Cool Name of the Week: Hugh

Monday, January 14th, 2013

I love awards-show season—my daughters and I critique the fashions and root for our favorites for each category, while my husband rolls his eyes at the overwrought and often a little out-there acceptance speeches. And last night’s Golden Globes is one of my favorites, since the attendees are plied with a meal and open bar, which means the speeches tend to be a little more real than at the stiffer Oscars.

I was thrilled that Hugh Jackman won for his role in Les Miserables. He’s a very talented actor, and by all accounts, he’s a genuine cool guy (and if his acceptance speech is any indication, he’s a pretty darned appreciative husband). And it doesn’t hurt that he’s easy on the eyes, too.

Hugh Jackman sports a name that’s much hotter in the UK and Australia than it is here, where it’s barely hanging on to the top 1000. It’s a German name that means “intellectual,” and there seems to be a bumper crop of handsome Hughs in Hollywood right now, including Hugh Grant, Hugh Laurie and Hugh Dancy (along with the aforementioned Hugh Jackman). The Welsh spell it “Hew,” which would be an even more offbeat name choice, if you’re looking for a creative spelling. It’d be a nice alternative to some of the more popular short-and-sweet names, like Noah, Ian and Luke.

As for middle names, Hugh lends itself to longer middle name. I like Benjamin, Lachlan, Xavier and Grayson paired with it.

What do you think of the name Hugh? Would you ever consider naming your baby after a favorite celebrity or even a sports figure? Don’t forget to send your baby-name dilemmas to me at lamilbrand@gmail.com!

Photo: Pregnant woman via Ronald Summers/Shutterstock.com

Cool Name of the Week: Ewan

Monday, September 10th, 2012

I’ll admit it: I have a huge crush on Ewan McGregor. I’ve seen nearly every movie he’s ever been in, from Trainspotting to Star Wars. (He made a dashing young Obi-Wan Kenobi, my daughter and I agree.) And if I had one of those “freebie” lists that many married couples have, he would absolutely secure a top spot—especially if he can look as amazing as he did in Moulin Rouge or Down With Love.

And his name would have earned a top spot on my boys’ names lists, too. As far as I’m concerned, it’s a name deserves to be just as popular as he is. Ewan is a Celtic/Scottish name that means “young.” It’s a name that might be worth considering if you like some of the more popular boys’ names like Owen, Liam, Evan and the like, and are looking for something that’s unique—without resorting to spelling Liam Lee-Am. Ewan is pronounced  like you-en, if you haven’t ever heard it pronounced. And it’s a name that hasn’t even cracked the top 1000 here in the U.S., though it’s a bit more popular in the U.K.

Ewan would make a lovely middle name in its own right, but if you did want to use it as a first name, it would pair beautifully with a longer middle name. I’m thinking of names like Jeremy, Zachary or even Theodore. (His parents apparently paired it with a very similar, two-syllable middle name, Gordon.)

What do you think of the name Ewan for a boy? Is it a name you would consider for your son?

Don’t forget: If you’re having trouble coming up with great baby names (or just want to run your baby name choice by me), feel free to drop me a line at lamilbrand@gmail.com!

Photo: Pregnant woman via Ronald Summers/Shutterstock.com

Rock Star Baby Names: Girls’ Edition

Friday, July 27th, 2012

While rock may have started out as a boys’ club, there have been more than enough girls who rocked out to give us some interesting name choices for the ladies as well. Here’s a few favorites:

Aretha The queen of soul demands respect—and this Greek name, which means virtuous, is the perfect choice for a very confident lady.

Janis This variation on Jane (which means God’s gift) was the moniker for the electrifying 60s singer Janis Joplin. It hasn’t hit the top 1000 since the early 70s, so it’s ripe for a comeback.

Joan Joan Jett was one of the pioneer women in hard rock, whether with her band the Runaways, or on her own. The name, which means “God is gracious,” hasn’t been in the top 1000 in over a decade, and has plenty of other legends associated with it, beyond Miss Jett: We’re talking Joan Crawford, Joan Baez, and Joan Rivers.

Stevie Stevie Nicks, who was singer for the legendary Fleetwood Mac before she went solo, was actually originally named Stephanie. I’m digging the idea of skipping the Stephanie, though, and going right for this nickname. (For the record, Stephanie means crown, and is currently in the top 150 baby names.)

Alanis This cooler version of Alana is an Irish name that means “harmony,” making it perfect for your budding musician. Alanis Morrissette is the rocker who made it famous.

Yoko People often blame this musician/artist for breaking up the Beatles, but her name means “good girl” in Japanese.

Beyonce This unique moniker for the singer/actress is actually a variation on her mother’s maiden name, Beyince, which is a Creole last name that was in danger of dying out—now it may live on through parents who are fans of her daughter.

Sinead She’s had a colorful and offbeat life (remember when she joined the priesthood of a renegade offshoot of the Catholic Church?), but the bald rocker responsible for hits like “Mandinka” and “Nothing Compares to U” has a much more traditional Celtic name that means “kind.”

Have you named your daughter after a famous rock star? Which one did you choose to honor?

Photo: Girl with Guitar, by Bedrin / Shutterstock.com