The options seem limitless, with history-makers, magnates, and iconic figures from every era and discipline, all hailing from, or making their mark on the Big Apple. We rounded up some of the usual suspects and lots of classic baby names, and also looked for some fresh kids’ names that pay tribute to NYC.  No baby on deck? Maybe one of these New York names will hit the spot for that dog you are adopting from the Humane Society.

Anthony 
There are many famous Anthonys from NYC, but for now we’re going with Fauci, a hometown guy from Dyker Heights, Brooklyn.

Apollo
Sure, it’s a lot to live up to, what with the god of the sun thing and all—but aim high and pay tribute to this legendary Harlem theater at the same time.

Apple
With apologies to Gwyneth and Chris, we were the first Apple. Go big!

Astoria/Astor
One of several neighborhood-inspired names on this list, Astoria is named for John Jacob Astor, a wealthy early 19th-century investor in NYC real estate, but we think it sounds almost Disney-princess-like. Astor is also kind of royal.

Audrey
Yes, Hepburn is strongly associated with NYC thanks to her iconic role of Holly Golightly in Breakfast at Tiffany’s, but we’re thinking of Audrey Munson, model for scores of major statues around New York City, including the figure atop the Manhattan Municipal Building—second tallest in the city, after Lady Liberty.

Bill Cunningham
Have twins? Name one Bill, one Cunningham, and know that you are paying tribute to one of the most amazing New Yorkers ever to traverse, and document the city.

Baldwin
Inspired by this Black poet from Harlem, this is an alternative to his first name James.

Brighton
A name pegged to a famous Brooklyn beach and neighborhood with Russian and Eastern European roots.

Brooklyn
This New York name might have seemed unusual at some point is now in danger of being too common. Still, it’s a great borough and the name shows true Kings County pride!

Cab
In addition to the omnipresent vehicle, Cab Calloway was a major figure in the Harlem Renaissance. (We also like “Taxi” for a cute girl’s nickname, but it’s not as subtle.)

Carnegie
As in the Hall, named for steel magnate, businessman and philanthropist Andrew Carnegie.

Coney
Employ it as a nickname (for Cornelius?) or use it as a standalone, this one has lots of south Brooklyn spirit.

Dorothy
Ms. Parker, one of New York’s sharpest wits, would approve. (Parker works, too.)

Duke
While not an NYC native, Duke Ellington made the city his home and became a major cultural force during the Harlem Renaissance as bandleader of the Cotton Club. We like Ellington as well.

Ed
A name that seems ripe for a comeback, this one pays homage to one of the most iconic, recognizable, “New Yorkiest” mayors the city has ever had, Ed Koch.

Edith
Downtown doyenne (and first woman to win the Pulitzer Prize, thank you very much) Edith Wharton inspires this name from another era.

Eloise
Sure, she’s a fictional character, but she’s one of the most famous little New Yorkers out there! We love this New York name for a girl with a little spunk!

Emily
When her husband Washington, chief engineer of the Brooklyn Bridge succumbed to an illness, Emily Warren Roebling saw the project to its completion. (She was also one of the first people to cross it when it was done!)

Emory
While you may not be familiar with his name, architect Emory Roth designed so many of the iconic New York City buildings and hotels of the 1920s and 30s that you know and likely love. (Obviously, Roth could be a good choice as well.)

Fran/Frances/Francis
Fran Liebowitz has got to be one of the New Yorkiest New Yorkers out there.

Frederick (Law Olmsted)
Take your pick (and level of pretentiousness) with any part of the famed landscape architect’s name. (He’s one of the masterminds behind the designs for Central Park and Prospect Pack. For extra geek points and eyerolls, go for twins or siblings name Olmsted and Vaux, the name of his partnership with Calvert Vaux.)

George Gershwin
Either one! The groundbreaking composer was born in East New York, Brooklyn and became a major force on the legendary Tin Pan Alley, Broadway, and beyond.

Gracie
A nod to the official New York City mayoral residence, Gracie Mansion, named for early 19th-century businessman (and original owner of the house) Archibald Gracie.

Gray (Lady)
It’s the historic nickname of the paper that publishes “All the news that’s fit to print”—either could be the name of your New York City kid.

Greenwich
Inspired by the artsy downtown village, this name offers a nice mix of funky flair and subtle sophistication. (Like the neighborhood itself!)

Hamilton
You’ve heard of this guy. Founding father, first Treasurer of the United States of America, the man behind The U.S. Coast Guard, The New York Post, the Federalist party. And the blockbuster musical. He’s everywhere: Fort Hamilton Parkway, Fort Hamilton, etc.

Herald
A cheeky alternative to the more common spelling, “Harold”, this one references Herald Square, named for the long-gone newspaper, the New York Herald.

Herman
The author of Moby Dick (and other masterpieces) was born in New York, died in New York, and he’s buried in Woodlawn Cemetery in the Bronx. (For the record, we like Melville as a kid’s name, too.)

Hoyt
There’s Hoyt Street in Brooklyn, Hoyt Avenue in Queens. They take their name from Edwin Hoyt, a 19th-century NYC businessman.

Hudson
Already a popular moniker around these parts, this name pays tribute to a founder, the river named for the founder, etc. Plus, it’s got some gravitas.

Jackie
She wasn’t born here, but she made New York City her home. So much so that they named a reservoir after her.

Jane
Shame on us if we didn’t suggest one of the champions of preserving so many parts of the city we love, Jane Jacobs. Jane is a classic New York baby name and we love it as a first or middle name.

Jennifer
Big in the 70s, then abandoned for Brittany and Ashley, Jennifer—here inspired by Jenny (Lopez) from the Bronx blocks herself—is primed for a resurgence

Lenny/Leonard
One’s a ground-breaking legendary downtown comedian  (Bruce, which you could also borrow), the other is the longtime music director of the New York Philharmonic, a legendary composer, and more (Bernstein).

Lexington
Sounds fancy, can be shortened to “Lexy” or “Lex”. The famous NYC avenue gets its name from the Revolutionary War Battle of Lexington, which actually took place in Massachusetts, but it was a big one.

Liberty
An inspiring concept, a New York icon. It’s hard to go wrong with this one.

Lincoln
A name with some very strong historical associations, this is also the namesake of one of our city’s most revered and iconic cultural institutions. (Which, interestingly enough, did not definitely get its name from honest Abe.)

Lou/Louis
Two musical legends, of different genres. Go downtown cool and pay tribute to Lou Reed, or name-check jazz man Armstrong a New Orleans native who famously settled in Corona, Queens for decades. (You can still visit his house!)

Macy
It’s “The World’s Largest Store!” And what kid wouldn’t get a kick out of “Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade”, etc.?

Moses
It’s a heavy name, no matter how you slice it. Tap your inner urban planner (you have one, right?) and pay tribute to Robert Moses, who, love him or hate him, shaped the city we live in today.

Patti
Pay tribute to one of the coolest kids around, Patti Smith, with this one. Got twins? How about Patti and Smith? Patti and Robert? Patti and Maple?

Peggy
Art collector, patron, and socialite Peggy Guggenheim left her mark on the city and the world with her wealth and taste. While Guggenheim is quite the mouthful, Peggy is a New York name we can get on board with.

Rocky/Rockefeller
A builder and benefactor of the city, a center of midtown. However you slice this name—inspired by philanthropist John D. Rockefeller Jr., it’s got presence and gravitas.

Roe
A shortened version of Roebling, the surname of the chief engineer of the Brooklyn Bridge and his wife Emily, who played a key role in the completion of the span after her husband fell ill.

Roxy
Similar, but different. S.L. “Roxy” Rosenthal actually worked with Rockefeller—he’s the showman behind Radio City Music Hall, the grand theater a stone’s throw from John D’s “City Within a City.”

Ruth
Used to sound old-fashioned, but now it’s fierce as hell thanks to this Flatbush, Brooklyn native. #RGB.

Shirley
Just old-fashioned enough to be in style again, this name pays tribute to Shirley Chisholm, the first African American woman elected to Congress and the first woman and African American to seek the nomination for president of the United States of one of the two major political parties.

Smith
A well-known street in the Boerum Hill area of Brooklyn, the thoroughfare gets its name from one of the borough’s original mayors (back when it was its own city), Samuel Smith.

Teddy/Theo
Born here (Gramercy Park), Police Commissioner, Rough Rider, and President of the United States. Take your pick with Theodore Roosevelt: Theo, Teddy, Roosevelt, Theodore

Tiffany
Not the singer, the iconic jewelry store. (Maybe mix it up and name your child Tiffany Audrey.)

Walt, Whitman
Hero of Brooklyn and free, wild spirits everywhere, this poet offers plenty of inspiration and variation: Walt, Whit, Whitman. They all sound good to us.

Wharton
Another nod to novelist Edith, but for boys. (Possible downside: Nickname “Wart.”)

Make sure to capture all your little New Yorker’s biggest moments—and share them with your family and friends near and far—with the Tinybeans app. The secure platform puts parents in total control of who sees and interacts with photos and videos of their kids.

Check out these 13 tidbits of Seattle trivia that even the savviest Seattleite might be surprised to learn

Are you raising a kiddo whose cute, scholarly nose is always stuck in a weird-but-true book? Or are you someone who can’t wait to share your cerebral, oddball trivia knowledge with your awestruck crew? If this speaks to you and your fam, you won’t be disappointed with this kooky list of fun facts about Seattle! Check out these 13 tidbits of trivia about our Emerald (or shall we say Eclectic!) City that even the savviest Seattleite might be surprised to learn.

Pink Elephant Car Wash

Sure, Seattle has the super iconic Space Needle and many other landmarks of note, but if you ask any local, another great symbol that signifies the Emerald City is the giant pink elephant sign at the Elephant Car Wash on Battery Street at Denny Way. The car wash’s large sign is neon pink, rotating, and showcases a huge, happy pink elephant, hosing itself off with its trunk. It is so well known in the area that it has appeared throughout pop culture in movies, music videos, and ads and has even attracted visits from many celebrities. In fact, some claim this quirky car wash sign is the most photographed landmark in Seattle! Elephant Car Washes, originally founded by brothers Eldon, Dean, and Archie Anderson, have been the place to give your car a bath since 1951.

But did you know…while other Elephant Car Washes are still conducting business around the area, sadly the iconic Battery Street location has had to close in the past year?  Luckily, these novel signs will get new life. The larger sign is set to relocate to the Museum of History & Industry, while the smaller elephant sign will be refurbed and installed at a public plaza a couple of blocks away from the original location. So the sweet, pillbox-attired elephant will live on!

You know what elseWonder why did the founders choose an elephant theme? Because it is said that brother and co-founder, Archie, thought an elephant would be a perfect mascot because its anatomy includes its own functional water hose. Trunk-tastic!

The Giant Shoe Museum

Alaina Weimer

There are not many books quite as fascinating to a kid as The Guinness Book Of World Records. Pouring over unbelievable facts is a quintessential part of being a curious kid. Luckily for our community, Seattle has its very own Ripley’s-esque museum hidden in the depths of Pike Place Market. It’s the Giant Shoe Museum. Located in the Down Under level of the Market, this quaint museum-like display takes up a portion of the Old Seattle Paperworks store. This entertaining array of truly enormous footgear showcases part of a collection by Danny Eskenazi, who became a large-shoe connoisseur after his grandfather had once owned a shoe (that still remains at large) worn by the tallest person in recorded history, Robert Wadlow. 

But did you know…for only a few quarters (50 cents!), you can show your family the whole collection of the world’s largest giant shoes? Various gargantuan styles are represented, such as hi-tops, boots, and old-timey shoes, including another size 37 brogue shoe worn by Robert Wadlow. So unusual and fun, you won’t want to miss this toe-tally awesome little gem.

You know what else…A reward of $1000 still stands if you can locate that original Robert Wadlow wingtip shoe that inspired Danny’s collection! 

The Ballard Locks

The Hiram M. Chittenden Locks, locally known as the Ballard Locks, is a really interesting piece of Seattle history. As many city dwellers know, it is located between Seattle’s popular Ballard and Magnolia neighborhoods, and is used to carry boat traffic (traditionally logging and fishing vessels) from Puget Sound into Salmon Bay, then on into Lake Union and Lake Washington. It is listed on the National Register of Historic Places, sees more than a million curious visitors every year, and has more boat traffic than any other locks in the U.S.!

But did you know…that the construction of the Locks changed the whole typography of the area by lowering the water level of both Lake Union and Lake Washington by over 8 feet?  That actually added many miles' worth of waterfront land, but it also rerouted and reversed the flow of the rivers, left some piers in Salmon Bay out of the water, and disrupted the original salmon runs. Due to this, a salmon ladder at the Locks was reintroduced in 1976 to help the salmon out. You can watch the salmon in the Locks’ 21-step fish ladder from July to mid-August at peak spawning time.

You know what else…the U.S. Navy originally planned to build a shipyard in this canal between Lake Washington and the Sound, but because of the delays in planning, that shipyard was instead built where it is today—across the Sound in Bremerton, Washington.

The Space Needle

Alaina Weimer

Sure, if you and your family have been up the Needle then you know a thing or two about this iconic symbol of Seattle. For instance, you might be aware that it was constructed for the 1962 World’s Fair; that its space design concept was first drawn on a napkin; and that it stands 605 feet tall.

But did you know...that if you were to ride up the elevator (which takes 43 seconds) in a snowstorm, it would look like the snow was falling up? That’s because the speed of the elevator at 10 m.p.h. is faster than the speed at which a snowflake falls at 3 m.p.h. Cool! Also, your little ones might be excited to know that if you were to walk up the Space Needle, there are exactly 848 steps in the main stairwell. Just FYI…because, you know they will ask!

You know what else...the Needle is built to withstand winds of up to 200 m.p.h. in case that question ever crossed your mind.

Mt. Rainier

As the symbol of our state and the recipient of our unending adoration, Mt. Rainier (originally called Tacoma or Tahoma) has a special place in the heart of any Seattleite. But how much do you really know about this magical mound? We know our favorite volcano stands 14,411 feet tall and that it is the highest mountain in the Cascades.

But did you know... that Mt. Rainier has 25 named glaciers, the most of any mountain in the lower 48? The biggest one is called Emmons Glacier, a 4-mile behemoth that also happens to be the largest glacier in the contiguous United States. Now that’s a big ice rink! But there is also something unique about the glaciers on Mt. Rainier we bet you didn't know. Did you know that Mt. Rainier’s ice is home to iceworms? These iceworms are the only type of worm to live their entire lives on the ice. These small creepy-crawlies are exclusively found in the glaciers of Washington, Alaska, Oregon, and British Columbia.

You know what else...Underneath the ice cap of Rainier are ice caves made from ice, rock, and steam. They are being studied for their likeness to the conditions on other planets in our solar system like Mars.

Pike Place Market

Guess what? The famous Pike Place Market wasn’t created to showcase the fish throwers or to scare the heck out of little kids with a lurching Monkfish. It actually started due to overpriced onions in the early 1900s. The price of produce had skyrocketed, so our city and residents proposed a public market, where food could be bought directly from farmers (keep it local!). So in 1907, Pike Place Market was formed and has been operating ever since. It is now the oldest operating farmer’s market in America.

But did you know... the bronze piggy bank that stands in the middle of the market is named Rachel? She weighs 550 pounds and was named after a real 750-pound pig who won the 1985 Island County Fair. What a ham!

You know what else…the Market’s famous fish tossing came about because back in the day, the fishmongers got tired of trekking out to the fish table each time a customer ordered a fish. They realized it was just easier to chuck the fish over the counter instead. Hence the “flying fish” still sailing through the air today!

Emerald City

seattle things to do, fun facts
Alaina Weimer

We all know Seattle's brilliant nickname: the Emerald City. But where did it come from? Well, the Convention and Visitor’s Bureau ran a competition to come up with a slogan for an advertising campaign. Sarah Sterling-Franklin (from California) won the contest and came up with the slogan, “Seattle, the Emerald City. Seattle is the jewel of the Northwest, the queen of the Evergreen State, the many-faceted city of space, elegance, magic and beauty." And it has stuck ever since.

But did you know... it wasn’t Seattle’s first fun moniker? Its first common nickname was actually “Queen City.” This name was given to the city in 1869 by a Portland real estate company who used it in a pamphlet saying it was the “Future Queen City of the Pacific.” That nickname stuck until 1982.

You know what else… Other Seattle nicknames include Rain City and Coffee Capital of the World (for obvious reasons!) and also Jet City, due to Boeing’s proximity!

Sunglasses

We all know how Seattle gets a lot of drizzly and overcast days. There's no disputing that.

But did you know... the people in Seattle buy the most sunglasses per capita, more than any other U.S. city? It sounds strange, but some of the reasons that contribute to this phenomenon include the need for protection against sun glare off wet roads; the unique PNW lighting that causes brightness even when it's overcast; our preference for outside and water activities that might require eye protection; and the fact we may forget our sunglasses when we leave the house, so we are left to purchase another pair. Something to think about stashing in that stroller when taking Junior out for a walk.

You know what else… Seattle has about 71 total sunny days a year, meaning there are only just over 70 days annually where the cloud coverage is 30 percent and under.

Fremont Troll

Alaina Weimer

Did you know that Seattle has a big ole troll living under one of its bridges? In the community of Fremont, located under the Aurora Bridge on N. 36th Street and Troll Avenue N., is an 18-foot-tall, 30-year-old concrete troll just lying in wait to meet your acquaintance.

But did you know...Fremont's famous troll was born thanks to a 1990 art competition intended to revamp the area under the bridge. Artist Steve Badanes led the team that made this Billy Goat’s Gruff-inspired sculpture into a local masterpiece. If you can find the troll, look under his hand. He is doing more than just lurking. He is crushing a Volkswagen Beetle under his grasp. So many quirky things to love about this guy. Also, check out his uncovered eye. It’s made of metal and shiny. So delightfully sinister!

You know what else… that shiny metal eye of his is more than actually meets the eye. It’s made up of a Volkswagen Beetle hubcap!

Floating Bridges

Have you driven on a floating bridge? If you have ever piled the kids in the car and gone from Medina to Seattle, then you have. The bridge that connects these two areas and runs across Lake Washington is actually called the Governor Albert D. Rosellini Bridge at Evergreen Point. It’s not the only one of its kind in this area, either. When you travel on the Lacey V. Murrow Memorial Bridge on I-90 from Seattle to Mercer Island, that bridge floats too.

But did you know...that if you drive either of these floating expanses you will be on the world’s first and second longest floating bridges (one of which actually sank during reconstruction in 1990, eek!)? Who knew? Now that is something we know your kiddos will flip over!

You know what else…The real reason behind these unique bridges over Lake Washington is that the lake is deep and the lake bed is way too soft to support a conventional bridge. That's why ours need to float!

Seattle Underground

Kate Loweth

Any local should know that Seattle was rebuilt on top of a city that was destroyed by the Great Seattle Fire of 1889. But if you have yet to hear this story, you're in for an unusual ride. This city-built-on-a-city gives birth to the very famous Seattle Underground, a network of underground passageways and basements in Pioneer Square that used to be at ground level before the fire. Instead of revamping the city where it originally was, the streets were regraded and elevated one to two stories higher (about 22 feet). That means Seattle sits right on top of the old city. The businesses underneath eventually fell into disuse, but certain sections have now become a major tourist attraction. You can still walk over some of the pavement lights that were used to light up the underground sidewalks below.

But did you know... one of the reasons for building the streets higher up was that it kept the sewers that drained into Elliot Bay from backing up at high tide? Thankfully, because of this, our ‘new’ Seattle is far less stinky than it could have been!

You know what else… The Great Seattle Fire that destroyed the original city all started when a cabinetmaker forgot about glue he was heating up over a fire. When it boiled over, it caught fire, started spreading rapidly (because of turpentine on the floor), and soon ignited the whole block.

Duwamps

If you ask a local they'll tell you Seattle is named after Chief Sealth, a leading figure of the Suquamish and Duwamish. And they wouldn't be wrong.

But did you know... Seattle was first known as Duwamps? Say what now? It’s true. A group of travelers known as the Denny Party came to claim land on what is now Alki Point (formerly and funnily named New York Alki). After a hard winter, most of the Denny Party relocated across Elliot Bay to claim more land at the site of present-day Pioneer Square, which they promptly named Duwamps. After these two settlements competed for dominance, New York Alki was eventually abandoned and everyone moved across the bay. After that, Duwamps' name was changed to “Seattle” to honor the very accommodating and welcoming Chief Sealth of the Duwamish and Suquamish tribes.

You know what else… The name “Seattle” was used in print for the very first time in 1852.

Seattle's Geography

Seattle Municipal Archives

Every Seattleite knows how hilly it can be (clutch drivers beware!). All these hills in our community are a result of glaciation. Glaciers moving south first dug out our terrain, but when they receded, huge mounds of rock debris were left in their path. These rock hills are thought to be what is now First Hill, Yesler Terrace, Cherry Hill, Denny Regrade, Capitol Hill, Queen Anne Hill, and Beacon Hill.

But did you know... that Denny Regrade was originally a big hill, too? This particular hill was removed and regraded in the years between 1898 and 1930. Regrading started on First Avenue in 1897 and 1899. Then years later, the hill was sluiced right into Elliot Bay. The last pieces of the left-over hill were finally removed by steam shovels in 1929 and 1930.

You know what else… some of the earth dug up from these regrades was used to build Harbor Island out in Elliot Bay. It was once considered the largest human-made island in the world.

 

Boston is known for many things. Our great sports teams. Fantastic attractions that bring visitors from all over the world. And the city’s storied history (who else can claim a molasses flood or the largest art heist in the world?). So we thought it would be fun to gather up the city’s popular places, people and historically significant spots and turn them into a list of Boston baby names for a little fun and inspiration. Whether you’re expecting, or you just want to see how your kiddo’s name stacks up, these Boston-themed baby names are all the inspiration you need. Read on to find out just how “Boston” your kiddo really is.

a bay smiles on a mat
Daniel Thomas via unsplash

Abigail

A powerful woman in American history, Abigail Adams was one of the founders of the United States, bearing the designations of second First Lady and first Second Lady. She is well known for her numerous letters to her husband John Adams that are filled with complex, political discussions. 

Amelia

While the first woman to fly across the Atlantic originally hails from Kansas, Amelia Earhart moved to Medford, MA with her mother and sister following her mother's divorce. Amelia makes a powerful middle or first name that definitely stands the test of time. 

Beacon

Boston parents have a number of street names that work well as baby names, with Beacon topping the list. You could even go for Bea as a girl's name. 

Benjamin or Franklin

One of the founding fathers of the United States, Benjamin Franklin was born in Boston in 1706. A scientist and inventor, Franklin is most known for his discoveries relating to electricity. 

Brockton

A suburb of Boston, Brockton makes a strong first or middle name, with Brock as a nickname. 

Brookline

We love this name for a girl as it differs from the more popular Brooklyn. It pays homage to this neighborhood just a few T stops past Kenmore Square. 

Brady

This one's for you, Patriots fans. Quarterback Tom Brady has made the names Thomas and Brady popular among fans in recent years. We'll have to wait and see if his recent split from the team will change that trend.  

Bruin

Another for the sports fans out there, Bruin pays homage to the hometown hockey team and makes a good middle name (or dog name, for that matter). 

Cambridge/Cam

We love the name Cambridge for a girl with Cam as the nickname. This name conveys a brilliant sophistication of the college town that is home to Harvard, with a double meaning for sports fan, acknowledging Boston Bruins president Cam Neely. 

Celt

Boston is steeped in Irish history and this name (pronounced "Kelt") is the ultimate. Bonus: it doubles as a Boston Celtics reference. 

Charles

The Charles River is an 80-mile river that meets the Atlantic Ocean in Boston and Charles (or Charlie) are classic names we love. 

Chelsea

Named for a neighborhood in London, this working class city just north of Boston is bordered on three sides by water. 

 

Clara, Clarissa or Harlowe

Clara Barton (born Clarissa Harlowe Barton) was a pioneering American nurse who founded the American Red Cross and was born in North Oxford, MA. Barton is noteworthy for doing humanitarian work and civil rights advocacy at a time before women had the right to vote. 

Conan

Irish Catholic comedian Conan O'Brien hails from Brookline, MA where he attended school through high school, followed by nearby Harvard University. 

Copley

Copley Square, named for painter John Singleton Copley, is a public square in Boston's Back Bay neighborhood. This Boston baby name would be great for either a boy or a girl. 

Dorothea 

Name your child after 19th century activist Dorothea Dix who lived in Boston with her grandmother for much of her childhood. She drastically changed the medical field and championed causes for both the mentally ill and indigenous populations. 

Duncan/Dunkin

Only the most die hard fans would choose the more unique spelling of this name, which pays homage to the coffee company that got its start in 1950 in Quincy, MA. 

Fenway

While this name may be more popular for pups than children, Boston Red Sox fans are a dedicated bunch and have been known to give this Boston baby name as a middle name to their human children. Plus, naming your kid "Green Monster" is out of the question, right?

Isabella

Isabella Stewart Gardner was a long-standing American art collector, philanthropist and patron of the arts who founded the museum with her name in the early 1900s.

Jasmine

Parents raised in the '80s will know why this name is on our list. Anyone who watched the Cosby Show spinoff, A Different World, is hip to Boston-born actress Jasmine Guy, who played the part of Whitley Gilbert.

John, Jack or Kennedy

It's no surprise to see these popular names around Boston as the Kennedy family has a long history in Massachusetts.

Jordan 

This '80s-throwback name is popular for both boys and girls, especially for fans of the boy band New Kids on the Block that hails from Dorchester, MA. 

Logan

You don't have to be an aviation geek to name your offspring after Boston's seaside airport. 

Lois

Maybe you and the kids have seen the works of this respected artist gracing the walls of the Boston Museum of Fine Arts or at the National Center for Afro-American Artists (NCAAA) in Boston. Born in 1905, Lois Mailou Jones' successful career spanned continents and decades. 

Lucy (or Stone)

In 1847, Lucy Stone of West Brookfield, MA graduated from Oberlin and became the first Massachusetts woman to receive a college degree. She spoke out for women's rights and against slavery at a time when women were discouraged and prevented from public speaking. 

Mary (or Eliza)

It's no secret that there are tons of Catholic families raising kids in Boston, so this name may seem obvious to include. But we're giving it a second look as a way to honor the work of Mary Elize Mahoney, the first African-American nurse to work in our country's hospitals. She worked for 15 years, while she waited to be let into nursing school, and was only one of four students (out of 43) who actually graduated. 

Quincy

We love this name for either a boy or a girl and it has long-standing Massachusetts roots with Quincy, MA being known as the "birthplace of presidents." Both John Adams and his son John Quincy Adams were born there. When the town split from Braintree, it was named Quincy after Colonel John Quincy, maternal grandfather of Abigail Adams and after whom John Quincy Adams was also named

Revere

Prominent Boston silversmith Paul Revere is best known for his midnight ride to alert the colonial militia in April 1775 to the approach of British forces before the battles of Lexington and Concord. The town of Revere, MA was named after him in 1871. 

Skylar

Do you really know anything about Boston if you haven't seen Good Will Hunting? We think not. The name Skylar was made popular after Minnie Driver played a character with this name in the movie that was written by Cambridge, MA friends Matt Damon and Ben Affleck. 

Tremont

This prominent street in Boston takes you along the Boston Common, through Boston's Theater District and across the Massachusetts Turnpike (affectionately know as the "Mass Pike"). We love it as a boy's name. 

Trinity

Trinity Church is located in the Back Bay neighborhood of Boston and was founded in 1733. 

—Allison Sutcliffe & Kate Loweth

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There are a lot of things we know about our grandparents: They give amazing hugs, rarely say no to requests for ice cream and they are masters at reading stories. But our grandparents have so much more to tell us! Suggest a list of simple and fun questions for your child to ask their grandparent, and they will not only get an idea of what it was like to be a kid 60-some years ago, but they will gain some wisdom on the importance of family, friends and living a great long life!

photo: iStock

  1. Who was your best friend when you were a kid and what did you like to do together?
  2. Tell me about where you grew up.
  3. What was your favorite food growing up?
  4. Tell me about the day we first met each other.
  5. Did you have a favorite toy when you were my age?
  6. Tell me about the house and neighborhood where you grew up.
  7. What was your grandma like?
  8. What was your grandpa like?
  9. What was your favorite age to be?
  10. What’s the oldest memory you have?
  11. What are some silly things my mom or dad did when they were my age?
  12. Did you have a nickname as a kid?
  13. Where’s your favorite place you’ve ever traveled?
  14. What’s your favorite holiday tradition?
  15. What’s your favorite family recipe?
  16. What’s the best thing about being a grandparent?

—Erin Feher

 

Interview with a Grandparent_ 10 Questions to Ask

Hoping to raise a bookworm? Or want to honor your favorite books, characters or authors with your child’s name? You’ll find everything from classic to unique baby names for your little one on this list. There are gender-neutral baby names, girl names and boy names, all listed below in alphabetical order. Go and find your favorite literary baby names or at least some ideas for new books to read!

literary baby names
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Agatha
The queen of detective novels, Agatha Christie was even made a Dame of the British Empire for her literary works. Call her Aggie as a nickname.

Aladdin
Based on a Middle Eastern folk tale, the story of Aladdin and his magic lamp has been beloved for generations.

Alice
Whether you're a fan of Alice's Adventures in Wonderland by Lewis Carroll or Alice Walker, the first African American woman to win a Pulitzer Prize for fiction, the name Alice is a popular, classic name.

Alonso
Meaning both noble and battle-ready, Alonso is the original name of Don Quixote in Miguel de Cervantes' novel. Alonso is also the name of the King of Naples in Shakespeare's The Tempest.

Amber
The heroine of the historical romance novel Forever Amber, by Kathleen Winsor, is both beautiful and ambitious. The book caused a scandal but became a best seller and is credited with popularizing the name Amber in the United States.

Amelia
Word nerds love Amelia Bedelia, from the classic children's books by Peggy Parish, but the name has other literary ties. Amelia is the heroine in William Thackeray's Vanity Fair, and Amelia is the given name of Princess Mia in Meg Cabot's The Princess Diaries.

Anaïs
Famed author Anaïs Nin is known for her journals, novels, essays and short stories as well as her beautiful name. She led a Bohemian lifestyle that she wrote about in journals, many of which have been published.

Anne
That's Anne with an "e." The 1908 novel Anne of Green Gables by Lucy Maud Montgomery tells the tale of an 11-year-old girl sent to live with two middle-aged siblings and work on their farm.

Antoine
The author Antoine de Saint-Exupéry is known for his children's novella The Little Prince. The much-loved story is about a young prince who visits various planets and makes observations about life, love and human nature.

Arabella
Arabella appears as the name of female characters in several books, including Charles Dickens' The Pickwick Papers, Thomas Hardy's Jude the Obscure and Susanna Clarke's Jonathan Strange and Mr. Norrell.

Aramis
Aramis is the alias of Rene d'Herblay, a fictional character in The Three Musketeers and other books by Alexandre Dumas.

Arya
Game of Thrones fans already know and love the character Arya Stark, a brave and loyal hero in the book series it's based on, A Song of Ice and Fire.

Aslan
The talking lion in C. S. Lewis's The Chronicles of Narnia is called Aslan; the name also means lion in Turkish.

Atticus
Harper Lee's book To Kill a Mockingbird popularized the name Atticus, thanks to the character Atticus Finch, a lawyer many fans consider a moral hero.

Beatrice (or Beatrix)
The name Beatrice appears in Dante's Divine Comedy, Shakespeare's Much Ado About Nothing, Veronica Roth's Divergent series and Beverly Cleary's Ramona series, among other books. Spell it Beatrix to make it more unique and to honor Beatrix Potter, who wrote The Tale of Peter Rabbit.

Beckett
Samuel Beckett was an Irish writer best known for his play Waiting for Godot. The nickname Beck is where it's at.

Byron
Lord Byron, the English romantic poet, was born George Gordon Byron and is best known for the lengthy narrative poems Don Juan and Childe Harold's Pilgrimage.

Charlotte
Charlotte is the spider from E. B. White's children's book Charlotte's Web. She befriends a pig named Wilbur and saves his life by writing messages about him in her web.

Coraline
British author Neil Gaiman wrote the fantasy children's novella Coraline in 2002. The main character is a curious, intelligent, courageous explorer, and Cora and Lina would make great nicknames.

Daisy
One of the popular flower names, Daisy appears in F. Scott Fitzgerald's novella The Great Gatsby and in Henry James's Daisy Miller.

literary baby names
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Darcy
Mr. Darcy is the male love interest from Jane Austen's Pride and Prejudice, but this unisex name works equally well as a girl name.

Dashiell
American author Dashiell Hammett was a mystery writer who created well-known characters Sam Spade and Nick and Nora Charles. Dash is a cool nickname.

Dean
The character Dean Moriarty appears in Jack Kerouac's On the Road as a carefree adventurer up for adventure.

Dorian
Dorian is the name of the main character in Oscar Wilde's only novel, The Picture of Dorian Gray.

Dorothy
The brave and kind Dorothy Gale travels around Oz with a scarecrow, tin man, cowardly lion and her dog, Toto. The movie we know and love was based on Frank Baum's book The Wonderful Wizard of Oz.

Edgar
Author Edgar Allen Poe is known for poems such as "The Raven" and "Annabel Lee" as well as the horror story "The Fall of the House of Usher." The name Edgar also appears in Shakespeare's King Lear and Emily Brontë's Wuthering Heights.

Ellison
Name your girl or boy after Ralph Waldo Ellison, the author of the National Book Award-winning novel Invisible Man. Fun fact: The author was named after Ralph Waldo Emerson.

Eloise
Fans of Eloise, the spunky star of Kay Thompson's children's book series, know she lives on the top floor of the Plaza Hotel in New York City with her nanny, dog and turtle.

Emma
Emma is the name of the main character in Jane Austen's book of the same name. She is smart, beautiful and compassionate, all traits you may want for your child.

Finn
The name Finn was popularized by Mark Twain in books such as The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn. You could also name your child Huckleberry or Huck. Twain would make a more unexpected homage.

Gabriel
Gabriel is a protagonist in Thomas Hardy's novel Far from the Madding Crowd, and Gabriel García Márquez is a Colombian author admired for literary works including One Hundred Years of Solitude and Love in the Time of Cholera.

Harriet
Harriet the Spy is a classic children's novel by Louise Fitzhugh, based around the adventures of an 11-year-old girl who documents her observations in a notebook she carries with her.

Heathcliff
The name of the romantic hero from Emily Brontë's novel Wuthering Heights comes with two excellent nicknames: Heath and Cliff.

Henrik
Norwegian playwright Henrik Ibsen is known for works including Peer Gynt, A Doll's House and Hedda Gabler. As a name, Henrik is a more unique form of Henry, which could be used as a nickname along with Rik.

Holden
The main character in J. D. Salinger's The Catcher in the Rye, Holden Caulfield has long been regarded as a teen icon for his angsty rebelliousness.

Holly
Holiday "Holly" Golightly is the beloved star of Truman Capote's novella Breakfast at Tiffany's. Audrey Hepburn famously played Holly in the much-loved movie version.

Homer
If you're a fan of Greek literature and classic names, go with Homer, the presumed author of both the Odyssey and the Iliad.

Josephine (Jo)
Jo is a favorite character in Louisa May Alcott's Little Women, thanks to her bravery and principles. She's also a book lover and writer herself, so naming your child Josephine gives her a literary character to look up to.

Jules
Looking to raise a child who loves travel? Consider the unisex Jules, either as a given name or as a nickname for Julian or Julia. Your child will share it with Jules Verne, the French author who wrote Around the World in Eighty Days, Twenty Thousand Leagues Under the Sea and Journey to the Center of the Earth.

Langston
Inspired by the leader of the Harlem Renaissance, Langston Hughes, the name is of Old English origin and could have Lang as a nickname.

literary baby names
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Madeline
The star of a series of classic children's books written and illustrated by Ludwig Bemelmans, Madeline is the smallest of her friends and also the bravest.

Maxine
Writer Maxine Hong Kingston has received several awards for her contributions to Chinese American literature.

Maya
Poet, memoirist and civil rights activist Maya Angelou is best known for her autobiographical books, including I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings.

Oscar
Whether you want to honor Irish poet and playwright Oscar Wilde or the protagonist of Junot Diaz's Brief Wondrous Life of Oscar Wao, this classic name can be spelled both Oscar and Oskar.

Roald
British writer Roald Dahl is best known for children's books such as Charlie and the Chocolate Factory and James and the Giant Peach.

Rosalind
Rosalind is the heroine of Shakespeare's play As You Like It, as well as the title of a poem by Alfred, Lord Tennyson and a play by J. M. Barrie.

Wilder
Fans of Laura Ingalls Wilder's Little House on the Prairie can give their child this unisex name.

Willa
American writer Willa Cather is known for her novels about the frontier and pioneer experience, and for her gorgeous first name. It can be a nickname for Wilhelmina or used to honor a relative named William.

Zadie
This less-common variation of Sadie is the diminutive of Sarah and makes a cool name on its own. Your child would share the name with English novelist Zadie Smith, whose debut novel White Teeth became an award-winning best seller.

Zora
Author, anthropologist and filmmaker Zora Neale Hurston is best known for her novel Their Eyes Were Watching God.

—Taylor Clifton & Eva Ingvarson Cerise

RELATED STORIES:

50 Unique Baby Names Inspired by Travel & Geography
The Secret to Finding the Perfect Baby Name
50 Incredibly Unique Baby Names Your Child Won’t Hate When They’re Older

The Duke and Duchess of Sussex are officially a family of four! Today Prince Harry and Meghan announced the birth of their daughter, Lilibet Diana. She was born Friday morning at Santa Barbara Cottage Hospital in Santa Barbara, California, according to a statement from the couple.

“On June 4th, we were blessed with the arrival of our daughter, Lili,” the couple added. “She is more than we could have ever imagined, and we remain grateful for the love and prayers we’ve felt from across the globe. Thank you for your continued kindness and support during this very special time for our family.”

She’s named after the family nickname of her great grandmother, Queen Elizabeth and her middle name honors Harry’s mother, Princess Diana. Lili joins her brother, two-year-old Archie Harrison Mountbatten-Windsor. The family is settling in together at home.

Buckingham Palace also released a statement on the happy news: “The Queen, The Prince of Wales and The Duchess of Cornwall, and The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge have been informed and are delighted with the news of the birth of a daughter for The Duke and Duchess of Sussex.”

Congratulations to the happy family and welcome to the Queen’s 11th great-grandchild!

––Sarah Shebek

Featured image courtesy of ComposedPix / Shutterstock.com

 

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If you’ve read one fairytale, you’ve read them all when it comes to stepmothers. The words “evil” and “stepmother” are pretty much interchangeable. But is the stereotype true?

Who can forget Cinderella? Her real name was actually Ella, but her stepmother and sisters gave her the horrible nickname because she slept next to the fireplace and was permanently dirty from burned coal dust.

What about Snow White? This paragon of beauty was sent out with a hunter and her stepmother demanded her heart in a box to prove that he had murdered her in the woods. What in the actual &%$#…??

So what does it mean to be a stepmother today in a so-called “blended family,” words that describe the common occurrence of spouses having children in their homes that aren’t related to them by blood?

Well, I should hope that stepmothers are not trying to get their stepchildren killed these days, but how much involvement should stepmothers have in the way their partner parents his own child?

It gets tricky when you’re in a blended household as children who have been brought up differently by their parents are now under the same roof and suddenly need to follow the same rules. To make the transition easier, it’s best to knock out these rules before you move in together.

But who makes the rules and whose existing rules stick? Can the biological parent override the stepparent, or are all the parents in the house treated equally? And if a stepparent has no kids of their own, is that person’s opinion about discipline automatically discounted?

For a blended family to work, all the children’s parents need to come together and agree on the fundamental rules of parenting, regardless of who gave birth to whom. Simple things like TV time, behavioral expectations, homework, eating habits, etc., need to be discussed and presented as a united front.

And the unit of parents must unanimously agree on discipline and who implements it. The general consensus is that biological parents do the hardcore discipline for big issues like sex, drugs, rock n roll, but any of the subsidiary parents can discipline over general issues like wet towels on the floor.

If one parent needs to travel for work and the other parent will be alone with all the kids, children should be given the choice of going to their other biological parent for that period. It is always good for children to spend time with their parents, regardless of custody arrangements.

Special care must be taken not to favor your biological child over the rest. When in the same house, all children should be treated equally by all the adults raising them. What’s good for one should be good for the next—no exceptions—where possible while taking age into account.

Children who go to other parents on weekends and come back with expensive gadgets and toys may create feelings of resentment amongst their stepsiblings. If one parent enjoys spoiling the child they see less often by buying expensive things, the rule should be that they keep it at their own house.

Stepmothers should also not cross lines when it comes to the child’s relationship with their biological mother. Same with stepfather and biological fathers. Many beautiful relationships have grown from a new stepparent opening their home up to their partner’s ex on special holidays for the good of the children.

There need not be any jealousy involved, and your partner’s kids or ex are not your competition. Remind him about their birthdays and school events. If one of them seems down, approach them with kindness and ask if you can help or if they want to speak to another parent. Dial their mom/dad for them.

Involve your children in decision-making about the holidays, new home, getting a pet, and even adding another baby to your brood. Sit down and hear them out. Children who are allowed to say their piece will feel heard and loved, even if the family votes a different way.

When they reach teenagehood, have another family meeting and discuss living arrangements. Some kids might move to the other parent for school/college or just for a change. Support their decisions and stay in touch. Their moving out is not about you, so don’t make things awkward.

Ultimately, being a stepparent can be as simple or as difficult as all the parties involved choose to make it. Ask yourself how you would have wanted to be treated as a child or teenager, and then treat them like that. At the end of the day, children living in your home are your responsibility, blood or not.

If the children are missing a parent through abandonment or death, then you need to step up without stepping in. What that means is that you support them as a good parent would without trying to fill their bio parent’s shoes or take up space they haven’t offered up yet.

Remember, a well-loved child is a gift to the world.

Razia Meer is a Managing Editor at women's magazine, AmoMama, and a mother of two teens and an angel baby. With a passion for homeschooling and building wells in African countries; when she is not educating, fundraising, or editing, she writes about cryptocurrencies, families, and canines - not in that order!

The best family vacations offer a little bit of excitement, relaxation and, if you’re lucky, the chance for your kids to learn a little bit, too. 

A vacation to Florida has lessons your children will remember for a lifetime. 

Start planning your trip today at VISITFLORIDA.com.

The Rockets That Traveled into Space

Kennedy Space Center has been the world’s launchpad for manned space flight for nearly 60 years. The names are iconic and familiar to generations: Mercury, Gemini, Apollo, Atlantis and now SpaceX. At the Kennedy Visitors Center, you can stroll through a garden of rockets or watch one rise into the blue, you can meet an astronaut and see if you have the right stuff to land a space shuttle.

The Half-ton Vegetarian Known as a Sea Cow

On Florida’s central Gulf coast, adventure lovers of all ages can pay homage to a wildlife superstar: the beloved manatee. And there is literally so much to love: The typical adult manatee is 10 feet long and weighs 800 to 1,200 pounds. Which probably comes from eating 10-15 percent of its body weight every day.

The Everglades: Land of the Miccosukee

The Miccosukee have lived in the Everglades for a century and a half. In the 19th century, the Seminoles fought three wars with the United States and never surrendered. The branch of the Seminoles who called themselves Miccosukees settled here. In the 21st century, visitors who drive across the Tamiami Trail pass through their reservation.

A vacation to Florida has something for everyone—including lessons your kids will remember for a lifetime! Start planning your trip today at VISITFLORIDA.com.

The Beach With the White Skeletons of Dead Trees

Big Talbot Island State Park in Jacksonville is renowned for Boneyard Beach, the final resting place for the salt-washed skeletons of live oak and cedar trees.

The History of Stock Car Racing

Like Fenway Park, Pebble Beach, Madison Square Garden and the Rose Bowl and, yes, that other racetrack in Indianapolis, Daytona International Speedway is an American sports shrine. Opened in 1959, the speedway is an annual car-racing epicenter for SpeedWeeks and the Daytona 500. But you can take a tour anytime. 

The Brave Man Who Integrated Baseball

In 1946, the great civil rights icon Jackie Robinson made not just baseball history but American history in Daytona Beach with his professional debut for the Brooklyn Dodgers’ Triple-A minor-league club. A year later, Robinson would integrate Major League Baseball, and a game and a nation would be changed for the better. Once your kids learn the history of Jackie Robinson, take in a game at the Jackie Robinson Ballpark, where you can cheer on the Daytona Cubs or Bethune-Cookman Wildcats! 

There’s much to see and learn in Florida. Nickname? Sunshine State. Year-round temperature of our freshwater springs? 72 degrees. Miles of beaches? 825. Start planning your next adventure at VISITFLORIDA.com.

Hank Aaron, the baseball legend and MLB Hall of Famer, passed away Jan. 22, 2021. During his lifetime, he broke records, racial barriers and fought for equality. Read on to learn a little more about his legacy.

Wikimedia Commons

Hank Aaron was born Henry Louis Aaron, on Feb. 5, 1934, in Mobile, Alabama.

His nickname was "Hammer" or "Hammerin' Hank" because of the high numbers of both home-runs and RBIs throughout his career.

A player's RBI total indicates their number of "Runs Batted In" or how many runs scored as a result from a player's hit. Hank Aaron had 2297, which is the Major League Baseball all-time record to date.

Smithsonian Institution via Wikimedia Commons

Hank Aaron signed with a scout from the Major League Baseball Boston Braves in 1952, but didn't start his official MLB career until April 1954 with the Milwaukee Braves (who later moved to Atlanta). 

He hit his first home run on April 23, 1954.

On April 8, 1974 Hank Aaron hit his 715th career home run, surpassing Babe Ruth's record of 714. 

His signature on a Braves jersey is on display at the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture. 

He finished his career in Milwaukee with the Brewers, with a total of 755 home runs. This record held for 33 years. 

Hank Aaron's brother, Tommie Aaron, also played in the MLB. Tommie's career of 13 home runs brings the MLB-brothers total to 768, the highest combined sibling total ever. 

Wikimedia Commons

Hank Aaron was inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame in 1982.

Hank went pro in 1951 when signed to the Negro American League team, the Indianapolis Clowns.

Because of rampant racism in the United States,  American baseball was segregated. (Blacks and non-white players were not allowed to play on the same team as white players.) The Negro American League began in 1937 (and disbanded in 1962) was one of several"Negro leagues" established during this time.

This segregation in Major League Baseball was also referred to as the Color Line, which Jackie Robinson broke in 1945 when he signed with the Brooklyn Dodgers. Robinson began playing for the Dodgers in 1947.

Hank said that he decided to become a MLB player after hearing a speech by Robinson. Hank was just 14. 

While playing for the Milwaukee Braves affiliate team, the Jacksonville Tars, Aaron faced rampant discrimination, especially when traveling in the South. He was often forced to travel separately from his (white) teammates and had to eat or sleep in different accommodations.

Throughout his outstanding baseball career, Hank faced prevalent racism. While playing for the (Atlanta) Braves as he approached the season (1974) where he was likely to break Babe Ruth's record, he began receiving death threats and a tremendous amount of hate mail. There was even a threat to kidnap one of his daughters. None of this stopped him.

Hank Aaron was a supporter of civil rights, the NAACP and countless other humanitarian efforts to better the lives and rights of African-Americans in the US. 

Wikimedia Commons

Hank was dad to five children: Gary, Lary, Dorinda, Gaie, Hank Jr. and Ceci. 

He wrote an autobiography called I Had a Hammer in 1999. 

He was the recipient of the Presidential Citizens Medal in 2001 and the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 2002. The Presidential Medal of Freedom is the highest honor a citizen can be awarded in the United States. 

In 2005, the NAACP Legal Defense Fund awarded him the Thurgood Marshall Lifetime Achievement Award. They also established the Hank Aaron Humanitarian in Sports Award.

The famous boxer Muhammad Ali once said that Hank Aaron was, "The only man I idolize more than myself." 

 In 2001, Hank Aaron was awarded an honorary Doctor of Humanities degree from Princeton. 

Read more about Hank Aaron at the Baseball Hall of Fame.

—Amber Guetebier

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Photo: My own photo

Since he was in his early 20’s, my husband has known he would name his son Archie in honor of his beloved grandfather.   They had an enviable relationship built on shared interests, humor, mutual respect and a closeness that doting grandparents strive to achieve. When my husband emerged from a brief serious illness as a child, he requested only one thing: a gingerbread man.  Grandpa Archie ran all over town looking for an open bakery.  Archie took my husband to Israel for his bar mitzvah.  The stories about Archie – his booming voice, his humor, his out-sized personality – are lore in our family.  As Archie lay dying, my husband rushed home from college and sat at his bedside, expressing his love and promising to name a son in his honor. 

Our second child is a boy.  His name is Archie.  He is now 16 years old, and you would be hard-pressed to find many more Archie’s in his school, or in any school in our community.

When it was announced that the Duke and Duchess of Sussex have named their precious new baby Archie Harrison.  And the internet has begun to implode.

Archie is a popular name in Great Britain.  When my son was young, we were playing in the park one summer day, and I heard a woman with a British accent hollering for him.   I turned to try and figure out why this stranger was calling my son.  It didn’t occur to me that she might be calling another child – namely, her own son who had wandered over to the sandbox.

When I do occasionally meet another boy named Archie, I am taken aback.  I’m not sure why I’m so surprised, but I am.  There is a uniqueness about the name, perhaps tied to its’ strong association with the old Archie Comics character.  Inevitably, when I mention his name, someone will respond, “Where’s Jughead?  Is it Veronica or Betty?  Hey, like the comic book!” 

Yes, like the comic book.

I’m sure my teenaged son really loves all of this, and all of the additional feedback he gets on his name on a regular basis.

I’ve been fascinated to read all of the negative, insulting messages about the name Archie on social media comments.  Every parent can name their child anything they like, and in the United States, many parents have created, from whole cloth and imagination, some particularly interesting and sometimes outlandish names.  Yet a couple in Great Britain choosing an old-fashioned name like Archie is noteworthy, and also, strangely, an issue about which total strangers feel entitled to an opinion.  I’ll admit, the Duke and Duchess aren’t any ordinary couple: they are a hugely popular, closely watched couple who have just produced a half-American, bi-racial royal offspring.  But still, all of this fuss over the name Archie feels a little extreme.

Archie is the Scottish or English nickname for Archibald, which is of Germanic origin.  It means bold or brave.  It is my understanding that Archie is a family name of Prince Harry’s late mother, Princess Diana.  Regardless, they could have named their son Moon or Sun or Stars.  That choice was entirely up to them.

My son has already grown tired of hearing the royal baby naming news from classmates, teachers and anyone he encounters.  His unique name has suddenly taken on a level of interest that he hasn’t yet experienced in his life.  The upside is that the news cycle changes quickly these days, and social media trolls will soon move on to bashing other people for their personal life choices.  As my British friend reminded me, today’s news is tomorrow’s fish ‘n chip wrapper.

For our family, the true, very personal origin of my son’s name makes it even more special and important.  There’s nothing trendy about it.  He was named to honor, to remember and to show tremendous love.  We named him with the sincere hope that he would have a long, happy life like the one his great grandfather enjoyed.  At the end of the day, I imagine that’s the hope of every parent as they gaze into the face of a newborn baby, placed gently in their arms for the first time, as they whisper, “hello.”

So I say….

Hello, Archie Harrison.  Welcome to the world.  Great name.

Natalie Silverstein
Tinybeans Voices Contributor

Natalie Silverstein, MPH, is the NYC coordinator of Doing Good Together. She is a writer, speaker and consultant on the topic of family service. Her first book Simple Acts: The Busy Family's Guide to Giving Back was published in 2019 and her second book for teens will be published in 2022.