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Showing posts from 2014

Hello, Winter!

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"Christmas in America" by Alphonse Mucha I can't believe December is already here! I'm one of those people who absolutely love Christmas and anything associated with it. I'm also so excited it is finally cold- really cold! As we start our countdown to Christmas, here are some names to keep your holiday spirits up. Wintery Names: Eira - Welsh, "Snow" Nicholas Lumi - Finnish, "Snow" Frostine Haukea - Hawaiian, "white snow" Natalie - "Christmas Day" Rudolph Bora (b) - Albanian, "snow" Fannar - Icelandic, "snow drift" Decima/Decimus Noelle/Noel Isolde - Possibly "ice battle" Zuzu - Nickname for Susan; daughter in "It's a Wonderful Life" Yuki - Japanese, "snow" Hollis - English, "holly trees" Gwyneira - Welsh, "white snow" Vetr - Norse personification of winter Nieves - Spanish, "snow" Words: Icy Winter/Wintry Frost

On My Mind: 12/1/14

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Michelle Pfeiffer as Isabeau in "Ladyhawke" I sabeau - I watched a bit of "Ladyhawke" the other day, the cheesy fantasy film with Michelle Pfeiffer and Rutger Hauer. I love fantasy films, especially the ones made in the 80s and 90s. Isabeau is the name of Michelle Pfeiffer's character, and one I've seen thrown around a lot on name forums. In the film it is said "EE-sah-bo", though it can also be said "IZ-uh-bo". For a historical figure, there is Isabeau of Bavaria, who was Queen of France from 1385-1422.     Manu - I first came across this name on actor Manu Bennett of "Spartacus" fame, who is of Maori descent on his father's side. He says it is a Maori name meaning "bird", and that it is in honor of his uncle who was the Bishop of New Zealand.   Fernway - Going through Lena Horn's filmography, I came across this unusual choice. I'm really loving it, and I think it would make an especially grea

Names Taken from Lord Frederic Leighton

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"Pavonia" by Lord Frederic Leighton Lord Frederic Leighton was an English artist who lived from 1830 to 1896. He was also the bearer of the shortest lived peerage ever; it was a hereditary title, and he had it only one day before he died. Female: Phoebe May Actaea Clytie Psamathe Acme Venus Persephone Nausicaa Andromache Ida Pysche Antigone Sibyl Electra Clytemnestra Andromeda Iphigenia Hero Pavonia (A genus of plants) Male: Icarus Daedalus Septimus Elijah Richard Frederic Dante Perseus Henry Cymon Hercules Agamemnon Alcestis Jonathan David

Manon

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Origin : French Gender : Female Meaning : Diminutive of Marie Pronunciation : muh-NOH, muh-NAWN, MAN-on Other forms : N/A This is one of those names where I can't decide my feelings on it. I like the way it looks, I like that it is unusual and French, but I'm not sure if I'm keen on the pronunciations. I think the first time I heard it said aloud was when Damian Lewis was talking about his daughter Manon, and he used the "MAN-on" pronunciation, which sounded nice when he said it, but I sound very stilted when I attempt it. Manon is a diminutive for Marie, and is used in France and the Netherlands. The first Manon I think of is from "Manon of the Spring" or "Manon des Sources", the sequel to the critically acclaimed "Jean de Florette". It is about Jean de Florette's daughter who is named Manon after her mother's favorite opera role, "Manon Lescaut". The opera was adapted from the 1731 book by Abbé Prévost, wh

Mayflower Names

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"Landing of the Pilgrims" by Michele Felice Cornè *I totally forgot to post this yesterday, so here it is a little late. Happy Thanksgiving! Today the post is some of the names of passengers on the Mayflower, both those from the Holland congregation and the London one. Isaac Allerton - Mary Allerton (wife) - Bartholomew Allerton (7, boy) - Remember Allerton (5, girl) - Mary Allerton (3, girl; She was the last passenger of the Mayflower to die) William Brewster - Mary Brewster (wife) - Love/Truelove Brewster (9, boy) - Wrestling Brewster (6, boy) Moses Fletcher Degory Priest Desire Minter Stephen Hopkins - Elizabeth Hopkins (wife) - Giles Hopkins (12, boy) - Constance Hopkins (14, girl) - Damaris Hopkins (1-2, girl) - Oceanus Hopkins (Born during the voyage) William White - Susanna White (wife) - Resolved White (5, boy) - Peregrine White (Boy, born on board in Cape Cod) Humility Cooper Jasper More Elias Storey Roger Wilder

The Siblings of C.C. van Asch van Wijck

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"Cox in the Atelier of Toon Dupuis" C.C. van Asch van Wijck was a Dutch artists' model and sculptor, and had many siblings who had amazing names. C.C. herself was Lady Cornélie Caroline, and was called "Cox". She was named for her aunt, Countess Cornelia van Limburg Stirum. She was the fourth of the five children of Lord Hubert Willem van Asch van Wijck and Countess Wilhelmina Philippina "Wim" van Limburg Stirum. The others were as follows: Constance "Conny" Maurits "Maus" Cecilius "Cecil" C.C. Wilhelmina Adolphina "Dolph" C.C. died after giving birth to her son, Johan Adolph "Dolph" Volcker, at the age of thirty-one.

A List of Names Taken from French Royal Mistresses (2)

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Agnès Sorel as "Madonna Surrounded by Seraphim and Cherubim" by Jean Fouquet Continuing on... Agnès Sorel - Charles VII - Sorel was the first officially recognized royal mistress in France. She was called "Dame de beauté", and had three daughters by Charles, Charlotte de Valois, Marie de Valois, and Jeanne de Valois. She died at the age of twenty-eight after giving birth to her fourth child. She was believed to have been poisoned using mercury, and theories state it was Charles' own son who did it. Antoinette de Maignelais - Charles VII - Antoinette was Agnès' cousin and replaced her as mistress after her death. She had two daughters believed to have been sired by him. One was named Jane. Phélisé Regnard - Louis XI Marguerite de Sassenage - Louis XI Françoise de Foix, Comtesse de Châteaubriant - Francis I Anne de Pisseleu d'Heilly, Duchess of Étampes - Francis I Mary Boleyn - Francis I (Disputed) Diane de Poitiers - Henry II Janet

A List of Names Taken from French Royal Mistresses (1)

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Odette and Charles VI by François Guizot I have a fascination with royal mistresses, with the power they gained and held, rivaling only the Queen's, who very often aware of them. They often had quite interesting names, and their children did as well, having the freedom to go a bit more adventurous with them than the royals did. Without further ado, starting all the way back in Clovis' reign from 509-511, here is the first batch of names. Evochilde - Clovis I Waldrada, Princess of the Lombards - Chlothar I Valtrude of the Lombards - Chlothar I Arnegundis - Chlothar I Merofleda - Charibert I - Had a daughter by him named Berteflede. Clothilde - Charibert I Marcovefa - Charibert I - Had a daughter by him named Clothilde. Theogilda - Charibert I Fredegund d'Ardennes - Chilperic I - Later became Queen. Persuaded Chilperic to divorce his first wife and send her to a convent; however he then married Galswintha, who Fredegund strangled. Her daughter with Ch

Silent Star Names

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I've been entranced by silent films ever since I saw the 1926 "The Scarlet Letter" starring Lillian Gish and Lars Hanson early one morning. I loved the heavy makeup and the over the top performances, the glamor and the fashion. The names are also really great, especially the women's, which were really spunky. I tried to feature a lot of the more prominent stars of the time so we could get an idea of what was popular, but a few of the more unusual names of lesser known stars slipped in! If you comment, please let me know what your favorite silent film is! Ladies: Anita Page Lila Lee Jobyna Ralston Madge Bellamy Betty Bronson Renée Adorée Madlaine Traverse Nita Naldi Billie Dove Marguerite De La Motte Leatrice Joy Texas Guinan Zena Keefe Lillian and Dorothy Gish Bessie Love Teddy Sampson Anna May Wong Theda Bara Mae Marsh Alta Allen Francelia Billington Minta Durfee (real name was Araminta) Louise Brooks ZaSu Pitts Clara Bow Marion Davies

The Children of Joachim of Denmark

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Princess Marie and Prince Joachim of Denmark Prince Joachim of Denmark, Count of Monpezat  was born Joachim Holger Waldemar Christian to Margrethe II of Denmark and Henrik, Prince Consort of Denmark . He first married  Princess Alexandra of Denmark, later  Alexandra, Countess of Frederiksborg who was born Alexandra Christina Manley. Their children are: Nikolai William Alexander Frederik, " Prince Nikolai of Denmark, Count of Monpezat " Felix Henrik Valdemar Christian, " Prince Felix of Denmark, Count of Monpezat Then he married Princess Marie of Denmark , who was born Marie Agathe Odile Cavallier. Their children are: Henrik Carl Joachim Alain, " Prince Henrik of Denmark, Count of Monpezat " Athena Marguerite Françoise Marie, " Princess Athena of Denmark, Countess of Monpezat "

Lively Names

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"Allegory of Life" by Pierre Puvis de Chevannes There are more names with meanings relating to "life" than just Vita; from the Albanian Luljeta to the Thai Suchart, here are lively names from all over the world. Girls: Asha (Swahili name meaning "life") Liv (Means "life" in Swedish) Enid (Welsh name meaning "soul" or "life) Zoe (Greek name meaning "life") Luljeta (Albanian name meaning "flower of life") Hiwot (Amharic name meaning "life") Bizitza (Means "life" in Basque) Boys: Bion (Greek name meaning "life") Chayyim (Hebrew name meaning "life") Vitale (Italian name meaning "of life, vital") Suchart (Thai name meaning "born into a good life") Zoticus (Greek name meaning "full of life") Beathan (Scottish name meaning "life") Unisex: Vivo (Esperanto name meaning "life") Chinwendu (Igbo name meaning

The Children of Johann I Joseph of Liechtenstein

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Johann I Joseph of Liechtenstein Johann I Joseph, Prince of Leichtenstein was born Johann Baptist Josef Adam Johann Nepomuk Aloys Franz de Paula to Franz Joseph I and Leopoldine von Sternberg . He married Landgravine Josepha of Fürstenberg-Weitra , who was born Maria Josepha Sophie. Their children were: Maria Leopoldine Josepha Sophia Aemiliana, " Princess Maria Leopoldine of Liechtenstein " Karoline, " Princess Karoline of Liechtenstein " Aloys Maria Josef Johann Baptista Joachim Philipp Nerius, " Aloys II, Prince of Liechtenstein " Maria Sophie Josepha, " Princess Maria of Liechtenstein ", later " Princess Maria, Countess of Vincenz Esterházy von Galántha " Maria Josepha, " Princess Maria Josepha of Liechtenstein " Franz de Paula Joachim Joseph, " Prince Franz de Paula of Liechtenstein " Karl Borromäus Johann Nepomuk Anton, " Prince Karl Johann of Liechtenstein " Klothilda Leopoldina

Surnames for Girls

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Mia Farrow I know, I know, surnames for girls is kind of taboo in the naming world. I do understand some of the hate, but I also think there are some exceptions. I also love it when the maiden name is used, either as a first or middle. If my own surname sounded nice enough for a name, I would use it in a heartbeat; unfortunately it doesn't. But here are some that I think wear especially nice on little girls. Baker Fifer/Pfeiffer Abbott Weaver Foster Shaw Lane Fontaine Silva English (Guilty pleasure!) Joplin Painter Madigan Winslet Marlowe Golightly Draper Foley Blanchett Munro Paige/Page Sayer Hart Fisher

Ryan Gosling and Eva Mendes Reveal Daughter's Name

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Eva and Ryan The secretive couple have finally released the name of their new baby - Esmeralda Amada. I'm really impressed!

The Children of Antonia of Luxembourg

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Antonia with Five of Her Six Children Princess Antonia of Luxembourg was born Antoinette Roberte Sophie Wihelmine to William IV, Grand Duke of Luxembourg and Marie Anne of Portugal . She married Rupprecht, Crown Prince of Bavaria , who was born Rupprecht Maria Luitpold Ferdinand. He had four children from a previous relationship. Their children were: Heinrich Franz Wilhelm, " Prince Heinrich of Bavaria " Irmingard Maire Josefa, " Princess Irmingard of Bavaria " Editha Marie Gabrielle Anna, " Princess Editha of Bavaria, Mrs. Schmert " Hilda Hildegard Marie Gabriele, " Princess Hildegard of Bavaria, Mrs. de Loayza " Gabriele Adelgunde Marie Theresia Antonia, " Princess Gabrielle of Bavaria, Duchess of Croÿ " Sophie Marie Therese, " Princess Sophie of Bavaria, Duchess of Arenberg "

On My Mind: 10-6-14

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I've just seen "Chicken with Plums" I thought I would dedicate a post to some of the names in it. It is about an Iranian man named Nasser-Ali Khan who is a talented musician. After a fight with his wife, who breaks his violin, he decides to die. It is based on the graphic novel by Marjane Satrapi, who co-directed the film with Vincent Paronnaud. Parvine - I think this is a form of Parvin, which means "the Pleiades" in Persian. The Pleiades are a group of stars, closest to earth and most visible. They are named for seven sisters, companions to the Goddess Artemis, daughters of Atlas and Pleione. Nasser - Naseer, a form of Nasir, means "helper" in Arabic. I especially like the female version, Nasira. Irâne - This one was the most unusual to me. In the subtitles it is simply Iran, however she is credited as Irâne. I wonder if it is just the French version of Iran? If any one has any info, please let me know. Cyrus - I've liked this name for

Mila Kunis and Ashton Kutcher Have a Girl

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Mila and Ashton After months of waiting to find out what they would name their baby, the time is finally here. They have had a little girl who they named Wyatt Isabelle.

Still Dusty

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Frida Kahlo Vintage names are a trend that keeps on growing, but with more and more people trying to be unusual, the pool of fusty names seems to be drying up. Here I have compiled a list of names that are still flying under the radar, and have yet to be dusted off. Girls: Nadine Prudence Francine Velma Dorothy Rita Thomasina Margery Ida Constance Merle Thelma Frida Dinah Nancy Augustine Edna Beryl Gail Marlene Harriet Gertrude Boys: Wallace Ike Newton Sidney Cecil Mortimer Barnaby Merle Reuben Stanley Wendell Harold Clifford Bernard Rudolph Eugene Cyril

Apartment Therapy (8)

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Amelia and Angus' Room I'm back with some more Apartment Therapy! Please enjoy these wonderfully named children + lovely rooms. Girls: Ruby Colette Sophie Pearl Vivian Frances Zoe Isobel Harriet "Hattie" Brynlee Harper Stella Maeve Rosalind Freia Emerson Rooney Eliza Amelia (Sister to Angus) Sylvia Mariam Harlan Veil Violet Mila Emmaline Isla Rae Gemma Eden Stella Boys: Joseph Mac Locke Jack Archer Grayson Charlie Angus (Brother to Amelia) León Oscar Sebastian Bear Eli Mateo Zeb Julian Maxwell Beckett and Cooper Lucca Roman Casimir Reason Lennon

Hello, Fall!

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"Autumn Leaves" by John Everett Millais Fall is probably my favorite season, followed closely by winter, which is really sad because I live in the south where we have fall for about a week before moving into the worst, wettest winter you could imagine. In honor of fall finally arriving, I'm going to do a post on names that remind me of fall and relate to it. *I wanted to thank my sister, Abby, for helping with this list! Autumnal Names: Luna - Harvest Moon Aurelia/Aurelius - "Golden, gilded" Orabela -"Golden-beautiful" Autumnus - Latin form of autumn Demeter - "Earth mother", Goddess of agriculture Oisín - "Little deer" Todd - "Fox" Pepita - Diminutive of Joseph and feminine variants; name for pumpkin seeds Flavius/Flavia - "Golden" or "yellow-haired" Zibiah - "Roe, deer" Arista - "Ear of Corn" Golda/Goldie Kaede - "Maple" Aiman - "Beauty of the mo

The Children of Victoria Louise of Prussia

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Princess Victoria Louise of Prussia Princess Victoria Louise of Prussia was born Viktoria Luise Adelheid Mathilde Charlotte to William II, German Emperor and Empress Augusta Victoria . She married Ernest Augustus, Duke of Brunswick who was born Ernst August Christian Georg. Their children were: Ernst August Georg Wilhelm Christian Ludwig Franz Joseph Nikolaus Oskar, " Ernst August IV ", " Prince Ernest Augustus of Hanover " Georg Wilhelm Ernst August Friedrich, " Prince George of Hanover " Frederica Louisa Thyra Victoria Margareta Sophie Olga Cécilie Isabelle Christa, " Princess Frederica of Hanover ", later " Frederica, Queen of the Hellenes " Christian Oskar Ernst August Wilhelm Viktor Georg Heinrich, " Prince Christian Oscar of Hanover " Welf Heinrich Ernst August Georg Christian Berthold Friedrich Wilhelm Louis Ferdinand, " Prince Welf Henry of Hanover "

Idris

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Idris Elba Origin : Welsh Gender : Male Meaning : "Ardent lord" Pronunciation : IHD-ris Other forms : N/A Since Idris Elba seems to be the new "it guy", I thought now would be the perfect time to profile his name. Idris comes from the Welsh udd meaning "lord" or "prince" and ris , "ardent, impulsive, enthusiastic". Mr. Elba is really Idrissa Akuna Elba; His father, Winston, is from Sierra Leone and his mother, Eve, is from Ghana. Although Idris is rather rare, there are other namesakes, including poet Idris Davies, Malaysian footballer Idris Abdul Karim, Saint Idris the Prophet, and a female example, Idris the Tardis from "Doctor Who". Idris Gawr, or "Idris the Giant", was a King of Meirionnydd who was said to have won a battle against the Irish on the mountain Cadair Idris (known locally as Cader Idris), which means "Chair of Idris". Other legends state that there actually was a giant named Id

Watery Names

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"Miranda - The Tempest" by John William Waterhouse I am simultaneously afraid and fascinated by the ocean. It is so mysterious and so undiscovered, anything could be living out there. Here are some names that are as beautiful and strange as the place that inspired them. Girls: Darya - Persian, "Sea" Maris - Latin, "Of the sea" Naia - Basque, "Wave, sea foam" Océane - French, "Ocean" Mira - Sanskrit, "Sea, ocean" Nereida - Greek, "Nymphs, sea sprites" Rosemary - Latin, "Dew of the sea" Muirgen - Gaelic, "Born of the sea" Niloofar - Persian, "Water-lily" Meri - Finnish, "Sea" Aysu - Turkish, "Moon water" Meltem - Turkish, "Sea wind" Boys: Windsor - English, "Riverbank with a windlass" Mortimer - English or French, "Still water" Llyr - Welsh, "The sea" Irving - Scottish, "Green water" Glyndwr - 

The Children of Maria Leopoldina of Austria

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Maria Leopoldina at 18   Maria Leopoldina of Austria or "Leopoldina",   was born Maria Leopoldina Josefa Caroline to Holy Roman Emperor Francis II and Maria Teresa of Naples and Sicily. She married Pedro I of Brazil , who was born Pedro de Alcântara Francisco António João Carlos Xavier de Paula Miguel Rafael Joaquim José Gonzaga Pascoal Cipriano Serafim. Their children were: Maria da Glória Joana Carlota Leopoldina da Cruz Francisca Xavier de Paula Isidora Micaela Gabriela Rafaela Gonzaga, " Maria II of Portugal " Pedro de Alcântara João Carlos Leopoldo Salvador Bibiano Francisco Xavier de Paula Leocádio Miguel Gabriel Rafael Gonzaga, " Pedro II of Brazil " Francisca Carolina Joana Carlota Leopoldina Romana Xavier de Paula Micaela Gabriela Rafaela Gonzaga, " Princess Francisca of Brazil " Januária Maria Joana Carlota Leopoldina Cândida Francisca Xavier de Paula Micaela Gabriela Rafaela Gonzaga, " Princess Januária of Brazil &qu

Family Names - Paternal

Now with my father's side. Women: Gladys Lovely Rutha Mattie Lorene Louvenia Men: Jabez Wilford Newton Anderson Green Berry

Family Names - Maternal

My sister has been researching our family and has come across some really interesting names. I was really surprised by some of them, and found the whole thing really fascinating. I'll be doing this in two batches, starting with my mother's side. Women: Jearldean Henry Hilda Fae Rhoda Gussie Odell Mary Lou Jinny Jane Wilhelmina Evelyn Anna Miaida Arie Jemima Tabitha Elvira Laurrisa O'Leavy Mattie Dell Men: Macom Wilhelm Asa Ezekal Peachel Ephrian

Scarlett Johansson Welcomes a Girl

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Scarlett and Romain This is a little late, but I loved the name so much I wanted to mention it. Scarlett Johansson has had a little girl she named Rose Dorothy, with her fiancé Romain Dauriac.

A Collection of Names Taken from Prussian Consorts

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"Elisabeth Christine of Brunswick-Bevern" by Antoine Pesne Prussia was a German kingdom which was in power from 1701 to 1918, and included parts of modern day Poland, Lithuania, Russia, Denmark, Belgium, the Czech Republic, and of course, Germany. Dorothea of Denmark Anna Marie of Brunswick-Calenberg- Gottingen Marie Eleonore of Cleves Anna of Prussia Elizabeth Charlotte of the Palatinate Louise Henriette of Orange-Nassau Sophia Dorothea of Schleswig-Holstein-Sonderburg-Glücksburg Sophia Charlotte of Hanover Sophia Louise of Mecklenburg-Schwerin Sophia Dorothea of Hanover Elisabeth Christine of Brunswick-Bevern Frederika Louise of Hesse-Darmstadt Louise of Mecklenburg-Strelitz Elisabeth Ludovika of Bavaria Augusta of Saxe-Weimar-Eisenach Victoria, Princess Royal Augusta Viktoria of Schleswig-Holstein Spouses of Pretenders to the Throne: Hermine Reuss of Greiz Cecilie of Mecklenburg-Schwerin Kira Kirillovna of Russia Sophie of Isenburg

A Collection of Names Taken from Lithuanian Consorts

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Ludwika Maria Gonzaga I had tons of fun looking these up. My personal favorite is probably Jadwiga. Morta Ludmila of Masovia (?) Vida Olga Vsevolodovna of Smolensk Ievna Ivanovna of Polotsk Maria Yaroslavna of Vitebsk Uliana Alexandrovna of Tver Birutė Jadwiga of Poland Anna Uliana Olshansky Anna of Tver Elisabeth of Austria Helena of Moscow Barbara Zápolya Bona Sforza Elisabeth of Austria Barbara Radziwiłł Catherine of Austria Anna of Austria Constance of Austria Cecilia Renata of Austria Ludwika Maria Gonzaga Eleonora Maria Josefa of Austria Marie Casimire Louise de la Grange d'Arquien Christiane Eberhardine of Brandenburg-Bayreuth Catherine Opalińska Maria Josepha of Austria

Masculin au Féminin

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Some of my favorite names are those that are feminizations of male names. They have a clunky charm that no others have, and I just can't get enough of them! This list was made to show how diverse and how many there are. Sebastian >>> Sebastienne/Sebastiana Zephyr >>> Zéphyrine Anthony >>> Antonia/Antonina/Antonella Gerald >>> Geraldine Theodore >>> Theodora/Teodora/Feodora Arthur >>> Arthurine George >>> Georgia/Georgina/Georgiana/Georgette Joseph >>> Josephine/Josée/Josiane/Giosetta/Giuseppa David >>> Davina Francis >>> Frances/Francesca/Franziska/Francine/ Françoise Horatio >>> Horatia Thomas >>> Thomasina/Tamsin Peter >>> Petra Laurence >>> Laurencia/Laurentia/Lorenza Frederick >>> Frederica/Federica/Frieda/Frédérique William >>> Wilhelmina/Willa Cosimo >>> Cosima Benedict >>> Bénédicte/Benoite/Ben

Pete Wentz Has a Boy

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Meagan and Pete Pete Wentz and his girlfriend Meagan Camper just had a baby boy named Saint Lazslo. Wentz also has a son, Bronx Mowgli, with ex-wife Ashlee Simpson.

The Children of Catherine of Mecklenburg

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Catherine of Mecklenburg Catherine of Mecklenburg, Duchess of Saxony was born to Magnus II of Mecklenburg and Sophie of Pomerania-Stettin. She married Henry IV the Pious, Duke of Saxony. Their children were: Sibylle, " Sibylle of Saxony " Aemilia, " Emilie of Saxony " Sidonie or Sidonia, " Sidonie of Saxony " Maurice, " Maurice, Elector of Saxony " Severinus, " Severinus of Saxony " (Died at 11) Augustus, " Augustus, Elector of Saxony "

Oya

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  Origin : Yoruba Gender : Female Meaning : "She tore" Pronunciation : OY-uh? Other forms : Oiá The Goddess Oya represents the warrior-spirit of the wind, lightning, fire, magic, and fertility. She guards the Underworld, and creates hurricanes and tornadoes, which are said to be her twirling skirts as she dances. She is also the spirit of change, and the changes that come from destruction. Oya wears every color but black, and she sleeps at the gates of cemeteries. She is not only a Goddess, but an Orisha, which is an elemental spirit, her element being lightning. She holds the power to call forth the spirit of death, or even send him back. Oya is the protector of women, and her knowledge of magic makes her associated with witches. When she dances, she is said to have a horse tail, and she can transform into a water buffalo. Some of her favorite offerings are shea butter, eggplants, rum, pennies, masks, and wind instruments. She is called "the one who uses a

The Children of Sibylla of Saxe-Coburg and Gotha

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Princess Sibylla of Saxe-Coburg and Gotha Princess Sibylla of Saxe-Coburg and Gotha was born Sibylle Calma Maria Alice Bathildis Feodora to Charles Edward, Duke of Saxe-Coburg and Gotha and Princess Victoria Adelaide of Schleswig-Holstein . She married Prince Gustaf Adolf, Duke of Västerbotten , who was born Gustaf Adolf Oscar Fredrik Arthur Edmund, called "Edmund". Their children were: Margaretha Désirée Victoria, " Princess Margaretha, Mrs. Ambler " Birgitta Ingeborg Alice, " Princess Birgitta of Sweden and Hohenzollern " Désirée Elisabeth Sibylla, " Princess Désirée, Baroness Silfverschiöld " Christina Louise Helena, " Princess Christina, Mrs. Magnuson " Garl Gustaf Folke Hubertus, " Carl XVI Gustaf "

Vale

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Origin : English Gender : Unisex Meaning : Poetic term for a valley Pronunciation : VAYL Other forms : N/A Savannah Guthrie of "The Today Show" just had a little girl she named Vale Guthrie Feldman. I've liked the name Vale for a really long time, though I actually prefer it for a boy. A vale is a poetic word for a valley, which comes from the Old French val , which was derived from the Latin vallis or vallem which meant "valley". I'm sure a few of you have even heard of the "vale of years" from "Othello", and the "vale of tears" saying. I think Vale is a really lovely and obscure nature name, that doesn't seem overly hippie.

Wonderously Welsh

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Angharad Rees Girls: Seren Rhosyn Lleucu Heledd Angharad Olwen Enid Ceridwen Gwenllian Myfanwy Eysllt Gwyneira Tesni Mabyn Sioned Llinos Afanen Gwendolen Eluned Briallen Ffion Morwenna Rhiannon Boys: Taliesen Vaughn Gruffudd Emrys Ioan Llyr Aneirin/Aneurin Geraint Hopcyn Cai Islwyn Owain Llywelyn Rhys Siarl Uther Emlyn Idris Cadfael Eifion Dafydd

A Collection of Names Taken from Roman Empresses (Part Four)

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Maria Megale Komnene Final one! Irene Doukaina Anna Komnene Irene of Hungary Irene of Sulzbach Maria of Antioch Anna of France Maria of Hungary Euphrosyne Doukaina Kamatera Eudokia Angelina Theodora Doukaina Vatatzaina Anna of Hungary Irene of Montferrat Maria of Armenia Irene of Brunswick Anna of Savoy Irene Asanina Helena Kantakouzene Irene Palaiologina Maria of Bulgaria Helena Kantakouzene Helena Dragaš Irene Gattilusio Anna of Moscow Sophia Palaiologina of Montferrat Maria Megale Komnene

A Collection of Names Taken from Roman Empresses (Part Three)

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Zoe Porphyrogenita  We're now getting into the Byzantine Empresses as well. Aelia Anastasia Constantia Leontia Fabia Eudokia Martina Gregoria Fausta Anastasia Eudokia Theodora of Khazaria Maria Anna Irene of Khazaria Maria Eudokia Irene Serantapechaina Maria of Amnia Theodote Theophano Prokopia Theodosia Thekla Euphrosyne Theodora the Armenian Eudokia Dekapolitissa Eudokia Ingerina Theophano Zoe Zaoutzaina Eudokia Baïana Zoe Karbonopsina Helena Lekapene Theodora Theophano Theodora the Macedonian Helena Zoe Porphyrogenita Ekaterina of Bulgaria Eudokia Makrembolitissa Irene Pegonitissa Maria of Alania

Names Worn by Vanessa Redgrave

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Vanessa Redgrave in "Mary, Queen of Scots" Today's actress is a personal favorite of mine, the juno-esque Vanessa Redgrave. Redgrave was born in Greenwich in 1937, to actors Sir Michael Redgrave and Rachel Kempson, Lady Redgrave. Laurence Olivier famously announced her birth at a performance of "Hamlet", in which her father played Laertes, by saying that "tonight a great actress has been born". Initially the tall Vanessa planned on being a dancer, but eventually turned to acting, her family's profession of choice; her brother and sister are the late Corin and Lynn Redgrave. Her first starring role was in "Morgan: A Suitable Case for Treatment", for which she was nominated for an Oscar, a Cannes award, a Golden Globe award, and BAFTA Film award. In 1962 Vanessa married Tony Richardson, and had two daughters, actresses Joely and the late Natasha Richardson. The marriage ended in 1967 when Tony left her for Jeanne Moreau. Later that same

A Collection of Names Taken from Roman Empresses (Part Two)

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"The Empress Theodora at the Coliseum" by Jean-Joseph Benjamin-Constant  Ulpia Severina Magnia Urbica Prisca Eutropia Flavia Maximiana Theodora Galeria Valeria Valeria Maximilla Minervina Fausta Flavia Maxima Flavia Julia Constantia Flavia Aurelia Eusebia Faustina Helena Constantia Charito Marina Severa Justina Albia Dominica Flavia Maxima Constantia Laeta Aelia Flavia Flaccilla Flavia Galla Maria Thermantia Aelia Galla Placidia Licinia Eudoxia Aelia Marcia Euphemia Galla Placidia Valentiniana Minor Aelia Eudoxia Aelia Licinia Eudocia Aelia Pulcheria Aelia Verina Aelia Ariadne Aelia Zeonis Euphemia Theodora Aelia Sophia

On My Mind: 7-7-14

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Dovima Dovima - Dorothy Virginia Margaret Juba, better known simply as Dovima, was a famous model of the 50's and rumored to be the highest paid at the time. She was discovered on a sidewalk in New York, and the next day had a shoot with Irving Penn. Richard Avedon called her "the most remarkable and unconventional beauty of her time". Garnet - I love seeing names deemed as "feminine" on men, as it is so often the opposite. Garnet Wolesely was named after his father, a Major. Angharad - I'm currently reading "The Blue Sword" by Robin McKinley. The main character is Angharad "Harry" Crewe, an orphan who is sent to live in Istan, a military outpost, and eventually becomes a warrior of Damar. Angharad is of Welsh origin and means "more love". Oberyn - Oberyn Martell was one of the most popular characters on the last season of "Game of Thrones". Oberyn is most likely a form of Oberon, which Shakespeare used for

Interview Over At Waltzing More Than Matilda

I had so much fun doing this interview , please go and check it out!

A Collection of Names Taken from Roman Empresses (Part One)

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Milonia Caesonia I absolutely love Roman names, so this was a real treat to write and research. Enjoy! Livia Drusilla Livia Orestilla Lollia Paulina Milonia Caesonia Valeria Messalina Agrippina the Younger Claudia Octavia Poppaea Sabina Statilia Messalina Galeria Fundana Domitia Longina Pompeia Plotina Vibia Sabina Annia Galeria Faustina Major Annia Galeria Faustina Minor Annia Aurelia Galeria Lucilla Bruttia Crispina Flavia Titania Manlia Scantilla Julia Domnia Publia Fulvia Plautilla Nonia Celsa Julia Cornelia Paula Julia Aquilia Severa Annia Aurelia Faustina Seia Herennia Sallustia Barbia Orbiana Augusta Caecilia Paulina Furia Sabinia Tranquillina Marcia Otacilia Severa Annia Cupressenia Herennia Etruscilla Afinia Gemina Baebiana Gaia Cornelia Supera Julia Cornelia Salonina

The Children of Kira Kirillovna of Russia

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Grand Duchess Kira Kirillovna and Prince Louis Ferdinand Grand Duchess Kira Kirillovna of Russia was born to Grand Duke Kirill Vladimirovich of Russia and Grand Duchess Victoria Feodorovna . She married Louis Ferdinand, Prince of Prussia , who was born Louis Ferdinand Viktor Eduard Albert Michael Hubertus. Their children were: Friedrich Wilhelm, " Prince Friedrich Wilhelm of Prussia " Michael, " Prince Michael of Prussia " Marie-Cécile Kira Viktoria Luise, " Princess Marie-Cécile of Prussia " Kira Auguste Viktoria Friederike, " Princess Kira of Prussia " Louis Ferdinand Oskar Christian, " Princess Louis Ferdinand of Prussia ", " Louis Ferdinand II ", or "Lulu" Christian-Sigismund, " Prince Christian-Sigismund of Prussia " Xenia, " Princess Xenia of Prussia "

A Collection of Names Taken from Consorts of the Lombards

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"The Assassination of Alboin, King of the Lombards" by Charles Landseer Listing consorts is possibly some of my favorite posts to do, so expect more to come! The Lombards were a Germanic tribe who ruled in Italy from 568 to 774. Gambara Radegund of the Thuringii Austrigusa of the Gepids Silinga of the Heruli Rodelinda of the Thuringii Chlothsind of the Franks Rosamund of the Gepids Chlodoswintha of Austrasia Theodelinda of Bavaria Gundiberga of the Lombards Theodota of the Lombards Guntrude of Bavaria Tassia Ansa Hildegard of Vinzgouw Fastrada of Franconia Luitgard of Sundgau Bertha of Gellone Cunigunda of Laon Ermengarde of Tours Engelberga of Parma Richilde of Provence Richardis of Swabia

On My Mind: 6-23-14

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Alex Kingston as River Song in "Doctor Who" River - Kelly Clarkson just named her daughter River Rose. Although more usual for boys, it reminds me of River Song of "Doctor Who" and River Tam of "Firefly" and "Serenity".  d'Artagnan - I really enjoyed the premiere of "The Three Musketeers" last night on BBC. I've always loved how romantic d'Artagnan sounds, and I wonder how it would work on a real person. Gamora - I'm really excited for "Guardian of the Galaxy". Zoe Saldana plays Gamora, the last of her kind and reputedly "the most dangerous woman in the galaxy." Bran - Bran, really Brandon, is one of the Starks in "Game of Thrones", a name that I think will, or should, catch on. It's short, simple, but undeniably masculine. It means "raven", and in Irish mythology it was the name of a mariner. In Welsh mythology Bran the Blessed was the son of the God Llyr. Constanc

Famous Dads

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Ingrid Bergman and her father, Justus My father and I so similar that we often get into fights, we even look alike. He is the best father, and can always make me laugh. Here are fathers of famous men and women. Frank Sinatra - Anthony Martin Sinatra Hayley Atwell - Grant Atwell Clive Owen - Jess Owen Catherine Deneuve - Maurice Dorléac Kevin Bacon - Edmund Norwood Bacon Juliette Binoche - Jean-Marie Binoche Laurence Olivier - Gerard Kerr Olivier Sigourney Weaver - Sylvester "Pat" Weaver Christopher Plummer - John Orme Plummer Freema Agyeman - Osei Agyeman Christoph Waltz - Johannes Waltz William Howard Taft - Alphonso Taft Ingrid Bergman - Justus Samuel Bergman Heath Ledger - Kim Ledger Charlotte Gainsbourg - Serge Gainsbourg Penn Badgley -Duff Badgley Jennifer Hudson - Samuel Simpson Brad Pitt - William Alvin Pitt Jeanne Moreau - Anatole-Désiré Moreau Theodore Roosevelt - Theodore "Thee" Roosevelt, Sr. Chiwetel Ejiofor - Arinze Ejiofor Is

The Children of Agnes Christina of Austria

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Agnes Christina of Austria Archduchess Agnes Christina of Austria was born Agnes Christina Franziska Karoline Theresia Raphaela Johanna Magdalena Huberta Josepha Ignatia to Archduke Hubert Salvator of Austria and Princess Rosemary of Salm-Salm . She married Prince Karl Alfred of Liechtenstein . Their children were: Dominik Volkmar Hubert Alois Maria Joseph Thaddäus Thomas Paulus Karl Ignatius Silverius, " Prince Dominik of Liechtenstein " Andreas Duarte Emanuel Ulrich Benedikt Joseph Maria Karl Rafael Ignatius Mathias Paulus, " Prince Andreas of Liechtenstein " Gregor Heinrich Augustinus Judas Thaddäus Joseph Maria Pius Paulus Antonius Stephan Salvator, " Prince Gregor of Liechtenstein " Alexandra Maria Christina Aloisia Ulrike Henriette Agnes Ignatia Pia Gabriela Anastasia, " Princess Alexandra of Liechtenstein " Maria Pia Ludovika Ulrika Elisabeth Paschaline Katharina Ignazia Lucia Johanna Josefa, " Princess Maria-Pia of Lie

The Children of Ludovika of Bavaria

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Ludovika of Bavaria Princess Ludovika of Bavaria was born Marie Ludovika Wilhelmine to Maximilian I Joseph of Bavaria and Karoline of Baden. She married Maximilian Joseph, Duke in Bavaria , or "Max". Their children were: Ludwig Wilhelm, " Ludwig Wilhelm, Duke in Bavaria ", or "Louis" Wilhelm Karl, " Wilhelm Karl, Duke in Bavaria " Helene Caroline Therese, " Helene, Duchess in Bavaria ", " Helene, Hereditary Princess of Thurn and Taxis ", or " Néné" Elisabeth Amalie Eugenie, " Elisabeth, Duchess in Bavaria ", or "Sisi", later " Empress Elisabeth of Austria " Karl-Theodor, " Karl-Theodor, Duke in Bavaria ", or "Gackl" Marie Sophie Amalie, " Marie Sophie, Duchess in Bavaria ", later " Marie Sophie, Queen of the Two Sicilies " Mathilde Ludovika, " Mathilde Ludovika, Duchess in Bavaria ", later " Mathilde Ludovika, Coun

On My Mind: 6-9-14

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L-R: Alana, Danielle, Este Este - The band "Haim" consists of sisters Este Arielle, Danielle Sari, and Alana Mychal. Frequently compared to "Fleetwood Mac", the girls grew up on 70's rock and had a family band, in which their father Mordechai "Moti" played drums and their mother Donna played the guitar. The name Este was a real surprise to me, but a pleasant one. Este could be a form of many different names, from the Basque Esti to the Hungarian Eszti, but I think it is more than likely a form of Estee, a Jewish diminutive of Esther. Reeve - I'm totally addicted to "Penny Dreadful" on Showtime, on which one of the main characters is Dorian Gray, played by actor and musician Reeve Carney. It is a surname, and is an occupational name for a steward or bailiff. Vivendel - This name means "honeysuckle" in Norwegian, and is pronounced "VEE-ven-dell". I at first thought it was a Tolkien name, reminiscent of Rivendell,

The Children of Marie José of Belgium

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Princess Marie José of Belgium Princess Marie José of Belgium was born Marie José Charlotte Sophie Amélie Henriette Gabrielle to Albert I of Belgium and Elisabeth of Bavaria . She married Umberto II of Italy , who was born Umberto Nicola Tommaso Giovanni Maria di Savoia, and they were nicknamed "The May Queen and King" because their reign was only 35 days long. Their children were: Maria Pia Elena Elisabetta Margherita Milena Mafalda Ludovica Tecla Gennara di Savoia, " Prince Maria Pia of Savoy ", " Princess Maria Pia of Bourbon-Parma ", " Maria Pia di Savoia " Vittorio Emanuele Alberto Carlo Teodoro Umberto Bonifacio Amedeo Damiano Bernardino Gennaro Maria di Savoia, " Vittorio Emanuele, Prince of Naples ", " Vittorio Emanuele di Savoia " Maria Gabriella Giuseppa Aldegonda Adelaide Ludovica Felicita Gennara di Savoia, " Princess Maria of Savoy ", " Maria Gabriella di Savoia " Maria Beatrice El

Oh Boy!

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Whether it starts with an one or ends with one, there is no denying that "O" names are popular. I keep seeing mentions of Milo cropping up on different sites, and with Otis becoming the go-to celebrity pick, people are looking for more "O" options. Here are my suggestions, from Oliver to Cato. Long O: Olin Marlowe Cato Otis Oberon Tobias Orion Milo Rowan Arlo Winslow Odin Ivo/Yvo Orlando Short O: Oliver Oz Oscar Otto Ovid Osborn Omri Octavian

Ginnifer Goodwin and Josh Dallas Welcome Baby Boy

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Ginnifer and Josh Ginnifer Goodwin and husband Josh Dallas, whom she met on the set of "Once Upon a Time", have had their first child, a boy they named Oliver Finlay.