Tag Archive for ‘baby name meaning’ at Baby Names Made Easy: The Complete Reverse-Dictionary of Baby Names

Tag Archive for 'baby name meaning'

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: Ava is too Popular…Help!

Published

Amanda Barden

on June 12, 2009

in Ask Amanda

. 0 Comments

It’s Friday and that means it’s time for Ask Amanda! A lot of parents-to-be are wondering about name popularity and how it will affect their name choices…

Ask Amanda

Q: My partner and I love the name Ava, but it’s way too popular. Any ideas for what we can do?

A: Ava is a really pretty name and it’s no wonder you (and a lot of other parents) are drawn to it. If it’s gotten too popular for your taste though, here are some ideas for finding another name you like just as much, that isn’t already quite so popular.

First, figure out what it is you like about Ava — maybe you like the meaning (Ava’s origin is Latin and means “like a bird”), the cool “av” sound and letter combination, the “vintage” feel Ava has or maybe it’s a family name. Once you figure out what why you’re drawn to Ava, you’ll be able to come up with alternatives.

For example:

1) MEANING: If you like “like a bird,” then you’ll be happy to know that there are plenty of other names with bird-meanings.

Here are a few: ALOUETTE, AYA, COLUMBA, DAYA, DERYN, ELSA, JEMMA, KOKO, LARK, MAVIS, MIRRA, NIGHTENGALE, PALILA, PALOMA, PENELOPE, RAVEN, ROBIN, SORA, TORI, ZIPPORAH

2) “AV” COMBINATION: Ava isn’t the only name to start with the “av” letter combination.

Here are some other options: AVALON, AVASA, AVERY, AVIS, AVIVA, AVRIL

3) VINTAGE VIBE: Earlier this month I wrote a whole post about names that have a vintage feel without feeling out-of-date. Read it here for more ideas.

Some of my favorite “vintage” names are: ADELAIDE, CECILY, CORA, DAISY, ELIZA, HAZEL, IVY, LILA, LUCY, NORA, SADIE, VIOLET, WILLA

4) FAMILY NAME: If Ava is a family name, you can head back to the family tree and look for other names you like. You could also use Ava as a middle name.

Good luck finding a name for your daughter. I’m sure you’ll find a name you both love.

Happy naming,

♥ Amanda

Do any of you have good Ava alternatives? Post your suggestions.

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.

Fiery Picks for Baby Name of the Day

Published

Amanda Barden

on May 3, 2009

in Baby Name of the Week and Celebrity Baby Names

. 0 Comments

Yesterday I went to NERT training — Neighborhood Emergency Response Team. I agreed to do it for work. I learned all about how dangerous fires can be. You didn’t need to tell me that, but I learned a lot anyhow. Here are some of the highlights:

· Call 911 before trying to put out even a small fire by myself (according to the video we watched small fires turn into large fires very fast!) — if it’s safe, it’s OK to try putting out the fire after calling 911

· I should keep a pair of sneakers in my car in case there’s a disaster and I end up needing to walk (heels, cute flats and flip-flops aren’t made for long-distance walking)

· I need to keep at least a five day supply of food and water on hand for my cat (and me, too) in case we need to shelter in place during a disaster

· Triage is NOT for the faint of heart

Next week we’re going to learn about search and rescue and go through a simulated disaster scenario. We’re even going to get to put out an actual fire!

Anyhow, all this fire talk got me thinking about fire as a symbol. Fire can be dangerous, but it’s also essential for survival. It’s a symbol of passion and energy and life. I decided to put this inspiration to good use and to choose these fiery picks for Baby Name of the Day:

GIRLS’ NAME OF THE DAY:

AZARA — Persian for “red, flame”

BOYS’ NAME OF THE DAY:

IGNATIUS — Latin for “fire”

Azara is a beautiful name — unique without being weird or too difficult to spell and pronounce. Ignatius feels very classical — Cate Blanchett chose it last year for one of her sons. What do you think about these names?

Post a comment and let me know how you like these Baby Names of the Day.

♥ Amanda