January 6, 2009
David Letterman may have his own “Top 10 List,” but it’s nothing compared to the top names given each year to the 1,194 infants born in 2008 at the Birth Center of Saint Joseph’s Hospital in Marshfield.
Parents were nothing but creative when coming up with names for their little bundles of joy. Some, however, were more fashionable than others.
For girls, Ava and Kylie/Kyllie topped the list for the two most popular names. These were followed by Hailey/Haylee, Lilly/Lily, Emma and Grace. The most popular name for boys was a variation of Aiden, also including Aidan, Aedan, Aeden, Aedyn and Ayden. Ethan was the second favorite name, followed by Mason, Samuel, Carson, Carter and Logan.
Other top names for girls were Ella, Keira/Keirra, Sophia, Summer and Taylor. Additional favorite boys’ names were Brody, David, Gavin, Jackson, Jacob, Lucas, Wyatt and Zachary/Zackary.
Unisex names included Angel, Jordan, Skyler, and Morgan. Masculine and feminine versions also abounded. These included Emerson and Emmercyn, Devon and Devyn, Payton and Payten, Stephen and Stephanie, Nicholas and Nichole, Kyle and Kylee, Oliver and Olivia, Brian and Brianna, Christian and Christina, Charles and Charlotte, Adrian and Adrianna, Brennan and Brianna, John and Johnean, Julian and Juliette, Samuel and Samantha.
Religious names, always popular (more so for males than females), continue to reign. Rebecca, Elizabeth, Rachael, Esther, Adam, Jacob, David, Isaac, Job, Noah, Josiah, and Jonah could have been taken from the Bible. Also represented were gospel writers Matthew, Mark, Luke and John, as well as other apostles and saints Andrew, Christopher and Claire. Even the Christmas season was represented with Jesus, Mary, Joseph, Emmanuel, Nicholas and Angel. And, let’s not forget Faith, Hope, Trinity, Gabriella, Christian and Destiny.
Nature babies were Azalya, Lily, Savanna, Ember, Iris, Reed, Talon, Ruby, Aspen, Saffire, Paisley, Violet, Willow, Meadow, Robin and Sierra.
Perhaps these children were born to be presidents: Kennedy, Harrison, Davis, Madison, Jackson, Tyler, Taylor and Carter. Or, maybe royalty—Diana, Victoria, Elizabeth, Isabella, Grace, Charles, Phillip and William.
Going on a vacation this year? Maybe “Brooklyn,” “Montana,” “Madison,” “Ireland,” “Sydney,” “Virginia,” “Capri,” or “Dakota” would be nice; depending on how many “Miles” you want to travel. “Summer” and “Autumn” may be good times to go. And these days, gas is less expensive than “Diesel.”
Just for fun, one wonders if “Lyric” writes music, “Aria” sings opera, “Armani” owns a high-end boutique, “Gunner” and “Hunter” join Whitetails Unlimited, “Chase” becomes a bounty hunter, “Mack” drives truck, “Marshall” is a lawman, “Maxwell” grows coffee, “Tanner” sells leather goods; and “Mason” builds houses.
Last but not least, some of the more distinct names chosen for boys last year were Datrell, Dein, Fane, Hoyt, Jasratan, Kuronne, Kysen, Moises, Saveliy, Steinar, Suleymaan, Sylence and Vickram. Unique names for girls included Anuhya, Aremzy, Bonyen, Nevaeha, Osiris, Vayda, Yiret and Zainab.