Taking the Scenic Route

I know it is weird how we are listing the names, but there is a reason.  We are able to each sit at our computers and look at the lists individually, look up names/meanings/see what google brings up and discuss the names without being over each other’s shoulders.  If you ever catch us while eliminating names it would probably be sort of funny…I go in and strike the name and then submit it again and Zach refreshes his screen to show the changes.  These have to be the most edited posts I have ever made. lol.

Off to ‘popularity’ lists in the hopes of avoiding a “Jennifer” level of popularity for a name. 

Names without good nicknames, or lacking the flexibility to have good nicknames are getting knocked off or moved to ‘middle names’

Audrey, a 2-syllable girl’s name of Old English origin, means: Noble; strength. Audrey’s ethnic backgrounds include French. Entertainers with this name include Audrey Hepburn (Movies), Audrey Hepburn (Stage/Theater) and Audrey Meadows (Television). Historical figures with this name include Audrey Flack (Art/Literature). Nicknames for Audrey are Audie. Other names associated with Audrey are Audrie, Audry and Dee. #64

Azaria, a 4-syllable girl’s name of Greek/Hebrew origin, means: Blessed by God. >#1000

Elizabeth, a 4-syllable girl’s name of Hebrew origin, means: Gods oath; dedicated. Elizabeth’s ethnic backgrounds include Scottish and English/Welsh. It’s religious association is Biblical (see Mt 3:1). Entertainers with this name include Elizabeth Cotten (Musicians), Elizabeth Montgomery (Television), Elizabeth Seal (Stage/Theater) and Elizabeth Taylor (Movies). Historical figures with this name include Elizabeth Barrett Browning (Art/Literature) and Ruler (World Leaders). It has religious backgrounds in Biblical and Saints. Nicknames for Elizabeth are Belita, Besse, Bessie, Bessy, Betsey, Betta, Betti, Bettine, Ealaside, Elizabet and Elsabet. Other names associated with Elizabeth are Babette, Belle, Bess, Beth, Betsy, Bette, Bettina, Betty, Eilis, Elisa, Elisabet, Elisabeth, Elisabetta, Elise, Elissa, Eliza, Elsa, Elsbeth and Else. (family name) #10

Genevieve/Zeneivieve, a 3-syllable girl’s name of Celtic/Teutonic origin, means: Fair; blessed; white wave. Genevieve’s ethnic backgrounds include French. Nicknames for Genevieve are Gena, Genevra, Genny, Genovera, Janeva and Jen. Other names associated with Genevieve are Geneva, Genevieve, Gennie, Gina, Guinevere, Jennie and Jenny. (deviation of my name, almost-family name)  Zenevieve, Slavic, White Wave – same meaning as Jennifer, spelling similar to Genevieve which is the root name for Jennifer (changed the “a” at the end to an “e” – more like Genevieve, fewer syllables)  Genevieve #403, Zeneivieve >#1000

Izabella, a 4-syllable girl’s name of Hebrew origin, means: Consecrated; Gods oath. Izabella’s ethnic backgrounds include Polish.  Isabella’s ethnic backgrounds include Italian and Swedish. Entertainers with this name include Isabella Rossellini (Movies). Historical figures with this name include Isabella Bird (Explorers/Pioneers) and Ruler (World Leaders).  Isabella #6, Izabella #395

Jacqueline, a 3-syllable girl’s name of Hebrew/French origin, means: To protect; to hold another back. Jacqueline’s ethnic backgrounds include French. Entertainers with this name include Jacqueline Bisset (Movies). Nicknames for Jacqueline are Jackelyn, Jacki, Jacklin, Jackquelin, Jackqueline, Jaclin, Jacquenetta, Jacquenette, Jacquette, Jacquie, Jaquenetta, Jaquenette and Jaquith. Other names associated with Jacqueline are Jackie, Jacky, Jaclyn, Jacquelyn, Jacquetta, Jacqui and Jaqueline. (family name, childhood friend who passed away name) #108

Katarina, a 4-syllable girl’s name of Greek/various origin, means: One of purity; beloved. Katarina’s ethnic backgrounds include Swedish and German. #852

Katherine, a 3-syllable girl’s name of Greek origin, means: One of purity; beloved. Katherine’s ethnic backgrounds include Scottish. Entertainers with this name include Katherine Helmond (Television). Historical figures with this name include Katherine Mansfield (Art/Literature). It has religious backgrounds in Saints. Nicknames for Katherine are Carin, Caron, Caryn, Cassy, Catarina, Cate, Catha, Cathe, Cathee, Catherina, Cathi, Cathie, Cathleen, Cathlene, Cathlin, Cathyleen and Cati. Other names associated with Katherine are Caitlin, Caitrin, Caren, Cass, Cassie, Catalina, Caterina, Catharina, Catherine, Cathrine, Cathryn and Cathy. (family name) #39 (needed to choose between Katarina and Katherine…too similar)

Tatiana, Slavic, Russian equivalent of ancient Italian myth name, a fairy queen.  Diminutive: Tanya, Related name: Tazia  #290

Zarah, a 2-syllable girl’s name of Hebrew origin, popular Old Testament name, means: A princess; Sunrise, rising of light, Zara, Zarry, Zari, Zerlinda Sarah is #12, Zarah is >#1000

Zerelda, a 3-syllable girl’s name of Teutonic origin, means: Armored battle-maiden. Nicknames for Zerelda are Zeralda. Other names associated with Zerelda are Serilda. >#1000

Zora/Zorabella, a 2-syllable girl’s name of Arabic/Slavic origin, Zorah was a town in Judah belonging to the tribe of Dan.Birthplace of Samson, means: Aurora; the dawn, place of wasps, Nicknames for Zora are Zarya, Zohra, Zorah, Zorana, Zorina and Zorine. Bella is Italian origin. Means beautiful  (Zora Belle is a family name, but we would probably combine it into one name – Zorabella, with Zora as a nickname)  Zorabella means “Beautiful Light of Dawn”  Slavic >#1000

Middle Names Only (not in the running for the first name any more)

Anastazie is a 4-syllable girl’s name. Anastazie’s ethnic backgrounds include Czech. >#1000

Hazel, a 2-syllable girl’s name of Old English/Teutonic origin, means: The hazel tree or nut; reddish-brown. Commander. Hazel is also a name in the category of Color. Nicknames for Hazel are Aveline. (family name) #676

Helen, Greek, bright one, torch light (family name) #364

Jazlynn is a 2-syllable girl’s name.  (this one is a strong front-runner for the middle name.  variations of “Lynn” are the middle names of my mom and I, and “jaz” has been my screen name over the years….standing for “Jennifer And Zach”.  It has a meaning unique and special to us) #649

Laura, a 2-syllable girl’s name of Latin origin, means: Victoriously crowned with laurels. Laura’s ethnic backgrounds include Italian and English/Welsh. Entertainers with this name include Laura Branigan (Musicians). Historical figures with this name include Laura Ingalls Wilder (Art/Literature). Nicknames for Laura are Lari, Laur, Laure, Laureen, Laurey, Laurice, Lolly, Loralie, Loree, Loreen, Lorelie, Lorie, Lorinda and Lorine. Other names associated with Laura are Laraine, Laurel, Lauren, Laurena, Laurene, Lauretta, Laurette, Lauri, Lora, Loren, Lorena, Lorene, Lorenza, Loretta, Lorette and Lori. (family name) #129

Isabella is making me want to cry.  In 2001, it was one of 3 or so “girls names” we had chosen for Zane.  It was #42 in popularity in 2001.  In 2002:  up to #19; 2003:  jumped to #8; in 2004 it was up to #7; and this year it is #6.  Granted, we would spell it with a “Z” instead of and “S”, but I really have to think about what I want to do with that name.  I swore I would not use a popular name, but I just love this name.  Ugh. 

FTR…Tatiana and Zarah/Sarah were the other two finalists last time around.