Happy Sunday, and a very happy Father’s Day to everyone celebrating today!
Time is flying, so let’s get straight to this week’s baby name highlights:
- Could Fennec work as a baby name? I’m a big fan of nature- and animal-inspired names like Fox, so I lean toward yes. The original question compared it to the Hunger Games-inspired Finnick; I think Finnick would wear just fine, too.
- On the subject of unusual choices, actor Sean Penn’s son Hopper was reportedly nearly named Steak. Hopper makes sense as a tribute to Dennis Hopper, and it feels far more wearable than Steak. Still, Hopper has a bold, edgy sound that might not be for everyone.
- Laura asks what name might be the next Brooklyn. Right now I’d bet on Adalyn, although the many altered spellings make tracking popularity difficult. Gracelyn is also a strong contender and follows the same sound trends.
- Lovely birth announcement: a little boy named Oswald, brother to Margot and Wilbur. That sibling set has old-fashioned charm and personality.
- Fauve Florentine is a striking combination. My first association is with fauvism, the bold painting movement led by Matisse — Les Fauves is often translated as “the wild beasts,” though some sources render Fauve as “wildcat.” It’s uncommon but used occasionally in France.
- Rosemary Valentine nicknamed Rory is a beautifully modern take on a classic name. It strikes a nice balance between traditional and playful.
- I suspect Ermengarde would be a very difficult name to wear today, though I’m open to being surprised. It has a rich history but feels weighted for modern use.
- Some lists are so full of strong options that choosing a favorite is impossible. A recent collection of gorgeous, rare girls’ names includes long-time favorites like Leocadia, and newer interests like Socorro, Cassiopeia, and Talitha.
- There’s a closer look at the character names in Finding Dory, and yes — there’s a Hank among them.
- Finally, a note on surnames: more couples are creating new last names together at marriage. I know several people who have done this, and it can make a lot of sense. My husband and I considered it briefly; if one of my children chose to do it, I’d be supportive.
That’s it for this week. Thank you for reading — have a wonderful week ahead!