All of the Above with James Brown
The James Brown Commentary
Baby Names
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Baby Names

Everybody wants to be unique
baby in white tank top
Photo by Matt Walsh on Unsplash

When it comes to baby names,  we run in packs. According to the Social Security Administration, names like Liam, Olivia, Noah, Emma, Oliver, Charlotte, James, and Amelia are popular now. But trends evolve.

Back in 1900, about 90% of children’s names were from the top 1,000 list. By 2000, it was 75% for girls and 86% for boys. 

Today’s parents want unique names. Freya, Sloane, and Ezra are being heavily searched on Google. They’re experimenting with spelling variations for names such as "Lily" and "Brittany". 

Searches for names starting with P, A, and V are up too. Expect Parkers, Avas, and Violets to flood future kindergarten classes.

The  most popular searches for middle names include River, Aurora, Elijah, Amelia, and Charlotte.

Inspiration for our names are interesting too. google searches for names inspired by 'Gift from god or miracle', 'Light', 'Love', 'Warrior', and 'Last' are up too. 

Pop culture and celebrities have long inspired baby names too. Celebrities like  Steph Curry and Sofia Richie are frequently searched as are Netflix’s Bridgerton and Taylor Swift inspired names.

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When it comes to kid names, I lean toward “keep it simple stupid,”

I prefer classic easily spelled names like mine but those names like Carol, Sue, and Terry are fading away and I don't think they're coming back anytime soon.

What do you think? What's in a name?  Keep the conversation going at jamesbrowntv.substack.com.

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All of the Above with James Brown
The James Brown Commentary
Musings on news, life, and television. A few minutes a day, five days a week. Proudly based in Rochester, New York. Brought to you by Modern Fire Studios.