Tuesday, August 31, 2010

In the News: Hurricane Names (Girls)

This week Hurricane Earl threatens the Eastern U.S. shore with 160mph winds. According to the Atlantic Tropical Weather Center, the naming history of hurricanes is as follows:
 Atlantic tropical cyclones were named with the old World War II phonetic alphabet during the years 1950-1952.  Women's names were first used in 1953, and the same list (with one change) was used in 1954.  However, after the major East Coast storms of that year, forecasters decided to use new names each year for awhile.  Then beginning in 1960, four semi-permanent sets were established, to be re-cycled after four years.  This list was expanded to ten sets in 1971, but before making it through the list even once, these sets were replaced by the now familiar sets of mens' and womens' names.   In the Atlantic, male names were first used in 1979, and the sets are repeated every six years.
Through researching names for this post, we also learned that hurricane names are retired when the storm is destructive and/or significant enough. Here are some names from the database that we like:

We found that most of the names we liked were female, though Dennis and George did catch our attention from the male side.
  • Abby
  • Alice
  • Audrey
  • Betsey
  • Betty
  • Caroline
  • Emmy
  • Flora
  • Gabrielle
  • Grace
  • Hannah
  • Isabel

Friday, August 20, 2010

FabNames Pair of the Week - Oliver & Graham

Oliver is originally thought to be a French name and is often associated with the olive tree. It hovers just around #100 for popularity (in 2009), so it is used often but not extremely common. Graham has English, Scottish, and Celtic origins, and usually ranks around #250+ (2009).

All around, we think these two names are familiar, though not extremely common. And two little boys with these names would be pretty darn cute.

Monday, August 9, 2010

Spotlight - Place Names

Our recent post about India/Indie got us thinking about the wonderful naming inspiration found on a map. Here are some place-names we like. I'm sure we've missed many, but here's what stands out to us when perusing the map.

Female:
  • Alexandria
  • Aurora
  • Berlin
  • Bristol
  • Brooklyn
  • Charlotte
  • Geneva
  • Georgia
  • London
  • Milan
  • Savannah
  • Sydney

Male:
  • Boston
  • Cruz
  • Dallas
  • Diego
  • Finn
  • Jackson
  • Logan
  • Mason
  • Penn
  • Roman


Tuesday, August 3, 2010

Fab Names Combinations of the Week - Chef Names

Do you ever think about chef & cook names when watching the FoodNetwork or flipping through cookbooks? Recently we've been thinking about the unique and classy names of some of our favorite foodie chefs. Perhaps there are others we've missed?

Female:
  • Claire
  • Ellie
  • Giada
  • Ina
  • Julia
  • Martha
  • Nigella

Male:
  • Alton
  • George
  • Jacques
  • (Jamie) Oliver

Wednesday, July 28, 2010

Names of the Times - Colors

Recently we've noticed a lot of babies and tots with names derived from the color-wheel. Here are some we like, by gender:

Boys:
  • Grey
  • Jett (black)
  • Hunter (green)
  • Sterling
Girls:
  • Hazel
  • Goldie
  • Maude
  • Olive
  • Ruby
  • Sienna
  • Scarlett/Scarlet
  • Sage
  • Violet

Friday, July 23, 2010

In the News: India / Indie

Yesterday in India, a prototype tablet computer was released that will sell for approximately $35, aiming to help improve education in India through technology. We love the forward-thinking mindset of this low-priced technology for students, and we also are loving this up-and-coming girls' name: India or Indie.

Within the past decade singer India Arie's popularity has increased the use of this name, and while it is still only ranked well over 4000 (#4571 to be exact) for girls, it has grown steadily since the year 2000. The name also has connections to the "indie" mindset of many hipsters who prefer to support all things independent. We love this reworking of a country into a girls' name. What do you think?

Tuesday, July 20, 2010

Letters we Love - B

{After a long break, we are back. We will be updating often now with names we love, so keep checking FabNames for names you may like. Email us with any questions or name inspiration for upcoming babies.}

B -
A strong letter for any boy’s name. Here are some B names that we love:
  • Bennett
  • Benton
  • Bentley
  • Beckham
  • Benson
  • Brendan
  • Brandt
  • Brennan
  • Branson
  • Bryson
  • Berkeley
  • Bryant
  • Braden

Friday, August 28, 2009

In the News: Kennedy - Death of Edward Kennedy

No matter one's political affiliations or beliefs, we feel that Kennedy is a classic name whether used for a boy or girl. (Maybe it's that our grandmother was a Kennedy?)

We love the recent trend of Kennedy girls, and have also seen Kennedy used as a middle name (or first name) for boys.

Kennedy was originally a surname of Irish and Scottish origin, from the Gaelic Ceannéidigh. Ceann meaning "chief" or "leader." What a great way to carry on the name of a royal American family.

Wednesday, July 15, 2009

Letters we Love - V

V - The V is a beautiful letter that we feel adds strength yet classic beauty to a woman's name. Here are some examples, both within the name at at the beginning:
  • Victoria
  • Ava
  • Maeve
  • Olivia
  • Olive
  • Vivienne
  • Violet
  • Eva
  • Eve
  • Venna
  • Veronica
  • Virginia
  • Liv (Livy)
  • Vera

Tuesday, July 7, 2009

FabNames Pair of the Week - Coleman & Piper

We love the pairing of a classic / unique name like Coleman with a trendier name like Piper. What is it about little girls that makes us feel more daring with a name? Perhaps we fear that our sons won't cut it in college or the business world with an artsy name, but a girl could fare just fine? Who knows, but we love these names together.

Coleman has English and Gaelic roots and Piper seems to have slim roots as a first name, though it has been a common English last name.

Monday, June 29, 2009

In the News: Jackson

Though the media has already bombarded you enough with Michael Jackson stories this week, we feel that the last name Jackson is noteworthy not only because of the King of Pop, but also its recent popularity for boys.

Jackson is a great boys name for several reasons:
  1. It can be shortened instantly to a classic: Jack
  2. It is a last-name-turned-first-name (which we love)
  3. Historical significance to our country: Andrew Jackson
  4. Easy to spell, say
  5. Unique but common at the same time
On the downside, it has become much more popular in the past 10 years (moved from #183 in 1998 to #32 in 2008). On the plus side, we think it is classic enough to stick around for a while.

Monday, June 8, 2009

FabNames Spotlight - Sawyer

Because of the television show Lost, perhaps we should be filing this name under "In the News"?

However, we wanted to spotlight this former surname turned contemporary modern first name for boys. Sawyer is an English occupational surname for someone who made a living from sawing wood, but more recently it has roots in modern literature (Tom Sawyer) as well as modern music (Sawyer Brown). The name has a modern, yet rugged feel.

Thursday, May 14, 2009

Names of the Times - Elle / Ella

Elle and Ella are classic and feminine names in their own right, however they are also popping up in many common names, used as a suffix. These are said to have Germanic, Norman/English, French, and even Hebrew roots (The word אלה (Ella) in Hebrew means goddess).

Here are some uses:
  • Gabrielle
  • Gabriella
  • Isabelle
  • Isabella
  • Noelle
  • Giselle
  • Annabelle
  • Arabelle
  • Ellen
  • Ellie
  • Stella
  • Estelle
  • Belle
  • Hazel
  • Mckell

Sunday, April 5, 2009

FabNames Spotlight - Clark

Not only is this a traditional first name, but a traditional surname as well - causing it to fall into two of our categories:
  1. Traditional Namer
  2. Classic Unique
While you've heard of this name, no doubt many times, it isn't extremely common - last year it was only ranked #698; much lower than we would have thought! It has English, Scottish, and Latin roots, from the Latin clericus meaning "scribe", "secretary" or a scholar, referring to someone who was educated. It works great as a first, middle, or last name.

We love it. Simple and classy.

Wednesday, March 18, 2009

Names of the Times - Female Suffix Trends

As stated below, our "Names of the Times" category reflects names that are trends of a certain generation. If you think back to your generation, you may notice common names.

Below are a few common Female trends seen over the past several years.

-"lyn" suffix:
  • Brooklyn
  • Ashlyn
  • Madelyn
  • Katelyn
  • Kaelyn
  • Caitlyn
  • Emmilyn
  • Gracelyn
  • Breelyn
  • Jaclyn
  • Jalyn
-"ie" or "y" suffix:
  • Sydney
  • Lily
  • Chloe
  • Sophie
  • Lucy
  • Libby
  • Sadie
  • Emmie
  • Riley
  • Audrey
  • Aubrey
  • Callie
  • McKenzie
  • Kylie
  • Avery
  • Abbie
  • Lexi
  • Zoe
  • Maddie

FabNames: Names of the Times - Male Suffix Trends

Our "Names of the Times" category reflects names that are trends of a certain generation. If you think back to your generation, you may notice common names (i.e. there are a set of girls' names that were common in the 1960s including: Nancy, Sandy, Kathy, Susan, Cindy, and more. Or when you think of the 1980s you might remember: Jennifer, Tiffany, Amber, Megan, Jessica, or Heather).

What are the names of our times?? While we don't have all the names of our times listed here, we have posted a few common Male trends seen over the past several years.

-"son" suffix:
  • Hudson
  • Jameson
  • Grayson
  • Bryson
  • Harrison
  • Mason
  • Cason
  • Anderson
  • Benson
  • Carson
  • Dawson
  • Jackson
  • Tyson
-"den" suffix:
  • Aiden
  • Caden
  • Braden / Brayden
  • Haden / Hayden
  • Carden
  • Jaden / Jayden

FabNames Spotlight: Anya / Anja

Anya is a name traditionally of Russian descent, used as a diminutive of Anne. It is a strong and beautiful name with an elegant meaning: gracious and merciful. It . Anya also has Sanskrit roots, making it a widely diverse and well-liked name across the world. Famous Anya's include photographers, writers, athletes, singers and a well-known musical. Anya is a wonderful name choice we love for it's beauty and meaning.

FabNames Pair of the Week: Finn & Olivia

-Finn is commonly used as a shortened form of the traditional English surname Finnegan. The name is associated with Nordic and Celtic roots, including several legendary kings of Ireland. Finn is contemporary yet classic and can be used traditionally in its long form or shortened to a nickname for a more modern feel.

-Olivia is traditionally an English name (the feminine form of Oliver). The name is commonly known for its use in Shakespeare's Twelfth Night, but has more recently been used in contemporary novels, bands, and films. We love its traditional roots and feminine feel. Olivia also lends itself to lovely nicknames including Liv and Livia.

Tuesday, February 10, 2009

In the News: Hudson - "Miracle on the Hudson"

Airline Captain Chesley Sullenberger recently made a crash-landing in New York's Hudson River, after both his plane's engines were disabled by a flock of birds; Captain "Sully" has been hailed a hero after all 155 passengers and crew were rescued.

We felt this miracle landing was inspiration for news-worthy coverage of this hero, as well as coverage of a boy's name we love: Hudson.

Hudson is traditionally an English name, typically a surname. Famous surname Hudsons include Kate (actress), Tim (baseball player), Troy (basketball player), Thomas (British painter), and more. Using Hudson as a first name mixes up it's traditional usage as a surname, resulting in an original first name with roots. We love it's classic yet unique feel.

Monday, February 9, 2009

FabNames Spotlight: William

William is no doubt one of the strongest and most traditional names in history. It has historical ties to Britain, France, Germany, the Netherlands, Italy, Cameroon and more. The name is strong, dignified, and meaningful. We love the name in full or also its shortened version: Will.

Sunday, February 8, 2009

FabNames Pair of the Week: Miles & Suzette

-Miles is a name traditionally of Latin origin, but because of its recent popularity, it brings a more updated style to a sibling set than many other traditional boy's names. Miles has been a name for famous artists, colleges, cities, and more. We love its cool feel and versatility with last names or siblings of any gender.

-Suzette has traditional origins in France as a variation of the name Hebrew name Susan. The name is commonly associated with Crepe Suzette, a traditional French dessert with caramelized sugar, orange juice, and Grand Marinier. What a sweet connotation to bring to this sweet name!

Saturday, February 7, 2009

FabNames Spotlight: Norah

Our admiration for musical artist Norah Jones, as well as our interest in old-world classical names inspired adding this to our list. Throughout history, the name Norah has been given to ballerinas, writers, artists, politicians and even famous European landmarks and cities. It is a lovely yet strong choice for a girl's name.

Tuesday, February 3, 2009

Regional Spotlight: France

Our first regional spotlight focuses on names of France. While France is often known for its distinctive yet feminine girl's names, they also have an array of lovely boy's names.

Below are a few options.

Girls:
  • Amelie
  • Gabrielle
  • Vivienne
  • Juliette
  • Caroline
  • Nicolette
  • Adele
  • Brigette
  • Madeleine
  • Cosette
Boys:
  • Corben
  • Jasper
  • Felix
  • Julian
  • Beau
  • Tristan
  • Matthias
  • Gabriel
  • Christien
  • Stefan