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?

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.

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
  

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.

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.

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.

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