Appellation Mountain

Are We Breaking an Important Rule with Mismatched Names?

2026-09-01T12:24:36Z

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.

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.

Names in the News 8.30.26

2026-08-31T00:05:53Z

Looking for even more name talk? Join us on the AM Baby Names Patreon. Join for free to keep up with Name Games. Can you guess this name in three clues?

Ready for names in the news 8.30.26 edition?

To state the obvious: When it comes to names, asking AI for suggestions is really asking for a super-quick amalgamation of what others think.

That’s not necessarily a problem. Except that parents often look for an unusual name. Something distinctive and fresh.

So we ask AI for a list of unique girl names.

The list? Includes two Top 100 favorites (Nova and Maeve) plus a few more Top 200/300-ish choices (Thea, Wren, Ophelia, Alora). It lists Top 1000 Elowen, overlooking the far more common spelling Elowyn, both fast-rising chocies. Similarly, it puts trending Top 1000 name Amaris on that list. Two of the ten suggestions – Seren and Aella – feel like they’re maybe viable candidates for the unique name title.

The very nature of AI means it can’t answer certain types of questions with the level of analysis and nuance they require.

ELSEWHERE ONLINE

How do you get from a list of favorites to just one final name? I kind of love this approach. They put all eight finalists in a cup and pulled out one slip of paper at a time. The last one they pulled became their daughter’s name. It’s Dorothea called Dotty. This approach might not work for everyone, but if your list is long? It’s one approach to consider.

I’m not saying this works, but this Insta connecting your favorite names to your coffee order? A version of my daughter’s name and my second favorite name for a girl both appear alongside my favorite drink, so … Matcha Latte people, are you into names like Briar and Birdie? I can see it.

Love how Eventide Pennant Company is involved in keeping up a family’s tradition and their gender reveal. I mean, their pennants are adorable, and even if you’re not interested in a name pennant, love the name content she shares.

UPDATING & THINKING ABOUT

Dolly. Sobbing. RIP Dolly Parton, and if a few more girls are named for you, I’m here for it.

Evadne because there are more names that shorten to Evie besides Evelyn and Evangeline.

Finnian on the same note …. Finn might be fading, but this longer form gives me Caspian vibes without the whole CS Lewis tie-in.

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

The post Names in the News 8.30.26 appeared first on Appellation Mountain.

Looking for Boy Names With Double Consonants: Brett’s Boys

2026-08-28T21:09:53Z

NAMING A BROTHER FOR FINN AND WILL

Danielle writes:

We named our first son Finnegan Daniel, and call him exclusively Finn. His last name is my grandmother’s maiden name, and his middle name is for my dad. I’m also named after my dad.

Our second son is William Murphy, both family names from my husband’s side. We call him Will.

My husband’s name is Brett, and so we are Brett, Danielle, Finn, and Will – all names with double letters, and all the male names end with double letters.

We are now expecting our third and final child. If this baby were a girl, she would’ve been either Colette or Juliette, both names that I love that also have double letters.

Except it’s a(nother) boy. We don’t have any family names that we feel called to use, and it might be more of an issue to use a family name since it will be hard to even it out. Also, I’m sort of over that now.

My husband would love to stick with boy names that end with double consonants, but we keep coming up with nothing.

Names we like but can’t use:

Flynn, Quinn – too close to Finn
Jett, Rhett – rhymes with Brett

Names we could use but don’t love:

Ross, Russ – just seem kind of 80s/90s
Scott, Todd – same thing, but also we know people with these names
Judd – just seems too country for us
Maxx, Jaxx, Samm – not our style at all, we would want a name that is supposed to end with double letters, not one where we force it

I kept thinking the right name would come to us, like it did for Finn and Will, but my due date is getting closer and we still don’t really have anything.

Part of me wants to just choose a name we like, but I don’t want this kid to feel left out.

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

PATTERN PROBLEMS: IT’S NOT ALL OR NOTHING

Abby replies:

Congratulations on your new son!

We get a lot of questions about unintentional family themes. It’s easy feel like we’ve named ourselves into a corner, right?

But it doesn’t have to be all or nothing. After all, your first two boys’ names weren’t chosen for the double consonants. They were meaningful choices that just happened to end with NN and LL, at least in nickname form.

If there were a third name you loved just as much that worked for your family, I think you’d probably embrace it. But there clearly isn’t a perfect solution, so I do think you’re wise to consider something a little different.

Your options break down like this:

Choose a name that mirrors the pattern perfectly. Yes, even if you end up with a kid named Russell, called Russ. I’m sure you’d warm up to it over time. (I mean … Russell from Up!) But this only works if you take SO much satisfaction from the matching of it all that the name itself matters less.
Drop the pattern entirely. Choose a name you love. This is always an option. While it might feel like a mismatch now, if you named this son Rowan, I suspect relatively few people would hear you say “Finn, Will, and Rowan” and hear any disconnect. Worth saying: Finn and Will sound like brothers for me without considering the double consonants.
Re-define what it means to match. Something that strikes me: if there were a family name you wanted to use, then your sons would all match in that sense. Since that’s not the case, it might not be an option here. But could you match some other way, like incorporating an Irish surname that isn’t tied to family but still has meaning to you both?
Tweak the formula slightly. It’s true that there aren’t many obvious names that fit this pattern. Naming your son Penndragon, Penn for short, or Kenneth, called Kenn, feels forced. But you could consider names like Wyatt, Beckett, and Everett that end with double letters. Or maybe something with a double EE: Reed, Reese, or Reeve?

Or maybe, just maybe, there are a few last options that do fit your formula.

Based on the information we have, I can’t help with the first three options, but that last one? I think you’ve got some options. Let’s dive in!

FRESH NAMES FOR FINN AND WILL’S BROTHER

BROOKS

Lots of names include double vowels. Brooks is a mainstream choice, a little more novel than classic Will or long-used Finn, but only a little. There’s something about Brooks that feels both strong and gentle at once, just like your older boys’ names.

EVERETT

On paper, Everett is three syllables. But I often hear it pronounced with two. You might shorten Everett to Rett/Rhett, which feels like it might work. But I like it in a full, one of those boy names ending with double consonants that almost exactly fits the established pattern.

GRIFFIN

On paper, Griffin called Griff could be perfect. Except unlike Finn and Will, I think Griff feels much more like a diminutive than a formal name. Still it’s a mainstream choice that sounds different from his brothers’ names. One drawback: Griffin also has a strong Finn sound, so maybe it’s out for that reason.

JESSE

A good midpoint between truly traditional Will and slightly more modern Finn, Jesse is a Biblical boy name boasting ages of use.

MATTHEW

I feel like you must have talked about Matthew-called-Matt, right? It’s a little old school, a Top Ten favorite from the 1970s into the early 2000s. Today it’s falling in use, but Matthew remains a solid Top 100 go-to, has never exited the US popularity charts, and is immediately familiar to pretty much any English-speaker. Romance language Mateo is more common in the US now, but that’s not necessarily a drawback.

MAXWELL

Like Everett, Maxwell ends with double letters. Shorten it to Max and it’s a perfect brother name with Finn and Will, even without the overpowering Maxx of it all.

REED

Another example of a name where the vowels are doing the heavy lifting, but it works nicely.

WYATT

Last, but not least, another name ending with TT that almost fits your pattern and would sound great with Finn and Will.

My top choice is probably Everett or Wyatt. The pattern is there, but you’ve shifted it just enough to give yourself some fresh options. And even if there aren’t any family names you’re considering, is there maybe something from your own personal histories – a place name or hero name – that might work for this son’s middle?

Readers, over to you! Can you suggest more boy names ending with double consonants, or more names that work well as a brother for Finn and Will?

The post Looking for Boy Names With Double Consonants: Brett’s Boys appeared first on Appellation Mountain.

Naming a Brother for Elias: Truly Unusual Boy Names

2026-08-25T14:01:18Z

A BROTHER FOR ELIAS

Kellie writes:

We could use some help finding a name for our second son.

I love our son’s name, Elias Brewer, and I wouldn’t change it. But I was very surprised when we announced it and everyone immediately commented things like “oh, my friend has an Elias” or whatever.

Brewer is my mother’s maiden name. Our last name sounds like John with an S, but the spelling is confusing and people often say Jones. So while I did want a name that was different, I appreciate that an easily spelled/pronounced first name is important.

Many of the names that were on our list with Elias would not be good choices for his brother necessarily.

We talked about Everett a lot, but I’m not sure we want two E names.
Callum is one name we both like, and I think it works, but afraid it might be too trendy.
Jasper was my favorite name before Elias, but because of the painter with the nearly identical last name, we ruled it out.
I like both Rory and Sutton, but worried they’re more girl names now. And then I also think maybe that doesn’t matter?
My husband has always liked Reese, but I don’t like it with our last name and I do think it’s been too popular for me.

Nichols is family name that we are considering for a middle name. I also like the idea of using Kelly for his middle name, or my husband’s name, Bryce, depending on the first name we choose.

Right now, I really don’t think we have a first name we’re even close to agreeing about.

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

LIKE ELIAS, BUT (MORE) DIFFERENT

Abby replies:

Congratulations on your new son!

Elias is a great name, isn’t it? I share your surprise at how popular it’s become in recent years – just outside of the current Top Ten nationally.

But even a Top Ten name doesn’t feel as common as it might have during the 1950s, 70s, or even 90s. In fact, Elias still feels different in many ways – it’s just not like Michael or Jacob or Ethan; or Henry, Alexander, or William. It’s a softer, more flowing sound with a global profile. Elijah is clearly Old Testament, but Elias not so much. Elias succeeds on sound, too, a little more elaborate than Liam or Leo, but with shared sounds.

So I think naming a brother for Elias means finding a name with these qualities:

Traditional, in the sense that the name has history and has been in use for generations
Uncommon, at least until recent years
Possibly a name that works outside of American English and travels well

From your current list, the name that leaps out at me is Callum. While it’s risen in use in the US lately, it remains beyond the current Top 100. It’s a form of the enduring Malcolm, and feels even more familiar elsewhere in the English-speaking world. And I think it has the same polish as Elias. Callum Bryce is kind of perfect.

If not Callum, I wonder if Nico is a choice? I’m drawing from your family name, Nichols, that you’re considering as a middle name. Nico, or even Nicolas called Nico, strikes me as a brother for Elias. It’s rising in use in the US, but currently ranks just in the boys’ Top 200. I love the sound of Nico Everett, or maybe Nicolas “Nico” Kelly?

But I think some new suggestions might help here, too.

FRESH IDEAS: A BROTHER FOR ELIAS

ARCHER

Sharp surname name Archer recently entered the US Top 100, but remains less common than Asher or Oliver. Nickname Archie is also given independently, though plenty of Archers use their name in full.

DESMOND

Gentlemanly name with a hint of sophistication, Desmond ranks in the 300s.

FELIX

Another vintage favorite on the upswing, Felix ranks in the 200s, but still feels fresh and surprising.

LUCIAN

Somewhere between popular Julian and Adrian and obscure Finnian, there’s Lucian. It’s handsome and smooth, a Top 500 name everyone knows but few of us are choosing. Nicknames like Luc, Luke, and Luca would make this more familiar, but Lucian wears well in full.

MARCEL

Like Elias, there’s a hint of pan-European about Marcel. It’s a cousin to 1950s and 60s favorite Mark, but feels more elevated. Marcello, Marcelo, and Marcellus are options, too.

ROWAN

You’ve mentioned unisex names. There’s a distinction that might be meaningful for you: some unisex names are more commonly used for boys, and others for girls. Rowan ranks in the boys’ Top 100 and the girls’ Top 250. Rowan leans masculine, as do Owen and Bowen. I think that might be ideal, and Rowan’s sound is strong and bright, a good match for Elias.

SULLIVAN

On that note, I’ll suggest Sullivan instead of Sutton. Sutton’s numbers are nearly reversed from Rowan: girls’ Top 200, but for boys, hovering closer to the mid-300s. Sullivan ranks in the 300s for boys, is rising slightly, and has an approachable, but distinctive, sound.

XAVIER

A traditional name with a long history of use, Xavier’s scissory-X, middle-V and R-ending is very 21st century. Elias and Xavier sound like they could’ve been brothers in medieval Spain or the 19th century or right about now.

Overall, I’m not sure I’ve topped Callum and Nico, but I do love Lucian Kelly and Xavier Nichols or Xavier Nicolas.

Readers, over to you! Can you suggest some boy names that would be the perfect brother for Elias?

The post Naming a Brother for Elias: Truly Unusual Boy Names appeared first on Appellation Mountain.

Names in the News: 8.23.26

2026-08-23T21:46:21Z

Looking for even more name talk? Join us on the AM Baby Names Patreon. Join for free to keep up with Name Games. Can you guess this name in three clues?

Ready for names in the news 8.23.26 edition?

Before we get to the links, I want to talk about something that’s often packaged as nostalgia.

It’s true that certain names from early 2000s pop culture are surging now. That’s often attributed to new Gen Z parents reaching back to their childhoods to embrace names from their favorite television series and such.

That strikes me as part true.

Here’s the better way to frame it: certain pop culture staples become the background noise of our formative years. We revisit them again and again – and Gen Z really could because they’re the generation when streaming really took hold.

In most cases, I think certain names make it to Gen Z parents’ list of possibilities because they became accustomed to those names. It’s not a deliberate call back to a Disney Channel series or a smash hit movie from the early 2000s.

Of course, that’s nuanced. It makes for a lousy headline.

And sometimes – yes, absolutely – a name’s success is very much about a beloved character, like in the first story below.

But not always, and it’s a mistake to assume there’s always a straight line.

ELSEWHERE ONLINE

Sometimes it takes a while for a name to really catch on. Case in point: Lorelai. The show debuted in the year 2000, but the name first cracked the US Top 1000 in 2006. And it’s just reached peak popularity in 2025, with signs that it might climb higher still.

And sometimes a name hits different depending on where you call home. This list of Grow Little Wildflower’s favorites absolutely has a hit of Australian energy. PS – Her link in bio includes a place to request a list of all the names her readers submitted last year. I haven’t done it yet, but I’m sure it’s a delight!

Other times? We fall in love with a name and THEN the world discovers it … but it makes sense to use it anyhow. Love this personal story for Everymom about sticking with the name Elsa.

UPDATING & THINKING ABOUT

Wyatt has gone from a rare-but-known name to a modern traditional choice.

Adelaide is the name of the newest member of the extended British royal family. Absolutely love this choice.

Koda is another name that might be attributed to Gen Z nostalgia. But in this case? It’s more likely that growing up with Brother Bear just meant a generation of kids thought that Kenai and Koda would be perfectly reasonable choices – and, in our Kai/Koa/Luca moment, they are.

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

The post Names in the News: 8.23.26 appeared first on Appellation Mountain.

Baby Name of the Day Koda: Friendly and Meaningful

2026-08-22T12:04:58Z

The baby name Koda fits with 21st century trends, but what’s the story behind this intriguing find?

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

WHAT DOES THE NAME KODA MEAN?

The most likely source of inspiration for the baby’s name Koda? Disney.

A 2003 movie called Brother Bear gave the name to a character. The filmmakers took the name from a Dakota word meaning friend. It’s also the root of the indigenous peoples’ name, so Koda and Dakota are close cousins.

CODA

There’s one more possible meaning for this name: a musical term.

The coda is a piece’s ending, meant to bring it to a satisfying conclusion. It literally translates to tail, as in an animal’s tail. In Latin, the word is cauda.

While the character name is always spelled with a K, Coda also trended upward in use following the release of the movie.

BROTHER BEAR

Back to the movies.

In 1994, Disney scored a smash hit with The Lion King.

No surprise that they returned to the animal kingdom in 2003.

Animated film Brother Bear followed a native Alaskan boy named Kenai. Joaquin Phoenix voiced the main character.

Kenai was set on revenge, because his older brother had been killed by a bear. He went out and killed a bear – not the one responsible for his brother’s death.

The Great Spirits punished Kenai for his destructive act. He was transformed into a bear. The only way to return to his human state involved a long journey to a faraway mountain.

Along the way, Kenai makes friends with a bear cub called Koda. Jeremy Suarez voiced the character.

Brother Bear’s success fell short of The Lion King, but it was nominated for an Oscar for Best Animated Feature. It fared well enough at the box office to inspire a direct-to-video sequel in 2006.

And a generation grew up with the name.

HOW POPULAR IS THE NAME KODA?

Way back in 1984, just 12 boys were named Koda. Irish surname name Cody was hovering near peak popularity in the middle of the 1980s, so that might explain some of the name’s use.

Dakota would peak for boys during the 1990s.

In 2003, the year Brother Bear was released, Koda was given to 48 boys.

By 2004, those numbers were 182 boys and 15 girls. The name made a brief appearance in the US Top 1000, but it didn’t last.

By 2016, though? Koda returned to the US Top 1000.

As of 2025, the name ranked #411 for boys, a tie for all-time high with the name’s 2023 rank. In addition, 80 girls received the name, which is a new record.

Today, Koda’s success owes more to names like Koa and Kai.

Fast-rising favorites right now include newcomers like Kyren, Kasai, Kaleo, and Kyaire. They mix traditional elements with the sounds and styles we love best now.

It’s also true that boys’ names ending with vowels feel mainstream, as both first and middle names. O-enders, from Leo to Theo to Arlo, are everywhere. Names ending with AI represent an entire category of fresh options.

But A is big, too. There’s chart-topping Noah, as well as other Old Testament favorites like Isaiah and Ezra. Romance language imports like Luca help, as do Arabic names like Isa.

FRESH NAME POSSIBILITY

If you grew up on Brother Bear, then names like Koda and Kenai sound familiar. They balances 21st century trends with a sense of history.

Koda’s friendly meaning is a bonus, and the association with a coming-of-age story lends it a certain kind of strength. No surprise it appeals to parents now, a mix of so many qualities that we love for a child’s name now.

What do you think of the baby name Koda?

The post Baby Name of the Day Koda: Friendly and Meaningful appeared first on Appellation Mountain.

Pretty and New Girl Names

2026-08-18T19:55:08Z

LOVE THIS STYLE, BUT MAKE IT RARE

Hailey writes:

For as long as I can remember, I have loved pretty names. Anastasia, Persephone, Lucinda. My style is long and romantic. Pretty much the opposite of my name!

When we first started talking about having kids, my favorite name was Eliana. But now we’re actually expecting our first, it’s a girl, and I feel like I hear Eliana everywhere. The fact that it’s now in the Top Ten proves that it’s not just me overthinking it.

Other names I used to like, but have also become very popular/too popular: Ariana, Liliana, Delilah.

My partner really wants there to be an obvious nickname. Also, he is very opposed to names that are strongly identified with anyone we know or with a fictional character. He vetoed Lorelai because of Gilmore Girls and Anastasia because of the movie, and we have a family member with a daughter named Lucie so Lucinda is off the list. Ophelia was on the list until the Taylor Swift song.

For me, I tend to not like names that feel sort of made-up. Like Kaliyah is very pretty, but I feel like it’s just a nice sound, not a name with history, meaning, etc.

So the name needs to be new, in the way that not everyone has heard of it or has an image of it, but not random, either.

Names we are considering:

Annalisa – I like this a lot, but feel like maybe there’s something better out there
Corina/Corinna/Karina – But can’t really settle on a spelling.
Natalia – Just okay for me, don’t love Nat as a nickname
Sylvia – Not my favorite, but my husband likes
Viviana – love this name, my husband is kind of meh about it for no specific reason

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

FINDING MORE PRETTY AND NEW NAME POSSIBILITIES

Abby replies:

Congratulations on your new daughter!

Long and lovely is a good place to start. But you’re right! There’s Sophia and Isabella and Eliana in the Top Ten. Plus lots of names that sound right, like Amiyah, but don’t quite hit the mark in terms of meaning.

Ruling out any name with an obvious pop culture tie-in? That makes this even tougher!

But I do think there are two really strong contenders on your current list. Viviana is perfect – fun nickname, distinctive but not unknown, flowing and feminine.

I’m also wondering if Persephone if still on the table? I think it’s another great option, with possible nicknames like Persie and Sephie.

But let’s keep looking because it sounds like Viviana might not be quite right.

FRESH SUGGESTIONS

AURELIA

A name that literally means golden, Aurelia blends sounds from chart-toppers Aurora and Amelia, but is much less common.

DAHLIA

A lovely floral possibility with a mix of vintage appeal and current style. A solid 150-spots plus less common that Delilah, but similar in sound.

ELIORA

Eliora and Liora both come from a Hebrew phrase meaning “my light.” Adding the El- transforms it to “God is my light.” It’s very similar to Eliana, but not nearly as popular.

GENEVIEVE

Traditional French name that’s never quite caught on in the US, Genevieve shares the potential nickname Vivi, but also mixes in options like Gen and Gigi.

JUNIA

An ancient Roman option that’s seldom heard in the US, Junia shares sounds with fast-rising Juniper, as well as sparky retro nickname Junie.

MARIEL, MARIELLA, MARIELLE

Mariel and Mariella are recent additions to the US Top 1000; Marielle remains outside of the list. In any form, it’s an elaboration of Marie, vaguely French but also reminiscent of The Little Mermaid’s name. It still offers Ellie as a nickname option.

SERAPHINA

As lovely and elaborate as Persephone, with an appealing meaning: fiery.

THEODORA

The sounds of Theodora might be a tiny bit on the harsh side with all the TH and DOR, but it’s rich in nicknames – Thea, Teddy, Tess, Dory – and offers so much sophisticated style, too.

Overall, if Viviana and Persephone aren’t quite right, I’m most drawn to some form of Mariel/Mariella. Shorten it to Ellie or Mari or Mimi, and no form of the name is all that common.

Readers, over to you! Can you suggest some pretty and new girl names: feminine, elaborate, not too common?

The post Pretty and New Girl Names appeared first on Appellation Mountain.

Names in the News: 8.16.26

2026-08-18T14:51:20Z

Looking for even more name talk? Join us on the AM Baby Names Patreon. Join for free to keep up with Name Games. Can you guess this name in three clues?

These are the names in the news 8.16.26.

But first … thanks to Olivia for sending over this article on the Bouba-Kiki Effect.

We’ve known, for more than a century, that we associate certain sounds with specific images. Bouba is round; kiki is sharp.

Recently, studies have demonstrated that this concept holds for personal names, too. It’s why Molly is the warm, affectionate sister while Kate is the striving over-achiever who might be just a little brusque.

But, but, but … it’s a general impression when the only thing we know is the name. The study doesn’t suggest that name sounds determine personality in any way. We all know friendly, expressive Kates and take-charge Mollys.

Still, it’s interesting to recognize that sounds operate on name image, well beyond what we may recognize – and in a way that’s somewhat outside of trends and style, too.

Can you think of names that strike you as soft or spiky? Or names that don’t conform to this structure?

ELSEWHERE ONLINE

So celebrity baby names often aren’t influential, mostly because A-listers tend to keep their children’s lives private. (Understandably so.) It takes frequent public appearances to generate enough coverage to launch a trend like Maddox and the other children of Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt. But when those kids follow their famous parents into the spotlight? Actors like Keen Ruffalo (son of Mark) and Homer Gere (son of Richard) can put their unusual names on our radar – decades after their birth announcements might’ve first caught our eye. More to watch: Maude (Apatow), Nico (Parker, daughter of Thandiwe Newton), and Kaia (Gerber, daughter of Cindy Crawford).

Can we talk about Djouvensky? I spotted this name in the US popularity data. It was given to just five boys born in the US during 2025. There’s also Djouvens, also given to five boys. The only reason I can find is college football player Djouvensky Schlenbaker. He has an amazing personal story, beginning in an orphanage in Haiti. And that’s the key. Haitian Creole names do sometimes begin with a D in front of a more familiar J name, like Djouvensky’s sister Djennika, or Djimmy and Djennie. But I suspect Djouvensky comes from dieu – the French word for God. Names like Dieumerci – grace of God – are familiar in Haiti. I can’t quite take apart Djouvensky, but I’m curious if you have any thoughts.

Spotted @thenamementor: Clete! It’s likely a short form of Cletus. While Cletus doesn’t seem particularly stylish at the moment, Alix is right: it’s ancient and has a great meaning. Cletus probably comes from Anacletus, the name of an early pope. It means something like “called to serve.” It might also come from an element meaning “glory,” which makes it a cousin to Cleo. Possibly both elements are actually the same word, more or less, connecting all of these names together.

UPDATING & THINKING ABOUT

Margot is 100% that name, the smart, traditional, but just-a-little-bit-different name we all love. Which is why I’d put money on it making the US Top 100 next year, and continuing to rise.

River seems to have hit a plateau. Even though it’s a pretty familiar choice right now, maybe it’s still a little outdoorsy for parents who aren’t into all things blue sky and rugged, but too on-the-nose for parents who do embrace the natural world. Of course, that might make it the perfect name for parents looking for something fresh, but not too chart-toppingly popular.

Samara has me so excited! Consensus has always been that the American re-make of The Ring chose the name Samara for the little girl at the heart of the horror movie because it was similar to the Japanese character’s name: Sadako. But, but, but … what if there’s poetry and literature and pop culture that makes Samarra, a name from the ancient world, a completely perfect name for the character? I’ve overthought this one, but I think I’m right.

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

The post Names in the News: 8.16.26 appeared first on Appellation Mountain.

Name Regret: How Long Can You Change Your Child’s Name?

2026-08-15T14:10:46Z

Name regret is real.

An earlier-than-expected arrival might force a quick decision. Sometimes we get talked into a name that we never really loved. Or maybe we’ve made what felt like a good choice at the time, only to have it never quite fit.

No matter the reason, sometimes we find ourselves wishing for a do-over.

And that prompts a surprisingly common question: how old is too old to change your baby’s name?

A FEW DAYS TO SIX MONTHS

Most experts believe babies begin to recognize their names around six months of age. It takes a little longer for infants to consistently respond to the name you’ve chosen.

So if you’re feeling immediate, intense name regret? Don’t hesitate. There’s a very real opportunity to make a change – even a significant one.

Experience also suggests that one partner might feel intense name regret, while the other is puzzled by that experience. Voicing your concerns early gives you both time to consider a possible name change.

It might feel a little awkward to call your mom or explain to your neighbor that Arabella is now Sloane. But the most important person – your child – won’t be bothered by any of that confusion.

SIX MONTHS TO ONE YEAR

When parents tell me they’re considering a name change for a newborn, I always ask this question: what do you call your child on a daily basis?

Often the answer is non-committal. It’s a nickname or term of endearment when talking to their child. To others, they refer to “the baby” or “your brother.”

This is the challenge: maybe on paper, you’re past the developmental milestone when your child could recognize their name. But you’re not using a name consistently, if at all. That means there’s still opportunity to make a change, but the urgency is building.

In many parts of the US, some states will allow name changes up until a child turns one as a birth certificate correction, rather than a full, legal name change. Even if you are required to file for a legal name change, updating records is typically easier with a very young child.

CHANGING A TODDLER’S NAME

But maybe you’ve blown past their first birthday and now your child is more independent. They’re speaking – maybe a lot!

Can you still change your child’s name?

Legally, yes.

From a naming perspective, it’s not so straightforward. The starting point is always the same: what does your child say their name is?

At this point, there are a few types of name change that still make sense:

1. Name changes that address reality.

You named your daughter Elizabeth Marlowe after her grandmother Liza, but only ever call her Marlowe. It seemed like the right thing, but you’re already annoyed by how often you have to explain and correct others. Making a change to Marlowe Elizabeth might make sense.

Parents sometimes view the start of preschool or kindergarten as a logical decision point.

2. Name changes that subtly shift a name.

You named your son Archie, and it’s what you call him 99% of the time. But you find yourself wishing you’d given him a formal name, and that sense grows stronger as the years fly by.

Changing his legal name to Archer likely wouldn’t impact your child in the short term, but it might be the better choice in the long-term. At the very least, it’s not going to cause your child any confusion, and many others in your life may believe that was his formal name all along.

3. Clarifications to spelling or pronunciation.

Maybe you loved the idea of naming your daughter Eala to reflect your Irish roots. But explaining that it’s pronounced Ella quickly became burdensome.

Or you spelled Calum with one L, before realizing that Callum with two Ls is far more common – and you feel like the spelling you chose just looks like a mistake.

Same concept applies here. They’re small changes that don’t change the way your child understands their name. It’s administrative, not identity-shifting.

4. A name change that finalizes a decision.

Sometimes a child’s name feels unsettled for years. Maybe you gave them a family name out of obligation, and cycled through nicknames until something stuck. Or maybe their legal name just never fit, but you’ve sidestepped the decision by calling your child Sunny instead.

These are the hardest moments. It’s less a case of changing your baby’s name than accepting that you never quite finalized a choice in the first place. And your decision is constrained now by that key question: what does your child think their name is?

Any legal change has to reflect your child’s reality – even if it means you can’t choose the name you like best now.

CHANGING AN OLDER CHILD’S NAME

Those toddler guidelines hold as your child grows up.

Something does shift over time, though: your child’s ownership of their name grows as they become more and more independent.

School-age kids often re-shape their names in small ways. And sometimes they do come home and announce that they’re no longer Mia or Hayden or River.

If your child wants to make a change? That’s a different conversation.

My daughter legally changed her first name as a teenager, embracing her everyday nickname and making it her legal name. I had mixed feelings, but ultimately appreciated that people should be called what they want to be called … and sometimes that means a legal change.

The bottom line? Our children take ownership of their names far earlier than we might anticipate. Even if we haven’t resolved our feelings, once our kids are out in the world introducing themselves by name? The decision is out of our hands.

And that’s okay. A name that you never really love might turn into one that your child embraces. And that’s a good outcome, too.

Did you consider changing your child’s name?

The post Name Regret: How Long Can You Change Your Child’s Name? appeared first on Appellation Mountain.

Popular in New Hampshire Baby Names

2026-08-13T12:43:06Z

Time to consider New Hampshire baby names.

One of the original 13 colonies, New Hampshire’s history runs deep. The state’s motto “Live Free or Die” references the American Revolution. While it wasn’t officially adopted until 1945, it was informally used far earlier.

Originally inhabited by Algonquin peoples like the Abenaki, English settlers arrived in the region early in the 17th century. A province was established in 1629, and the state played a prominent role in the early history of the fledgling United States.

The New England state borders Quebec, Canada to the north, and a significant number of state residents claim French-Canadian heritage. To the east, the sea coast stretches along the Gulf of Maine. It’s tiny as states go by any measure – seventh smallest in terms of land, and 41st out of 50 by population.

What’s more, New Hampshire is not terribly diverse. More than 85% of the population identifies as white, non-Hispanic. Race and language impacts names chosen, so New Hampshire baby names will look very different than California or Maryland.

Despite this small size, the state looms large in the American political process. New Hampshire famously holds the nation’s first presidential primary.

SURPRISING POPULARITY LISTS

The state’s Top Tens and Top 100s might be among the most surprising of any profiled so far – if only because there’s not a clear reason why certain names rise to the top. It’s not a specific language influence or a clear cultural vibe, like Colter in North Dakota or Santiago in Texas.

Some note that New Hampshire ranks in the top ten most educated states, not too far behind neighboring Massachussetts. In fact, the Boston metropolitan area stretches into New Hampshire. Phillips Exeter Academy and Dartmouth College are both located here. So there’s a buttoned-up, polished energy, very blue blazers and boat shoes.

But it’s also a state with a significant history in manufacturing. Plenty of areas first developed as mill towns, and there’s an industrial backbone to much of the area.

Mixed in with those contrasting images is all of the state’s natural beauty, from mountains to beaches, all pressed together into a small, but ever-surprising, part of the world.

Let’s look at how all of that makes for the most popular New Hampshire baby names, along with some surprises.

HAMPSHIRE AS A BABY NAME

Unlike many states, Hampshire really isn’t used as a given name.

It comes from an English county.

Take Hampton, add -shire, and it will eventually reduce to Hampshire.

Hampton might mean near a riverbend, or homestead, or maybe even high. It’s possible more than one of these applies. Scir referred to a district in Old English; that became shire in Middle English.

While Hampton and variants remain fairly common as surnames in the UK and beyond, Hampshire is effectively unused as a given name.

TOP TEN BOY NAMES IN NEW HAMPSHIRE

10. OWEN (#31 in the US)

Owen is one of those names that almost always over-performs in states without a significant Spanish-speaking population.

9. WESLEY (#52 in the US)

There’s something polished and smooth about Wesley, but Wes also feels at home with names like Wyatt and Maverick. Maybe it’s that versatility that makes this name so appealing in New Hampshire.

8. NOAH (#2 in the US)

The top names nationally under-perform here.

7. LUCAS (#10 in the US)

A classic popular nearly everywhere.

6. LIAM (#1 in the US)

In the Granite State, Liam falls back to #6. That’s despite a significant population of Irish descent, though of course Liam is particularly popular with Spanish-speaking parents, too.

5. JAMES (#6 in the US)

Evergreen.

4. JACK (#15 in the US)

Once a nickname for chart-topping John, Jack has long since stood on its own.

3. OLIVER (#3 in the US)

Oliver is a favorite everywhere.

2. HENRY (#5 in the US)

Traditional Henry surges here.

1. THEODORE (#4 in the US)

The top name reflects the state’s demographics.

TOP 100 NEW HAMPSHIRITE BOY NAMES

Theodore
Henry
Oliver
Jack
James
Liam
Lucas
Noah
Wesley
Owen
William
Benjamin
Levi
Lincoln
Wyatt
Carter
Jackson
Thomas
Bennett
Charles
John
Miles
Rowan
Joseph
Mason
Hudson
Colton*
Elijah
Leo
Maverick
Luca
Daniel
Asher
Cooper
Grayson
Matthew
Nolan
Callum*
Logan
Beau
Luke
Michael
Gabriel
Robert
Sawyer*
Griffin*
Julian
Samuel
Andrew
Elliot*
Everett
Arthur
Calvin*
Carson
Alexander
Brooks
Jameson*
Roman
Ryder*
Weston
Connor*
Landon*
Parker
Ryan
Silas
Cole
Elias
Emmett*
George*
August
Callan*
Cameron
Waylon
Dawson*
Dean*
Declan*
Ethan
Grant*
Harrison*
Archer
Caleb
Greyson
Nathan
Atlas
Caden*
Dylan
Easton*
Beckett*
Ezra
Graham*
Jaxson*
Myles
River*
Callahan*
Finn*
Isaac
Maxwell*
Theo
Chase*
Christopher

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

TOP TEN GIRL NAMES IN NEW HAMPSHIRE

10. ELEANOR (#12 in the US)

A sister for Henry and Theodore.

9. ISLA (#28 in the US)

A slightly suprising over-performer.

8. NORA (#20 in the US)

Like Owen and Jack, a name that reads a little buttoned-up.

7. LUCY (#25 in the US)

Traditional vibes make this name a New Hampshire favorite.

6. AMELIA (#4 in the US)

Everybody loves this antique name with a dash of daring.

5. VIOLET (#13 in the US)

A nature name with a strong, distinctive image.

4. MAEVE (#76 in the US)

Liam falls back, but the ever-so-Irish Maeve leapfrogs to the top of the charts.

3. SOPHIA (#5 in the US)

The top three aren’t terribly surprising – long-time favorite Sophia comes in third place.

2. OLIVIA (#1 in the US)

The top two names flip-flop with national favorite Olivia retreating to second place.

1. CHARLOTTE (#2 in the US)

As is the case in many states, it’s Charlotte on top for the girls’ list.

TOP 100 NEW HAMPSHIRITE GIRL NAMES

Charlotte
Olivia
Sophia
Maeve
Violet
Amelia
Lucy
Nora
Isla
Eleanor
Harper
Emma
Evelyn
Grace
Lainey
Penelope
Eloise
Elizabeth
Lily
Ava
Isabella
Abigail
Ellie
Aurora
Hazel
Mia
Scarlett
Willow
Layla
Paisley
Riley
Vivian
Madeline
Chloe
Kennedy
Avery
Josephine
Ella
Madelyn
Lillian
Addison
Clara
Natalie
Sadie
Audrey
Emerson*
Emilia
Hannah
Madison
Sofia
Sophie
Rose*
Alice
Aria
Elena
Kinsley
Adeline
Eliana
Eliza*
Lydia
Millie
Zoey
Hadley*
Ivy
Piper*
Autumn
Claire
Daisy
Delilah
Everly
Georgia
Margot*
Peyton*
Vera*
Zoe
Cecilia*
Elsie*
Emily
Mackenzie*
Nova
Ruby
Anna
Cora*
Gianna
Lennon*
Mabel*
Maya
Quinn
Summer*
Charlie*
Luna
Mila
Skylar*
Stella
Allison*
Amara*
Callie*
Caroline
Hallie*
Iris

* indicates name does not rank in the current US Top 100

DISTINCTIVE NEW HAMPSHIRE PLACE NAMES

ECHO

Borrowed from Echo Lake State Park in the mountains.

HUDSON

A common place name, both because of the Hudson River and explorer Henry Hudson. While rumors likely connected the New Hampshire town to one or both of these references, neither is correct. But the tow name stuck, and it’s a popular boy’s name, too.

JENNESS

The name of a beach in the state, surname Jenness comes from Jeans, a French form of John. That makes Jenness a very compelling alternative to Jackson or Joanna.

KEENE

Actor Keen Ruffalo – son of Mark – raises this short surname name’s profile. As with many single-syllable names, Keen and Keene can claim multiple origins and meanings – battle, bold, wise, family. It might be related to personal names like Conrad or Christian. All of these possible origins are a plus, because the town of Keene, New Hampshire was named after British diplomat Benjamin Keene, who profited from the slave trade. You might recognize the town as the setting for much of the original Jumanji movie from the 1990s.

LINCOLN, MADISON, MONROE

And Adams, Jefferson, Lafayette, Washington, too. A long list of mountains in the state take their names from presidents and founding fathers. It sounds a bit like the cast of Hamilton.

MEREDITH

Another 18th century politician, Sir William Meredith, inspired the name of this small New Hampshire town. He opposed taxing the colonies. Primarily a resort town today, Meredith is located on the shores of Lake Winnipesaukee.

WALLIS

Wallis Sands State Park, located near Rye, takes its name from the family who previously owned the land.

WINNIE

Winnipesaukee is the state’s largest lake, popular for swimming, boating, fishing, and all sorts of outdoorsy pursuits. It became briefly famous in late 2020. Talk show host Jimmy Fallon announced he and film producer wife Nancy Juvonen had named their daughter Winnie. The reason? The couple’s many vacations to Lake Winnipesaukee.

NAMES FROM NEW HAMPSHIRE HISTORY & SYMBOLS

AUTUMN

Leaf-peeping in New England is a tradition for many. Cold winters create the conditions for vibrant autumn leaves from late September into early October. That makes autumn a spectacular season, and perhaps inspiration for one of the best New Hampshire baby names.

BERYL

A vintage gemstone name, and the state’s official mineral.

LILAC

Purple lilac is the state’s flower.

ROCKY, STONE

Nicknamed the Granite State, New Hampshire parents might not name a kiddo Granite … but names like Rocky and Stone could hold some appeal.

FAMOUS GRANITE STATERS

ALAN

Astronaut Alan Shepard was born in East Derry. He became the first American in space, paving the way for the lunar landing.

BENNING

18th century governor Benning Wentworth was born to a locally prominent family. Benning was his grandmother’s maiden name. The most famous place named for him is actually Bennington, Vermont – but this might make an interesting New Hampshire history choice, too.

BODE

It’s no suprise that plenty of American winter sports are big in New England. Bode Miller has won six Olympic medals in alpine skiing. He’s a native of Easton, New Hampshire.

CHRISTA

Alan Shepard isn’t the only New Hampshirite with ties to outer space. Christa McAuliffe was teaching social studies in Concord when she was selected for NASA’s Teacher in Space program in 1985. She lost her life with the crew of the Space Shuttle Challenger in 1986.

FRANKLIN

It tends to make us think of Benjamin, but Franklin Pierce served as 14th President of the United States. The New Hampshire native was the son of a former governor of the state.

JOSIAH, JED

A Revolutionary war patriot, Josiah Bartlett became the second signer of the Declaration of Independence, He served as governor of the state, as well as chief justice of the state’s supreme court. Fans of The West Wing may know that the fictional Josiah “Jed” Bartlet was said to be descended from the historical figure.

MANDY

Actress and singer Mandy Moore was born in Nashua.

SALINGER

While author JD Salinger is strongly assocaited with his native New York, he lived in Cornish, New Hampshire for three decades.

SARAH

Two famous Sarahs are associated with the state. Born in Newport in 1788, Sarah Josepha Hale became a 19th century writer who successfully campaigned to establish Thanksgiving as a national holiday. Also noteworthy: Hale wrote Mary Had a Little Lamb, the nursery rhyme and founded the very first American magazine for women: Godey’s Lady’s Book. More recently, comedian Sarah Silverman is also a native of the state.

SETH

Bedford-born Seth Myers is known as a late night talk show host and successful comedian.

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

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