Bring Back Beatrice! 1,108 Baby Names with Meaning, Character, and a Little Bit of Attitude.
• $8
• Amazon
Name books are akin to science and computer books in that they should be up to date to include the contemporary perspective on what's in vogue and what's out (which you can then ignore if you want). Bring Back Beatrice! offers backgrounds on over a thousand names along with variations and, in many cases, nicknames and alternatives (if you like Amos, maybe you'll like Linus, too). Scattered throughout are fun lists (like cool names from ancient Egypt) and pop cultural references associated with names. What I especially liked is that Griffin is subtly trying to steer you toward good names without being judgmental. She also gives you a sense of a name's past and future popularity. Sure, there are lots of free name websites out there, but this small book (thick but about 4"x5") is the kind you're going to want to keep by your bedside or tuck in your purse and revisit throughout your naming decision.
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It stinks, but I think with the internet nowadays, baby name books have gone the way of the dodo. I always pictured a baby name book as one of those pregnancy-essentials but we still haven't bought one.
that sounds like a fun book, but it's kind of funny or odd that it's basically an appeal for something that is already happening and has been for a while. i mean, i don't personally know a beatrice, but it has gained popularity over the past five years, as have many other "granny" kind of names.
i've noticed a fun baby name trend where i live - german and scandinavian names (including my kiddos). since so many people here are of german and/or scandinavian descent, i actually think it's related to the trend of bringing back names that were cool 100 years ago. we're all just searching our family trees for forgotten treasures.
I was thinking the same thing aboutjmorri26. I was so surprised when friends said they used a book to pick their son's name. What is this, 1995? LOL.
But this looks like it could be a useful book. I'm flagging, in case we need it for our coming baby. It sounds like our style of names, and we have a heck of time agreeing.
I think it is hilarious that this book is written by a Jennifer. I totally understand.
Me too @jennyallen!
"Griffin is subtly trying to steer you toward good names"
What's a "good" name?
"What's a "good" name?"
Not Aiden, Brayden, Kayden, or Jayden.
Name snobbery? Icey was popular in 1905. Mildred was popular in 1925. Shirley ruled in 1930. Linda, Carolyn, and Kathy were favorites in 1945, and Deborah was hot hot hot in 1950. Ask me how many Mikes I know.
That's a great title!! my name is Beatrice and loving it!