Each year, this Grandma loves learning the most popular baby names. It is that time again for 2017.
This year, I have a greater interest in the newest most popular baby names than the last six years. We are expecting to welcome two baby boys into the family. So, you must excuse my desire to emphasize baby boy names. Not that we grandmas have a voice in the selection of names. As a matter of fact, this is one of the many times when we grandmas should say silent if we do not like a name that is in consideration. It is not like when the parents of our grandchildren were teenagers and if we liked something, they automatically disliked it, and vice versa. It is more one of those times where the parents of the grandchildren should be deferred to and respected. If they like a name, we should not negatively comment. If we negatively comment, the new parents-to-be may just not share with us, and we want them to feel comfortable to share.
After four grandchildren, I have found that the baby’s name that is ultimately chosen really does not matter. As soon as the new grandchild is in your arms, you love the baby to the depths of your soul, and the name is beautiful because the baby is the most beautiful new baby in the world.
November 29th, 2017, The Today Show hosts (not Matt Lauer, of course) announced that the
baby name site Nameberry came out with their list of the most popular boys’ and girls’ names of 2017. The number one name for girls is Olivia for the second year in a row, and the number one name for boys is Atticus, not surprisingly for the first time. Kathie Lee Gifford was surprised at Atticus, and wondered if it is because of ‘To Kill a Mockingbird.’
According to Nameberry, Atticus is also the name of a Roman literary figure. This Grandma is more surprised and wonders what a possible nickname could be for Atticus, or not. Cora is number two after Olivia and really is a surprise name and spot. According to Nameberry, “Cora has mythological roots — it’s another name for Persephone, goddess of fertility and the underworld — and is also the first name of the heroine of the classic American novel Last of the Mohicans.” It is wonderful to see that literature is an impetus for name selection in 2017. I guess people are reading classics again, if not only to escape from current events.
It seems that girls’ names change more from year to year, but this year it is boys’ names.
Nameberry claims it predicted what has come to pass with 2017, that the most popular 2017 baby names come from mythology, ancient cultures, and classic literature. Check out the website for the article that gives much background on the names and lists the top 100 boys and girls names for 2017, where I give you their top ten.
2017 Top Ten Names for Girls
Olivia
Cora*
Amelia
Charlotte
Isla
Isabella
Maia*
Aurora
Amara*
Ava
2017 Top Ten Names for Boys
Atticus
Asher
Jack
Theodore*
Jasper*
Milo
Oliver
Silas
Henry
*Wyatt
*means new in 2017
We welcomed a new Henry into the extended family this year and three years ago welcomed an Asher. A dear grandma friend welcomed a Milo last year, and I had never heard that name before. I wonder if Charlotte has to do with Britain’s Princess Charlotte and at the other end of propriety, I wonder if Theodore has to do with the Fifty Shades series, where the first child is Theodore.
I must admit that most of the names in consideration for our two new additions are on the list, but a few are not. Just because one of my mantras is not to negatively comment on potential names the new parents consider, does not mean I do not suggest others they might not have thought of. Yes, all of my suggestions are on the list!
It is nearly impossible to be original in this world!
Joy,
Mema
P.S. It is so interesting to review trends from previous years, and see where your grandchildren’s names fit into the most popular categories. Here are links to previous posts.
Old is New Again with Baby Names and Go Beyond the Past of Loving Grandparents to
Gender Neutrality: 2016
BabyCenter Top Baby Names For 2015 Impacted By Instagram Filters But Parents to Be Still Into Empire, Royalty and Stars, Literally
Baby Names for 2014 Lead to Decades of Information and Advice From Grandma on Loving the Name Chosen For the Grandchild
Most Popular Baby Names of 2014 Give Us More Information Than We Realize
Top Baby Names for 2013 Extra Special in Our Family
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