Part two of character names

Here is part two of Grace's post! 

Now on to the Gentlemen!

Nicholas (Harvesting the Heart): Nicholas is such a strong adorable name! Though I don’t like
the nickname Nick L The character in the book does go by the full Nicholas though J

Ian (Keeping Faith): Ian is so adorable! I love how short it is!

Jack (Salem Falls): Jack is such an amazing name! I know a lot, but I still find it cute, and
strong!

Jordan (The Pact, Salem Falls, Nineteen Minutes): So if I have to have a defense attorney, I
want Jordan McAfee! He appears in 3 of Picoult’s novels, and hopefully more to come! I do love
his name too!

Ethan (Second Glance): Ethan is such an adorable name! I seriously love it, even if it is
popular!

Eli (Second Glance): Short, sweet, adorable, what more is there to say/

Christian (Change of Heart): Such a lovely name, but I wouldn’t use it because I’m nervous to
use it because what happens if my son isn’t a Christian?

Jacob (House Rules): I seriously love the story in this book, everyone should read it! Jacob is
such an adorable name; I can see why it is still so popular.

Theo (House Rules): I adore the name Theo, I think it is just so adorable!

Oliver (House Rules): I adore the name Oliver, too bad my family thinks it’s stupid!

Maxwell “Max” (Sing You Home): Such an adorable name, even if for most of the book I hate
his character

Reid (Sing You Home): Such an adorable name, like Max, but unlike the character Max who
you end up liking at the end of the story, I always disliked Reid, if you read the book (which you
should) you’ll see why!

Edward (Lone Wolf): Edward is such an adorable name, but I hate all the nicknames for it!

Luke (Lone Wolf): While his character is tragic in the story, I do love his name!

So those are my favorite names from Jodi Picoult novels! Maybe once I finish The Storyteller,
I’ll do another blog post on names from that book J

Modern Baby Names

This post is going to be about modern baby names. Modern baby names are either a hit or a miss. Some are adorably cute and some are just right out wacky! You be the judge and let me know your favorites (and least favorites) in the comments below! Let's get down to business....

Braelyn
Breelyn
Brinlyn
Brinlee
Brylee
Browyn
Galyn
Gaitlyn
Jensyn
Kestyn
Nevaeh
Tinleigh


Braxton
Draven
Galen
Gatelin
Macsen

name slump

we've all been there. well i'm going to assume we all have anyways.

a name slump.

all your top names suddenly become unattractive to you and go through names on name websites and there's not a single name that catches you eye.

you've been there, haven't you?

well ladies i am there RIGHT NOW! i still feel like i love my top names but i just don't feel satisfied with them. if i say them aloud, i'm not like *awwwh how cute* .. or when i type them or write them out, i'm not like *how cute does that look!!*. nothing. zip. zero. i feel nothing towards them at the moment.

the only names i can say that i remotely LOVE right now are cash & aubrey! but thats it.

if someone were to ask me my top names, i'd give them: mila, capri, willow, reese & aubrey for girls and cash, sawyer, cade, camden & holden for boys. so my question or actually questions are (a) have you ever been in a name slump? (b) what names would you suggest to me based on my style? (c) if you comment you latest top names in the comments, would you like some suggestions from me?

see you next week :)

jaylyn ♥

First Ever Tuesday Link Up

Happy Tuesday & the first ever Tuesday Link Up!  I'm so excited for this link up and hope you are too!

Here is this week's topic:

What are some names you love?!  You this post to share all your favorite names!

Here are mine:

1. Sophia Elizabeth

2. Ava Lynn

3. Emma Rae

1. Jackson Michael

2. Mason Reed

3. Brayden Samuel

Link up below and go read other peoples favorite names!

Come back and link up the first Tuesday of April :)

My Favorite Names of the Roaring '20s!

Hey everyone!
I thought I would do something different this week and talk about my favorite "old-fashioned" names. I chose to look at the top 200 names of the 1920's! I have gone through the list and chosen my favorites for girls. There are a total of 25. They are in order of rank in the 1920's. I have given the name, rank in the '20s, rank in 2011, origin and meaning. As always, meaning & origin come from nameberry.com.
Enjoy!

Name: Ruth
Rank in the 1920's: 6
Rank in 2011: 362
Origin: Hebrew
Meaning: "compassionate friend"

Name: Ruby
Rank in the 1920's: 28
Rank in 2011: 109
Origin: Latin
Meaning: "deep red"

Name: Annie
Rank in the 1920's: 32
Rank in 2011: 386
Origin: English
Meaning: "grace"

Name: Josephine
Rank in the 1920's: 33
Rank in 2011: 182
Origin: Hebrew
Meaning: "Jehovah increases"

Name: Jane
Rank in the 1920's: 56
Rank in 2011: 368
Origin: English
Meaning: "God's gracious gift"

Name: Sarah
Rank in the 1920's: 58
Rank in 2011: 39
Origin: Hebrew
Meaning: "princess"

Name: Elsie
Rank in the 1920's: 65
Rank in 2011: 480
Origin: Scottish
Meaning: "pledged to God"

Name: Eva
Rank in the 1920's: 71
Rank in 2011: 83
Origin: Hebrew
Meaning: "life"

Name: Audrey
Rank in the 1920's: 73
Rank in 2011: 43
Origin: English
Meaning: "noble strength"

Name: Theresa
Rank in the 1920's: 74
Rank in 2011: N/A
Origin: Greek
Meaning: "to gather"

Name: Charlotte
Rank in the 1920's: 78
Rank in 2011: 27
Origin: French
Meaning: "free man"

Name: Nellie
Rank in the 1920's: 94
Rank in 2011: N/A
Origin: English
Meaning: "bright"

Name: Lillie
Rank in the 1920's: 96
Rank in 2011: 467
Origin: English
Meaning: "lily"

Name: Lucy
Rank in the 1920's: 101
Rank in 2011: 72
Origin: English
Meaning: "light"

Name: Mattie
Rank in the 1920's: 108
Rank in 2011: 933
Origin: N/A
Meaning: N/A

Name: Carol
Rank in the 1920's: 116
Rank in 2011: N/A
Origin: English
Meaning: "free man"

Name: Lena
Rank in the 1920's: 118
Rank in 2011: 360
Origin: English, Scottish, Dutch, German & Scandinavian
Meaning: N/A

Name: Caroline
Rank in the 1920's: 171
Rank in 2011: 87
Origin: French
Meaning: "free man"

Name: Sophie
Rank in the 1920's: 173
Rank in 2011: 51
Origin: French
Meaning: "wisdom"

Name: Nora
Rank in the 1920's: 174
Rank in 2011: 137
Origin: Greek
Meaning: "light"

Name: Nina
Rank in the 1920's: 185
Rank in 2011: 304
Origin: Russian
Meaning: N/A

Name: Rosalie
Rank in the 1920's: 186
Rank in 2011: 548
Origin: French
Meaning: "Latin ceremonial name"

Name: Sadie
Rank in the 1920's: 190
Rank in 2011: 124
Origin: Hebrew
Meaning: "princess"

Name: Victoria
Rank in the 1920's: 192
Rank in 2011: 23
Origin: Latin
Meaning: "victory"

Name: Lila
Rank in the 1920's: 196
Rank in 2011: 163
Origin: Arabic
Meaning: "night"

Well, that's all of them!
I had so much fun making this list! I love seeing how the style of names changes over time!
To see the full list, including boys' names, click here
Have a great week!
Don't forget to come back tomorrow for Jamie's first link up!
~Ali

Happy St. Pats!

            Happy Saint Patrick’s Day!! Now, I’m a complete mutt, but I do have a little bit of luck o’ the Irish in me (as I’m sure you all guessed with a last name like Sullivan) and it comes out in full force every March 17^th. In keeping with the theme of the day, I’ve decided to do this post on Irish names. I’ve tried to restrict myself to names that ranked high in Ireland, but if they also rank significantly (top 100) in the US, I’ve included that too.

Boys

Name: Conor

Meaning: dog lover/wolf lover

Popularity: 5 (Ireland), 54 (USA with Connor spelling)

Thoughts: Although I prefer the two n version, which is more common in Australia, the UK Canada and the US, this is a darling name. It’s one of those names that jumps on and off my list and I love when others use it too. It does have a distinctly Irish feel, but is completely accessible for non Irish folks too. Taking into account both spellings, it does have extreme global popularity which could be a downside for some.

Name: Ryan

Meaning: little king

Popularity: 6 (Ireland), 25 (USA)

Thoughts: Out of curiosity, I had to check the popularity of this name for my birth year. As suspected, Ryan peaked in popularity for North America in the 90’s explaining why I know so many Ryan’s. Despite trending down in North America, this name is still extremely popular, but I could see it being dated in 10-15 years. Currently, it’s a sweet, if not overly interesting choice.

Name: Aidan

Meaning: fire

Popularity: 48 (Ireland)

Thoughts: For some reason, Aidan has this illusion of being hyper popular in the states despite having never moved higher than 39 (and being 107 in 2011). Aidan to me is a name that sounds like its meaning. I definitely picture a little Aidan having flaming red hair and a fiery personality to match. I think it’s a fun and spunky name that deserves to be as popular as its image suggests.

Name: Rónán

Meaning: little seal

Popularity: 50 (Ireland)

Thoughts: I think Rónán is absolutely darling in every way. The sound is similar to Roman and Rowan, both names I really like and the meaning is precious. I think Rónán is the kind of name that could easily find popularity in the US. Until then, it’s the perfect name for someone who wants their kid to be the only one in the class without having a name that’s too out there.

Name: Ciarán

Meaning: black

Popularity: 53 (Ireland)

Thoughts: Although I far prefer the anglicized spelling, Kieran, Ciarán is my current top name and I absolutely adore it. I think Ciarán is super strong and masculine, but still elegant and adorable for a little boy. This is a name I can just so completely see on a future kid of mine and want everyone else to love as much as I do. I also think Ciar (pro. Keer) would be a fabulous nickname option in passing.

Girl

Name: Caitlín

Meaning: each of the two

Popularity: 75 (Ireland)

Thoughts: In North America, Caitlín peaked in the late 80’s/early 90’s. Because of this it might seem a little dated, but I think it’s still a name worth consideration. Caitlín is super light and pretty and the original spelling is so much more visually appealing to me than the far more popular Katelyn. Cait/Kate is one of my favorite nicknames and a definite upside to this name as well.

Name: Orla

Meaning: golden princess

Popularity: 85 (Ireland)

Thoughts: Orla is so pretty to me. I think its super elegant and unusual but still meets the easy to read and pronounce test. It’s virtually unheard of in North America which takes a little bit of the appeal away for me, but could be super for a braver namer. I also think the meaning is just plain lovely.

Name: Sinead

Meaning: god is gracious

Popularity: 97 (Ireland)

Thoughts: I first heard this name (pro. Shuh-naid) on the gorgeous Sinead Brady of Canada’s Next Top Model and pretty much instantly fell in love. It’s not as friendly to North American ears as the other names I’ve talked about so far, but it’s so lovely and elegant that I’d definitely recommend it to a braver namer or a namer with stronger Irish heritage.

Name: Bridget

Meaning: exalted one

Popularity: n/a

Thoughts: Bridget was on my list eons ago, but I sort of fell out of love with it. Never the less, it’s beautiful, spunky name with a cool history. I’ve never met a Bridget, but the Bridget Jones’ Diary association is a pretty strong one. Despite that, I still think Bridget is quite usable for a unique, but not out there name.

Name: Nessa

Meaning: not gentle

Popularity: n/a

Thoughts: I first heard Nessa as a nickname for Nessarose in the musical Wicked. To me, the name is far too connected to the musical, but for someone who’s not seen it, it could be an adorable choice. It could also be considered a little too nickname-y, but in that case could be a cute nickname for Vanessa or Agnes.

            Those are my favorite Irish names. I hope you all enjoy a little green beer or Irish whiskey. Leave a comment with your favorite Irish names, or favorite names from your heritage period. And then take the opportunity to get your Irish on ;)

Until next week

- Hayl

Jodi Picoult Books Characters

Sorry it's so late!

Enjoy this post from Gracie!  Part two will come next week!

----------

Hi guys! Gracie (grace63 on formspring) here, and I’m going to be guest blogging today :D. I am obsessed with Jodi Picoult and as I pick up her newest book (The Storyteller) I am excited to read the amazing story I am sure is going to come, but I am also excited to read about the

amazing names she picks for her characters. I have read almost all of her books, so I’m going to pick some of my favorite names from them. I’m not sure if there will be the same amount of boys and girls, but I’ll put the book that they are from, if I’ve read it, and if I liked it!

Let’s start with the ladies!

Paige (Harvesting the Heart, Loved): I seriously love this book, and this name. Harvesting the

Heart is Ms. Picoult’s second novel, and is an awesome story. Paige is also a lovely Irish name,

which really appeals to me, it’s short, and simple, and just lovely!

Emily (The Pact, Loved): Again, love the book, love the name. Emily is sweet and classic, and

even though it’s popular, I do love it. Though I can’t use it, I have 2 cousins with this name L

Augusta (The Pact, Loved): This is such a sweet name. It’s the name of a mother in The Pact

and she is called Gus, which I think is cute and spunky too!

Faith (Keeping Faith, Loved): This was such a lovely book, and the little girl who is named

Faith was just adorable. This really made me love this name!

Mariah (Keeping Faith, Loved): Mariah was the mother in this book, and she was amazing, she

also really made me love her name!

Addie (Salem Falls, Loved): So, I’m kind of obsessed with the name Addie. I don’t love any

full named for it though, so what do you all think, can Addie work as a full name?

Nina (Perfect Match, Haven’t read): I love Nina, it’s short, and sweet.

Cecelia (Second Glance, Haven’t read): Oh how I love the name Cecelia! It’s beautiful and

classy! Too bad my mom despises it!

Meredith (Second Glance, Haven’t read): Meredith is so adorable, but my obsession with

Grey’s Anatomy might be the source of my love for this one!

Lucy (Second Glance, Haven’t read): How adorable is the name Lucy? I personally love it, it

reminds me of I Love Lucy and the Peanuts comics!

Delia (Vanishing Acts, Liked): This is such an adorable name! In this book, Delia is a nickname

for Cordelia, which I think is super cute too.

Sophie (Vanishing Acts, Liked): I adore the name Sophie! But I have a cousin Sophia who goes

by Sophie, is it off limits for me?

Josephine “Josie” (Nineteen Minutes, LOVED!): Seriously this might be my favorite Jodi

Picoult book, I’m obsessed, lol. Josephine is seriously adorable too!

June (Change of Heart, Liked): June is such an adorable name, it’s short, sweet, and easy to

spell!

Elizabeth (Change of Heart, Liked): I probably don’t need to talk much about this name, if you

know me, you know, I’m obsessed with it

Claire (Change of Heart, Liked): oh, Lordy, why is my family so well named? My aunt is

named Claire, so I can’t use it, but I want to sooo badly

Maggie (Change of Heart, Liked): Like Addie, I LOVE just Maggie! But is it usable by itself?

Charlotte (Handle With Care, Loved): I adore the name Charlotte, it’s so adorable!

Willow (Handle With Care, Loved): I LOVE the name Willow, but it really doesn’t fit in with

my other names L

Amelia (Handle With Care, Loved): I feel the same way about Amelia as I do Charlotte

Piper (Handle With Care, Loved): I feel the same way about Piper as I do Willow

Emma (Handle With Care, House Rules, Loved, Loved): Such an adorable name, I don’t even

care about how popular it is!

Zoe (Sing You Home, LOVED!): This is in the running with Nineteen Minutes as my favorite

Picoult novel. Zoe is an adorable name, and an amazing, amazing, amazing character.

Cara (Lone Wolf, Kinda Liked): Honestly, I can’t decide if I like Lone Wolf, but I do ADORE

the name Cara J

Check back next week for the boy's names!