Appellation Mountain

Baby Name of the Day Selena: Modern Traditional

2026-09-22T14:07:17Z

The baby name Selena blends ancient myth with current style to become a modern classic.

Thanks to Bea for suggesting our Baby Name of the Day.

WHAT DOES THE NAME SELENA MEAN?

The meaning of the name Selena is straightforward. It comes from the Greek name Selene, meaning moon.

Selene was a Titan, an early Greek goddess of the moon. Think of them as the gods 1.0. Her siblings included Helios, the sun god, and Eos, goddess of the dawn.

Zeus leads the next generation, Mount Olympus 2.0. He banishes the Titans. His daughter, Artemis, becomes the main moon goddess instead. She’s sometimes referred to by the name Selene, too.

There’s also Celine. It’s a French feminine form of Latin family names derived from caelum, meaning heaven.

Either way, that puts the baby name Selena on the same list of night sky names as favorites like Luna and Stella.

SELENA QUINTANILLA

For many, this name brings to mind one particular figure: Mexican singer Selena. Called the “Queen of Tejano Music,” she remains one of the most influential Latin artists of all time.

Tejano music blends American and Mexican influences, sort of like Tex-Mex cuisine. Originally dominated by men, Selena made the style her own. In 1987, she won her first Tejano Music Award for Female Vocalist of the Year, an award she would win nine more times.

Her self-titled album debuted in 1987, followed by 1992’s Entre a Mi Mundo, including one of her biggest hits, “Como la Flor.” By 1994, she’d won her first Grammy and continued to push Tejano music into the mainstream.

Tragically, Selena lost her life when a fan and former employee shot her in March of 1995.

She remains one of the best-selling female artists in Latin music today.

A 1997 biopic titled Selena launched the career of aspiring singer Jennifer Lopez. The story was re-told in a Netflix series in 2020, this time starring actress Christian Serratos.

MORE FAMOUS FIGURES

Besides the singer, plenty of other famous figures have answered to the name.

Actress and singer Selena Gomez might be the most famous right now. She’s appeared on screen with everyone from Barney the purple dinosaur on Barney & Friends to legendary actors Martin Short and Steve Martin on Only Murders in the Building. Her musical career has been every bit as successful. Texas-born Gomez was named for the Tejano singer.
Debuting in print in 1940, DC Comics gave us Catwoman – or sometimes just “the Cat.” She’s a burglar and a bad guy, usually facing off against Batman. Most of the time, her name is Selina Kyle. Actresses from Eartha Kitt to Halle Berry to Zoë Kravitz have donned her iconic ears to play the part. In 2010s television series Gotham, Carmen Bicondova plays Selina “Cat” Kyle as more ambiguous, eventually allying with – and falling for – the caped crusader.
Midcentury sensation Peyton Place included a character named Selena Cross. Hope Lange’s performance as Selena in the 1958 movie earned her a nomination for Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress. While much of her storyline was deemed too risque for television, the name Selena soared alongside character names like Allison and Elliot as the series became a cultural sensation.
2002 post-apocalyptic horror film 28 Days Later gave us the story of survivor named Selena, played by Naomie Harris. The series has continued to produce sequels, but Selena’s story (mostly) ends with the original film.

HOW POPULAR IS THE NAME SELENA?

The baby name Selena routinely appeared in the US Top 1000 during the late 19th and early 20th centuries.

Popularity waned from the 1910s into the 1950s.

But by the middle of the 20th century, the name made a comeback. In 1958, following Hope Lange’s Oscar-nominated performance in the movie version of Peyton Place, Selena rocketed back into the rankings at #680.

It would get another boost from early 1970s television series Return to Peyton Place, which did feature Selena Cross. It reached a new high of #363 in 1973.

By the early 1990s, the name rose again with the career success of the singer. Selena’s tragic death in early 1995 sent the name briefly into the US Top 100, at an all-time peak of #91.

Since then, the name has mellowed. It ranks a respectable #268 as of 2025. Neither fading nor trending, the baby name Selena has become a modern traditional favorite.

As for alternate spellings, Celina comes in at #829, possibly lifted by similar sounding choices like Celeste and Cecilia. As of 2025, Selina does not rank in the US Top 1000.

MODERN TRADITIONAL FAVORITE

With roots in Greek myth, ties to the night sky, and a solid Spanish-English crossover history to rival Isabella, Camila, or Sofia, the baby name Selena has become a just-under-the-radar choice. It’s reliably on-trend, from the 1960s to this moment. And that makes it incredibly versatile.

Selena fit with Christina and Cynthia during the 1970s; Jessica and Alexandra in the 1990s; and Eliana and Sienna now.

If you’re looking for a name that reads current but feels closer to a modern classic? Selena could be the perfect choice.

What do you think of the baby name Selena?

The post Baby Name of the Day Selena: Modern Traditional appeared first on Appellation Mountain.

Love This Accidental Adorable Nickname: A Sibling for Birdie

2026-09-21T17:35:33Z

Name Help is a series at Appellation Mountain. Every week, we discuss reader’s name questions, usually on Tuesdays and Fridays. We’re relying on thoughtful comments from the community to help expectant parents narrow down their name decisions. Thank you in advance for sharing your insight! To have your question considered, email appmtn (at) gmail. Looking for your own private #namehelp post? Order one here.

NAMING A SIBLING FOR BIRDIE

Nicole writes:

We named our daughter Eleanor Wren thinking we might call her Ellie, but also believing we weren’t really nickname people.

Turns out we were wrong. Within a few weeks, we were calling our daughter Birdie. She is now turning three and everyone calls her Birdie. It’s the name tag on her cubby/coat hook at daycare even.

We’ve talked about possibly legally changing her name to Birdie Eleanor or Wren Eleanor or something in the future.

Right now, we’re focused on what to name her sister or brother, due in January. We feel very undecided about how to handle the name/nickname situation.

For Birdie, our boy name list was very traditional – Henry, Charles/Charlie, James. My ideas have changed a lot and now we’re considering Arlo, Miles, or maybe Charlie, but not Charles. I feel like these names would go with Birdie, but also with Eleanor/Ellie if she changes her mind about her nickname in a few years.

We didn’t really have a runner-up name for Birdie, and I think this is where I feel the most conflicted. Our list so far is:

Katherine called Kit/Kitty – Sort of the obvious choice, but I feel like Birdie and Kitty are too similar, and maybe it’s kind of forced
Millicent called Millie – So I always liked Millie but didn’t like any of the longer names for it, and I think that’s still true, though Millicent has grown on me. Another issue is that Ellie and Millie are very similar if Birdie ever changes her mind
Scout – I like this in theory, but I’m not sure it’s enough of a name
Sadie – Same as Scout, but I really like it with Birdie, but there’s not really a full name I like for Sadie, including Sarah which might be traditional but seems awkward
Lula – Found this on a random list and fell in love. I like how it’s a nickname, but just like Birdie, it still works as a full name, too

I’d say that Lula is my top name for a girl and Arlo for a boy. I feel pretty settled with Arlo but very undecided on Lula. My husband is very laid back about this and tends to warm up to any name I suggest, but not always immediately so I don’t want to leave this decision for too late. Like he really likes Arlo now but thought it was too different when I first mentioned it.

Please read on for my reply and leave your thoughtful suggestions in the comments.

FINDING NAMES TO MATCH BIRDIE

Abby replies:

Congratulations on your new baby!

It’s funny how we assume we’re not really nickname people, maybe based on our own experience. But then we’re holding our sweet little baby in our arms and suddenly everything changes.

There’s no right or wrong approach to naming your second child, but it is that rare parenting experience that gets harder and harder as our families grow.

Of course we want to be fair! But that would require being able to see the future, and understand how our children will react to their given names ten, fifteen, or more years from now.

Since that’s not possible, here’s what I’d suggest:

First, focus on choosing the name you love. It will match because it’s the name you and your husband choose at this moment, for this specific child, in your very specific family.
See if you can find a name where both the nickname and formal name appeal to you – especially for a daughter. It sounds like you’re truly drawn to casual choices like Millie and Lula, but would prefer to find a more obvious nickname/formal name pairing this time.
Be open to serendipity – just like you were with your firstborn’s name. And, of course, know that if your child arrives and you end up using a completely different nickname or never shortening their name or any other surprising outcome? It will still be absolutely fine.

That said, let’s see if we can find some new ideas that give you a Birdie-compatible short form paired with a more obvious longer version … or maybe a feminine equivalent of Arlo? Either way, they have to be a solid sibling for Birdie.

FRESH SUGGESTIONS: NICKNAME-PLUS-FORMAL NAME

CHARLOTTE called CHARLIE

If you love the nickname Charlie, would you consider Charlotte called Charlie? Yes, it’s a very popular, Top Ten name. But Charlie is sparky and fun, a sister for Birdie. And yet, it’s an obvious first/nickname combination, too.

GRACE called GRACIE

As tailored as Wren, but with a sweet, affectionate short form, too.

JOSEPHINE called JOSIE

Josephine offers lots of nickname options, but Josie is the 21st century default.

LOUISA/LOUISE called LULA

I almost suggested Eloise called Lula … but two names that could potentially shorten to Ellie is a recipe for a different kind of problem. But Louisa and Louise are both obvious paths to Lula that might be just the right amount of formal name.

MARGARET called MAISIE

Or Maggie or Daisy or Meg or … you get the idea. Margaret is another nickname-rich possibility, but I think Maisie best matches the energy of a sibling for Birdie, as well as Sadie and Millie.

ROSEMARY called ROMY

A personal favorite of mine, and one that I think might work really well for your family, too. Romy splits the difference between retro Kitty and modern Scout. It’s unexpected, but just on the right side of familiar. As a sibling for Birdie, Romy feels sweet and surprising, too.

FRESH SUGGESTIONS: SOMETHING LIKE ARLO

BLAIR

I wonder if you’d like something that’s a little more tailored? Blair is closer to Wren, but I like the way Blair and Birdie share an initial.

BRIAR

For another B name, nature name Briar might appeal.

ESME

Vintage Esme is at peak popularity in recent years. I think it’s the feminine equivalent of Arlo – rooted in history, brief and complete, distinctive in sound.

MARGOT

A rising favorite, Margot might be the perfect compromise if you’re looking for a nickname-proof first that feels vintage.

SYLVIE

I suggest Sylvie a lot, but it’s a problem-solver of a name. There’s a lot of sound in just two syllables, and it manages to be casual but also complete.

ZARA

I wonder if Zara might appeal? It’s a two-syllable, ends-with-a name in the key of Emma or Ella, but that zippy Z makes it feel distinctive and memorable.

Overall, I’m most drawn to a name like Louise Blair, called Lula. I love the way it parallels Eleanor Wren called Birdie. But I’m also going to vote for Esme. It works if you don’t change your daughter’s legal name: Eleanor and Esme. But it sounds like a sister for Birdie, too, doesn’t it? I wonder if something like Esme Briar would appeal?

Readers over to you! What would you name a sibling for Birdie, and how would you handle the nickname/formal name issue?

The post Love This Accidental Adorable Nickname: A Sibling for Birdie appeared first on Appellation Mountain.

Names in the News 9.20.26: Meaningful Rose Bean and Risky Wallace

2026-09-20T21:09:00Z

Lady Gaga is a mom! And her baby’s name is super-restrained. It’s Rose Bean. Dad is Gaga’s partner, Michael Polansky.

As for the meaning behind the names:

Word is that Rose is a reference to the Edith Piaf song La Vie En Rose. Gaga performed it in A Star is Born. So lovely, so refined. It’s also a tremendously powerful song. The title alludes to seeing things through rose-colored glasses. Piaf wrote in 1945, as World War II drew to an end, and it became a hit in the immediate post-war era.
As for Bean? It’s a brief, brisk middle name that likely nods to her 2011 smash hit “Born This Way.” The song was inspired by 1970s activist Carl Bean. His disco-era anthem “I Was Born This Way.” It feels like a celebration of embracing identity. As a middle name, it’s a wish for bravery, too.

Worth noting: Nirvana frontman Kurt Cobain and Hole lead singer Courtney Love named their daughter Frances Bean back in 1992. In their case, Bean served as a sweet nickname for their daughter in utero, inspired by a sonogram image.

I love the short-short combination of Rose and Bean. It’s the kind of unexpected pairing that sounds confident and cool.

ELSEWHERE ONLINE

An online casino platform created a list of the luckiest names in recent decades. I haven’t waded through the casino of it all to find the original report, but the news story indicates that Taylor, Emma, and Frances top the girls’ list, with Nicola, Carlos, and Jeff ranked highest for boys. Interesting … but it’s actually more of a round-up of famous figures who have won Grammys, Oscars, and sports MVP awards, and so on.

Can Colleen guess your kids’ names based on the car you drive? I laughed out loud at the idea, but I feel like she nailed some of these – especially the e-bike boys. And if you have a Maverick, do you have a pick-up truck? I think that might track …

I am 100% with Allison on Wallace and Summit. They’re totally boy’s names worth the gamble. I’m not convinced about Rush or some of the others … and is Wilder really a gamble these days? I feel like it’s mainstream(ish), so I’m here for that one, too!

UPDATING & THINKING ABOUT

Paloma is just so lovely. It ought to be the next Isabella – an English-Spanish crossover name with the added bonus of a great meaning – dove, which carries the symbolism of peace.

Lawson always struck me as another name that would absolutely catch on … but the numbers are a little dicey right now. It could be the next Mason/Hudson/Landon.

Uma has long gone hand-in-hand with Thurman, but there’s lots to love about this potentially cross-cultural name.

That’s all for this week! As always, thank you for reading – and have a great week!

The post Names in the News 9.20.26: Meaningful Rose Bean and Risky Wallace appeared first on Appellation Mountain.

Stuck at the Short List: Exciting New or Safe Traditional?

2026-09-17T17:06:55Z

DECIDING BETWEEN THREE GOOD CHOICES

Claire writes:

Our first child, a boy, is due next month. We followed all the advice and after trading lists back and forth and talking about our priorities, we’re stuck with three names on our short list.

Those names are:

Crosby
Thomas
Soren

It’s not as if my husband really likes one name and I like the other one. We keep switching back and forth.

There are no family connections behind any of the names, but they all have reasons/stories behind them, just not necessarily something you’d tell a total stranger.

Here is our wish list for a name:

More than one syllable, because our last names sounds like Hall
Not a Top Ten name, but doesn’t have to be that different
Ideally is a “boy” name
No specific family member shares the name
Not a character name/athlete name that others would assume we were referencing
Doesn’t necessarily need to a nickname
We both like it

We would most likely use one of the other names as our son’s middle name. We’ve even toyed around with the idea of using all three names, but choosing an order has completely broken my brain and I think they all sound like too much now.

If you’d asked me a year ago, I probably would have said we were more traditional when it comes to names, but looking at lists, a lot of the names we both crossed out first were like William or James.

We really don’t need any new suggestions, just helping choosing one!

Please read on for my response and leave your thoughtful suggestions in the comments.

HOW TO GET UN-STUCK AT THE SHORT LIST STAGE

Abby replies:

Congratulations on your new son!

This is a tough call, right? All three names are very different in key ways. But they all meet your criteria and any one of them would wear well.

If we’ve eliminated the obvious ways to decide. What does that leave?

Let’s dive in to what we know about the names.

CROSBY (unranked; given to 162 boys in 2025)

This is a place name with Old Norse roots. It referred to a farm by a cross. A handful of famous figures have answered to the last name: ice hockey player Sidney Crosby; musicians Bing Crosby and David Crosby of Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young. It ranked in the US Top 1000 from 2011 to 2021, but as of 2025 was falling in use. That’s not a bad thing, necessarily. The name was never that popular, so it feels familiar, but uncommon – a sweet spot.

The sound is crisp and current and tough to shorten.

THOMAS (#34; given to 6,197 boys in 2025)

Thomas means twin and this name has deep roots, tracing all the way back to the New Testament. That’s the origin of the Doubting Thomas story. Countless men of accomplishment have answered to Thomas. Pop culture references are even longer – Thomas the Tank Engine, Thomas’ English Muffins, Daveed Diggs as Thomas Jefferson in Hamilton. It’s never left the US Top 100 and spent decades in the Top Ten, though it’s less common today.

Thomas sounds traditional, and would easily shorten to Tommy or Tom.

SOREN (#464; given to 665 boys in 2025)

A Danish name ultimately derived from the Latin Severus or Severinus, Soren means stern. meaning. It’s strongly associated with philosopher Søren Kierkegaard. Though mostly Soren is an uncommon name, one that sounds like “soaring,” which feels strongly positive. Speaking of soaring, this name has ranked in the US Top 1000 since 2003, and is at an all-time high right now. That said, it’s still fairly uncommon.

Soren is tough to nickname and would probably be reasonably familiar, or at least easy enough for others to spell and pronounce.

HOW TO DECIDE?

A few things leap out at me:

I wonder if you should start by deciding to include the name Thomas as either a first or a middle. Here’s why: it’s a very traditional choice that would anchor a less conventional first or be balanced out by a more surprising middle. Based on your comments, it sounds like you’re drawn to the idea of a more traditional name, but it’s really only Thomas that you like.
If that feels right, I’d experiment with two combinations: Crosby Thomas and Soren Thomas. You have the assurance that your son will have a traditional name in the middle spot. Does that make either of your other favorites more appealing?
Assuming you can identify a frontrunner, I’d also try flipping the names: Crosby Thomas or Thomas Crosby? Soren Thomas or Thomas Soren?

If I had to put my thumb on the scale, I’d probably vote for Crosby over Soren. It’s crisp and modern, but not at all invented. I think people will understand how to spell and pronounce it. I’m assuming you might get asked if it’s for the ice hockey player (Sidney Crosby), or a musician (Bing Crosby or Crosby, Still & Nash), or even if it’s a family name.

But Crosby sounds like a boy’s name now, one that fits with Colby and Chase and Callahan, Beckett and Dexter and Tate.

Between Crosby Thomas sounds-like-Hall and Thomas Crosby sounds-like-Hall, I’d vote for putting Crosby as your son’s first name. I wonder if part of your hesitation is the feeling that you’re supposed to choose a more traditional name?

If you are open to three given names, I’d vote for Crosby Soren Thomas sounds-like-Hall. I think! Three two-syllable names can be tough to string together.

Readers, over to you! Any advice for getting un-stuck at the short list stage? Between Crosby, Thomas, and Soren, what would you choose and how would you combine the names?

The post Stuck at the Short List: Exciting New or Safe Traditional? appeared first on Appellation Mountain.

Baby Names in the News 9.13.26

2026-09-13T17:17:10Z

Time for names in the news 9.13.26 edition!

Can we talk about Jimmy and James?

There’s lots to unpack in James Talarico’s recent appearance on Jimmy Kimmel Live! I find both men admirable and the interview well worth a watch.

But since we’re talking about names …

Kimmel was born in 1967, full name James Christian Kimmel. Like me, he’s Gen X with Italian ancestry. And, like every James I knew growing up, he shortened his name. All the Michaels answered to Mike, you could safely assume Christopher preferred Chris, and there were so many Jennifers that they became Jenni, dotting the I with a heart, all to be different in the exact same way.
James Dell Talarico, on the other hand, counts as a Millennial, born in 1989. And he’s James. He’s closer in age to my baby brother, a generation that shifted away from nicknames. Sure, there were still plenty of Mikes and Matts and Benjamin-call-me-Bens. But the shift had started, with names like Ryan, Justin, Kyle, and Tyler rising for boys. Megan, Lauren, Kayla, and Rachel felt nearly nickname-proof for their sisters.

It’s a slow shift, but we’re now in the age of James – and Liam-not-William, Jack-not-John.

Does that mean that Gen Alpha will shift back to longer names with nickname potential? Or is this a more seismic, enduring change?

I’d bet on the former – in fact, there’s some evidence it’s already underway with long names trending. Or maybe Evelina, Seraphina, Benedict, and Callahan won’t use nicknames at all?

ELSEWHERE ONLINE

Things that we think were long-standing traditions might be pretty novel. Case in point? I’ve talked about the Italian custom of naming a firstborn son after the father’s father, the second after the mother’s father, and so on and son, with the same pattern applying for daughters, too. That’s why Italian families (and other cultures with similar practices) repeat names so frequently. But this article notes that it’s always been more complicated and varied, and well … of course. (Though I’ll also add that the site strikes me as not completely accurate, or maybe just over-optimized for search?) What’s true for my family for three or four generations isn’t any kind of unbreakable rule.

This article is old and the original data set is inaccessible, but … someone asked me about the most common middle names from the first half of the 20th century the other day, and I went back to revisit the list. It’s worth a look. (If you’re curious, the conversation is in this post about Eugene – which needs an update!)

Nancy has the data on the names that rose in use following 9/11. Naming a child is deeply personal, but there are always moments when world events shift what matters most.

UPDATING & THINKING ABOUT

LIBERTY is one of those post-9/11 names Nancy featured, and I’ve always loved the name as an offbeat virtue with a sort of July 4th Pageant energy. But my first thought now is really different … and I think it’s problematic that such a broad and enduring concept feels owned by a specific worldview.

PEPPER might be a little too cute as a given name, or maybe it’s exactly right, the next wave of names in our Olive and Poppy world. I like it best as a Penelope nickname.

NICODEMUS is one of those perfectly unexpected choices that’s made quite wearable with the nickname Nico. I’m here for it!

That’s all for this week. As always, thank you for reading – and have a great week!

The post Baby Names in the News 9.13.26 appeared first on Appellation Mountain.

A Sister for Isla: We Love Ivy, But Worry It’s Too Close

2026-09-11T17:38:07Z

IS OUR FAVORITE NAME TOO SIMILAR TO HER SISTER ISLA?

Julie writes:

We named our sweet baby girl Isla June two years ago. Her sister will be here in November, and we both agree on our favorite name: Ivy.

But my mom, my sister, and other people I know are saying Isla and Ivy are too close.

Also, we’re thinking about maybe Ivy Jules or Ivy Julie-Anne because my husband is Ivan and that way she’d have part of both of our names. Anne is my middle name.

My husband doesn’t mind that other people don’t like it, but if it does cause her problems, I know I’ll feel guilty.

Please read on for my response and leave your thoughtful suggestions in the comments.

NO RULES, BUT LOTS TO THINK ABOUT

Abby replies:

Congratulations on your new daughter!

Are Isla and Ivy very close?

Yes.

Are they too close?

That’s entirely up to you.

If I rattle off all four of your names – Ivan, Julie, Isla June, and Ivy Julie-Anne – I hear the same sounds repeating over and over again. It does give me pause.

Except that lots of families go this route, choosing similar names for their children on purpose.

Here are the questions I think you should consider:

Do you imagine growing your family after this baby? It’s hard to think about, I know, but having two children with similar names is rarely a problem. Setting a pattern that you feel obligated to follow for a third, fourth, or even fifth kid is where things can get dicey. Because Isla and Ivy is one thing. Isla, Ivy, Isa, and Ike is a slightly different scenario.
Is there a runner-up name? It sounds like you both agree on Ivy. But did you have another favorite? People will disagree on whether Ivy is too close to be a sister for Isla. But you can weight Ivy versus another name. Because if nothing tops Ivy? Then that’s a sign you should proceed.
Do you have any experience sharing a name yourself? Did you have a childhood friend name Jenna or was there a Julia in your class? If so, did you mind any occasional confusion, or did you appreciate the similarities? If you’ve ever had to refer to Isla by her first and last name to distinguish her from another Isla, how did you feel about it?

Notice that “what other people think” isn’t actually on that list. It’s hard, but ultimately, if you name your second daughter Ivy, people will get used to it.

Just in case you don’t have a list, let’s come up with some names for a sister for Isla that share Ivy’s best qualities but are a little different.

NEW IDEAS FOR ISLA’S SISTER

AVA

A long-time favorite with the same middle V sound. Ava opened the door for Ivy, but in your case, maybe Ava would appeal?

DAISY

Sweet nature name Daisy is just as appealing as Ivy, but with a different sound.

EVIE

If Ava isn’t quite right, would Evie appeal? It’s just a slightly change of sound, but it might be enough.

LILY, LILLIE

Another nature name to consider. Lily is the more popular spelling, but I love the visual impact of Isla and Lillie. And the shared L sound links the two names.

STELLA

Speaking of shared L sounds, Stella goes nicely with Isla without feeling at all duplicative.

SYLVIE

My first thought, and a logical substitute for Ivy. It add just a little more sound.

VERA

Lots of V names trend a little longer: Vivian, Veronica, Victoria. But short and sweet Vera sounds like the perfect sister for Isla.

WILLOW

Another nature name worth a closer look.

Overall, I think Ivy is tough to top because it’s based on your husband’s name. And that adds a layer of meaning that Sylvie or Willow or Daisy just can’t offer.

I do wonder if you might like Julianne better than Julie-Anne? Or even Ivy Juliette, which is probably my favorite. It creates a little extra space between her name and yours. Not necessary, but it can be nice.

That said, I really like the sound of Isla and Sylvie, and that would be my second choice. Another factor: Ivy is a bit of a wintry name, and Sylvie’s similarity to silver and the name’s meaning – woods – takes it in that direction, too. So you’d have summery Isla June and autumnal Sylvie Anne, which seems like a great combination.

Readers, over to you! Can you suggest names for a sister for Isla? And do you think Ivy is too close to Isla?

The post A Sister for Isla: We Love Ivy, But Worry It’s Too Close appeared first on Appellation Mountain.

Looking for Exciting, Sophisticated Girl Names Rarer than Eloise

2026-09-08T17:40:33Z

NAMES LIKE ELOISE THAT AREN’T IN THE TOP 100

Dia writes:

I picked out our daughter’s name before my partner and I even met. We both liked Eloise because it was traditional but not in the Katherine/Elizabeth/Mary category.

While I like that everyone likes her name, I’ve been disappointed to hear so many people say “oh that’s my niece’s name” or “we have another Eloise in the toddler room.”

I’m also surprised that people sometimes ask if we’re calling her Ellie. I don’t think Eloise is all that long or hard to say, so why would we make it shorter?

Our runner-up name was Beatrice, and I do sort of wish we’d used it instead. But I feel like Beatrice is getting more popular, too.

We are due with our second daughter in October and I’m torn about whether to use Beatrice or not. I don’t mind the nickname Bea but I don’t have any plans to call her that.

My partner is not at all bothered by popularity and wants to go with Beatrice.

The girls’ last name sounds like Ross-plus-EE, so that rules out a lot of names I would have liked, including Lucy, Cecily, and pretty much any Rose name. We also wouldn’t use Elodie before, but now it’s also too much like Eloise. They have my last name as their middle so we’re not doing any additional middle names.

Will Beatrice get really popular? Are there names we could use that might be a little more exciting, but still sound strong and sophisticated and appropriate for a grown-up without going for something like Katherine-called-Katie?

Please read on for my response and leave your thoughtful suggestions in the comments.

BEATRICE IS THE NAME TO BEAT

Abby replies:

Congratulations on your new daughter!

Popularity is such a conundrum, isn’t it?

Your daughter’s name is easily pronounced and spelled, plus people really like it – all the benefits of a popular name.

But sharing can be hard, especially when you intended to choose something that stood out.

A few things to keep in mind:

We often live in neighborhoods where we share a lot with our neighbors, like educational backgrounds and hobbies. It’s no surprise that we can appreciate the same names, too. So names repeat at the local playgroup or kindergarten. As our children’s worlds expand, even a popular name might seem much less common in a high school class of 700 compared to a learn-to-swim class of 12.
Shared sounds complicate the equation. Eloise ranks in the current US Top 100. So do Ella, Ellie, Eliana, Eleanor, and Elena. As a result, an El- name feels a little more familiar than, say, Violet.
Popularity over times matters, too. Think about a name like Ava. It entered the US Top Ten way back in 2005 and only slipped out in 2025. It’s been a powerfully popular choice for a long time, and there are plenty of college-aged Avas along with toddlers by the name. By comparison, Eloise only entered the US Top 100 in 2022. It’s growing in popularity, but there aren’t as many full-grown Eloises, and that means the name feels fresher.

This is a very long way of saying that Beatrice would probably satisfy.

Yes, Beatrice is rising in use – but even now it’s not quite in the Top 500 in the US. Beatrix doesn’t crack the Top 1000. And while there other B names, Bianca, Blair, and Bella just don’t overlap the way Eloise and Elodie might.

I think I’m Team Beatrice and agree with your partner.

But let’s look at some alternatives, with a focus on names above the current Top 500 in the US.

MORE NAMES LIKE ELOISE and BEATRICE

ANNIKA

An elaborated form of Anna with a pan-global vibe. Really! It’s heard from Sweden to Slovakia to India. All the strength of a classic with a distinctive sound.

DAVINA

A feminine form of David that’s never quite caught on, but fits in nicely with current favorites like Olivia and Evelyn.

GENEVIEVE

Genevieve ranks in the US Top 200, so it might too popular. But just like few names sound like Beatrice, Genevieve is pretty distinctive.

MARIEL

An elaboration of Mary/Marie that retains an air of classic strength, but introduces a fresh sound.

MARINA

A name with a long history of use in several European languages, Marina has never quite caught on in the US.

NOEMI

You’ve pushed most ends-with-ee names off your list, but I do think a three-syllable choice could still work. Noemi is a romance language form of Naomi, and I think it’s worth a second look.

SERENA

Another too-popular name, at least on paper. Serena appears in the US Top 350, but it’s a flowing, time-tested name that hits the traditional-uncommon sweet spot.

VERONICA

Veronica sits just inside the current Top 500. It’s immediately familiar, but surprisingly underused. Vivian or Vivienne might wear beautifully for Eloise’s sister, but they’re far more popular V names.

I’m not sure I’ve topped Beatrice, but I really do want to cheer for Mariel. It’s effortlessly pretty, but with strength and history behind it, too.

Readers, over to you! Can you suggest girl names rarer than Eloise, but with the same vibe?

The post Looking for Exciting, Sophisticated Girl Names Rarer than Eloise appeared first on Appellation Mountain.

Names in the News 9.6.26

2026-09-07T00:00:22Z

This week’s names in the news 9.6.26 starts with Miley.

Just Miley.

The singer has dropped her surname Cyrus.

If you’re following, marks her second name change. She started out life as Destiny Hope Cyrus. Childhood nickname Smiley evolved into Miley and became her stage name. She legally adopted the Miley Ray Cyrus early in her career.

Now she’s just Miley, and if you’re wondering, her dad is fine with the decision.

Miley’s godmother, Dolly Parton, pretty much owned her given name, too. Except she never dropped Parton.

Lots of artists can say the same: Elvis, Aretha, Denzel, Ozzy, Keanu. There’s only one Uma, even if she’s Thurman.

But Prince, Cher, Zendaya, Beyoncé, and plenty of others officially opted for a single, distinctive name.

It makes me wonder: is it worth giving your child a name so unusual that it could, at least in theory, stand alone? My instinct is no. Just like Ms. Cyrus’ evolution from Destiny to Miley, there’s always an opportunity to reshape your identity.

But in a world where a memorable name feels like an advantage, maybe our urge to find one-of-one names for our children makes sense.

ELSEWHERE ONLINE

Speaking of the late, great Dolly Parton, she once revealed that she would’ve named a daughter Carla, after husband Carl Dean. That feels so sweetly Southern, and rather surprising. Now the question on our minds: will any Dolly-influenced name rise in use in 2026/27? I’m tempted to bet on a boost for Jolene.

I meant to share this a while back: baby names are getting longer again. To be sure, names of varying lengths and styles are always coming and going. But favorites like Anastasia and Francesca, Julian and Malachi are tipping the scales towards more letters.

Speaking of long names, loving all this detail on Savannah. I knew about Savannah Smiles but Nancy adds more detail. A good reminder, too: the reason movies rarely influence given names is because we tend to watch them once, then move on. That’s why hit franchises – like Star Wars – can behave differently. But so can I one-off movie that, for whatever reason, ends up in heavy rotation. There’s always a little bit of chance impacting the ways names trend.

UPDATING & THINKING ABOUT

Leonie remains completely under the radar, but if we love Leo for boys and Elodie for girls, why not this fierce, French name?

Malachi manages to feel like a deliberately religious name from the Old Testament, but also a current, upbeat choice for a 21st century boy.

Olivia just won’t quit the top spot in the US – and much of the world, too. And why would it? There are so much reasons to love this elaborate, romantic name.

That’s all for today. As always, thank you for reading and have a great week!

The post Names in the News 9.6.26 appeared first on Appellation Mountain.

Popular in Mississippi Baby Names

2026-09-04T18:43:52Z

Time to talk about Mississippi baby names!

Mississippi is the Deep South, defined by the Mississippi River and the Gulf of Mexico.

Native American peoples, including the Choctaw, Chickasaw, Creek, Natchez, and Biloxi tribes, called the area home for millennia. European settlement, and finally forced resettlement, would push many out of the region.

During the early 16th century Spanish explorers became the first Europeans to map and later explore the area. French colonists followed, eventually coming into contact with the indigenous population.

The Treaty of Madrid, between the US and Spain, established the Mississippi Territory in 1795. In 1817, Mississippi earned statehood as the 20th state admitted to the Union.

In 1861, it became one of the first seven states to secede during the American Civil War. The legacy of the era lingers, as the events of the Civil Rights movement unfolded in Mississippi during the 1960s.

Today in terms of race, a little over half of the population identifies as white, with close to 40% black. Just under consider 5% consider themselves Latino, and an additional 3% of. Mississippians who identify as white also claim some Hispanic or Latino heritage. A little over 1% identify as Asian, while less than 1% call themselves Native American.

That’s a fair amount of diversity for a small state. It’s 32nd in terms of size and 35th in terms of population.

The state also had an outsized impact on American music, centered in the Mississippi Delta region. It’s the birthplace of the Blues, the forerunner of rock and roll and rap.

A NOTE ON NAME DATA

Worth noting: the Mississippi State Department of Health (MSDH) also releases name popularity data, but they record ties. Due to the state’s relatively small population, several of the names in the Top 100 are tied – for example, both Lucy and Josie were given to 51 girls each between January and December of 2025. This also means their public health statistics rank names slightly differently, but it doesn’t create any significant inaccuracies – . This list reflects the national data.

One fascinating fact about the state: traditional names continue to appear near the top of the rankings.

Even as names like John and Mary fall nation-wide, you’re still likely to meet a baby boy or girl with traditional names that would’ve been familiar circa 1956.

That said, some of these may be double names, or firsts that go unused in favor of a more distinctive middle. The Office of Vital Records simply doesn’t know exactly what Mississippi residents intend – only how they complete their official birth certificate.

That means the most popular names look a little different on paper – and might be even more distinctive in-person.

MISSISSIPPI AS A BABY NAME

The state’s name comes directly from the Mississippian indigenous culture that thrived in the region for centuries before European settlers first arrived.

It’s ultimately named after the Mississippi River, from the Ojibwe word for big plus river. In translation, we tend to interpret this as “great river.” It certainly fits.

The state has never appeared on the list of most popular baby names in the US. That means it’s never been given to five or more girls, or five or more boys, in a single year from 1880 onward.

But way back in 1885, there was at least one child given the name. Nancy’s Baby Names includes it on their list of Babies Named for the Ships They Were Born On.

TOP TEN BOY NAMES IN MISSISSIPPI

10. THOMAS (#34 in the US)

A classic name outperforming national stats in the state – just the first of several.

9. HUDSON (#17 in the US)

A name that often rises into the Top Ten in states with small Spanish-speaking populations, rising in place of national favorites like Mateo and Luca.

8. HENRY (#5 in the US)

A national favorite.

7. LIAM (#1 in the US)

Liam ranks lower in Mississippi. Why? Because this Irish charmer is especially popular with Spanish-speaking American parents. Given the small Latino population in this state,

6. WAYLON (#56 in the US)

Another name that feels like a natural over-performer in the state, just like Lainey for girls.

5. ELIJAH (#7 in the US)

Old Testament favorite.

4. NOAH (#2 in the US)

Another top-ranked name nearly everywhere.

3. JOHN (#23 in the US)

Here’s a surprise. Long-time #1 name John is still hovering in the Mississippi Top Ten, long after it’s fallen out of use most places. That said, just like Mary on the girls’ list, this could easily be part of a double name or a placeholder first unused in favor of a more distinctive middle.

2. WILLIAM (#9 in the US)

Another case of a traditional favorite inching farther up the list here.

1. JAMES (#6 in the US)

The top name in Mississippi is a favorite in lots of places, but lands on top in the Magnolia State.

TOP 100 MISSISSIPPI BOY NAMES

James
William
John
Noah
Elijah
Waylon
Liam
Henry
Hudson
Thomas
Levi
Cooper
Michael
Asher
Mason
Walker
Grayson
Oliver
Samuel
Weston
Silas
Josiah
Stetson*
Christopher
Jaxon*
Beau
Charles
Kayden*
Maverick
Nolan
Aiden
Carter
Rowan
Jack
Jackson
Wyatt
Amir*
Sawyer*
Isaiah
David
Joseph
Lucas
Matthew
Daniel
Elias
Legend*
Christian
Kingston*
Bennett
Brooks
Dylan
Luke
Joshua
Easton*
Jayden
Robert
Kayson*
Logan
Benjamin
Colton*
Jeremiah
Karter*
Kohen*
Atlas
Beckham*
Hayes*
Messiah*
Myles
Wesley
Alexander
Dawson*
Micah
Riley*
Cameron
Gabriel
Jaxson*
Kyrie*
Landon*
Carson*
Kaiden*
Malachi*
Timothy*
Dallas*
Greyson*
Parker*
Ashton*
Ethan
Jacob
Jamir*
Karson*
River*
Ryder*
Sebastian
Theodore
Owen
Ryker*
Amari*
Archer
Bryson*
Hunter*

* indicates name does not appear in the US Top 100

TOP TEN GIRL NAMES IN MISSISSIPPI

10. LAINEY (#30 in the US)

Given this name’s country music ties, it feels like a logical outperformer.

9. NOVA (#46 in the US)

Mississippians seem to appreciate middle-V names just a little more than average. Not only does Nova make the state’s Top Ten, so does Ivy.

8. IVY (#39 in the US)

Not only does middle-V nature name Ivy rise near the top of the charts, but middle-V names like Evie, Everleigh, and Neveah all crack the Top 100.

7. EMMA (#3 in the US)

This long-standing favorite falls back just a few spots.

6. MARY (#125 in the US)

As mentioned earlier, Mary suggests that traditional names are big in the state. And that’s partially true – both gender categories include names like Mary and John that last topped US-wide popularity data more than fifty years ago. But chances are that some of these Marys use a double name, while others skip their classic first in favor of a more distinctive middle. Provisional birth certificate data is silent on such questions, so we can only guess.

5. ELIZABETH (#17 in the US)

Another classic name bigger here than elsewhere.

4. OLIVIA (#1 in the US)

The top names shuffle just a bit, with Olivia slipping back to #4.

3. CHARLOTTE (#2 in the US)

Traditional Charlotte falls one spot.

2. AVA (#11 in the US)

Ava is still a crowd-pleaser in Mississippi – yet another middle-V name parents love.

1. AMELIA (#4 in the US)

Traditional and vintage Amelia sneaks into the top spot.

TOP 100 MISSISSIPPI GIRL NAMES

Amelia
Ava
Charlotte
Olivia
Elizabeth
Mary*
Emma
Ivy
Nova
Lainey
Ellie
Harper
Naomi
Paisley
Avery
Ella
Sadie
Sophia
Kinsley
Hazel
Josie
Lucy
Delilah
Kehlani*
Millie
Eleanor
Raelynn*
Evelyn
Serenity*
Oaklynn*
Chloe
Layla
Ailany*
Isabella
Mia
Lillian
Oakley*
Journee*
Nora
Autumn
Aria
Khloe*
Lily
Violet
Eden
Riley
Saylor*
Vivian
Brooklyn*
Caroline
Emery
Hallie*
Leilani
Magnolia*
Willow
Annie*
Daisy
Emily
Harmony*
Stella
Emersyn*
Nevaeh*
Ryleigh*
Addison
Alani*
Elsie*
Georgia
Luna
Rylee*
Abigail
Aurora
Kennedy
Lyla
Remi*
Scarlett
Skylar*
Audrey
Eliana
Londyn*
Eliza*
Evie*
Isla
Melody
Wrenley*
Zoey
Blakely*
Clara
Everleigh*
Adalyn*
Kali*
Kylie*
Lydia
Madelyn
Malani*
Piper*
Grace
Ruby
Sofia
Aaliyah*
Hadley*

* indicates the name does not appear in the US Top 100

DISTINCTIVE MISSISSIPPI PLACE NAMES

DELTA

The fourth letter of the Greek alphabet sounds like a D, but looks like a triangle. That’s why we talk about river deltas, the confluence of two branches of a river. Mississippi’s Delta region is the birthplace of the Blues, and significant in music history. Confusingly, it’s not the same as the Mississippi River Delta, which is actually in nearby Louisiana.

HARRISON

A county named for the 9th US president, it includes cities like Gulfport and Biloxi.

HATTIE

Founded in 1882 by a civil engineer named William Hardy, Hattiesburg was named for his wife. It expanded in the 19th century as the lumber and railroad industries flourished. While Hattie is not more common than one might expect in the state, nickname-names like Evie and Annie are popular, so it’s possible we might hear more of Hattie here.

JACKSON

The state capital was named for Andrew Jackson, 7th US president. It’s had a long run among popular boy names – even more, if spellings Jaxon and Jaxson are included.

LOUIS

The city of Bay St. Louis is named for St. Louis Bay, the body of water on which it sits. It’s one of the coastal communities known for celebrating Mardi Gras.

MERIDIAN

Back in the day, a town in search of a name believed that “meridian” was synonymous with “junction.” And so the Mississippi place got its name. In Emmylou Harris’ song “Red Dirt Girl,” she sings about Meridian … Alabama. But the town in the neigboring state is named Meridianville. Harris chose the name based on a town she passed through on her way to New Orleans. On another note, Alice Walker’s 1976 Meridian took during Freedom Summer in the late 1960s, set at fictional Saxon College. Her main character was named Meridian.

OLIVE

The town of Olive Branch was named in the 1840s as a nod to the Biblical story of a dove bringing an olive branch to Noah, indicating that the flood waters were receding.

PEARL

A small town outside of Jackson.

TATE

As in Tate County.

NAMES FROM MISSISSIPPI HISTORY & SYMBOLS

EMERALD

The state’s official gemstone.

GOLDEN, GOLDIE

Gold is Mississippi’s official mineral.

HONEY

The western honey bee is the state insect.

MAGNOLIA

The Magnolia State is one of Misssissippi’s nicknames.

MINNY

Octavia Spencer won a Best Supporting Actress Oscar for playing maid Minny Jackson in The Help. The story – book and film – was set in Jackson, Mississippi.

QUENTIN

In 1929, author William Faulkner’s The Sound and the Fury introduced us to the Compson family of fictional Yoknapatawpha County, Mississippi. This included tragic figure Quentin Compson – though he shares that name with other family members.

TEDDY, BEAR

The story of US president Theodore “Teddy” Roosevelt refusing to shoot a defenseless bear while on a hunting trip? That trip took place in Onward, Mississippi, making it the birthplace of the teddy bear. An annual festival, The Great Delta Bear Affair, celebrates the moment and raises funds and awareness to protect the state’s natural resources and wildlife, including black bears.

TUESDAY

The French term Mardi Gras translates to Fat Tuesday in English. While that sounds like unusual inspiration for a child’s name, the celebration does inspire. Naming a daughter Tuesday might be a nod to New Orleans, or other locations throughout Lousiana and Mississippi that turn out for Mardi Gras Tuesday in a big way.

FAMOUS MISSISSIPPIANS

BO

Where to even begin with the list of famous Mississippi musicians? Born Elias Bates, Bo Diddley became a guitarist and singer-songwriter. He’s called The Originator for bridging the blues and rock and roll, influencing artists from the Beatles to the Clash and so many more.

ELVIS, PRESLEY

Before he moved to Memphis, Elvis Presley was born in Tupelo, Mississippi. His birthplace welcomes visitors today.

EUDORA

Pulitzer Prize-winning author Eudora Welty was born in Jackson.

FRED

We associated actor and comedian Fred Armisen with the Pacific Northwest, thanks to the show Portlandia. Or maybe New York, as a long-time castmember of Saturday Night Live. But Fereydun “Fred” Armisen was born in Hattiesburg. He shares his given name with his father. It’s Persian, but that doesn’t reflect the family’s roots. Instead, Fred’s grandmother just plain liked it.

IKE

Izear Turner Jr. became known as Ike – and even better known as husband to the late, great singer Tina Turner. She’s from Tenneessee. While their personal story is complicated, and Ike’s legacy marred by addiction and abusive behavior, their contribution to music remains significant.

JAMES EARL

Born in tiny Arkabutla, James Earl Jones has become a legendary actor. The voice of Darth Vader in Star Wars and Mufasa in The Lion King, he’s also an EGOT winner – Emmy, Grammy, Oscar, and Tony.

LEANN

Singer LeAnn Rhimes hails from Jackson.

OPRAH

One of the world’s most famous figures, Oprah Winfrey was born in rural Mississippi. She was originally named Orpah, a Biblical name from the Book of Ruth. Mispronunciations early in life turned it into Oprah, and she made her version of the name internationally known.

TENNESSEE

This one makes no sense, right? Except Thomas Lanier Williams III was born in Columbus, Mississippi. A number of his characters and stories involve the state. And his pen name, Tennessee, acknowledges his southern roots.

Do you have any favorite Mississippi baby names? What would you add to this list?

The post Popular in Mississippi Baby Names appeared first on Appellation Mountain.

Are We Breaking an Important Rule with Mismatched Names?

2026-09-01T12:24:36Z

WE LOVE OUR DAUGHTER’S NICKNAME

Brooke writes:

Our daughter’s name is Everlie Rose. We sort of named her for my grandma Beverlie, but not really. We really just liked it and because it was close to a family name it felt like it made the most sense.

Since she’s been born we call her Evie pretty much all the time. If I had it to do over again, we might have named her Eva or Evelyn or even just Evie. I do feel like Everlie is a sort of trendy name and that wasn’t my intention.

We are due with our second child in a few weeks, another girl. If this baby had been a boy, we would have named him Archer James and call him Archie.

For a girl, all of my favorite names seem very mismatched. Or they match Evie, but not Everlie as much.

Here is our list:

Hallie
Hattie
Josie
Lottie
Mila/Millie

I can imagine naming her Josephine for Josie or maybe Charlotte for Lottie, but only to give our daughter a formal name. I would not really want to ever use the full name.

My husband suggested Miller for Millie and I don’t hate it, but I don’t like it’s the name of a beer. We both like Mila a lot, but it seems wrong to have a nickname longer than her name.

A good friend suggested Marlowe called Lola and I love that, but I’m not sure if it’s too different?

If the baby were born today, I’d want to name a girl Hallie. My husband is on board and is happy to use the name without it being short for anything. We would probably name her Hallie Elizabeth, which is my middle name, too.

I cannot imagine naming a daughter Harriet, and I don’t like the idea of something like Holland or Hallan, so I think her name would be just Hallie.

Are we breaking some sort of a rule? Will my daughter feel like it’s unfair if she doesn’t have the same kind of name/nickname combination? I’ve see comments about names like Hallie being too cute/informal for an adult, and I don’t want that for my daughter.

But also, I have friends with names like Molly and Haley, and I don’t think their names sound immature.

Please read on for my response and leave your thoughtful suggestions in the comments.

WILL MISMATCHED NAMES BE A PROBLEM?

Abby replies:

Congratulations on baby number two!

As much as I love a really well-matched pair of sibling names, there’s no rule that says names have to go together.

I think what you’re imagining isn’t the style clash. It’s the possibility that your younger daughter might feel her name is lesser than her sister’s name.

Your anxiety is understandable, and yet … the future is unknowable. When it comes to naming, we’re not asked to gaze into a crystal ball and name for our child’s exact future. We’re expected to make the best possible choice based on our lives at this moment. That’s exactly what you’ve done!

Something that leaps out at me: your concerns that Everlie will be perceived as trendy. There is a long, rich tradition of using surname names for our daughters. Shirley, Kimberly, Ashley, Courtney, Madison, Avery, Harper, and so on. The names do feel tied to their generation, but they also feel like very normal names. That’s not exactly trendy as much as it reflects the way names cycle in and out of favor. Everlie won’t be popular in 50 years, just like former favorites Mary and Lisa are not common now.

The real question: would your children feel like they had mismatched names? Maybe. But maybe not. Evie and Hallie are nicely balance, but so are Everlie and Hallie. This isn’t quite like naming your daughters, say, Albertine and Mia or Honey and Margaret. The overlap isn’t perfect, but it’s absolutely there.

Let’s go through your options:

Name your daughter just Hallie. (Or Millie or Lottie …)
Choose a formal name for Hallie and use that, with the intention of calling your daughter Hallie 99% of the time.
Go with a different name that leads to an obvious nickname, like Josephine/Josie and Archer/Archie.
Pick a formal name/nickname combination you like more, even if they feel less obvious.

Before we go any further, let’s see if we can add a few name suggestions into the mix.

FRESH NAME SUGGESTIONS

CALLAHAN

This shortens to Callie more logically than Hallie, but the sounds are there. That said, I think Callahan reads more masculine than most of the choices on your list.

HADLEY

A popular surname name for a daughter that feels a little more complete than Hallie – at least in the sense that no one would ask what if it’s a nickname.

HALSTON

A 20th century fashion icon, Halston is surprising and fresh, and offers a direct path to Hallie.

HATTON

A surname option for Hattie.

ROMILLY

A surname that leads to Milly/Millie without out the problematic associations.

TOP SUGGESTIONS

MILA called MILLIE

Yes, Millie is visually longer than Mila. But it works. If this appeals to you, I think it’s worth considering.

MARLOWE called LOLA

This really sings. Marlowe mirrors Everlie, and Lola makes the perfect sister name for Evie. Is it too much of a stretch? Not really – the sound is right there. And yet, it’s not an immediate formal name/nickname combination. It might be more of a hassle, at least compared to how easily Evie flows from Everlie.

HADLEY ELIZABETH

If your main concern is finding something that feels more complete, then subbing Hadley for Hallie might work for you.

HALSTON called HALLIE

I love the idea of Halston as a formal name for Hallie. The nickname flows. And while Halston isn’t common as a given name, it feels familiar to most as a surname. Everlie and Halston, Evie and Hallie. It’s exactly right.

HALLIE ELIZABETH

All of that said, I do think Hallie Elizabeth might be the perfect choice. It’s your favorite. They’re not really mismatched names … they’re just not perfectly parallel. Hallie works as a sister for Evie, a sort of vintage sweetness. But Hallie and Everlie sound like sisters, too, a pair of 21st century favorites.

I’m most drawn to Marlowe/Lola and Halston/Hallie. But I think I’d still put just Hallie at the top of my list and make it the name to beat.

Readers, over to you! How do you think about mismatched names? And what’s the best choice for Everlie “Evie” Rose’s new sister?

The post Are We Breaking an Important Rule with Mismatched Names? appeared first on Appellation Mountain.