Tom-Boys? Are masculine named girls the next big thing?

I try as hard as I can to keep up with new or possible naming trends. And for a while now, it seems to me that the new thing in naming is boyishly named girls.

I was hoping this might trend might fizzle out before it could get as popular as I fear it is about to become. But no, much to my dismay little Tom-Boys are popping out all over the place.

Now this is no cutting edge trend. Parents of young girls have been pinching names from the parents of young boys for.....I'd guess about 3 generations.

Courtney
Leslie
Addison
Avery
Peyton (sorry to all those who like this name but it has to be my least favourite name EVER!)
Ashley
Lindsay

And what do these names have in common? They are all originally masculine names and now, never in a million years would parents choose these old favourites for their sons.

However, it is my opinion that it has only been in recent times that parents are taking this uni-sex name thing to the next level. Last week in the Perth births and deaths section there was a Thomasina. And this week some unlikely names for girls have appeared.

-Tyler Rose
-Chelsea Hunter
-Ava Cruz
-Eliza Ivy John

Also, recently the name Jagger Joseph Blue was voted the worst celebrity baby girl name of 2008. Yes this name was for a girl. What were they thinking!?!?!?! These are all boys names!

And it's not just in the younger generation that names like the above. Obama's mother's given name is Stanley because her parents wanted a boy.

Sorry to say I just can't get into this trend. To me boys names are for boys, girls names are for girls and unisex names can be used for either. A girl whose name includes John doesn't work for me. Don't even get me started on Hunter! I hate this name for a boy or a girl! There are more way to achieve a name that is a bit more unusual than Jane Doe than by submitting to this trend. Please tell me that the general population has more sense than that!

First or Last?

Hi all!
I know when i love a name the origin hardly matters... mostly... (unless your calling your child hell i think we can agree it matters then!!! :D). Well I have to say I'm a sucker for last names for first names, especially for boys! So all baby namers out there here are our top last, first names!Enjoy and be inspired!! :P

BOYS:
Cooper:This is the 62nd most common surname. A cute name which is one of my favourite. Tied with any middle name this name stands strong (unless of course your last name is Cooper!! :P)
Avery:This name comes from the French name Alfred and means "elf counsel." How cute is that?!?
Cole:This is the 108th most common surname. Also meaning black this names one syllable is strong and ever lasting
Hart: Open your heart to this last name for your son!! This name is of old English origins, as well as being a surname its the name of an English Saint. Heavenly!
Spencer - This fab name is the 163rd most common surname. Uncommon and original it can be shortened to Spence or changed to Spenser.

GIRLS:
Piper- Made famous from charmed. The 1,298th most common surname This names trend is on the rise. Get on board and call your son or daughter piper. Perfect if unsure of the sex of your babe!
Eden - This is a Hebrew name which has history, way back to the beginning of the earth. As the 4,941st most common surname is sure to distinguish your daughters names from her peers. Being two syllables also ensures an easy choice in middle name!
Ivy - The ivy league anyone? 2,097th most common surname it brings to a child nature and style an effective mix!!

I hope these names please all and enjoy exploring this site. If none of the blogs assist you feel free to message us on short of ideas and we will get back as fast as humanly possible!!!!

Finding a Middle Name for Claribelle

Hi. I was searching the web and came across your website. I was hoping you could help me. I'm 8 months pregnant and myself and hubby are having problems choosing the name. My other children are Elle Marie, Cooper James and Saffron May. Its a girl and we are calling her Clarabelle but we have no idea what goes with the name, any ideas? Thanks - Rosalie.
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Hi Rosalie. Congrats on being our 1st inquiry!

And congrats on your little one! PS. You didn't happen to get the name Claribelle from our website did you?!?!?! :D

I think I have a bunch of names that might be suitable for teeny tiny Claribelle. Tell us what you think huh and what you finally choose!

Sierra - This is a little cute huh? A variant of Kiara and kind of similar to the 'oh so now' Sienna but less common. Meaning 'mountain' in Spanish and in my opinion fits perfectly with Claribelle.

Avery- So you have a Cooper which is derived from a surname so why not Claribelle Avery (also derived from a surname). Whist it does translate to Alfred in French, which means Elf Council, I think Avery is a much more feminine names than a masculine one. Plus if Claribelle turns into a Harry Potter or Lord of the Rings fan she'll just love you for it!

Lilac- Like Saffron, Lilac is a fairy unusual botanical name. It isn't even registered on my favourite baby name website! However, it was used by model Kirsty Hume and actor Donovan Leitch for their little girl.

Pearl- My favourite for decorating my earlobes and gorgeous for a little girl. Pearls are repeatedly used as a metaphor for something of value in the bible. Claribelle will certainly be something of value after all.

Paige- Claribelle Paige has a sweet little ring to it don't you think?

Leila- Pronounced either Lay-La or Lee-La and means Night in Arabic. I thought that this name has similar characteristics to May. Also Claribelle means Bright so you have to giggle and admire Claribelle Leila, a Bright Night.

Thanks for you question! Hope you like you names!