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Mar 17 2006, 1:41 PM EST wetpaint 632 words added
Mar 17 2006, 1:40 PM EST wetpaint

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Deciding on a name for your baby is one of the most delightful tasks as a parent. There are so many options to choose from, whether it’s a family name, a cultural name, or one that simply sounds lyrical. It will help to keep a few things in mind when naming your baby. First, try saying your baby’s name aloud over the course of a few days. Does it sound they way you expected it to? Does the name have a positive meaning? Will it have a fun nickname? Check the initials of your baby. For example, the initials of Patricia Iris Gatsby work out to be P.I.G. Choose a name that will not cause your child to be relentlessly teased by her peers in elementary school. Some parents also think of the syllable count in a name, as it can contribute to whether a name is rhythmical or not. In general, names with an even syllable count are not as nice on the ear. Consider how Henry Patrick Gardner sounds versus Sean Patrick Gardner. The one-syllable name “Sean” allows for varying emphasis. Here are a few lists of popular names by culture and decade. These are growing lists, so feel free to add to them. Irish Irish names are becoming increasingly popular with the 20 million-plus Americans with Irish heritage. While the first wave of immigrants generally tried to downplay their ancestry in order to fit in, the third and fourth generations are realizing the beauty in both the sound and meaning of many Irish names. Girls Adelle – noble, kind Ashling - dream or vision Cara - a friend Carly – champion, strong Gráinne (pronounced GRAWN-yah) – love, pirate queen Hannah - flower Leah - light of the sun Oonagh - Queen of the fairies Saoirse (pronounced SEAR-shah) – free Zoey - life Boys Aidan - little fiery one Carey - from the river (also girls) Ciaran – (pronounced KEER-ron) dark, black Conn - leader, chief Declan - goodness Desmond - the world Fintan - fair Liam - guardian Ryan - little king Senan - old and wise African Names were incredibly important in ancient African cultures. They held a unique mystic that has carried over into the baby naming celebrations in many African American homes today. African names also represent the rich cultural diversity of the country yields. Girls Abeni - Girl prayed for Aissa - grateful Dafina - (pronounced Dah-FEE-nah) Unexpected gift, treasure Faizah - (pronounced Fah-EE-zah) - She who is victorious (Swahili) Keisha - favorite Lisha - mysterious (Nigeria ) Mandisa - sweet Ona - Fire (West Africa) Saidah - happy, fortunate Zarina - golden Boys Asad - lion (Somalian) Bron - origin Denzel - wild one (African American) Dinari - (pronounced Dee-NAR-ree) shinning star Gahiji - hunter Jabari - brave, fearless Lakin - found treasure (African American) Kenan – Traditional male name (Malawi) Oji - bearer of gifts (Nigeria) Tahir - (pronounced ta-HERE) pure (Egypt) French Girls Aubrey - rules with elf-wisdom. Carine - pure Clarisse – bright, shining and gentle Cosette - victorious Francine - from France, free one. Ghislaine - sweet pledge Isabelle – devoted to God Lela - loyalty Marguerite - pearl Nichole - people's victory. Boys Audon – old, rich Carel - strong Chase - hunter Corbyn - raven-haired Devin – divine, perfect Dilan - like a lion. Garren - guardian Iven - little archer Justin – just, upright Ray - kingly Top 10 baby names in America - 2005 Girls Emma Emily Madison Kaitlyn Sophia Isabella Olivia Hannah Makayla Ava Boys Aidan Jacob Ethan Nicholas Matthew Ryan Tyler Jack Joshua Andrew Top 10 baby names in America - 1880's Girls Mary Anna Elizabeth Margaret Minnie Emma Martha Alice Marie Sarah Boys John William Charles George James Joseph Frank Henry Thomas Harry