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ASK AMANDA: A Name Like Zane?

Published

Amanda Barden

on July 7, 2010

in Ask Amanda

. 2 Comments

Welcome to ASK AMANDA!!!

Ask Amanda

Q: I just wanted to start out by saying that I love your book! It makes searching for the perfect name fun and a lot less stressful!

My question is regarding the name Zane. I had never heard of that name until a friend of mine used it for her son. I’ve grown to really love that name, but because we’re so close to these friends, I don’t think I should use it.

I’ve tried to find similar names but so far have only come across -Shane, Caine or Payne- none of which are what we’re looking for. Do you know of any similar names or maybe even similar masculine, unique type names like Zane?

Thank you!

A: I’m so glad you found my book helpful! That’s always so nice to hear.

Zane is definitely a unique name. If you’re really close to the other Zane in your life, I can see why you don’t feel comfortable using it.

There are so many great names out there, I’m sure you’ll find something you love. Here are some ideas for you:

Names that sound like Zane

Here are a few names that sound like Zane:

Dane - my favorite on this list

Blaine

Lane - this is also used by girls, but it’s not “girly”

Maine - kind of quirky

I think you’re right to steer away from Payne — it sounds like “pain” and that might be a tough association. I do like Cain(e) and Shane though.

Names with the same meaning as Zane

Zane is a version of the name John and means “God is gracious.” Maybe another version of John might appeal to you:

Ivan

Sean

Gianni

Evan – my favorite

Names that start with “Z”

If you’re looking for other “Z” names you can consider:

Zachariah – a little more unique than Zachary

Zander

Zebedee

Zeke

Zeus

Zedekiah

Zephyr

Zev/Zevi

Use Zane as a middle name

It might be too much to use Zane as a first name, but you could probably get away with using it as a middle name.

I hope that helps! Good luck to you. Please let me know what you decide.

Happy naming,

♥ Amanda

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ASK AMANDA: I Regret My Baby Name. What now?

Published

Amanda Barden

on April 29, 2010

in Ask Amanda and Baby Name Suggestions & Lists

. 0 Comments

Today’s ASK AMANDA is a tough one. What do you do when you’ve already named your baby and then you change your mind?

Ask Amanda

Q: My baby girl was born last year and now she’s 6 months old. I’m really confused because I think I gave her the wrong name. I love her so much and I want to call her a name that I love. I would really appreciate if you could help me since you are an expert in baby names.

My baby’s name is Leia. My husband really loves Star Wars and that‘s how we got her name – from Princess Leia. Now I’m afraid that she’ll be teased in school because of this. I just feel that the name does not fit to her now.

Please help me. I like the name Amelia, Emily and Lily. Do you think I should change her name? I’m afraid that people might think that I’m crazy.

Thank you for your kindness and time! ANDY, Burbank, CA

A: Let me assure you, you’re not crazy. You’re not even the first person to contact me about changing a baby’s name. Choosing a baby name is a huge decision! I know there must be quite a few parents who have “baby name regret” like you.

So what do you do now?

I don’t think there’s one right answer here, but for what it’s worth, here’s my opinion.

You mention a few concerns about your daughter’s name, Leia:

1. You think she might be teased because of the Star Wars connection

I definitely think people will make the connection between your daughter’s name and Star Wars. I’m not sure it’s going to cause a lot of teasing though. Star Wars is an older movie and it’s also a very cool movie. I think both of those things reduce the likelihood of teasing. I bet some people will actually think the connection is cool.

Do any readers think that the Star Wars connection to Leia will cause teasing? Chime in, please!

2. You don’t think the name suits her

How do you decide whether a name suits someone? That’s such a tough question. I think you and your husband need to decide this together.

Ask yourself what’s making you feel this way. Do you think another name suits your daughter better or do your feelings stem from your mixed feelings about the name?

Speaking of your husband, how does he feel about all this? Since he’s the Star Wars fan, I’m guessing he still likes Leia?

3. You worry that others will think it’s weird if you change her name now

People will undoubtedly find it surprising if you change your daughter’s name at this point, but who cares? It’s your daughter and your decision. Do keep in mind that your daughter will eventually learn about the name change and may have questions.

OTHER IDEAS

If you and your husband decide not to change her name officially, you can still change her name unofficially. You could start using her middle name or call her by a nickname.

Another thing you could do is change the spelling of Leia to LIA or LEAH.

OTHER NAMES

I made a couple lists for you…

You might want to consider names that end in a similar -leia sound, so you, your husband or others can continue to call her Leia if they want to. Here are some names you might like:

Celia

Aurelia

Callia

Cordelia

Delia

Magnolia

Malia

Natalia

Ophelia (this is a Shakespearen name though, which might cause the same issue you have with Leia)

Since Leia is a short “L” name, I put together a list of other short “L” names you might like:

Lacey

Lana

Laney

Lara

Leda

Layla

Lena

Lily

Lila

Livia

I’m really glad you shared your question because I know there are a lot of parents feeling the same way you are – maybe some will write in and share their stories, too.

Good luck to you! Please write me with an update about what you decide.

Happy naming,

♥ Amanda

WANT MORE BABY NAME INFO?

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DO YOU TWEET?

Follow me on TWITTER to get up-to-the-minute celebrity baby name news, interesting names I come across and so much more! I’m @babynameauthor!

HAVE BABY NAME QUESTIONS?

If you have baby name questions, email me at amanda@amandabarden.com.

Your question might appear in a future edition of Ask Amanda.

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ASK AMANDA: Surname Names, Please?

Published

Amanda Barden

on April 27, 2010

in Ask Amanda

. 1 Comment

Today’s ASK AMANDA brings us a question about surname names. What do you think about this trend?

Ask Amanda

Q: We had a short list of names picked out – Thile, Fin, and Thad…. but Fin (too popular) and Thad (just doesn’t feel right) have been nixed. We are currently sitting on ‘McClelland Thile’ (pronounced ‘theelie’) - which I love - but I’m still not sure it’s THE ONE. Some other names we’re considering are Fisher, Beckett, Chanson, and Soren. I just don’t feel like I’ve happened upon THE name. Our chosen name will be paired with McClelland or Wayne (First/Middle doesn’t matter) which are family names. I know you’ll have some suggestions for me!

Thanks!

JILIAN, Blacksburg, VA

A: I’m so glad you wrote to me. This is a great question!

If I had to categorize the names on your list, I would say most fall into the surname name category. Because you have a definite style, it makes it easier to find some names you might like.

From the names you suggested, it doesn’t look like you like the more common surname names, like Cooper and Parker. With that in mind, I put together a list of some more unique surname names for you-

BOYS’ SURNAME NAMES

Baxter

Bishop

Booker

Cabot

Cord

Fletcher

Locke

Miller

Smith

Tucker

Walker

I think BAXTER, CABOT and CORD are an especially good match for middle name McClelland. I think the best matches for Wayne are BISHOP and MILLER.

If you’re still looking for more, I have tons of options in BABY NAMES MADE EASY. A good place to find surname names is the Occupations chapter.

Best of luck to you!

Happy naming,

♥ Amanda

WANT MORE BABY NAME INFO?

Subscribe to the RSS feed so you don’t miss any future baby name posts.

DO YOU TWEET?

Follow me on TWITTER to get up-to-the-minute celebrity baby name news, interesting names I come across and so much more! I’m @babynameauthor!

HAVE BABY NAME QUESTIONS?

If you have baby name questions, email me at amanda@amandabarden.com.

Your question might appear in a future edition of Ask Amanda.

GET YOUR OWN COPY OF BABY NAMES MADE EASY

Amazon

Kindle

Barnes & Noble

Borders

Indie Bound

For more information on baby names and their meanings get your copy of

BABY NAMES MADE EASY: THE COMPLETE REVERSE-DICTIONARY OF BABY NAMES

ASK AMANDA: Baby Names with Religious Definitions

Published

Amanda Barden

on April 9, 2010

in Ask Amanda and Baby Name Suggestions & Lists

. 0 Comments

Welcome to ASK AMANDA. I have a question about baby names with religious meanings.

Ask Amanda

Q: We’re about to have a baby and have decided to use names with Biblical or religious definitions. One name we like is Nathan which means “given by God.” Do you have any other recommendations for boys or girls?

KATE, San Jose, CA

A: There are basically two kinds of religious names – the names of people featured in religious texts and names that have religious definitions. You said you like names with religious definitions, so you’ve come to the right place!

Here’s a list of baby names you can consider that have great meanings:

GIRLS’ BABY NAMES

ANNALIESE – combination of the names Anna (God has favored me) and Liese (God is my oath)

ELIZABETH – God is my oath

EVANGELINE – gospel

GABRIELLA – God is my strength

HANNAH – God has favored me

JOSEPHINE – God shall add

BOYS’ BABY NAMES

CHRISTOPHER – Christ bearer

ELLIOT – the Lord is my God

GABRIEL – God is my strength

ISAIAH – God is my salvation

JEREMIAH – may God praise him

THEODORE – God’s gift

For more names, get a copy of my book BABY NAMES MADE EASY – there’s a whole chapter devoted to names with religious definitions.

You can also read my other posts about Biblical Baby Names.

Happy naming,

♥ Amanda

Follow me on TWITTER to get up-to-the-minute celebrity baby name news, interesting names I come across and so much more! I’m @babynameauthor!

If you have baby name questions for me, email me at amanda@amandabarden.com.

Your question might appear in a future edition of Ask Amanda.

For more information on baby names and their meanings check out

BABY NAMES MADE EASY: THE COMPLETE REVERSE-DICTIONARY OF BABY NAMES

ASK AMANDA: Can you suggest some baby names?

Published

Amanda Barden

on April 8, 2010

in Ask Amanda, Baby Name Suggestions & Lists, Baby Naming Tips and Twitter Baby Names

. 1 Comment

Welcome to ASK AMANDA. I have a question from a Twitter follower. Have you found me on Twitter yet?

Ask Amanda

Q: First of all, thanks for the response to my naming inquiry on Twitter (I’m @busylilmonkey).

Secondly, if you have any others to throw into the mix, I’d love to hear them (my husband and I have the hardest time choosing names). I do love Caroline but somehow my husband isn’t as thrilled (plus I have a close friend named Caroline). I also like Maeve because it’s different yet not totally weird; but do you think people would know how to pronounce it or often spell it incorrectly?

My first daughter’s name is Arden, so aiming for something along that vein (not common but not weird). Our last name starts with “B,” but I’m not a big fan of alliteration in names in general, so I’m avoiding B names.

Thanks for any help in advance! AMBER, Marietta, GA

A: Thanks for writing to me. I’m glad you liked my Twitter suggestions.

For everyone’s reference, here’s the tweet in question:

ELODIE MAEVE CAROLINE For more http://ow.ly/1mIPpF Good luck! RT @busylilmonkey: still struggling with baby girl names. Any suggestions?

If you like Caroline, but your husband’s not crazy about it, consider Carolina instead. It’s similar to Caroline, of course, but has a more feminine flair to it. Carolina also sounds a little more unique because it hasn’t been as common as Caroline over the years.

Maeve…will people know how to pronounce and spell it? That’s a good question. I suspect your instincts are correct here and that some people will not. Of course, you run into the same spelling problem with a very familiar name like Caroline. Some people will guess Caroline and others will guess Carolyn.

If you’re still looking for more names, here are ten more baby names to consider that have a similar style to your first daughter’s name, Arden – I left out all “B” options, as requested!

GIRLS’ BABY NAMES

ANNABELLE

DAPHNE

GENEVA

OLIVE

PEYTON

PIPER

RAMONA

SAVANNAH

SYDNEY

WILLA

Calling all readers! Do you have any other baby name suggestions for Amber?

Good luck! Please let me know what name you end up choosing.

Happy naming,

♥ Amanda

Follow me on TWITTER to get up-to-the-minute celebrity baby name news, interesting names I come across and so much more! I’m @babynameauthor!

If you have baby name questions for me, email me at amanda@amandabarden.com.

Your question might appear in a future edition of Ask Amanda.

For more information on baby names and their meanings check out

BABY NAMES MADE EASY: THE COMPLETE REVERSE-DICTIONARY OF BABY NAMES

ASK AMANDA: How Popular is the Name Avery?

Published

Amanda Barden

on April 7, 2010

in Ask Amanda

. 0 Comments

Welcome to ASK AMANDA. I have a question about a newly popular baby name…is it on your list?

Ask Amanda

Q: I know at least four people who have named their kid Avery in the past two years and there may be more that I am forgetting. Have you seen a big uptick in Averys?

DIANA, Oakland, CA

A: I have definitely seen Avery getting more popular and am not surprised to hear you’ve met quite a few baby Averys lately. So why are there so many baby Averys out there?

Avery’s got a lot of trends going for it:

1. It has a similar sound to popular Ava and Eva

2. It’s unisex (though it won’t be for long)

3. It’s a surname name

4. It’s similar in style to other popular names like Peyton and Madison

The Social Security website tracks name popularity and reports the Top 1000 every year. It’s one of my favorite websites. Here’s what it tells us:

· As a boy’s name, Avery has been on the list since the very first year they started keeping track – 1880! That’s a long time. It’s spent most of that time in the 400-600 range. It reached its peak in 2006 at #211.

· Avery didn’t enter the girl’s list for the first time until 1989. That year it was #976 and in 2008 it had skyrocketed all the way to #38.

In summary, Avery is more popular than ever for both boys and girls. However, even though Avery has a longer history as a boy’s name, the girl’s are taking ownership now.

NOTABLE AVERYS:

Avery Johnson – basketball player and former Dallas Mavericks coach

Avery Jukes – Butler basketball player who just played in the 2010 championship game

James Avery, Sr. – Actor from Fresh Prince of Bel Air

That’s Avery in a nutshell. What do you all think about the name?

Happy naming,

♥ Amanda

Follow me on TWITTER to get up-to-the-minute celebrity baby name news, interesting names I come across and so much more! I’m @babynameauthor!

If you have baby name questions for me, email me at amanda@amandabarden.com.

Your question might appear in a future edition of Ask Amanda.

For more information on baby names and their meanings check out

BABY NAMES MADE EASY: THE COMPLETE REVERSE-DICTIONARY OF BABY NAMES

ASK AMANDA: A Name that Flows with “Vo”

Published

Amanda Barden

on March 1, 2010

in Ask Amanda

. 0 Comments

Welcome to ASK AMANDA. Today’s question comes from a future-mom who wants to be prepared when the time is right.

Ask Amanda

Q: Hi Amanda,

I just came upon your site and I love it! I’ve been really interested in baby names for a few years now but I’m having the hardest time coming up with any boys names I really like.

My husband and I are not pregnant yet, but I love to think of names.

The girls’ names we love are Lydia and Evelyn. Our last name is Vo. I’ve been thinking I like Lydia Noelle Vo and I’m not sure about a middle name for Evelyn yet. Does Evie Vo sound like too much alliteration?

My problem with boys’ names are many. First, I don’t want anything too common that there might be 5 others in his class with the same name. Second, I’m really unsure of what names flow well with our last name. With such a short last name, I would like it to sound good in the full form and any nicknames or shortened names. I don’t want a super common or boring name, maybe an under-used gem.

Names I like recently (that my husband has nixed) are Elliot, Wesley, Elijah, Caleb, Dominic. My husband likes Ethan, and while I like it too, it’s too common. He also mentioned Maddox a few years ago, but I think everyone will always associate the name w/Angelina Jolie AND our future children will be 1/2 Vietnamese.

My question is, could you help us think of boys’ names that flow well with our last name (Vo) and the potential sibling names of Lydia and Evelyn? I think I would like to use Thomas as a middle name (as long as it flows).

Thanks so much for your help in advance!

MARY, Ohio

A: Your first question is about alliteration and “Evie Vo.” You like Evelyn Vo, but aren’t sure whether the double “v” sound in the shortened “Evie Vo” is too much. I like “Evie Vo” and don’t think there’s too much alliteration at all. I think the “e” in front softens the double “v.” The alliteration would be stronger in a name like “Vanessa Vo.” But I don’t mind that either.

DISCLAIMER: I’m a fan of alliteration.

On to your second question about boys’ names. I like the names you mentioned and they all have a similar feel to them. I pulled out my book and found some other names you might like that have the same feel and go well with the middle name Thomas. Most of these are unique enough that you won’t have five other kids with the same name in your son’s class—though some are more popular than others, so take that into account when making your final pick. These names also have a similar feel to Lydia and Evelyn, which make them nice sibling matches.

Here you go:

ARCHIBALD

BENJAMIN

CLAYTON

CONRAD

DASHIELL

DONOVAN

DUNCAN

EVERETT

FELIX

GABRIEL

GIDEON

GRAYSON

HUGO

ISAAC

JEREMIAH

JOSIAH

JULIAN

LEVI

NATHANIEL

OLIVER

SAMSON

XAVIER

My favorites from this list are BENJAMIN, EVERETT (similar to Evelyn), GIDEON, JULIAN and OLIVER.

Before you make any final decisions, I recommend checking the definitions of the names in BABY NAMES MADE EASY to make sure the name you choose has a meaning you like.

If you and your husband still can’t agree, try to figure out what it is you like about the names you like and what he likes about the names he likes and see if you can find some overlap.

Good luck and let me know what your favorites are. J

Happy naming,

♥ Amanda

Follow me on TWITTER to get up-to-the-minute celebrity baby name news, interesting names I come across and so much more! I’m @babynameauthor!

If you have baby name questions for me, email me at amanda@amandabarden.com.

Your question might appear in a future edition of Ask Amanda.

For more information on baby names and their meanings check out

BABY NAMES MADE EASY: THE COMPLETE REVERSE-DICTIONARY OF BABY NAMES

ASK AMANDA: A Name that Means “Complete”

Published

Amanda Barden

on February 23, 2010

in Ask Amanda

. 0 Comments

Welcome to a new edition of ASK AMANDA. I have another question from Canada today. A big hello to my readers up north!

Ask Amanda

Q: I am looking for a baby name that means COMPLETE. I am pregnant with our third and last baby and really feel like this one completes our family. So I am looking for a name that means that. Was hoping you would be able to help.

Many thanks. KRISTY, Downsview, ON, Canada

A: This is a great question and one I’m sure many parents who are “completing” their families have considered, as well. I didn’t find a name that means “complete” exactly. I did find a bunch of names that touch on the same sentiment though. Here are my favorites from the names I found:

GIRLS

IRMA – “whole, entire” (also, IRMINA)

NATARA – “deeply rooted”

TERTIA – “third”

TRINITY – “triad”

UNITY – “oneness”

BOYS

KAIROS – “last, entire”

LEVI – “associated, together”

TREY – “three”

XAVIER – “new house”

There is a group of names that mean “powerful household,” which is a nice meaning, too. Some of the names in this group are: HENRIETTA, HARRIET, HARRY and HENRY.

Still looking for more? Read through these chapters of BABY NAMES MADE EASY: Heritage & Family and Numbers & Age. You can also find names with interesting meanings in the Miscellaneous chapter.

Good luck! I know you’ll find a name you love. Let me know what you choose. J

Happy naming,

♥ Amanda

Follow me on TWITTER to get up-to-the-minute celebrity baby name news, interesting names I come across and so much more! I’m @babynameauthor!

If you have baby name questions for me, email me at amanda@amandabarden.com.

Your question might appear in a future edition of Ask Amanda.

For more information on baby names and their meanings check out

BABY NAMES MADE EASY: THE COMPLETE REVERSE-DICTIONARY OF BABY NAMES

ASK AMANDA: A Vintage Name with a Good Meaning

Published

Amanda Barden

on November 30, 2009

in Ask Amanda, Baby Name Suggestions & Lists and Baby Naming Tips

. 1 Comment

Beverly & Pack

Welcome to another edition of ASK AMANDA. Today I’m helping parents with a very common question — and one of my favorites.

Ask Amanda

Q: We are having our third child in February, a baby girl. My husband and I love vintage names with great meanings. This time, we are struggling a bit. The baby’s middle name will be Constance. We do not want to pick a name that is too popular.

Any ideas? DANA, Austin, Texas

A: So, you’re looking for a vintage name that’s not too popular, has a good meaning and goes with the middle name Constance. I’m so glad you wrote to me!

Here are some suggestions:

ALTHEA: “healthy, healing power”

AUDREY: “noble strength”

CORDELIA: “heart”

DAPHNE: “laurel”

ELIZA: “God is my oath”

FELICITY: “happy, fortunate”

MARGOT: “pearl”

NORA: “honor”

ORLA: “golden lady, princess”

In case it factors into your decision, the name CONSTANCE is Latin for “loyal.” Sometimes people like to coordinate meanings.

I hope you find something you like on this list. If not, there are thousands of options in my book!

For everyone out there looking for names with specific meanings, you should pick up a copy of BABY NAMES MADE EASY. It’s the only baby name book that’s organized by the meaning of the names. That makes it really easy for you to find names with meanings you like. J

Good luck and let me know what you pick!

Happy naming,

♥ Amanda

Follow me on TWITTER to get up-to-the-minute celebrity baby name news, interesting names I come across and so much more! I’m @babynameauthor!

If you have baby name questions for me, email me at amanda@amandabarden.com.

Your question might appear in a future edition of Ask Amanda.

For more information on baby names and their meanings check out

BABY NAMES MADE EASY: THE COMPLETE REVERSE-DICTIONARY OF BABY NAMES

ASK AMANDA: Mom and Dad Disagree on Name for Son

Published

Amanda Barden

on November 6, 2009

in Ask Amanda

. 2 Comments

j0441376

Welcome back to ASK AMANDA. Today I’m answering a question for a soon-to-be mom (for the third time) in Canada!

Ask Amanda

Q: I am pregnant with a boy and due in 4-5 weeks…….HELP PLEASE!! I already have two kids and have named them Marcus and Marina. My husband is Italian and we are not agreeing on any names. Our daughter was born and nameless for days because we didn’t agree!! I do not want to repeat this. Our name choice does not have to be an Italian or start with the letter “M,” but I do want it to sound OK when mentioning my other kids names. I tend to prefer short names that are not tongue twisters. I like Darius, Xavier, Jordon, Sidney, Daniel. My husband says NO to all of them. His list is Leonardo (over my dead body!), Alexis, Roman.

Any suggestions would be appreciated. BONNIE, Montreal, Canada

A: Thanks for writing, Bonnie. I understand why you don’t want a repeat of the “nameless baby” saga you went through with your daughter. Sounds stressful!

Since you and your husband aren’t agreeing on any of the names either of you have come up with so far, I think going back to the drawing board is a good idea. It’s important that you both love the name you choose.

So what’s my advice? Stop looking for baby names and start looking for common ground. I studied the names you told me you both liked and the names you picked for your first two children. Here’s the common ground I see so far:

1. You chose names with Latin origins for your first two children — Marcus and Marina. Maybe you can agree to choose a name with a Latin origin for this baby, too. This is nice because it creates a connection between all their names without being too matchy-matchy.

2. For your first two children you chose a masculine name for your son and a feminine name for your daughter. Maybe you can agree to cross unisex names off your list. That way all your children’s names will have the same “style,” which you said is important to you.

3. You told me that you like short names and all your picks have six letters. Two of your husband’s three choices have six or fewer letters, too. It looks like you can also agree to cross names with more than six letters off your list.

Once you agree on some parameters, then you can make a list of names that match your agreed terms.

Here’s a list of names that meet the three criteria above — they have Latin roots, they’re masculine (you said you’re having a boy) and they’re six letters or less:

BARNEY

CASH

DRAKE

FELIX

GUS

JUSTIN

LUCAS

LUCIUS

MILES

MILO

OLIVER

REX

SILAS

TYRONE

VICTOR

VITO

This isn’t an exhaustive list, so if none of these work for you, you can find other names that fall within these three parameters.

If you still can’t find a name, start looking for other things you agree on. For example, the meaning of the name or the letter the name will start with. Any place you have common ground is an opportunity to gather new ideas and cross others off the list.

I hope this helps! Thanks for writing me. I’m sure you’ll find a name you both love. It says a lot that you’re working so hard to choose a name you both agree on — your son will appreciate that someday.

Let me know what you pick. J

Happy naming,

♥ Amanda

Follow me on TWITTER to get up-to-the-minute celebrity baby name news, interesting names I come across and so much more! I’m @babynameauthor!

If you have baby name questions for me, email me at amanda@amandabarden.com.

Your question might appear in a future edition of Ask Amanda.

For more information on baby names and their meanings check out

BABY NAMES MADE EASY: THE COMPLETE REVERSE-DICTIONARY OF BABY NAMES