Fashionable names for Fashion Week

Today heralds the start to Rosemount Australian Fashion Week in Sydney. A week where we watch people parade garments we know we'll never wear and if we do we know they wont look like that on us!

Fashion heralds some interesting names, not just the names of the designers and labels themselves but also the names of the models. The most common designer baby names out there include Chanel and Dior followed by Louis. Paris, being the fashion capital of the world could also be thought of as a fashionable name, however one person who has made the name famous has removed most of the class from the name.

Feast yourselves on this selection of fashionable names, but not too much or you wont fit that size 6! (on a side note, is anyone actually a size 6?!)

Anna (AN uh) Girls name of Hebrew and Latin origin meaning 'grace and favour'. Fashion Week connection: Designer: Anna and Boy

Aurelio (aw Rey lee oh) Boys name of Latin, Italian, Spanish and Portugese origins meaning 'golden'. Fashion Week connection: Designer: Aurelio Costarella

Camilla (Kah mi lah) Girls name of Latin origin meaning 'Altar Server'. Fashion Week connection: Designer: Camilla and Marc

Christopher (Kris tof ur) Boys name of Greek origin meaning 'Bearer of Christ'. Fashion Week connection: Designer: Christopher Esber

Dion (dee ON) Boys name of French and Greek origins meaning 'of Zeus'. Fashion Week connection: Designer: Dion Lee

Ellery (ELL eh ree) Boys and Girls name of Latin origin meaning 'cheerful'. Fashion Week connection: Designer: Ellery

Fernando (fehr NAN do) Boys name of Spanish origin meaning 'intelligent and brave'. Fashion Week connection: Designer: Fernando Frisoni

Gail (gayl) Girls name of Hebrew origin meaning 'Father in rejoicing'. Gail is a form of Abigail. Fashion Week connection: Designer: Gail Sorronda

Ginger (JIN jer) Girls name of Latin origin meaning 'spring-like and flourishing' and also of English origin simply referring to the spice. Fashion Week connection: Designer: Ginger and Smart

Jayson (JAY sun) Boys name of Greek origin meaning 'healer'. Jayson is a form of Jason. Fashion Week connection: Designer: Jayson Brundson

Karla (KAR lah) Girls name of German origin meaning 'free man'. Fashion Week connection: Designer: Karla Spetic

Marnie (MAR nee) Girls name of English origin meaning 'pet form of Marna'. Fashion Week Connection: Designer: Marnie Skillings

Nicola (NIK oe la) Girls name of Greek origin meaning 'victory of the people'. Fashion Week connection: Designer: Nicola Finetti

Sara (Sah Rah) Girls name of Hebrew origin meaning 'princess'. Fashion Week Connection: Designer: Sara Phillips

Therese (Tey rehz) Girls name of French and Greek origin meaning 'harvester'. Fashion Week connection: Designer: Therese Rawsthorne

Wayne (wane) Boys name of English origin meaning 'cartwright'. Fashion Week connection: Designer: Wayne Cooper

Willow (wil o) Boys and girls name of English origin meaning simply 'willow' from the willow tree. Fashion Week connection: Designer: Willow

Clothing by Camilla and Marc (2009)

Wrapping up April

Before a look at the last batch of births for April an apology goes out from April - Round 1. The child from New Zealand with 4 given names actually has 5, this has been amended to include Avril, which ironically is the French form of April, a name I rather like.

On to the last of April...

Yet again more three name combos have appeared than usual and mostly on boys. A selection of these include twins Griffen Raymond Cahill  and  Lucas Kevin Reilly, Tiannah 
Isaiah Darius, Harry 
Douglas Robert, Patrick James Murray Emily Victoria Rose and Estella Jaclyn Maria.

As the Rudd Government stimulus package hit people not only went crazy with their money but they must have been lulled into a sense of financial security as this is the first time in months there have been many out there choices. With the country officially in recession it was predicted people would move towards strong, simple and classic names to secure a stable future for their child. Whilst this generally has been proving true with many many rather boring and repetitive choices there still have been some standouts which are names that aren't out-there weird but are beautiful classy names that are often in need of revival and definitely  not hugely common names. Keep an eye out for a future post on lovely uncommon names.

Personal Favourites

Lara Lucia

Poppy Harriet

Iris Claire

Amelia Estelle

Ariana

Ava Kate

Bridie Rose

William David

Other Interesting Choices

Tabitha Willow

Oscar Jed

Jasmine Skye

Remi Elizabeth

Abigail May

Micah Jude

Luke Joshua

Alicia Jane

Tyson Jack

Ryder Bryce

Tanner Jack

Dylan Leigh

Gus Adrian

Harrison Charles

Aiden Xander

Georgia Rose

Abigail May

Ashleigh Blair

Most Repeated Name

Lachlan - no surprises here. Lachlan has lurked around the top 20 for many years

Hmmm Names

Tiannah Isaiah Darius

Kobe Jane - I assume it's a girl

Joya Rose

Ruby Jewel - yes, we know a ruby is a jewel

Roxy Jean - add an S and Roxy Jeans is denim surf wear

Phoenix Lee

Shayana Sapphire

Storm Oliver

Axel Luther

Jerard - brother to Jeiden

Lotte Peggy

Sydney Leueen

Bailee Dakota - There was no indication if this child was a girl or a boy, I vote boy.

Bizarre names to be banned!

I came across this interesting article regarding the Dominican Republic and their possible move towards banning bad names. Would you ever call your child Mazda?

I get lots of people visiting this site after searching for 'nasty names for girls and boys', some of the names here would probably fit that category!

You can visit the short article here

ANZAC Names

ANZAC day is a special day to most Australians and to New Zealanders. It is also a special day to me as many members of my family including my husband have represented our country in global conflicts. When I was younger a friend of mine had a dog named Anzac because it had been born on ANZAC day. ANZAC day is now more than just remembering that fateful morning in Gallipoli but is about remembering the contribution of Australian soldiers in all conflicts from WW1 through to Iraq and Afghanistan. If you want to honour members of your family or even happen to have your child on ANZAC day here are some ANZAC inspired names for you to think about.

Dawn [dorn] Girls name of English origin meaning daybreak or sunrise. Traditionally ANZAC services are held at dawn and this is for several reasons. The Gallipoli attack was staged at dawn and also among all troops dawn was often the quietest moment in the trenches when you were surrounded by your mates and had time to reflect before the fighting commenced.

Jack [JAK] Boys name of Hebrew origin meaning God is gracious. Jack Simpson, whose real name was John, is best known for his work with a donkey in Gallipoli. Jack would retrieve injured men from the front line with his donkey often coming under enemy fire himself. His bravery soon became a symbol of courage for other Australians and he has been immortalized in states in both Melbourne and at the National War Memorial in Canberra



Laurel [LOR ell] Girls name of Latin origin meaning laurel. Laurel is a form of the name Laura. The laurel wreath is traditionally laid at memorials during ANZAC services. The tradition dates back to ancient Rome and Greece where laurel crown shapes were awarded to heroes and victors.

Poppy [POP ee] Girls name of English origin simply giving reference to the poppy flower. The poppy flower was traditionally used as a symbol of remembrance during Rembrance Day celebrations but has since been more common at ANZAC day services. The poppy I used as it was the first flower to grow in the war torn fields of Northern France and Belgium. The poppies were a vibrant red colour which is said to represent the blood of those who lost their lives.

Rosemary [ROZE mayr ee] Girls name of English origin meaning Rose and Mary and also of Latin origin meaning sea dew. Rosemary is an ancient symbol of remembrance and sprigs of the herb have been worn on ANZAC day for several decades. Rosemary has particular relevance for Australians as it grows in abundance around the area of Gallipoli.

Happy Birthday Princess Isabella

In honour of the second birthday of Her Royal Highness Princess Isabella Henrietta Ingrid Margrethe of Denmark, here is a selection of names belonging to princesses from around Europe.

Alexia [ah Lek see uh] Greek origin meaning defender. This name is held by Princess Alexia of The Netherlands who is third in line to the throne.

Amalia [ah MAHL ee ah] Germanic and Hebrew origins meaning work and work of the Lord. This name belongs to Princess Amalia of The Netherlands who was named after her ancestor Amalia of Solm-Braunfels, whose grandson became William III of England.

Ariane [ah ree AHN] Greek origin meaning very holy one. This name is held by Princess Ariane of The Netherlands, sister to Amalia and Alexia.

Astrid [AH strid] Norse origin meaning fair and beautiful. This name is held by Princess Astrid of Belgium

Beatrice [BEET riss] Latin origin meaning voyager through life. Beatrice is a form on Beatrix and is held by Princess Beatrice, daughter of Prince Andrew Duke of York.

Eleanor [EL leh nor] Greek and Arabic origins meaning either pity or God is my light. The name is bore by Princess Eleanor of Belgium. The name has seen a revival in recent years when it entered the top 50 in England and Wales.

Eugenie [uh zhay NEE] Greek and French origin meaning well born. The name is bore by Eugenie, Princess of York, sister to Princess Beatrice.

Henrietta [hen ree EH tah] Germanic in origin meaning home ruler. The name was held by the late Princess Henrietta, Duchess of Orleans and also by Henrietta Marie, wife of King Charles 1 of England.

Isabella [iz ah BELL ah] Hebrew origin meaning my God is a vow. Held by Princess Isabella of Denmark, daughter of Princess Mary, formerly Mary Donaldson of Australia. Since the naming of Princess Isabella the name received a large level of popularity in Australia that has since passed.

Kalina [kah LEE nah] Russian origin meaning Rowan tree. The name is held by Princess Kalina of Bulgaria.

Louise [loo EEZ] Germanic and French origins meaning fame and war. Louise is the feminine form of Louis and is common amongst royalty. The name is held by The Lady Louise Mountbatten-Windsor who is the oldest child of Prince Edward, Earl of Wessex.

Madeleine [MAD eh lin] or [Mad eh line] French and Hebrew origins meaning from Magdala. The name is a form of Magdalene. The name is held by Princess Madeleine of Sweden.

Mathilde [ mah TILD] Germanic origins meaning powerful battler. Mathilde is a form of Matilda and is held by Princess Mathilde of Belgium

Maxima [MAHK see mah] Latin origins meaning the greatest. Maxima is a form of Maximus and is held by Princess Maxima of The Netherlands

Victoria [vik TOR ee ah] Latin origin meaning conqueror and victory. Victoria is a form of the name Victorius and has been held by many royals. Currently the name is held by Crown Princess Victoria of Sweden.



Princess Isabella's birthday is on April 21

New Look!

Onomastics Anonymous has had a much needed makeover!
Hope you enjoy it!

April - Round 1

Early April has seen an unusual increase in three name combos. Whilst the three name combo, be it either two first names and one middle name or one first name and two middle names, is not a hugely uncommon thing it is rare to see so many in such a short space of time. Some examples from the start of April include; Austin Mitchell William, Kierra Summer Mai, Bronte Eleni Rebekah, Blake Robert John and Noah David Edward.

Why a three name combo?
There are many reasons people go for three names for their child. They might be trying to honour several family members and as it's a last child they want to get those names in there somewhere, or they could simply really like those names and want to jam as many as possible into what could possibly be their last chance to use their favourites. It is here I want to mention a woman in New Zealand who gave her daughter the name Isla Scarlet Bonnie Fleur Avril Ophelie. Whilst all the names are perfectly nice and acceptable and I'm sure she loved them all, it is a little over the top, especially when you consider the child answers to four of those names as her first name.

Beside the multiple name combos this month, there have been some other nice choices, rather repetative trendy choices and some fairly bland choices as well. Without further ado, here is the line up from the first half of April.

Personal Favourites
Annabelle Louise
Zoe Claire
Alexis Grace
Lachlan James
Madeline Rose
Elliott Benjamin

Other Interesting Choices
Lily Sarah and William Francis (twins)
Morgan Elizabeth
Ariane Patricia
Bronte Ann
Holly Elizabeth
Ewan Andrew
Samuel Bailey
Archie Ryan
Matisse Ruby
Audrey Molly

Most Repeated Name
Grace - First and Middle

Hmmm Names
Mackenzie Telford - girl. Telford is the middle name...
Lola Pearl. Whilst both are nice, together hmmmm
Lisa-Marie sister for Marc-Antoni
Jett Craig
Cruz Wayne
Taran Jacob -boy
ZED
Jackson Daniel - Someone enjoys Jack Daniels!

Jumping on the Trend Wagon
Cruz Wayne - Bec and Lleyton Hewitt's new bub is named Cruz, apparently after the Christina Agueliera song 'Cruz' and not the Beckham boy.
Madison Denise
Savannah-Lee
Sofia Grace
Ruby Olivia
Harrison Anthony
Eden Savannah - sister to Scarlett and Avery

And last but not least probably the most repeated girls name combo of the last 2 years...

Ella Grace.

Getting nasty about names.

There are many blogs out there that set about to trash names that the author finds unappealing. I'm not saying they shouldn't do it because realistically they are free to say what they want, I'm saying it's something that I prefer not to do.

Sure I encounter names that make me want slap a parent or say, 'what the ...?', but the fact is that child has that name, whether they like it or not until they are at least 18, or younger if they take it to court.

Is there such a thing as a bad name? Sure I think there are bad names but I would classify these as names that make a child susceptible to bullying and harassment, make it hard for them to get by in life and lowers their self esteem or really embarrasses them. Here I would like to make reference to a child in New Zealand named Talulah Does The Hula From Hawaii and also to a poor boy in America named Adolf Hitler. Now those are good examples of bad naming.

Yes, there are many names I don't like including trendy modern creative spellings, which really do not make a name more unique when it's still pronounced the same. In fact I think creative spelling just make it harder for children as they need to constantly correct people on their names and they will always be Jaydyn with 2 y's when there's another Jaiden in the room.

I'm not hugely keen on boys names or surnames for girls. Some names I feel have made the transition only through the sheer amount of girls with those names for example, Mackenzie and Maddison. There are of course some names that I never really want to see on girls but the reality is there are girls out there with those names and who am I to tell them they have a bad name!

So whilst others may get nasty about names, I just can't bring myself to do it on such a public forum. I prefer to examine all sorts of names and of course I'm going to point out my favourites, or maybe I wont because then they could become your favourites too and as any name snob knows, you don't want your favourites to become pop, pop, pop-u-lar!

The Last of March

Here are the last crop of names for March.

This past week saw a few more Oliver's pop up amongst the Jack's for boys and some very repeated classics plus some pop culture inspired names for girls.
Some of this weeks choices remind me of what is happening in UK naming recently. Whilst here in Australia we are probably half a year to a full year behind the Uk in terms of naming trends it is interesting to see more Oliver's and Olivia's appearing. Oliver was a close competitor to knock Jack from the UK's top spot last year. Interestingly Oliver is also this week's most repeated name in both the first and middle name position, although it did only just overcome Jack. Another name that popped up several times this past week has been Taj. To much Indian food? Who knows!

I've also added a link to the UK's most popular names from 2008 along with name databases from most states. I always think it's interesting to compare.

Personal Favourites
Oliver Robert
Alexis Anne
Ebony Rose
William Riley
Isabel Chloe
Georgia Paige
Elke Margaret
Olivia Rose
Finn Oliver

Other Interesting Choices
Edward Lee
Toby Jake
Darcy John
Lachlan Carter
Eve Amelia
Elijah Samuel
Louie Oliver
Owen David

Most Repeated Name
Oliver

Hmmmm Names
Tia Louise
Mischa Zali
Indy Joel
Charlotte Rhys
Taj Warner
Ella Chanel

Jumping on the Trend Wagon
Aidan Lucas
Jaidan Alan
Jack Oliver
Sophie Ella
Ella Chanel




I wonder what April will bring...

Thanks for reading,

You know you love me,
xoxo