These are names chosen from my e-book, International Baby Names for Australian Parents – names which are familiar in other countries, but rarely used here. I chose ten that I particularly like, or find interesting, or think very usable. If you haven’t read the book, it gives you an idea as to what’s inside, and if you have read it, it’s a chance for me to provide more information than is possible in a book.

Anais

Identified as a French form of the Persian name Anahita, meaning “pure, immaculate”; Aredvi Sura Anahita is an Indo-Iranian goddess of fertility and wisdom. To get around French naming regulations, it was explained as a Catalan or Provençal form of Anna or Anne. The name is strongly associated with the American writer Anaïs Nin, whose first name was Angela, but always went by her second name. Anaïs was born in France and was of Spanish, Cuban, French and Danish descent. She is principally known as a diarist, where she intimately explored the complexities of her personal life, and as a writer of female erotica. Her name was the inspiration for the Cacharel perfume, Anais Anais, and in Australia we have the children’s clothing label, Aden + Anais. The name is pronounced a-na-EES. Feminine and exotic, Anais is very popular in France and Chile, and charts in the UK.

Bo

This short spunky name has different origins. It is a Chinese name for both boys and girls which means “wave”, as in a wave on water (especially the sea). It is a rare Chinese surname too, and an aristocratic title translated as the equivalent of a Count. It is also a Scandinavian boy’s name derived from the Old Norse name Búi, meaning “to live”. As a girl’s name, its most famous namesake is American actress and sex symbol Bo Derek, born Mary Collins. Ms Derek doesn’t know why she chose the name Bo: it just seemed “grown up” and “unusual” to her. A fictional girl Bo is the nursery rhyme shepherdess Bo Peep – her name comes from a slang term for being in a pillory, presumably because the person “peeped” through the head holes. Radio host Tim Blackwell named his daughter Bo last year, and since then there seems to be a few girl babies with the name in Australian birth notices. To show the gender divide in regard to this name, Bo is rising in the UK charts as a girl’s name, and rising in the US as boy’s name (probably a variant spelling of Beau). In the Netherlands, it charts for both sexes, but is only popular for girls.

Cora

The American author James Fenimore Cooper is credited with the creation of this name, in his 1826 historical novel, The Last of the Mohicans. The novel’s heroine is Cora Munro; dark, intelligent, and serious, she is a distant descendant of African-American slaves who forms a relationship with the son of a Native American chief – the titular “last of the Mohicans”. Her story ends tragically. There are actually many people named Cora in the records prior to the book’s publication, dating back to the late 16th century, but it is difficult to tell if they are abbreviations for longer names, like Cordelia. The name Cora is often theorised to be based on the Greek name Kore, meaning “maiden”; it was the common name of the goddess Persephone. If invented by Cooper, this makes sense, as there are a number of names with this derivation, such as Corinna. However, if its use goes back to the 16th century, it would pre-date the use of these “Kore” names, and may be based on the Latin cor, meaning “heart”. Cora is also used to Anglicise the Gaelic name Coira, meaning “seething pool”. Cora is a Downton Abbey name (the character is American-born), and fits in with the trend for simple, graceful names like Clara and Isla. It charts in both the US and UK, and is popular in Northern Ireland.

Elvira

Spanish form of an unknown Visigothic name whose meaning is much debated. It was traditional amongst medieval Spanish royalty, and became a favourite in fiction. The vengeful scorned lover Elvira of Mozart’s Don Giovanni is just one example of the many characters of this name in operas, plays, novels and films. Another is the title character of Noel Coward’s supernatural comedy Blithe Spirit, a hauntingly beautiful former wife who arrives in the least convenient fashion. Elvira is the name of Donald Duck’s grandmother, and many will remember the campy, cleavage-enhanced Elvira, Mistress of the Dark, played by Cassandra Peterson. A famous person with the name is Elvira Madigan (born Hedvig Jensen), a 19th century Danish circus performer who had a tragic love affair. Her story has been turned into several films and songs. English-speakers can pronounce this romantic name either el-VEER-ah or el-VY-ra (I prefer the first, as the second reminds me of virus), and it fits in with popular names such as Ella and Ava. Elvira charts in The Netherlands and is popular in Sweden.

Hermione

Derived from Hermes, the Greek god of transitions and boundaries, who was the messenger of the gods, and patron of travellers, herdsmen, thieves, public speakers, comedians, writers, poets, athletes, inventors, and merchants. Most scholars understand his name as meaning “stone, roadside shrine, boundary marker” – these were dedicated to Hermes as the god of boundaries and travellers. It may be related to the Greek for “the interpreter” to reflect the god’s role as divine messenger. In Greek myth, Hermione was the daughter of the lovely Helen of Troy, and had relationship troubles of her own involving Trojans. There is a Saint Hermione, an early Christian martyr who was the daughter of Saint Philip, identified as a prophetess in the church. In literature, Hermione is a beautiful queen accused of infidelity in Shakespeare’s play, The Winter’s Tale, and Harry Potter’s best female friend, the book-smart Hermione Granger. An Australian character of this name is Hermione the Modern Girl, the cartoon creation of Kaz Cooke. A famous namesake is British actress Hermione Norriss, from television shows Cold Feet and Wire in the Blood. This elegant name is pronounced her-MY-oh-nee, and charts in the UK.

Ilona

Hungarian name of uncertain meaning. It is usually said to be a form of Helen, although this may be folk etymology. In Magyar folklore, Ilona is the traditional name of the Queen of the Fairies. She is very beautiful, but also mischevious, and at times, dangerous! Archduchess Ilona of Austria was a Hungarian member of the Hapsburgs, one of the great royal houses of Europe; she passed away a few years ago. This pretty name is usually pronounced ih-LOH-na, and has Loni as the obvious nickname. It charts in France.

Juno

The Roman goddess of marriage and childbirth, and the queen of the gods, besides being the patron and protector of the Roman state. She was seen as eternally youthful, filled with forceful vitality, and a fertility figure, yet also warlike. Juno was the sister and wife of the sky god Jupiter, and the divine couple are two of the oldest known Roman gods. Like her husband, Juno had the power to throw thunderbolts, and the couple’s relationship could be stormy at times. The Romans believed that each woman had a protective guardian spirit called a juno, and this was given offerings on the woman’s birthday. The goddess’ name may mean “youth”, with the suggestion of vitality and fertility, but it is also possible that it is related to that of the Etruscan mother goddess Uni, meaning “she who gives”. The Romans connected her name to the waxing and waning of the moon – perhaps with the idea that, like the moon, she constantly renewed herself. The month of June is named in Juno’s honour, and when a woman is described as junoesque, it means she is beautiful, tall and shapely in a stately, imposing way. A famous person with the name is British actress Juno Temple, who has been in The Other Boleyn Girl, and The Dark Kight Rises. The movie Juno, starring Ellen Page, has helped give this name recent exposure, and it fits in with the trend for names ending with O. You may recall that New Zealand name blogger Anna Hamilton has a little girl named Juno. Juno charts in the UK, where it is rising.

Patience

Patience is the ability to endure difficult circumstances, persevering without exhibiting negativity such as irritation or anger, and being able to deal with strain or frustration during long-term difficulties. It is considered one of the highest virtues in several religions, such as Islam, Buddhism and Hinduism, and in Christianity is one of the Seven Heavenly Virtues. Modern psychology sees patience as a sign of self-control and maturity, and it is a secular virtue as well. The word patience is ultimately from the Latin for “suffering”, and it was introduced as a virtue name by the Puritans in the late 16th century. A famous Australian namesake is Patience Hodgson, a member of indie rock band The Grates. Virtue names are back in fashion, and this one seems both admirable and attractive – a name that someone can grow with. Patience charts in the US.

Safiya

Variant of Safiyya, feminine form of the Arabic name Safi, meaning “pure”. The name is important in Islam because Safiyaa bint Huyayy was a Jewish woman captured from a nomadic Arabian tribe at the age of 17 who was chosen by Muhammad for his own. Previously, she had dreamed that the moon fell from the heavens into her lap, and this was interpreted as a miraculous sign she would marry Muhammad. She converted to Islam and became one of the Prophet’s wives, and after his death gained quite a bit of power and influence. Safiya is pronounced sa-FEE-ah, and is an Arabic heritage choice which fits in with current trends, as it is not dissimilar to popular Sophia. It charts in both the UK and France.

Ziva

Slavic name meaning “living, being, existing”. In Slavic mythology, Živa was a goddess of life and fertility who was worshipped throughout what is now Poland, the Czech Republic, Slovakia, Slovenia, and Germany before the coming of Christianity. She was depicted as a beautiful woman, and people prayed to her for good health and long life. She seems to have been connected with the harvest of both fruit and grains, and one story is that she was able to turn herself into a cuckoo bird. Ziva is also a feminine form of the Hebrew name Ziv, meaning “bright, radiant”. In the television drama series NCIS, Ziva David is an Israeli-American agent portrayed by Cote de Pablo. Pronounced ZEE-vah, Ziva fits in with popular names such as Ava and Zoe. It charts in The Netherlands, and the UK, where it is rising, and is popular in Slovenia.

(Photo shows Ellen Page as Juno MacGuff in Juno)

Former reality television contestants Jessica Zinna and Matthew Gallagher welcomed their first child in September last year, and named their son Jax [pictured].

Jessica was a contestant on Beauty and the Geek, and Matthew was an eligible bachelor on The Farmer Wants a Wife. Although neither found love on their respective dating shows, they met by chance at a Melbourne nightclub in 2012, and formed an instant connection. The couple now live on Matthew’s potato and cereal crop farm in Waubra, just outside Ballarat, and are planning to marry.

Mayor of Ballarat, Joshua Morris, and his wife Louise, welcomed their fourth child on February 12, and have named their son Xavier Alan. Xavier Morris was born six and half weeks early at the Epworth Freemasons Hospital in Melbourne, and weighed 2.3 kg (5 lb). He will be staying in St John of God Hospital in Ballarat until he is bigger and stronger. He joins big brothers Will, aged 4, and Isaac 3, and big sister Charlotte, aged 1.

Joshua was elected to the role of mayor last November, and has taken a year’s leave from his job as physical education teacher at Darley Primary School.

Former Canberra radio host Lisa Ridgely, and her partner Daniel Box, welcomed their first child on Australia Day, and have named their son Lachlan James. Lachlan Box was born at Calvary Hospital in Canberra, and weighed 3.02 kg (6lb 6oz).

For many years, Lisa was a popular breakfast presenter on Mix 106.3, and she now works at the PR firm Morris Walter. Daniel is the venue manager at Ainslie Football Club.

Kelly and Adam are expecting their second child in about a month, who will be a sister for their daughter Olive. Choosing Olive’s name was a breeze – the name clicked for both of them early in the pregnancy, and although they considered other names, never loved any of them as they did Olive. As soon as Olive was born, the name suited her perfectly, and both parents are extremely happy with their choice. Kelly loves her daughter’s name so much that the occasional negative comment about it doesn’t bother her at all, and she appreciates that the name is simple and easy to spell, and is neither extremely rare nor very popular.

The family surname is a one-syllable familiar English vocabulary word, such as Hall or Young, and Kelly thinks it needs a first name to match it which isn’t too common, and has more than one syllable. Ideally, Kelly would like a two-syllable name, so that everyone in in the family has the same syllabic pattern in their name, and she wants the whole name to be used, not a shortened nickname version, to keep this pattern. Kelly and Adam aren’t planning on having more children, so it would be nice if they could have a two-girl sibset which feels complete.

The middle name will be Julia, which is a family name; Olive also has a middle name which honours a family member.

At the moment, Kelly and Adam have a clear front-runner for their second daughter’s name – Xanthe (which they happened to see on the blog). They immediately had the same “clicking” feeling they had when they heard Olive, Kelly thinks that Olive and Xanthe sound good together, and she likes the way that Xanthe sounds with their surname. This all made Xanthe seem like the perfect name.

However, as time went by, they started to have a few doubts. Kelly worries that Xanthe will always have to spell her name for people. Kelly can’t stand it when she has to spell out her own name, in case people think it is Kelli or Kellie, and the lack of spelling issues with Olive was one of its main attractions. She’s also worried that people may not know how to pronounce Xanthe (which they are going to say ZAN-thee), and that Xanthe – and her parents – will get sick of constantly correcting people.

The only other name they have really considered is Clementine, and they’ve ruled this out because they think it will be frequently shortened by others, and because it seems too matchy with Olive, as both have a fruit/flower connection. For the same reason, they have ruled out other botanical names such as Violet or Ivy. Kelly really loves the name Freya, but isn’t sure about how it matches with their surname, and she also loves Stella, but Adam doesn’t share her feelings.

Kelly wonders what people think about the name Xanthe as a sister to Olive, and if it will be as problematic as she fears. She would also be interested in hearing other names which fit all her criteria.

* * * * * * * * * *

My initial thought on reading your email is that you have probably found the right name – it’s very encouraging that you got the same feeling from Xanthe that you did from Olive, as if the name had “clicked” into place for you. I think Olive and Xanthe sound great as sisters – they’re completely separate names with their own particular image and feel, and yet they seem to “go together” beautifully, making a rather hip and quirky sibset.

I think you’re right that Xanthe will probably have to correct people on the spelling and pronunciation of her name from time to time, and you know that’s a common thing, because you also have to sometimes explain that you are Kelly, not Kelli/Kellie. However, that doesn’t necessarily mean that Xanthe will find it as annoying as you do.

I’ve noticed that the people who get most irritated about having to spell out their names tend to be those who have traditional names with the standard, or most usual, spelling. Michelles and Kates don’t like to be asked if they are Michele or Cate, parents of Alices and Jaydens get a bit miffed if you spell their child’s name Alyss or Jaedyn. When you have a popular name with widely accepted spelling, you don’t expect to have to explain it to people.

However, when someone has a less common name with less intuitive spelling, they are usually fairly resigned to having to explain spelling and pronunciation on a regular basis. Niamhs and Joaquins mostly don’t feel it’s unreasonable for others to ask for clarification on the spelling and pronunciation of their name, and I think Xanthe might fall into this category – it’s more of a Niamh than an Alice.

On the plus side, I think Xanthe is much better known than it used to be: there’s some famous people with the name, it’s a celebrity baby name, and I’ve even seen it as a product name on furniture and homewares. It’s fairly easy to explain the ZAN- pronunciation too, because the names Xander and Xavier are popular for boys. There’s even the Australian grass tree, whose scientific name is Xanthorrhoea.

And finding a not-too-common name with no spelling or pronunciation issues isn’t that easy anyway. You’ve also considered the name Freya, but I’ve seen people spell that Freyja, Freja and Frea, so a Freya might have her name queried too.

The reason that Olive doesn’t present any spelling or pronunciation problems is because it is a traditional name, and also a vocabulary word, like Ruby or Hazel. Your surname is also a vocabulary word, and although teaming it with Olive has worked out, it might seem a bit obvious if you did the same thing again (not to mention how hard it is to think of a traditional name that isn’t also a colour or plant like Olive).

I’m struggling to think of another name like Xanthe that is neither rare nor common, isn’t a vocabulary word, has two syllables, isn’t a nickname form or can be easily turned into a nickname, sounds good with Olive, and with the middle name Julia, and with your surname, yet presents no spelling/pronunciation issues. Umm …. Astrid?

I think you and Adam have chosen a great name for Olive’s sister which ticks almost every box on your list. Maybe it isn’t perfect, but very few names are, if any. You got very lucky with Olive’s name, and it’s probably too much to expect that kind of good fortune again, where you both love the same name instantly, and it has absolutely no issues, and even the issues it does have aren’t really issues because you love it so much.

It would be wonderful if you meet your new daughter, and Xanthe is so obviously the perfect name for her that the choice is easy, and you love her name so much that explaining it every once in a while doesn’t bother you at all. Could you get that lucky again? I hope so! And you seem like the kind of people where lightning might strike twice.

Please write in and let us know if Xanthe was the perfect name after all, and whether the spelling turns out to be less of a problem than you thought.

Readers, what do you think? Is the spelling and pronunciation of Xanthe too much of a problem? And does it make a good sister to Olive?

(Painting shown is A Childhood Idyll by William-Adolphe Bouguereau, 1901)

Retired rugby league footballer Alan Tongue, and his wife Katie, welcomed their fourth child about a month ago, and have named their daughter Lola. Lola joins big sisters Becky, aged 8, and Heidi, aged 6, and big brother Gem, nearly 3; Gem’s birth was announced on the blog. Alan played his entire decade-long career with the Canberra Raiders, where he made captain, and retired in 2011.

Basketballer Michelle Cosier, and her husband Simon, welcomed their second child on February 27, and have named their son Levi Jackson. Levi joins big brother Brodie, aged 4. Michelle has played for the Canberra Capitals for several years, and hopes to make a comeback to the WMBL next season. Simon runs a sportswear company, and is also a basketball referee.

(Photo shows Alan Tongue holding his daughter Lola, who he has just signed up as a Canberra Raider member; Canberra Raider Jack Wighton holds Lola’s brother Gem)

Former tennis player Mark Philippoussis, and his wife Silvana Lovin, welcomed their first child on February 3, and have named their son Nicholas Emanuel. Nicholas may be named after Mark’s father, Nick Phillipoussis, who was his first tennis coach.

Mark was a professional tennis player during the 1990s and early 2000s. He and his doubles partner Jelena Dokic won the Hopman Cup in 1999 – the only time Australia has ever won it. At the height of his career, he was known for having one of the fastest serves in tennis, and gained the nickname Scud, after the Scud missile. Mark has had a minor career in modelling, and appeared on the NBC dating show, The Age of Love. He is now in the fashion business after launching his own label, runs tennis clinics, and still plays seniors tennis.

Silvana is a model and actress who has appeared in the Australian movie Vanished, and in the American version of the television comedy, Wilfred. She and Mark were married last year, and live in San Diego.

Rugby league star Braith Anasta, and his wife, actress and model Jodi Jordon, welcomed their first child on March 2, and have named their daughter Aleeia. Aleeia Anasta was born at 10.33 am at the Royal North Shore Hospital in Sydney, weighing 3 kg (6 lb 6 oz) and 49 cm long.

Braith has been a professional league footballer since 2000, and has played for the Canterbury Bulldogs and Sydney Roosters, signing with Wests Tigers last season. He has played for the Australian national team, the New South Wales Blues, NSW City, the Prime Minister’s XIII, and last year he played for the national team of Greece. He won the Jack Gibson Medal and the Supporters Club Player of the Year in 2007, the Players Player of the Year in 2008, and the 2010 Captain of the Year in 2010. Braith’s interesting name has been featured on the blog, and also at Baby Name Pondering.

Jodi won a modelling competition at the age of 13, and signed with Vivien’s Modelling Agency. Since 2008 she has been the ambassador for lingerie brand Crystelle. Jodi was on soap opera Home and Away for five years, and won a Logie for Most Popular New Talent in 2006. She received her first film role in 2010, for The Cup, and in 2012 had a role in the crime drama series Underbelly: Badness. She and Braith were married in Bali in 2012.

Former pop singer Nikki Webster, and her husband Matthew McMah, welcomed their first child early this year and have named their daughter Skylah.

Nicole, or “Nikki” started out in show business at the age of five, performing in pantomimes, musicals, and commercials. She came to prominence at the age of 13, when she was chosen for a starring role in the opening ceremony of the 2000 Sydney Olympics. She then signed a recording contract with BMG, and released her first single, Strawberry Kisses, in 2001. Her début album, Follow Your Heart, went platinum, and she received a John O’Keefe Encouragement Award at the 2001 Mo Awards. Her second album was also a success, and she was chosen as the face of a cosmetics line for young teens, and designed her own range of children’s clothing. She competed in Dancing With The Stars at the age of 17. As an adult, Nikki tried to give herself a more mature image, controversially appearing on the front cover of FHM magazine on her 18^th birthday, and making #7 on their 100 Sexiest Women of 2005 list. She also performed at the Sydney gay and lesbian dace party, Sleaze Ball in 2007. Since 2008, she and her brother Scott have managed performing arts schools to help children get into the entertainment industry, where she teaches dancing.

Matthew works in the aviation industry. He and Nikki met on a blind date on Australia Day in 2010, and were married in 2012.

Actor Chris Hemsworth, and his actress wife Elsa Pataky, welcomed twin boys on March 18, and have named their sons Tristan and Sasha. Tristan and Sasha Hemsworth join big sister India, nearly 2; India’s birth was announced on the blog.

The twins are the first members of the family to be born in America, as they arrived at Cedars Sinai Medical Center in West Hollywood, Los Angeles. India was born in London, while Elsa is Spanish, and of course Chris is Australian.

Model and TV presenter Kelly Landry, and her husband, accountant and skipper Anthony Bell, welcomed their second child on March 26, and have named their daughter Thea Elizabeth. Thea Bell joins big sister Charlize, aged 2; Charlize’s birth was announced on the blog.

(Photo of Kelly, Anthony and Charlize from The Daily Telegraph)

NRL footballer Tariq Sims, and his partner, model Ashleigh Sudholz, welcomed their first child on March 1 and have named their daughter Lakia Kai. Tariq has played for rugby league team, The North Queensland Cowboys, since 2011, and has also represented New South Wales Country and the national team of Fiji, which he qualified for through his Fijian mother. Tariq’s name was featured on the blog. Ashleigh is an award-winning swimwear model who specialises in promoting sportswear.

A-League footballer Matt Smith, and his wife Aicha, welcomed their third child on March 18, and have named their daughter Isla Evelyn. Isla Smith joins big sister Ava, aged 5, and big brother Owen, aged 2; Owen’s birth was announced on the blog. Matt is the captain of Brisbane Roar FC.

(Photo shows Tariq and Ashleigh before Lakia’s birth)

Music artists Cameron Bird and Kellie Sutherland welcomed their first child last month, and have named their son Ralph.

Cameron and Kellie are from indie pop band Architecture in Helsinki. The band was formed in 2000, and got its name after Cameron cut up newspapers and rearranged the words. Their new album NOW&4EVA has just been released, and to promote it they have opened a temporary concept store in Melbourne Central Shopping Centre. They will be touring in Australia to promote the album, and hope to tour in North America soon. Cameron first met Kellie at a party, where he invited her to join the band. They have been together for five years, and live in Melbourne.

(Photo is of Architecture in Helsinki; Cameron is first on the left, and Kellie is the only woman)

Retired swimmer and television presenter Giaan Rooney, and her husband Sam Levett, welcomed their first child on March 17, and have named their son Zander.

Giaan began her international swimming career aged 15 at the 1998 Commonwealth Games, where she won a gold medal in the 100 m backstroke, and was a member of the gold-medal winning relay team. In 2001 she claimed the world swimming title in 200 m freestyle at the World Swimming Championships in Japan; at this event, the Australian women’s relay team, which included Giaan, were disqualified after they jumped in the pool to celebrate their victory. Giaan was named captain of the Australian swim team for the 2006 Commonwealth Games, and won a silver medal in the 100 m backstroke, coming second by only 0.01 of a second; as you would expect of such a tight contest, video footage of the result was ambiguous. Giaan retired from competitive swimming after this event. During her career, she won gold and two silvers at Olympic Games, and two golds, three silvers and a bronze at Commonwealth Games. Since retiring from swimming, Giaan has worked as a television presenter, and until going on maternity leave, was the weather presenter on Seven News Melbourne.

Sam is a helicopter pilot. He and Giaan were married in 2011, and they live on a farm in country Victoria.

(Photo of Giaan and Sam from Pinterest)

In a week it will be Easter, which is always on the first Sunday after the full moon following March 21. This computation was agreed upon in the 4th century, although it was apparently already an old tradition in Rome. The Gospels tell us that the Resurrection of Christ took place on a Sunday, and from then on the day had special significance for Christians.

In the New Testament Sunday is called the Lord’s Day, and early Christians gathered for worship then. This was formalised in the 4th century, and may have been easier to implement because Sunday was already a public holiday in the Roman Empire. It is because of Christianity, and in particular because of Easter, that Sunday is regarded as a holiday – technically every Sunday of the Christian year is “Easter”, because it commemorates the Resurrection.

The English word Sunday comes from Old English, and simply means “sun’s day”. It is derived from the Germanic translation of the Latin term dies solis, meaning “day of the sun”, and in turn, this translates the Ancient Greek, heméra helíou.

The Ancient Greeks named each day of the week after the sun, the moon, and the five known planets, which were associated with gods; an idea they got from the Egyptians. The Romans followed this pattern, as did the Germanic peoples. It seems to be an Indo-European custom, because in most Indian languages, the word for Sunday is also linked with sun gods. So although Sunday has strong Christian associations, the English word has a long pagan history.

Sunday has been used as a personal name since at least the 18th century, and was possibly used for babies born on a Sunday. The first American named Sunday I can find was African-American, and in her case it may have been a slave name. The name Sunday was originally given fairly evenly to boys and girls, although today Sunday is usually thought of as a female name. Its unisex status is still active – in 2012 we had a celebrity baby boy called Sunday.

Sunday has become a celebrity baby name in Australia, since radio host Kate Langbroek chose it for her eldest daughter, Sunday Lil Lewis, in 2005. Kate’s daughter was named after celebrated art patron Sunday Reed, born Lelda Sunday Baillieau. She was from a wealthy and privileged background, and her second husband was John Reed. Together the couple gave both friendship and financial support to modern artists such as Sidney Nolan and Charles Blackman. Sidney Nolan became Sunday’s lover, and he painted his famous Ned Kelly series in the Reeds’ dining room.

The Reeds’ home near Heidelberg was named Heide, and it later became the Heide Museum of Modern Art. There was a kitchen garden at Heide, and many years later, Kate Langbroek ate from a rockmelon which Sunday Reed had planted there. It seems to have been something of an epiphanous moment for Kate, and served as the inspiration for her daughter’s name.

In 2008, actress Nicole Kidman and her husband, country music star Keith Urban, named their eldest daughter Sunday Rose. This caused Kate Langbroek a certain amount of consternation, who declared that the Kidman-Urbans had “stolen” her baby name.

What may have made it more irritating for Kate was that news sources reported that Sunday Rose had also been named after Sunday Reed. Nicole’s father Dr Antony Kidman was quoted as saying that he and Nicole’s mother had suggested the name Sunday after reading about Sunday Reed.

Meanwhile, baby name conspiracy theorists believed that the name Sunday had been chosen for its Christian significance. They saw the choice of the name Sunday as a declaration of Nicole Kidman’s Catholic faith, and a public rejection of her ex-husband’s devotion to the Church of Scientology.

By Nicole Kidman’s testimony, neither of these stories was correct, and they simply liked the name Sunday. Furthermore, what made the name special to them was that Sunday was the couple’s day to spend together – it was a name that symbolised love and the end of loneliness. It was also the day of the week they got married.

Although some people still see Sunday as a religious name, it’s important to remember that Sundays have secular significance too. Sunday is a holiday, a day of freedom from work, a day for sports and games, for beaches and barbecues, for friends and family. A great day for visiting art museums, too!

When the name of Nicole and Keith’s daughter was announced, I was surprised to see how many people online thought of it as a “wacky celebrity baby name”, like Audio Science or Pilot Inspektor. There often seemed to be disdain or even hostility towards it. In Australia, most people seem to like the name, except those who think that Sunday Rose sounds too much like “Sunday roast”.

Now Canadian comedian Mike Myers has a daughter named Sunday – Sunday Molly. However, Mike’s son is named Spike, which may just cement the idea that Sunday is the sort of crazy baby name that parents who like the name Spike might choose.

The name Sunday has only been on the US Top 1000 once, in the 1960s, and is extremely rare in the UK. Sunday has never charted in Australia, and between 2002 and 2007 there were 36 babies named Sunday born in Victoria. While Kate Langbroek hasn’t managed to keep the name to herself, her fear was that after the birth of Sunday Rose, the popularity of the name would snowball and there would be a “plague of Sundays”. Her baby name nightmare hasn’t eventuated – yet it does feel as if the name Sunday is slowly gathering momentum.

Sunday is a rare name, but still in occasional use, and you must not expect to be the only parent in the world, or even the state, with a little Sunday. It’s a day of the week with a simple meaning, and many layers of associations that are pagan, Christian and secular, but overall tied to the light and life from the sun – a name of warmth and happiness. Sunny or Sunnie is the obvious nickname, which brings the name right back to its origins.

(Photo shows the original 19th farmhouse at the Heide Museum of Modern Art in Melbourne, which became a focal point for progressive art and culture: the Reeds made it their home from 1935 to 1967)

Banned Baby Names

It was reported in The Age last month that the state of Victoria is banning baby names under the Births, Deaths and Marriages Act. This isn’t actually news in the sense of new information – that’s been the situation everywhere in Australia since the mid-1990s, with all states following more or less the same guidelines. It is a reminder that Births Deaths and Marriages has the discretion to reject names that are deemed unsuitable – however, the newspaper report failed to mention that parents can appeal the decision, and appeals have been successful in the past. Names rejected in Victoria included Lord, Princess, Princess Di and Prince (titles), Fireman Sam (trademark), Tit (offensive), and also Glory Hallelujah, New Covernant, Wonderful Beautiful, Anarchy, and Honest Mary, which seem to be Victoria’s idea of unsuitable. Pepper, Jazz, Reef, and Texan Gamble all made the cut however.

The Sunshine Coast Daily reported that “quirky” names were being banned in Victoria. The article said rather smugly that parents were free to choose any name they want in Queensland, whether it be pop culture Khaleesi or traditional Francis Xavier. That seems idiotic, as Khaleesi is allowed in Victoria too – it’s a title, but a fictional one, and not in English – although it’s not as popular as in Queensland. Queensland has the same naming regulations as the rest of Australia, but while the article was smug and silly, there was a grain of truth behind it, because names seem to be very rarely disallowed in Queensland, and it does have a more relaxed naming culture. Moral of the story: if you yearn for a kookier baby name, you are better off moving to Queensland than Victoria.

Radio Audience Help Choose Baby Name

Melbourne’s first baby of 2014 was born at 12.34 am on January 1 at the Royal Women’s Hospital to professional dancers Bessie and George Awad. The Awads couldn’t decide between their three favourite names of Indiana, Marley, and Summer, so they threw it open to listeners of radio station 3AW and its Twitter followers. Indiana was by far the most popular choice of the public, and this was the name they went with. Indiana was also the choice of dad George, who chose it because he thought his baby daughter “looked like a little Pocahontas” (not the most politically correct name story!). Bessie says the name suits Indiana. By the way, don’t you love mum and dad’s names – Bessie and George, adorable.

Baby Name Trends of 2014

Practical Parenting magazine had a slideshow of baby name trends to watch for in 2014, including old fashioned names, boys names for girls, surnames-as-first-names, and literary names. They also gave their predictions of which names would rise this year, and with so many guesses that at least a few of them will be correct.

When Rafael Became Rafferty

Comedian Dave Hughes has been on the blog a couple of times because of his delightfully named children Rafferty, Sadie and Tess – Tess Clementine was even voted the public’s favourite celebrity baby name last year. In an interview this year [story expired] Dave revealed that the first choice for his son’s name was Rafael. Even though this isn’t uncommon in Australia, Dave felt that they weren’t Spanish enough to pull off having a Rafael, so went with Rafferty instead. It’s interesting to wonder what would have happened if they’d gone with Rafael – would they have had two girls named Sadie and Tess? My guess is no: it’s interesting to see how the choice of the first child’s name can influence your other children’s’ names.

An Australian Name in America

A rare set of identical triplets were born in California, named Abby, Laurel and Brindabella – who made their way into the Birth Announcements here. The triplets’ dad is originally from Canberra in the ACT, where the Brindabellas form a mountain range to the west. He spent a lot of time exploring the mountains, and discovering a love of nature – he and his wife were married in the mountains in 2007, when they wed on top of Mount Franklin. Brindabella was named after the mountains of her dad’s home town, and although it sounds unusual next to her sisters, Brin or Bella will excite little excitement. Brindabella either means “two kangaroo rats” in the local language or “water running over rocks” with a European -bella added to mean “beautiful”.

True Blue 

Business Insider reported on websites which allow people to connect for the purposes of co-parenting. They aren’t dating websites, but provide an opportunity for single people who want children to match up so they can start a family together. The story featured Australian man Fabian Blue, who has moved to Nebraska in the United States to be with his co-parent, Dawn Pieke, and they have a one-year-old daughter together named Indigo. While Indigo is a common name in Australia, Indigo Blue has a nice ring to it.

Name Inspired By Royal Visit

The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge have just arrived in Australia, and 60 years ago Queen Elizabeth made her own royal tour. Dorothy Williams remembers the day that the queen came to Bendigo in regional Victoria, because she was in hospital after having given birth to a baby girl. The hospital beds were placed close to the window so that patients could see the queen being driven through the hospital gates. Dorothy named her daughter Pamela after Pamela Mountbatten, the queen’s lady-in-waiting. Lady Pamela is a first cousin of Prince Philip, and was a bridesmaid at his wedding to Queen Elizabeth. In 1954, Pamela was the #12 girls name in Victoria, just one place behind Elizabeth. I wonder how many of the 426 Pamelas were named after Lady Pamela, and how many of the 429 Elizabeths were named for the queen?

They First Met in the Local Birth Notices

I read a lot of birth notices, including from the Port Lincoln Times, so was interested to see this story about Olivia Fairclough. She and her twin sister Belinda were born on October 8 1975, and while researching softball history in the local paper, Olivia happened to come across their original birth notice, published October 16 1975. To her amazement, she saw that her husband’s birth notice was published below it – Martin Sheridan was born on October 9 1975 in Western Australia, but his grandparents in Port Lincoln announced the birth in their home town. He later moved to Port Lincoln, and he and Olivia have been married for five years. Keep a copy of the birth notices for the day your baby’s birth is announced: their future spouse may be in it.

Three Channel Nine news presenters welcomed babies in the first months of the year. Most were announced on Channel Nine’s Instagram page. There seems to be something in the water cooler, because last year Channel Nine news staff welcomed no less than eight babies.

Wendy Kingston and her husband David Thompson welcomed their son Sam at the end of January, a brother to Joshua, aged 2. Wendy is a presenter on the afternoon bulletin, Nine News Now, and David is a financier.

Amelia Adams and her husband Luke welcomed their first child in March, and have named their son Charlton Blair. Amelia is a presenter on Nine Morning News and Nine Afternoon News, and Luke is a cameraman and photographer.

Amber Sherlock and her husband Chris recently welcomed their son Zachary James, a brother to Piper, aged 4. Amber presents the weather on Nine News Sydney, and is the Friday presenter on Nine News Now.

(Photo shows Wendy with her son Joshua, from the Daily Telegraph)

Pop star Guy Sebastian, and his wife Jules, welcomed their second son on April 17, and have named him Archer Jones. Archer Sebastian joins big brother Hudson, aged 2. Hudson’s birth was announced on the blog.

Hudson has received a boost of popularity since being chosen by Guy as his first son’s name – will Archer also go up in popularity this year?

GIRLS

Aria
In 2012 Aria was a newcomer to the national Top 100, and one of its highest-risers. In 2013 its success continued as the #1 rising name in Australia and Queensland, and a top rising name in New South Wales and Victoria. Aria is one of the main characters in the Pretty Little Liars book and television series, and also sounds similar to Arya from Game of Thrones. Its Italian origins make this a good cross-cultural choice too.

Evelyn
Classic Evelyn was the #1 rising name in the Northern Territory, and one of the top rising names nationally, as well as in New South Wales, Victoria, and Tasmania. In 2012 it was a top rising name nationally, and last year increased the speed at it which it rose. Ivy was the fastest-rising girls’ name of 2012, and here’s another name with a V, following hard on the heels of Evie, Eva and Ava.

Penelope
I suspect Penelope’s entrance into the Top 100 has caused some dismay. It’s certainly made me eat humble pie, as I was foolish enough last year to reassure parents that Penelope was not too popular when you had a careful look at the available data. I began to get an inkling I had made a boo-boo when day after day, I saw that the search term popularity of penelope in australia had come up yet again. I couldn’t help worrying that if all these people trustingly chose the name Penelope, its popularity was sure to increase dramatically. My fears were not unfounded, as Penelope rose more than 100 places to be the #1 rising name in Victoria, and was a top rising name nationally and in New South Wales. A slew of celebrity babies named Penelope has helped this name become hot property, and it’s back on the Top 100 for the first time since the 1970s.

Samantha
Perenially popular Samantha had been gradually sliding down the Top 100 for over a decade, but last year got a boost, going up 15 places nationally and 58 places in Victoria, as well as being a top rising name in the Australian Capital Territory, and joining the Western Australian Top 50. Perth-born model and singer, Samantha Jade, who won The X-Factor in 2012, and recently had a starring role in the hit INXS mini-series, Never Tear Us Apart, probably has something to do with it. Popular breakfast television presenter Samantha Armytage may be another factor.

Lola
Lola was the #1 name rising in New South Wales and a top rising name in Queensland. Short forms such as Maggie and Elsie did well in the charts in 2013, and although Lola is part of this movement, it seems much cheekier and flirtier than its retro sisters. Could it be the next Ruby?

BOYS

Louis
Even though classic Louis has charted since the 1900s, it was a newcomer to the Top 100 last year. It rose at least 27 places to become the #1 rising name in the country for 2013, as well as a top rising name in New South Wales and Victoria. Louis has been rising steeply for several years now, and it was only a matter of time before it made the Top 100 – but being chosen as a royal middle name can’t have done any harm.

Hudson
Hudson was one of the fastest-rising names of 2012, and continues to power up the charts. It was the #1 rising name in New South Wales, and a top rising name nationally, as well as in Victoria, Queensland, Western Australia and Tasmania. This name has been doing very well since being chosen as a baby name by two celebrities – TV chef Curtis Stone in 2011, and pop star Guy Sebastian in 2012.

Nathaniel
Nathaniel is another newcomer to the Top 100 charts, having charted in the 1900s then dropped off the charts until the 1960s. It was the #1 rising name in Victoria, and a top rising name nationally, and in New South Wales, Queensland, and Tasmania. This retro name has been making smooth and steady progress up the charts for decades, and its entry into the Top 100 coincides with the release of the first successful singles of pop singer Nathaniel (thanks to Ebony at Babynameobsessed for this tip). Another famous Australian namesake is Nathaniel Buzolic from The Vampire Diaries. This provides another way to get the popular short form Nate.

George
Remember those reports from Baby Center that Prince George hadn’t had any effect on the popularity of the name George? And how they said that before any official data had been released? Well now some has, and the name George was a top rising name nationally, and in Queensland and Western Australia (our most monarchist states?). George rose 11 places to #60; its highest ranking since the 1970s. As well as the little Prince currently gracing our shores, there is a baby George in Downton Abbey, the heir to an earldom. The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge are fans of the show, making their choice of George a possible subconscious small-screen homage. It’s interesting to note that George, Alexander and Louis all became more popular last year.

Lincoln
Lincoln was a fast-rising name of 2012, and before all the data had come in, I predicted that it would make the national Top 50 for 2013. It rose 17 places and just scraped in at #50, so a close call! Lincoln was also a top rising name in Victoria and Western Australia. Lincoln Younes plays “River Boy” Casey Braxton on Home and Away, and the name Lincoln has been increasing in popularity ever since he joined the show in 2011.

Other Names That Rose

• Lillian – top riser nationally and in New South Wales
• Eloise – top riser nationally and in Victoria
• Olive – top riser nationally and in Victoria
• Violet – #1 rising name in Western Australia and Tasmania
• Indigo – top riser in Victoria and Queensland
• Felix – top riser nationally and in New South Wales
• Ryder – top riser nationally and in Tasmania
• Lewis – top riser in Victoria and Tasmania
• Hugo – top riser in Queensland and the Australian Capital Territory
• Finn – top riser in Western Australia and the Australian Capital Territory

NOTE: I have chosen those names which increased in popularity in the most number of states and territories, making their popularity widest across the board in Australia. For the positions of each name in individual states and territories, please refer to the Name Data category for more information.

Former rugby union player Tom Carter, and his wife Petria, welcomed their daughter Winnie in March. Tom played for the New South Wales Waratahs in Super Rugby for five years, and retired last year. He currently plays for Sydney University and runs his own strength and conditioning business.

Golfer Damien Jordan [pictured], and his partner Amber Byrnes, welcomed their daughter Lexi at the end of last year. Damien is a former soldier who served two tours in Iraq, and an amateur golfer. After winning the Lismore Workers Golf Club Easter Open for the second time, he is now planning to join the American pro circuit.

Luxury car businessman Martin Roller and his partner Dan Li, who goes by the name Renee, welcomed their daughter Isabella on April 11. Isabella Roller was born at 3.56 am, and weighed 3.1 kg (6lb 8oz).

Martin is a managing director of Brisbane BMW and Lamborghini Brisbane, and is a prominent multi-million dollar businessman in his home city. Renee is originally from China, and until recently ran her own chain of massage parlours.

Lord Mayor Robert Doyle, and his wife, Emma Page Campbell, welcomed their first child together yesterday, on Anzac Day, and have named their son Henry Ian Bennett. Henry Doyle was born at 4.20 pm at Frances Perry House, a private obstretric hospital in Melbourne. Robert has three adult children named Andy, Bridie and Antonia with his first wife Jennifer.

Robert is a Liberal Party politician, with a background in teaching and school administration. He won the seat of Malvern in the 1992 state election, and had several important roles in the Kennett government. After becaming leader of the Liberal Party he lost the 2002 election by a large margin, taking the party to its worst-ever defeat in Victoria. In 2006 he resigned as opposition leader, and ended his term as MP of Malvern after another severe defeat in the polls. The following year, he was appointed chairman of Melbourne Health, which operates Royal Melbourne Hospital. In 2008, he was elected Lord Mayor of Melbourne. Robert’s great-great grandfather, Robert Bennett, served as Mayor of Melbourne in the early 1860s.

Emma is a lawyer at the Australian Centre for the Moving Image, which promotes Australian screen culture. She and Robert were married in 2011 while on holiday in New York City.

Henry Doyle has been jokingly referred to as “Melbourne’s royal baby”, and with a princely name and famous family name in the middle, he certainly sounds the part.