Baby Name Trends: Place Names

by Mary Ann Romans | More from this Blogger

09 Jun 2008 11:19 AM

What are some of the trends that are affecting baby names this year? Can you find a name that is both popular and unique at the same time? The key to a great baby name is finding one that will stand the test of time, while still feeling that the name will still be recognized this century. Take a look at what is currently going on in popular baby naming.

Place names

Place names can go in and out of style. But they usually hang on somewhere in the top 100 names no matter what the trend. The upside of a place name is that it can be seen as hip, sophisticated, elegant, and fashionable, especially when the place itself is seen as upscale or popular. A place name can also give a sense of being all-American, cute and down to earth. Do you remember the popular name of Dakota for a boy that then became popular for a girl?

The downside of place names is the inevitable question that might come up: "Is that where you conceived her?"

While place names often work better for a girl, there are some place names that are perfectly suited for a boy. A good example of place names for a boy include Hudson and Dresden. For girls, there are all of the popular cities, such as London and Paris. I would love to see a baby names York (for New York or York, England), but this name would probably be best for a boy. Other popular place names include: Ireland, Boston and Athena (for Athens).

Believe it or not, place names weren't always popular.

Back in the Victorian era, place names were almost unheard of when it came to naming babies. One eccentric set of parents (as seen at the time) named their baby "Florence." The only reason we probably don't think of Florence as an odd name is because that first Florence went on to become the famous Florence Nightingale, prompting other parents to name their daughters after her.

Mary Ann Romans writes about everything related to saving money in the Frugal Blog, technology in the Computing Blog, and creating a home in the Home Blog. Starting June 1st, don't miss her articles in the Baby Blog. You can read more of her articles by clicking here.

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Learn more about Mary Ann Romans

Mary Ann Romans is a freelance writer, wife and mother of three children. She lives in Pennsylvania with her husband, the kids and a 16-pound cat.

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