A person's name is a major part of his or her identity.
It's typically the first thing people learn about us and the last thing we leave behind.
"I'll see you at the crossroads, grandma."
Our names can make us feel smart, confident, unique — or even embarrassed, misunderstood,
or lost in the crowd.
"Where is Bah-LAH-kay at?
Just… no Bah-LAH-kay here today?
Yes sir?"
"My name is Blake?"
Choosing a baby name is one of the biggest decisions for a new mom.
Do you go classic?
Trendy?
Totally unique?
And with so many choices, how do you know you've picked the right one?
Baby name consultant and founder of My Name for Life, Sherri Suzanne, tells us, "A name
is a gift so meaningful, so powerful — so personal — that only you can select it for
your child."
Choosing a baby name is a big deal, but the good news is you can’t go wrong.
But in case you need a little inspo, Suzanne gave us the lowdown on the most unique names
for 2017.
Cairo
It may already be the name of one of Egypt's most famous cities, but Suzanne says the name
Cairo will be popular for boys in 2017 — especially because this name belongs to the Kansas City
Chiefs' Brazilian-born placekicker, Cairo Santos.
"Good.
He lines it up and Santos has a 53-yard field goal!"
Suzanne says, "Sports figures impart strength and coolness to names.
Parents also like the nickname 'Cai,' [...] Kai is now a well-used name on its own."
Elora
Inspired by Elora, Ontario, Suzanne says this name is quickly gaining momentum as a more
unique alternative to the popular nickname Ellie.
Suzanne told us, "Elora quietly existed as either a variant form of names like Elenora
or Laura.
It is now among the Top 1,000 names, but at No. 963 in the U.S., it still means that just
280 families selected this name."
Pretty and unique — a win-win.
Fun fact: Elora was also the name of the baby princess in the 1980s sci-fi movie Willow.
Kensington
A district within West London's Royal Borough, Kensington is a name fit for a princess.
Suzanne dishes, "This surname and place name gives parents an alternate way to achieve
the nickname 'Kenzie' outside of the well-used Mackenzie."
Kensington is also the name of Britain's richest street, where an average mansion would cost
you a steep $24.3 million dollars.
Talk about posh!
"I have no idea, dude."
Promise
According to Oh Baby Names, Promise is what you'd call a modern-day "virtue" name, coming
from the Old French "promesse," which translates to a guarantee or assurance.
The site tells us, "As a female given name, Promise is a pretty modern coinage," but it
is also fairly uncommon.
Bestowed upon just 200 baby girls in 2013, this one is definitely an up-and-comer.
Suzanne says, "This virtue name feels more contemporary than Hope or Charity.
While it has not 'taken off' yet, it is lingering just outside the Top 1,000 along with a similar
name, Treasure."
Tinsley
According to Baby Name Science, Tinsley — meaning "Tynni's meadow" — first appeared on the
charts in 1994 at No. 4,116.
And thanks to a growing interest in gender neutral names, Suzanne says Tinsley may soon
have its moment in the spotlight.
She says, "Unisex names that started life as surnames continue to be a trend for girls
— especially ones with the 'L-E-Y' ending.
Tinsley is reminiscent of Riley, Finley, and Ainsley — names that are already being used
regularly.
It's been hovering outside the Top 1,000 U.S. names but may make a leap if a socialite with
the name joins a Real Housewives cast, as is rumored."
So if you start to see more Tinsleys over the next few years, don't be surprised.
"I just love surprises.
I'm just freakin', f-ing excited!"
Titan
Titan, meaning "defender," is popular in Greek mythology as the name given to a group of
powerful, immortal giants.
If you're looking for a name that exudes strength, this one is definitely a contender.
Suzanne tells us, "Titan is a fast-moving name that's one of several in the Top 1,000
borrowed from heroes of mythology.
Achilles, Atlas, Apollo are others."
Of course, not every Greco-Roman name is guaranteed to be popular.
For example:
"My name is Maxium Decimus Meridius.
Meanwhile, celebrities seem to be feeling the name Titan as well.
According to Nameberry, Titan Fiennes-Tiffin is the nephew of actor Ralph Fiennes, while
Titan Jewell is the name Beyonce's bestie Kelly Rowland and hubby Tim Witherspoon chose
for their son.
Wilder
Wilder has been familiar as a surname, carried by celebrities like American boxer Deonte
Wilder and writer/producer Billy Wilder.
But Suzanne says, "It took a celebrity connection for many parents to consider it as a first
name."
She's talking about Wilder Hudson, the son of Scream Queens actor Oliver Hudson, who
is Kate Hudson's brother.
This makes Wilder's grandmother Hollywood legend Goldie Hawn.
"This could be a whole show!"
Political direction
According to research published on Today.com, we're in for a lot more baby names with unconventional
spellings and nontraditional origins.
This is a trend that seems to dominate in red states vs. blue states, if you're still
thinking in presidential election terms.
The article lists the "Top five names for girls in states that vote red are the individualistic
Blakely, Brylee, Kennedi, Kyleigh, and Journee, while the Top 5 boys' names are Kason, Cason,
Braylen, Chandler, and Lawson."
"Okay."
"Yes.
"She got creative with the beginning part of her name."
As for the popular blue state names?
According to Nameberry, Francesca, Alexandra, and Miriam all made the list.
Convention is overrated
Dream, River, Journey, Apple, Onyx … It's no secret that celebrities love getting creative
when it comes to naming their offspring.
And since Suzanne noted that celebs can have a huge influence on baby name trends, it's
safe to say we're gonna see more and more kids with unconventional names.
The verdict?
Anything goes in 2017.
Name ON!
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