Onomastics

on·o·mas·tics   [on-uh-mas-tiks] 

–noun: the study of the origin, history, and use of proper names.
Dictionary.com

I love names. I love to learn how they originated and change over time. I love popularity lists. I love to think of name combos with good flow. I follow what celebrities name their babies. I have a dislike for made-up or trashy names. I really love discussing names. I have so many opinions on names, I can't keep it to myself! The funny part is that I am terrible at remembering peoples names. 

With the reality of having a baby, you have to get practical with names. While I love Eleanora, it seems over the top for an actual child. And while my Husband would be ecstatic to have a son with the initials of Superman (Kal-El or CAL-L) in the form of Connor Alexander Lawrence Little, I hope I can talk him out of it! Because even though you may think a name is just so much fun, or absolutely adorable. . . A real live person has to live with that name choice. 

I think a good name should be not too uncommon that people think it is made up, or so common that they have to go my Michael B. or Mary P for the rest of their life. It should also have a legitimate spelling, so you and your child don't have to spell it out 5 million times. It should also be easy and intuitive to pronounce in your language. You may love Siobhan and it's Irish origin, but Americans will almost never get it right. Also, a name should flow in a combo (first and middle); otherwise what is the point of having a middle name? The exception is of course when it is honoring someone. 

So while I have a love for long, feminine, classic names for girls, at least my boys names are pretty basic in their classic use. The hard part is living up to my own standards. I love names. So how to you find the perfect name when you love so many?!

Right now my favorites are (also on this page as a poll): 

Girls:

Nora Anneliese

Vivienne Elise

Claire Judith

Hannah Elizabeth

Evelyn Lorelei

Eleanora Catherine

Boys:

Connor Lawrence

James Patrick

Alexander Brian

Nathan Elliott

Isaac Jonathan

Nicholas Edward