Baby Names For Dummies

The fun and easy way to name the new bundle of joy
Brimming with over 5,000 names, from traditional to unique, this is the perfect reference for parents-to-be looking for naming guidance. It features a an impressive assemblage of options for both boys and girls-from Biblical, medieval, and Shakespearean names to musical and international names-along with a list of today's most popular names and the favorite names of previous decades. Each entry contains variant spellings as well as the name's meaning, history, and derivations. Plus, fun sidebars offer examples of celebrities who chose unique names for their little ones and perfect suggestions for future political leaders, artists, and movie stars.

Introduction 1

Part I: Getting Ready to Name Your Baby! 5

Chapter 1: What’s in a Name? 7

Chapter 2: Considering the Factors in Picking Out a Name 11

Chapter 3: Putting the Name Together 23

Part II: Finding Names from Religion and Literature 45

Chapter 4: Searching Scripture: Names from Judaism, Christianity, and Islam 47

Chapter 5: Living the Legends: Names from Myth and Saga 69

Chapter 6: Writing Your Child’s Story: Literary Names from Shakespeare and Others 85

Part III: Naming through the Ages 103

Chapter 7: Building Empires: Classical Names 105

Chapter 8: Getting Medieval: The Rise of the “Old Standards” 119

Chapter 9: Naming Revolutions: From the Reformation to the Victorians 143

Chapter 10: Coming Up to Date: Names of the 20th Century 171

Chapter 11: Designing the Future: Created and Constructed Names 191

Part IV: Describing the World: Names of Quality, Character, and Location 211

Chapter 12: Re-using Rubies, Roses, and Robins: Names from the Natural World 213

Chapter 13: Advertising Attributes 225

Chapter 14: Moving In: When Place Names and Natural Features Become First Names 241

Chapter 15: Exploring the World of Names 259

Part V: Seeking the Stars: Names from Popular Culture 269

Chapter 16: Sitcoms, Soaps, and Serials: Names from TV Land 271

Chapter 17: Tuning In to Musical Names 283

Chapter 18: Going Hollywood: Names from Cinema and the Arts 297

Chapter 19: Playing the Field: Names from the Sports World 317

Part VI: The Part of Tens 327

Chapter 20: Ten Practices to Avoid 329

Chapter 21: Ten Types of Resources to Consider 333

General Index 337

Baby Names Index 344

Margaret Rose, PhD is a freelance writer and an authority on baby naming practices. She's authored journal articles on the art of historic names and historic name communities. Features classic to cool names from A-Z

Pick the perfect name for your little bundle of joy

Jennifer or Jason? Colton or Casey? Choosing the right name for your baby is an important decision, and this fun, friendly guide makes it easy! From traditional to the unique, you get name origins, meanings, and spellings, as well as guidance navigating all the factors involved in selecting a name that will make you — and your child! — happy.

Discover how to

• Choose a name from around the globe
• Select a name from a popular decade
• Find out fascinating facts of historical interest
• Put a name together
• Decide on a name from the most popular names