20,001 Names for Baby

by Carol Wallace

Book Overview

An indispensable guide to choosing the best name for your new baby, in a convenient and portable Gem edition.

Choosing a baby's name is one of the first and most delightful responsibilities for moms and dads-to-be. This comprehensive book will help them make that all-important choice from one of the most up-to-date alphabetical listings available. With information including:

-The origins and meanings of names

-Popular...

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 038078047X
• ISBN13: 9780380780471
• Release Date: May 1995
• Publisher: William Morrow & Company
• Length: 432 Pages
• Weight: 0.85 lbs.
• Dimensions: 1.1" x 5.3" x 8.1"

Customer Reviews

Helpful Orientation

20,001 Names for Baby / 0-380-76227-7 This is my first baby book, but I really like the organization and approach. Each name gives the country or language of origin, the meaning of the name (and the meanings seem well-researched, from the ones I've checked with other sources), and notable actors/politicians/literary characters who have shared the name. This last is very important to me - for instance, the entry for "Templeton" cautions that children might be teased for any reference to Templeton the Rat from 'Charlotte's Web'. This sort of gentle caution is important to a parent who doesn't want to accidentally be dazzled by a name that might cause their child a load of grief. The book also notes how heavily used the name is, and in which regions. This is anecdotal, not numerical ("Usage has tailed off in recent years") but is still very useful. I wonder if there is a more recent version of this book? I received mine second-hand and it is fairly old - it notes that (at the time of publishing) the name "Hermione" is almost completely unused!

Nom de doubleplusgood!

I went name by name through this entire book and didn't once stumble across the choice of "Tikki tikki tembo-no sa rembo-chari bari ruchi-pip peri pembo." Perhaps this was #20,002.It's a shame really as this will be suggestion #1 when the girlfriend and I finally settle down and start having kids. (Note to self: find girlfriend. Preferably one who doesn't mind Tikki tikki tembo-no sa rembo-chari bari ruchi-pip peri pembo as the first born's namesake).Now you may say "that name is obnoxious. Who would ever choose to name their child that?"The sort of person who doesn't believe the wedgie factor is high enough with names like "Bryndyn" and "Aynslie" that's who.

A great source

I really like this book because it doesn't just list "Elizabeth" and the name's meaning. It also includes something of the history of the name, who has used it and when and then the author includes an exhaustive list of pet names such as Elise, Elisabeth, Lillibet, Betty, Bettina, etc. Good names and good bits of information to go with them. I still want more names though, but I'm difficult.

Worth the money you spend

This 409 page babynames book has very detailed meanings of names. Boys and girls names are listed separately. Priced at less than US $ 4, this book is definitely worth its money. Do not miss this if you want to name your new born baby.

Excellent

Everything it advertises and more. Out of all my baby name books, this is one of three I carry at all times. After all, you never know when you'll need one or that elusive muse will strike.