worth taking advantage of this facility, rather than having to cope with a new baby and getting down to the registrar’s office later on. If nothing is said at the hospital, ask one of the nurses. Unfortunately, this facility is not available in Scotland where the regulations concerning the registration of births vary slightly from those in England and Wales.
By law, you have to register the birth of your child within 42 days of his or her birth, or within 21 days in Scotland. If you have not used a hospital office, you can go to any registrar’s office, although the procedure is slightly simpler if you use your local one, the address of which should be in the phone book. Registration centres round the mother. If the baby’s parents are married either parent can register the birth. If they are not married, they can register the birth together if they go to the registrar together, or else the father must get special forms from the registrar’s office in advance which, when filled in, will enable his details to go on the birth certificate. Otherwise, the father’s details will be left blank, although it may be possible to fill these in later – talk to the registrar about this. There is no need to take the baby with you to the registrar, but only a parent can register the birth; a friend or relative will not do.
At the registrar’s you will be asked to give the following information. The place and date of the baby’s birth (the time of birth will only be needed if you have twins or more, although in Scotland it is always required). You will also need to state his or her sex, and will be asked for the names you intend to give your child. If the father’s details are to go on the form you will need to give his full name, his date and place of birth and his occupation. The mother will be asked to give her full name, her maiden name if she has changed her surname and her place and date of birth. If she wishes, an occupation (current or previous) can be filled in. She has to give her usual address at the time of the birth and, if she is married to the father, the date of marriage will be asked for. She will also be asked for the number of other children she has had.
All this information will be entered into a register, which you should then check carefully – it will be difficult to correct mistakes later – and then sign. You will then be given a free short birth certificate which is all you need. You can also get full copies of the information on the register if you would like to have them, and spare copies of either type of certificate. There is a charge for birth certificates which varies depending on the type you get, but it is always more expensive to get extra copies later than at the time of registration. It is probably worth considering an extra copy so that each parent can have one, or so that one can be sent off with something like an application for a passport and you can still have one to hand.
If you still have not decided on a name for your baby by the time the limit for registration is up, you must still register the birth, but the name can be left blank. You then have up to one year from registration to make up your minds, although in Scotland any correction to the records after registration is likely to attract a fee. If your baby is baptised, the baptismal certificate can be produced at the registrar’s office as evidence of the child’s name. (Extra names given at baptism can also be added in this way.) Otherwise you need to ask the registrar’s office for a Certificate of Naming, and use this to have the names inserted. You can give your child any forenames or surname that you like. In Scotland the registrar has the power to refuse to record a name if he or she deems it to be potentially offensive, although in practice a name is rarely objected to. In England and Wales, the registrar has no right to refuse your choice, although if your choice is too outrageous you may find that you are asked to think of the effect on the child before confirming it is what you want. Modern registrars are trained to be friendly and helpful, and you can always phone your local office for any advice you need; alternatively, contact The General Register Office, Smedley Hydro, Trafalgar Road, Birkdale, Southport PR8 2HH (tel. 0870 2437788) or The Registrar General’s Office for Scotland, New Register House, Edinburgh (tel. 0131-334 0380).
A
Aakash see Akash
Aaliyah see Ali
Aamena, Aaminah see Amina
Aaron m.
In the Old Testament, Aaron was the brother of MOSES and the first High Priest of Israel. The traditional interpretation links this name to the Hebrew for ‘high mountain’, but like Moses, Aaron is probably an Egyptian name of unknown meaning. It is connected with the Arabic names Harun and Haroun, and has been in use since the Reformation. In the past it was pronounced with a first sound as in ‘air’, but now it is also found with a short ‘a’, a pronunciation reflected in the spelling Ar(r)on.
Abdullah m.
A Muslim name from the Arabic for ‘servant of Allah’. The short form Abdul also occurs.
Abe, Abie see Abel, Abraham
Abel m.
In the Old Testament, Abel was the second son of ADAM and EVE and murdered by his brother Cain. The name may come from a Hebrew word for ‘breath’, but like so many of the earliest names, its meaning is doubtful. The name has been used in England since before the Norman Conquest. The short forms include Abe and Abie.
Abigail f.
From the Hebrew, meaning ‘father rejoiced’. It was the name of one of King David’s wives and was much used in England during the 16th and 17th centuries when many Old Testament names were popular. It was so popular for working-class women that it degenerated into a term for a lady’s maid and so became unfashionable; but it has now come back into favour. It is sometimes spelt Abagail or Abigal. The short forms include Abbie, Abb(e)y and GAIL.
Abner m.
From the Hebrew words for ‘father of light’. In the Bible it is the name of King Saul’s cousin, who was commander of the army. In England it came into common use, together with other biblical names, after the Reformation in the early 16th century. It is still found occasionally in North America.
Abraham m.
This is the name of the Old Testament patriarch who, for the first 90 years of his life, was called Abram, ‘high father’, but then was told by God that he should be called Abraham, ‘father of many nations’. It was used in England regularly after the Reformation and became popular in North America where the abbreviation Abe, as in President Abe Lincoln (1809–65), was widely used. Other short forms are Abie, Ham and Bram. (See IBRAHIM.)
Ada f.
A name which started life as a pet form for ADELA, ADELAIDE and ADELINE, and so means ‘noble’. It was fashionable in Britain in the late 18th and 19th centuries, but is now rare. Adah is often confused with Ada, but is in fact derived from the Hebrew word for ‘ornament’ or ‘brightness’.
Adam m.
From the Hebrew, meaning ‘red’, possibly referring either to skin colour, or to the clay from which God formed the first man. The name was adopted by the Irish as early as the 7th century, when St Adamnan, ‘Little Adam’, was Abbot of Iona. It was very common in the 13th century and has been in use ever since, particularly in Scotland. It is currently one of the most popular boys’names. Adamina is a rare feminine form.
Adeel see Adil
Adela f.
From the Old German, meaning ‘noble’. It was common among the Normans, who brought it to England. One of William the Conqueror’s daughters had this name. It died out but was later revived and became fashionable in the French form Adèle. Addie or Addy is used as a pet form for the names derived from this root (see also ADELAIDE and ADELINE). Adela can also be spelt Adella, which gives us the name DELLA, now more popular than its source.
Adelaide f.
Derived from the Old German words meaning ‘noble and kind’. The name was common for centuries on the Continent but only came to Britain in 1830 when Adelaide of Saxe-Coburg became queen. Adelaide, the capital city of South Australia, was named after this popular queen. It can be shortened to ADA, and ALIDA is a Hungarian pet form (see also HEIDI).
Adeline f.
Like ADELAIDE, this name is derived from the Old German for ‘noble’. It was first cited in England in the Domesday Book and was common during the Middle Ages. After that it disappeared until the Victorian Gothic revival. It is best known from the song Sweet Adeline. ADA is sometimes used as a pet form, and Alina and Aline, now used as separate names were also once short forms.
Adil m.
An Arabic name meaning ‘just, honest’. It is also spelt Adeel.
Adnan m.
An Arabic name of uncertain meaning. According to tradition, Adnan was the ancestor of the North Arabians.
Adrian m., Adrienne f.
From the Latin meaning ‘man from Adria’, and a form of the name of the Roman Emperor Hadrian, who built the wall across northern England. It has been used since Roman times; a St Adrian was the first British martyr in the 4th century. Adrian and Adrien are now sometimes used as girls’ names. Adriana is a rare female form, the French Adrienne being more popular. Adria and Adrianne are also found.
Aeneus, Aengus see Angus
Afra see Aphra
Agatha f.
From the Greek for ‘good woman’, this was the name of a 3rd-century martyr and saint. The short form is Aggie.
Agnes f.
From the Greek meaning ‘pure’. There was an early Christian martyr called Agnes, whose symbol is a lamb, since the name also sounds very like the Latin agnus, ‘lamb’. Old forms still occasionally used include Annis, Annice and Annes. Agneta is the Swedish form and Inez is the anglicised form of the Spanish Inés. Agnes was popular in Scotland where it also became Nessie and Nessa. In Wales it became Nest and Nesta. Aggie is a short form shared with AGATHA (see also INA).
Ahmad m.
This Arabic name is often spelt Ahmed. It is one of the names applied to the Prophet Muhammad and means ‘more praiseworthy’.
Aidan m.
An ancient Irish name which means ‘little fire’. It was the name of a 7th-century Irish missionary who founded the monastery of Lindisfarne in Northumbria. The name was revived during the 19th century and is popular at the moment in Ireland. It is sometimes anglicised as Edan.
Ailbhe see Elvis
Aileen see Eileen
Ailis, Ailish see Alice, Eilis
Ailsa f.
From the Scottish island, Ailsa Craig. First used in Scotland where it can also be a pet form of ALICE, it has now spread through Britain.
Aimée see Amy, Esmé
Ainsley m. and f.
A place and surname used as a first name, this comes from the Old English and probably means ‘lonely clearing’. It is also spelt Ainslie.
Aisha f.
From the Arabic meaning ‘alive and well’ or ‘prospering’. A favourite name in the Arab world, originally borne by the third (and favourite) wife of the Prophet Muhammad. In Britain and the USA the name is found in many forms, including Aiesha, Aishah, Ayisha, Asia, Aysh(i)a, Ieasha, Ieesha, Iesha and Isha. H. Rider Haggard used the form Ayesha in his novel She, where the meaning was given as ‘she who must be obeyed’.
Aisling f.
The commonest form of a name also found as Aislinn, Isleen and the phonetic Ashling. It is an old Irish name meaning ‘a dream, vision’ and has been popular in Ireland since the 1960s.
Ajay, Ajit m.
Popular Indian names from the Sanskrit for ‘invincible’.
Akash m.
This Indian name is sometimes found as Aakash. It is from the Sanskrit and means ‘the sky’.
Akhil m.
An Indian name from the Sanskrit meaning ‘whole, complete’.
Akshar m.
An Indian name from the Sanskrit meaning ‘imperishable’.
Alan m.
An old Celtic name of unknown meaning. It has appeared in various forms from early times. In England it first became popular after the Norman Conquest as Alain or Alein, the French forms. These developed into Alleyne which is preserved as a surname. Alan, Allan, Allen and Alun (strictly speaking, a Welsh river name used as a first name) are in use today. Alana, the feminine form, is also spelt Allana, Alanah and Alanna, and in the USA has developed the form Alaina or Alayna. The actress Lana Turner made the short form well known.
Alastair m.
Also spelt Alasdair, Alistair and Alister, this is the Gaelic form of ALEXANDER, ‘defender of men’. It is shortened to Al, Ali, Alli or Ally, Alec and Alick.
Alban m., Albina f.
From the Latin Albanus, meaning ‘man from Alba’ (a Roman town whose name means ‘white’), and the name of the earliest British saint. The town of St Albans, where he was martyred, is called after him. Albin and Albinus are variants which appear occasionally, and Albina and Albinia, ‘white’, are used as feminine forms.
Alberic see Aubrey
Albert m.
An Old German name meaning ‘noble and bright’. The Old English form was Ethelbert, the name of the Kentish king who welcomed Augustine to Canterbury when he came to convert the Anglo-Saxons to Christianity. This was replaced after the Norman Conquest by the French form, Aubert. Albert became so popular after the marriage of Queen Victoria to Prince Albert of Saxe-Coburg that it became over-used and so went out of fashion. BERT and BERTIE are short forms. Alberta, Albertina and Albertine are forms of the name used for girls.
Alby see Elvis
Aldous m.
From the Old German Aldo, meaning ‘old’. It has been used in the eastern counties of England since the 13th century and has given rise to various surnames like Aldhouse and Aldiss. Aldo is still used in North America. The writer Aldous Huxley (1894–1963) is the best-known British example.
Aldwyn m.
This Anglo-Saxon personal name, meaning ‘old friend’, has been revived in modern times. Some parents prefer the spelling Aldwin.
Alec see Alastair, Alexander
Aled m.
The name of a Welsh river used as a first name. There is a female form Aledwen, ‘fair Aled’.
Alessandra see Sandra
Alethea, Aletia see Althea
Alexander m.
Currently one of the most popular boys’ names, this comes from the Greek meaning ‘defender of men’. It was made famous in the 4th century BC by Alexander the Great, and was very popular in England in the Middle Ages. Sandy is a pet form, particularly in Scotland. Alex is the most common of the many short forms, others being Al, Alec, Ali, Lex, Xan and Xander or Zander. SACHA is another form of the name.
Alexandra f.
The feminine form of ALEXANDER, and like it, currently popular. SANDRA was originally an Italian form, but has become established as a name in its own right. It shares pet and short forms with ALEXANDER, along with Alix or Alyx (also from ALICE) and Alexa (see also ALEXIS). Alexandria and Alexandrina are also found.
Alexis f. and m.
From the Greek word meaning ‘helper’ or ‘defender’, Alexis is the name of one of the great saints of the Orthodox church. Originally a man’s name, it is now more frequently used for women. Alternative forms are Alexie, Alexus, and for girls Alexia, Alexa and short forms such as Lexi(e) and even Lexus.
Alfred m.
From two Old English words, meaning ‘elf’ (hence ‘good’) and ‘counsel’. It is also a possible development of the Anglo-Saxon name Ealdfrith, meaning ‘old peace’. It is sometimes written Alfrid. When Alfred was written down in old Latin, the name was spelt Alured and developed into Avery (now used for both sexes). Alf, Alfie and Fred are diminutives. There is a feminine form Alfreda, and Elfrida, although it technically comes from a slightly different name meaning ‘elf-strength’, is also used as a female version of Alfred.
Algernon m.
From a Norman French nickname meaning ‘with whiskers’. It was popular in the 19th century but is not much used today. The usual diminutive is Algie or Algy.
Ali f. and m., Aliyyah f.
When used as a boy’s name Ali is a popular Arabic name meaning ‘exaulted, noble’, and as one of the terms used of Allah, invokes God’s protection for the child. The feminine form is Aliyyah (also found as Aliyah, Aliah, Alia and Alya). This has been well used in the USA, particularly in the Swahili form Aaliyah, popularised by the singer Aaliyah Houston (1974–2001). As a western name Ali is a pet form of names such as ALICE, ALISON or ALASTAIR.
Alice f.
From the Old German word for ‘nobility’. It originally had the form Adelice or Adelise. A number of forms remained popular from the Middle Ages until the 17th century, when it went out of favour. It was revived again in the 19th century together with the variant Alicia. Nowadays these have developed additional forms such as Allice, Allyce and Alyssa, Alysia, Alis(s)a, Alisha or even Elis(s)a or Elys(s)a although these are also pet forms of ELIZABETH. ALISON is a variant. Alys is the Welsh form and Irish forms are Alis, Ailis or the phonetic Ailish. Ali, Allie and Alley are used as pet forms, while Alix and Alyx can be used either as forms of Alice or ALEXANDRA.
Alick see Alastair
Alida see Adelaide
Alina, Aline see Adeline
Alis, Alisa, Alisha see Alice
Alison f.
Originally a diminutive of ALICE that was adopted in the 13th century, this was soon treated as a separate name. It was at one time a particularly Scottish name. Pet forms include those used for ALICE and ELSIE. Allison and Al(l)yson are standard forms in the USA.
Alistair, Alister see Alastair
Alix see Alexandra, Alice
Allan, Allana, Allen see Alan
Allegra f.
An Italian word meaning ‘cheerful, lively’, given by the poet Lord Byron to his daughter and still used occasionally as a result.
Alli, Ally see Alastair
Allice, Allie, Allyce see Alice, Alison
Alma f.
There are many opinions about the origin of this name. It could be derived from the Hebrew word for ‘maiden’, the Latin for ‘kind’ or the Italian for ‘soul’. Most importantly, the name became very popular after the Battle of Alma during the Crimean War, and is still found occasionally.
Alondra f.
Alondra is the Spanish for ‘lark’. It is a common American place name, but more importantly in the 1990s it was the name of a successful Mexican-made television series, named after its heroine. Its broadcast led to increased use among Spanish-speaking Americans.
Aloysius m.
This is the Latin form of Aloys, an old Provençal form of Louis (see LEWIS). There was a popular Spanish saint of this name in the 16th century and Roman Catholics continue to use the name in this country. Aloys or Aloyse was the female form of the old name, and is a possible source of ELOISE.