By Daily Press staff
You’ve had nine months to think, debate, and possibly argue — but the time has come. You need to name your baby.
According to officials at Saint John’s Health Center in Santa Monica, most parents choose a name while mother and baby are still in the hospital. Filling out a birth certificate, including your baby on your insurance plan, and registering him or her for a Social Security number are all much easier to do in the hospital.
Even so, a surprising number of parents take their new baby home without a name, hospital officials said. It’s little wonder, considering the vast array of traditional and non-traditional names available, they added. In her book, “The Baby Name Wizard,” national researcher and demographics expert Laura Wattenberg explores some prevalent trends in names today.
Traditional names and their variations In the 1950s, names like Robert, Carol, Linda and William were highly popular. The girls’ names were short to begin with, and the boys’ names could easily be shortened to become Bob or Bobby, Bill or Billy.
Today, Carol and Linda are not as common, but Robert and William are back in the top 10. These little boys, however, are no longer shortening their names. Instead they join Henry and James on the playground, leaving Hank and Jim and Bill and Bob to their fathers. In parallel, little girls are also bearing longer names. Jennifer and Abigail have regained popularity and are seldom shortened to diminutives.
Name forecast Mary and John have had their ups and downs, but they remain the most consistently popular names throughout the ages. With thousands of names available — and the ability to make up a name if wanted — many parents find it easiest to stick to the classics, or name their baby after a family member.
A forecast of popular girls’ names this summer includes: Ainsley, Annalise, Willow, Susannah and Estella. Boys names include: Asher, Jude, Declan, Emmett and Hudson.
Regardless of what name you choose for your baby, it’s essential that you find a good pediatrician to help you keep them healthy and well. During pregnancy, even before names become an issue, it is good idea to begin interviewing doctors.
To find a pediatrician (or any type of physician), log onto the Saint John’s Web site at www.stjohns.org. Select “Find a Physician” and respond to the computer prompts. Browsers can choose from a wide range of specialists, which are then sorted by location, gender and language. The service instantly refers patients to one of Saint John’s experienced and caring physicians.
Ethnic heritage In the early 1900s, immigrants to America were quick to shed their traditional names. Sean became John, Wilhelm became William, Emmet became Edward, and Annellise and Hannah became Ann. Today, names that reflect a cultural heritage — even if it isn’t your own — are popular.
Sean is a favorite name, as are Liam, Jacob and Dillon. Girls are returning to Annelise and Hannah.
African Americans, many of whose ancestors were forcibly renamed upon arriving in America, began adopting African names in the 1970s, following the Black Power Movement. Those names have remained popular.
Originally published in the Santa Monica Daily Press print edition on April 26, 2005. Read the original PDF.