This 2016 Baby Name Trend Has a Leafy Twist

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Feb 06, 2016

Just when you thought that every possible baby name on the planet had already been scooped up, celeb baby name news proves that it just isn’t so. English actor Jack Huston from Boardwalk Empire and American model Shannan Click recently welcomed a son, Cypress Night. While plenty of tree baby names for children are well established — Rowan, Aspen and Forrest instantly come to mind — Cypress has a novel ring to it. 2016 might be shaping up to be the year of the tree, at least when it comes to creative baby names.

Top Baby Boy Names Inspired by Trees

1. Cypress: Cypress is a nature name possibility that shares sounds with the ancient Cyrus and the oh-so-stylish Silas. It was given to just over 50 children in 2014, split almost evenly between boys and girls. The new celeb baby on the block might make more parents take notice. Cypress trees were long associated with mourning, but they also have many other meanings attached to them. Vincent van Gogh painted them, and the iconic “lone cypress” can be found along the rocky California coast on the famous 17-Mile Drive.

2. Alder: Asher is in the US Top 100 and Archer is rising fast. The similar-sounding Alder is an under-the-radar tree name and surname name that could work for a son or a daughter. Alder wood is often used to make electric guitars, turning Alder into a gentle nature name with a rock-and-roll sensibility. If you’re curious, 44 boys were given the name in 2014.

3. Ash: Speaking of Asher, it’s the latest Ash-name to catch on in the US, following Ashley and Ashton. Just plain Ash is a tree, a cousin to the olive. But it also brings to mind Ash Ketchum, Pikachu’s trainer in the Pokemon universe, or possibly Ash Williams of Evil Dead fame. For the record, 66 boys were named Ash in 2014.

4. Elm: The rarest of the tree baby names on this list, Elm hasn’t been given to even five children in a single year. It could be a patriotic choice though: During the American Revolution, Boston colonists met under the Liberty Tree, a white elm, to plain their uprising. The British chopped it down, but it lives on as a symbol of independence.

5. Oak: It’s not just elms that are richly symbolic. Congress named the oak America’s national tree, and it’s also an official symbol of more than a dozen other nations. It’s often associated with strength and endurance. Sound-wise, Oak is close to names like Jack and Kai. The related surname name, Oakley, has entered the US Top 1,000 for girls and boys in the last few years.

6: Linden: This is a great, gender-neutral way to update Linda or Lynne, or substitute for Landon or Logan. The presidential Lyndon is a spelling variation. 69 boys and 58 girls were given the name in 2014, making it rare, but not unknown.

7. Koa: Koa sounds like a creative spin on Noah. It actually has more in common with the Hawaiian nature name Kai. Koa is one of the most common trees in Hawaii and the word means warrior. The tree’s wood is prized as material for canoes and surfboards. In 2014, 110 boys and 13 girls were given the name, making Koa one of the more popular of the rare tree names.

8. Sequoia: California’s Sequoia National Park is home to towering sequoia trees, but this is a nature name with even more significance. Botanist Stephen Endlicher gave the name to the trees in the 1840s, apparently inspired by Sequoyah, the Cherokee silversmith who invented the very first alphabet for his native tongue. In 2014, 13 boys and 66 girls were given the name. With A-ending choices like Noah, Elijah and Luca so popular, Sequoia could be a great nature name for a son.

9. Hawthorn: Hawthorn is a nature name with a literary connection. The author Nathaniel Hawthorne’s surname is spelled with an “e,” but it comes from the family of shrubs and trees. Because they flower in the spring, they’re associated with hope. Six boys were given the name Hawthorn in 2014, plus an additional 19 Hawthornes. It’s a name that feels buttoned-down and bold at once.

Are you inspired to name your bouncing baby boy after a coniferous entity? Tweet us @BritandCo and let us know!

This post was originally published on Nameberry by Abby Sandel.

(Photos via Getty)

16 Crazy Baby Names You’re About to See Everywhere

Unique baby names are hard to come by these days, but parents looking to stand out from the Emmas and Jacks are looking for inspo everywhere resulting in some truly original and sometimes crazy names. In fact, you probably don't know anyone with these trending names of 2020 but that may soon change.

Soon you may see Falcon and Williston on friends' birth announcements or maybe your own? (This one from Minted is super sweet.)

We browsed through Nameberry's most unusual baby names for boys and girls and here are 16 rare, exotic - dare we say crazy? - baby names that are among the hottest so far for 2020.

Hanan, up 1000 Percent: Think of Hanan, which means graciousness, as the modern version of Hannah. It's up a whopping 1000 percent in July 2020.

Williston, up 1000 Percent: Not just an oil town in North Dakota, this fresh take on William is taking the maternity ward by storm. Willis (as in) is also up there with a 36 percent rise in July.

Flavio, up 702 Percent: This Latin name for "yellow" or "blond" is gracing birth certificates of blondie babes across the U.S.

Massey, up 603 Percent: This unisex name is on the rise for girls and boys. You could also mix it up with variants like Massie, Masey, and Masie.

Messiah, up 301 Percent: This bold name is trending for girls and means "expected savior or deliverer." Basketball star Allen Iverson likely started the trend with his little one.

Rosaria, up 218 Percent: The Spanish name for "rosary" is trending hard and we like it for a twist on the classic Rose.

Cricket, up 168 Percent: This unisex name is becoming hugely popular for boys. We like it for babes with summer birthdays!

Callen, up 90 Percent: This unisex Gaelic name is trending for girls and means "rock." Yay for strong girl names!

Bruin, up 90 Percent: Whether you're a sports or nature fan this name could be for you. Of English/Dutch origin, the name means "bear or brown." Bear as a boy's name is also up, thanks to celeb moms Alicia Silverstone and Kate Winslet, who both have Bear cubs.

Sabien, up 87 Percent: Move over Damien, there's a new baby name in town. You can also go for the French variation Sabin for a tres chic twist.

Falcon, up 81 Percent: Give your bird a cool name like Falcon and who knows how far she'll soar. Eagle is also up (61 percent) for boys and girls.

Rani, up 81 Percent: For boys, Rani means "my song, my joy" and for girls it means "queen, she is singing." Cute for your little dancing queen!

Lyrical, up 81 Percent: More than 1,000 girls and boys are named "Lyric" each year in the U.S., but this longer musical number is topping the charts this month.

Bas, up 76 Percent: Consistently in the top 10 in the Netherlands, this cool twist on Sebastian is trending for boys in the U.S.

Gem, up 66 Percent: Meaning "precious stone," this shorter version of Gemma is looking strong for short and sweet baby names.

Rorke, up 66 Percent: Meaning "illustrious and mighty" this Irish name is having a 2020 moment and we're loving it.

Does your baby have a distinctive name? Share it with us @BritandCo!

This post was updated in partnership with Minted. Shop Minted to find adorable birth announcements for your baby.

Brit + Co may at times use affiliate links to promote products sold by others, but always offers genuine editorial recommendations.

(Photos via Shutterstock)





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Jenna Bush Hager's Book Club Pick Is Perfectly Poignant To End 2024

I've recently started sitting on my balcony in the morning to catch up on standout book club reads, and it's been so refreshing. Call me obsessive, but I just can't get enough of finding hidden gems that others — like Jenna Bush Hager — are reading. When she's not co-hosting TODAY with Hoda & Jenna, she's sharing her monthly book club picks on Read With Jenna and accompanying podcast!

Created by Hager in 2019, Read With Jenna features over 50 titles that Hager eagerly shares with other book lovers. She told The Today Show, "There's nothing like falling in love with a book," and I wholeheartedly agree. If you can't get enough of curating your own bookshelf, here are 32 standout reads from Jenna Bush Hager's book club.

December 2024

Amazon

Devotions: The Selected Poems of Mary Oliverby Mary Oliver

Jenna Bush Hager's December book club pick is a little different than what's been featured before because it focuses on the amazing poetry of Mary Oliver. With over 200 poems that eloquently capture Oliver's love for life, readers are sure to find ways to be in awe of the little things that are often taken for granted.
Of this pick, Jenna Bush Hager said it reminds her of the things that center her. "When life feels uncertain, I find comfort in a few things: stepping outside into nature, leaning into my faith, or picking up poetry. Mary Oliver’s poems, in particular, feel like a warm hug," (via Read With Jenna on Instagram).

November 2024

Amazon

This Motherless Landby Nikki May

Funke goes from enjoying a cozy life in Nigeria with her parents and brother to being jostled off to England, an unknown land she's never been to before. Upon her arrival, she recoils at the tragic state of where she'll be living and how different her interactions are with other family members. Yet, she and her cousin Liv find joy in each other.

This same joy follows them to the next phase of their lives until their bond is shattered given the revelation of their mother's former decisions. Individually, Funke and Liv find it difficult to live lives that are free from the pain of their family's past.

October 2024

Amazon

The Mighty Red by Louise Erdrich

Argus, North Dakota bears witness to the intertwined fates and lives of those attending a wedding. Gary Geist is faced with huge responsibilities, but also can't stop thinking about making Kismet Poe his wife. He's not the only one with eyes for her though. There's also Hugo and his resolve that Kismet belongs with him.
Kismet is gifted with visions like her mother Crystal who happens to help with the sugar beets of Gary's family farms. Somehow, each of them will have to make sense of the things they can see and what remains unknown in The Might Red.

September 2024

Amazon

Blue Sistersby Coco Mellors

Grief affects everyone differently, but it's never been painted so poignantly before. Blue Sisters introduces readers to the three Blue Sisters – Avery, Bonnie, and Lucky — as they try to piece together their lives after the death of their sister Nicky. From remnants of addiction to defeat in various forms, the sisters are forced to reconcile their emotions when more shocking news beckons them to return home.

August 2024

Amazon

The Wedding People by Alison Espach

Reading like the sister of Ally Condie's The Unwedding, The Wedding People centers around one woman's determination to make the most of time in Rhode Island.

Phoebe Stone's hit rock bottom without her husband, but hasn't given up on her dream of traveling to Newport, Rhode Island so she can unwind at Cornwall Inn. Coincidentally, her arrival doesn't cause a stir because it's assumed she's one of the many guests that'll be attending a lavish wedding.

She flies under the radar so much that she and the organized bride begin developing a bond that results in secrets being shared. But, Phoebe has a plan and no one will see it coming.

July 2024

Amazon

In a time where America is in the midst of political and social changes, a small town in Missouri is left shaken by the disappearance of girls. Despite the residents' fears, no one knows why this is happening nor do they know where to begin searching for the missing girls.

But, a young boy by the name of Patch decides to step up to the plate to return the daughter of a well-to-do family. Though the family seems to be grateful for her return, unrest begins bubbling underneath the town's surface.

As Patch and his family begin grappling with what it means to be a hero in society's eyes, they also realize that some things are merely a facade to hide darker truths.

June 2024

Swift River by Essie Chambers (June 4)

Prepare to be transported through time as you read one family's saga through the yes of the young Diamond Newberry.

She and her mom have relied on other people to drive them wherever they need to go since her Pop vanished without any indication of where he could be. Everyone in town knows who Diamond is and they often subject her to harsh bullying. It's something she wishes would change, but the only thing she can foresee is her mother's sheer determination to move on with their lives.

That sounds great, but Diamond's suddenly left with more answers when she learns about more of the women in the Newberry family. She even learns more information about her Pop that paint a much larger picture than she originally saw. What this does is creates a strong tether that helps Diamond start finding her place in the very world that's sought to mistreat her.

But, how much of Diamond's life will be forever changed the more she learned?

May 2024

Real Americans by Rachel Khong

Real Americans is a beautiful story about identity, class, and more in America. It begins with Lily Chen falling in love with Matthew despite their different backgrounds. She's dealing with being an unpaid intern who's the child of someone who escaped Mao's Cultural Revolution while Matthew is the heir of a successful pharmaceutical company. Nevertheless, they somehow manage to fit together.

But, something happens in between the time they fall in love and the moment Lily's son Nick realizes his mom seems to be keeping something from him. She's never talked about his father and this has only piqued his curiosity even more.

The more he tries to find answers about his dad, the more Nick realizes there's not always a clear path to the past.

April 2024

The Husbands by Holly Gramazio

What if you came home from work one day to discover you're married to a stranger and everyone knows but you? That's exactly what happens to Lauren and it confuses her because she's sure she'd remember getting married. Not only that, but she's apparently been married for a while. Everyone in her life knows and the life around her shows evidence that her marriage isn't a fluke. So why can't she remember it?

The answer to her question lies in the mysterious act that occurs in the attic. For some reason, it's become a place where she 'receives' new husbands and a brand new lifestyle. She starts to enjoy the newness of living different lives, but eventually she wonders if it's possible to find happiness in one of the realities she's being afforded.

March 2024

The Great Divide by Cristina Henríquez

Debuting tomorrow, The Great Divide is a tale about the intersection of lives, compassion, and dedication. Set in Panama, the novel allows readers to form an intimate relationship with Omar, Ada Bunting, and John Oswald as they navigate circumstances that bring them together.

Despite his father's disdain for a new canal that's been commissioned to be built, Omar finds himself among one of the workers tasked with paving the way for it to exist. It's backbreaking work that takes a toll on him, but his weariness is comforted by Ada. Having seen firsthand how Ada cares for those who are fragile or sick, scientist John Oswald immediately enlists her help due to his wife being sick.

The Great Divide sweeps you into it's compassionate arms and has an ending that'll surely make your heart swell.

The House on Mango Street by Sandra Cisneros

To celebrate it's 40th anniversary, Jenna Bush Hager's book club has named The House on Mango Street as it's second pick for March! It's about Esperanza Cordero's desire to define who she is outside of what her Spanish culture has chosen for her. There's moments of sheer bliss that make heart-wrenching recollections easier to stomach, but Esperanza always finds a way to embrace how these things make her who she is.

February 2024

Good Material

Good Material is the new coming-of-age novel for adults who are still trying to figure out if they're adulting properly and revolves a series of events that makes main character Andy feel like he's down on his luck. From watching the breakdown of his longterm relationship to feeling like he's not growing as a comedian, it's clear that Andy is ready to do whatever it takes to become better in the love and career departments. But, is he truly ready to learn his life's lessons and will he be prepared for what happens next?

January 2024

The Waters

Trigger Warning: This novel contains graphic mention of animal cruelty.
The Waters is a gripping tale that involves Hermine "Herself" Zook's unmistakable way of healing others in Whiteheart, Michigan. However, she doesn't have the best relationship with her daughters and this makes for a complicated life when her granddaughter, Dorothy "Donkey" Zook" is left in her care.

Despite Donkey's desire to run free in Whiteheart, her family's past threatens to disrupt that and then some. Will she be able to understand what's threatening the community around her or history repeat itself? Find out when the book releases January 9, 2024.

December 2023

We Must Not Think of Ourselves

#ReadWithJenna announced its December pick yesterday and it's a historical novel that's sure to tug at your heartstrings. We Must Not Think of Ourselves follows Adam Paskow's journey as a Jew held captive by the Nazis. He later finds himself working alongside others who are committed to immortalizing history as it unfolds around them. Not without flaws, Adam unintentionally falls in love with Sala Wiskoff despite the latter being a married mother. This thrusts him into a world filled with complicated choices fueled by the need to survive and love.

Will his choices hinder those he's agreed to help or will he prove that taking risks is necessary for history to move forward? Pick up a copy of We Must Not Think of Ourselves to find out!

November 2023

The Sun Sets in Singapore

To help ring in a new month, Jenna Bush Hager's book club announced its November pick earlier today. Available for purchase tomorrow, The Sun Sets in Singapore introduces us to three women whose paths seem different at first glance. However, each of them have something that's lurking behind initial assumptions. As Dara, Amaka and Lillian find themselves 'lost' in Singapore's paradise, they begin to realize there is a such thing as too much tranquility - especially if it's disguised to hide life-altering truths. Will they be able to confront what they've escaped from or will it continue to follow them like shadows on a summer day?

October 2023

How To Say Babylon

Jenna Bush Hager's October pick is a tale of what happens when toxic traditional views begin to threaten a family's foundation. Young Safiya Sinclair must come to grips with her father's authoritative reign over her family, especially when she realizes her mother's only act of rebellion is making sure her daughters are educated. It's something that Sinclair allows to open her mind and set her free from her father's views.

A Woman Is No Man

Let your curiosity and assumptions about this book's cover introduce you to the journey of Deya. While she has her sights set on going to college and chasing her dreams, her strict grandmother is only concerned about Deya becoming someone's wife. Tradition seems to rule her life, and it's the last thing Deya wants. A random turn of events grants her wish and takes her on a journey of self-discovery where she learns what it means to be a woman whose voice is not only heard, but also respected.

Searching For Sylvie Lee

Families can carry hidden secrets that threaten to undo everything one knows once they begin searching for the truth. And this is exactly what happens when Amy rushes to find out what happened to her older sister Sylvie after her disappearance. With her confidence growing as she draws nearer to the truth, Amy is faced with the difficult task of seeing her family without rose-colored glasses and has to decide what that means for them as well as her.

Nothing to See Here

When Lillian drifts apart from her roommate and eventual friend Madison, she thinks nothing of it. That is until Madison begs her to help her caring for her stepchildren whose irritation manifests as fire. Over time Lillian is able to develop a beautiful relationship with the twins and learns the depths of her love are limitless.

The Girl With The Louding Voice

As she grows up in Nigeria, Adunni longs for a future that looks different from what she's always known. She goes to great lengths to figure out how to do so and this takes her down a path filled with sorrow and faith.

Valentine

When Mary Rose Whitehead finds young Gloria Ramirez on her doorstep, she quickly realizes a vicious act of brutality happened. Unfortunately, justice isn't swift and this leads Whitehead to take matters into her own hand.

A Burning

A Burning takes readers on a tale that intertwines the lives of three different people. Beginning with the public smear campaign of Jivan, readers are then introduced to a gym teacher whose ambitions cloud his judgment and a sweet, yet misunderstood soul who works to clear Jivan's name.

Friends and Strangers

Friends and Strangers follows Elisabeth and Sam as they navigate what it means to show up in the different seasons of their lives. They somehow form an unlikely friendship that's quickly threatened and leads to things that are hard to come back from.

Leaving The World Behind

When Amanda and Clay decide to take a breather from city life with their teenagers, they initially feel they're in for peace and quiet at the rural location they've chosen. Unfortunately for them, the owners of the home they're renting arrive in the middle of the night. It's a tale of wariness that spills over and it's up to the reader to decide if it's warranted or not.

White Ivy

People aren't always what they seem, and Ivy Lin is a prime example of this. She learns how to steal from her grandmother, and she doesn't stop until her mother decides enough is enough. After being sent to China, Ivy grows to become trustworthy and evens bumps into her former crush's sister. But, her past begins to haunt her and she finds out that some things are hard to forget.

What's Mine And Yours

Gee and Noelle's worlds collide when integration brings them together. Behind the scenes we find that their mothers — both with strong opposing views — are doing what they feel is best to prepare their children for a life in America. Each has their own reasoning even if it threatens to erase who their children truly are.

Good Company

Flora Mancini is forced to question the life she and her husband have built when she discovers he didn't actually lose his wedding ring years ago. It's enough to make anyone go mad, but she somehow works to piece together the puzzle to discover the truth and decide how to move forward.

Malibu Rising

Things reach a fever pitch in this tale about family secrets and longing. Each of the Riva siblings have their own ghosts and anticipation to look forward to as their famous summer party draws near. It's only a matter of time before things bubbling underneath the surface burst in front of everyone.

Hell of a Book

Hell of a Book is about an author who's being followed by an imaginary child and a Black boy named Soot. As the past and present collide, Hell of a Book somehow lives up to its name in a reckoning tale.

Bright Burning Things

Bright Burning Things sheds light on a former entertainers love for her son and struggle to part ways with drinking. It's a tale that's familiar to those who have parents who struggle with alcoholism and the pain it often inflicts.

Black Cake

With their mother's cryptic message and a family-long recipe involving black cake looming between them, brothers Byron and Benny must work together to learn more about her history. They also have to find a way to repair their relationship before everything that still ties them together is lost forever. Be sure to read Black Cake before it comes out on Hulu this November!

Remarkably Bright Creatures

Tova Sullivan has suffered two great tragedies in life — the death of her husband and her son's unsolved disappearance. When she befriends an octopus named Marcellus, he becomes determine to help her understand what happened to her son before evidence is completely lost at sea.

Check Out More Titles From Jenna Bush Hager's Book Club:

Images via Amazon

Which books are you adding to end-of-year reading list? Let us know in the comments and follow our Amazon Storefront for more of must read picks!
Brit + Co. may at times use affiliate links to promote products sold by others, but always offers genuine editorial recommendations.
Lead image via Read With Jenna/Instagram
This post has been updated.
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These Are the Biggest Baby Name Trends of 2019

The biggest baby name trends of 2019 include names from new sources around the world and in nature, trends reflecting modern spirituality and nonbinary ideals, an F and a U, and a goodbye to a longtime favorite group. Here are Nameberry’s predictions for the 12 leading trends shaping baby names in 2019, along with name examples for each trend.

1. Biggest Big Picture Trend – Global Names: As the world gets smaller, the pool of names becomes larger, with new names from ever-more-diverse origins entering the global lexicon. At Nameberry we’ve added thousands of new names from around the world: Maori names and Xhosa names, ancient Greek names and South American Indian names, Korean names and Israeli names. With the appetite for meaningful and unique names expanding all the time, parents are looking for original choices with deep roots.

Example names: Acacius, Aroha, Cyrene, Jedda, Kiran, Lautaro, Lior, Niabi, Sena, Walken

2. Newest Gender Bend – Nonbinary Names: Parents who want to raise their children free of gender stereotypes are looking for names that are truly gender neutral. That means no names that end in son like Madison and no names that were originally boy or girl names that have migrated to the other side, such as Charlie. And if the names also embody a gender-free ideal such as Justice, all the better.

Example names: Briar, Campbell, Finley, Journey, Justice, Laken, Revel, Robin, Royal, Story

3. Hottest Direction in Baby Naming – East: Names related to Eastern religions and non-European mythology have taken over from biblical names and saints’ names as spiritual favorites. The mainstreaming of yoga, meditation, and non-traditional spiritualism underpins the trend, along with a search for meaning that transcends the name’s surface qualities such as style and sound.

Example names: Asherah, Bodhi, Kali, Lakshmi, Manu, Osiris, Raiden, Rama, Tanith, Zen

4. Coolest New Color Names – Muted Hues: All color names for babies are, well, colorful, but we’re beginning to see a shift in tone as vibrant shades like Scarlett and Ruby and Poppy are giving way to softer pastels. Grey/Gray is starting to replace Blue as a first and middle color name du jour, while popular Violet has been joined by other vintage pale purplish hues. Another prediction: More Crayola names for boys.

Example names: Ash, Fawn, Grey/Gray, Ivory, Lavender, Lilac, Mauve, Moss, Olive, Sage

5. Richest New Nature Names – Rare Gems: For a long time, the most popular jewel names have been those usually assigned to girls — Ruby, Pearl, Amber — all of which came into favor at the turn of the last century, along with flower and other nature names. But one of the most interesting new areas to be mined is the more unusual gem names which can be not only for girls but also for boys (or sometimes both).

Example names: Amethyst, Emerald, Garnet, Jasper, Jet, Onyx, Opal, Peridot, Sapphire, Topaz

6. Latest Vintage Trend – Old-School Nickname Names for Boys: We’re seeing charming vintage boy nickname names like Archie and Alfie and Freddie beginning to join their sisters Millie and Maisie and Josie, but more surprising to us is the nascent revival of early 20th-century faves like Johnny and Jimmy and Billy on birth certificates, names which once were confined to comic strips and old radio and TV shows. Even more startling is the reappearance of some generic/badass appellations now appealing to the hipster sensibilities of celebs and others.

Example names: Ace, Billy, Buddy, Buster, Hank, Ike, Jimmy, Johnny, Sonny, Spike

7. Most Fashionable Consonant – F: For a letter that had been sitting quietly in the shadows for decades, F has suddenly rocketed forward, particularly for boys, and particularly for boys’ names of Irish descent. And then there’s the whole Family Fran, which started to take off after the election to the papacy of Pope Francis and led to the revival of several surprising half-forgotten Fran names. Fashion-forward names starting with F include the following.

Example names: Faye, Felix, Fern, Finnian, Flora, Florian, Frances, Frankie, Frederick, Frost

8. Coolest Vowel – U: U finally gets its turn in the spotlight this year. As a first initial, U is the least-used letter of the alphabet, and it hasn’t featured in any major baby name trends in… forever. But now u — and its “oo” sound — features in many newly stylish names. Is it the influence of little Prince Louis? His unexpected name may have simply upshifted the trend to major.

Example names: Eulalie, Hugo, Jude, Juniper, Louise, Luca, Luna, Reuben, Tallulah, True

9. Trendiest Name Length – Three Letters: Four letters might be a marker of name popularity, a la Number 1 Emma and Liam, but minimalist three-letter names are the sleek, sweet names of the future.

Example names: Hal, Ida, Jem, Kit, Koa, Liv, Lux, Rex, Rio, Van

10. Wildest Middle Name Trend – Animalia: Parents who want to add a touch of fierceness or individuality to more conventional first name choices are turning to the animal kingdom for the wild vibe. As in many other trends, celebs have led the way, starting with Mariel Hemingway’s daughter Langley Fox back in 1989 to the number of more recent starbabies bearing Bear as their middle name.

Example names: Bear, Falcon, Fox, Hawk, Koala, Lion, Lynx, Otter, Tiger, Wolf

11. Trendiest Trend-Related Trend – Celebrity Surname-Names: Celebrities have influenced baby names since the days of Shirley Temple, and surname-names such as Morgan and Carter have been rising since the conservative 1980s. Now those two trends have combined into one megatrend: Celebrity surnames for baby girls and boys. Goodbye, Shirley; hello, Temple.

Example names: Beckham, Bowie, Ellington, Hendrix, Jolie, Ledger, Lennon, Lennox, Monroe, Wilder

12. Trend Ready to Jump the Shark – Em- Names: We predict that baby namers are about to become all Emmed-out when it comes to baby names in 2019. After all, we had Emily in the Top 25 for 35 years, at #1 for 12 of them. Then came Emma, in the Top 25 since 1998, and still reigning in first place. A number of dueling Em- names followed in their wake, and we predict that the consensus is about to be that enough Em is enough.

Example names: Ember, Emerson, Emery, Emilia, Emily, Emma, Emme, Emmeline, Emmett, Emmy

What baby name trend is your fave? Share it with us @BritandCo.

This post was previously published on Nameberry.

(Photos via Getty)

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The '1923' Season 2 First Look Is Finally Here

The final season of Yellowstone might be nearing its end, but prequel series 1923 is just getting started. The TV show follows Jacob Dutton, ancestor to Kevin Costner's John Dutton, and after a finale in 2022 that left the family scattered and recovering from devastating blows, we FINALLY have a look 1923 season 2, coming to Paramount+ soon.

The new episodes are going to be incredible, but you don't have to take our word for it. It Ends With Us & 1923 star Brandon Sklenar thinks so too! "It's the most fun I've had as an actor in my life — shooting this season — and I cannot wait for people to see it," he told People. "I know they'll love it."

Keep reading for everything you need to know about the dramatic, sexy, and addictive 1923 season 2.

Is there a season 2 of 1923 coming out?

Lo Smith/Paramount+

Yes, 1923 season 2 is on its way! The new season was confirmed in 2022, before the season 1 finale aired, and I couldn't be happier. I can't imagine getting to that cliffhanger and not knowing if we'd see this generation of the Duttons again!

Is Alex in season 2 of 1923?

Lo Smith/Paramount+

1923 Season 2 Cast

Yes, Julia Schlaepfer will reprise her role as Alex, alongside Harrison Ford as Jacob Dutton, Helen Mirren as Cara Dutton, Brandon Sklenar as Spencer Dutton, Michelle Randolph as Elizabeth Dutton, Darren Mann as Jack Dutton, Jerome Flynn as Banner Creighton, Aminah Nieves as Teonna Rainwater, and Isabel May as Elsa Dutton.

Brandon has loved working with Harrison and Helen throughout their time on 1923, and couldn't help but praise their "humility and humanity and kindness" in an interview with People.

"To see people at their level and to be able to maintain such a deep level of humility and humanity and kindness is something that I'll take with me forever because they are both just really special human beings and I think that that's reflective in their work and how they're revered by audiences and have been revered for so many years," he says.

When is 1923 season 2 coming out?

Lo Smith/Paramount+

1923 Season 2 Release Date

We don't have an official release date quite yet but stay tuned for updates!

What happens in 1923 season 2?

Trae Patton/Paramount+

1923 Season 2 Plot

Fans of the first season will remember the finale was a MESS. After getting married, Alex and Spencer got split up on their transatlantic journey (read: Spencer's duel with her ex-fiancé led to his death & Spencer got kicked off the ship). But thankfully Alex has some letters Cara addressed from the ranch, so I'm crossing all my fingers and toes she's able to make it to Yellowstone sooner rather than later.

Teonna survives a fight with Hank but is still on the run for killing Sister Mary, while Cara and Jacob continue to defend themselves against Whitfield (hate him). Thankfully in this 1923 season 2 first look image, it looks like after Elizabeth miscarried her baby, Jack is helping her find joy in the little things.

“I can confidently say that it’s going to be absolutely incredible,” Brandon said in an interview with Forbes. “The tone shifts a lot and it’s definitely a bit darker. It’s very beautiful.” Hopefully we see all the Duttons reunited before the season 2 finale!

Will there be a season 3 of 1923?

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It looks like right now, we won't be getting a season 3 of 1923. “No, no, it’s bookend," Brandon Skelnar told The Hollywood Reporter. "It’s still limited, but I think of it as one piece — there’s just a split in the middle, but it’s all one piece. It will conclude."

Are you excited to see 1923 season 2? Read the latest news on Yellowstone spinoff The Madison!

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OMG The Spooky First Look At 'Wednesday' Season 2 Is Here!

We might have been in our Barbie era last year, but we're already looking forward to season 2 of Wednesday in all its lacy, gothic glory. The first season offered the perfect balance of spooky horror, friendships, and romance, and it looks like the next installment will give us even MORE classic Tim Burton details we love. Keep reading to see what lead actress Jenna Ortega has to say about Wednesday season 2!

Keep reading for the latest news on Wednesday season 2, including the release date, cast, and first look!

Your first official look at Jenna Ortega as Wednesday Addams!

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I was overjoyed to see that we got a Wednesday season 2 first look on December 4 — and then promptly started asking myself why Wednesday is standing in a graveyard. Although, it's typical behavior from our favorite spooky gothic teen. And in true Wednesday fashion (literally), she's wearing a black dress over a white blouse with a Peter Pan collar, as well as her signature braids. Oh it's good to be back at Nevermore!

Who's in the Wednesday season 2 cast?

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Wednesday Season 2 Cast

On November 13, it was announced that Lady Gaga was joining the cast in a yet-to-be-announced role. We can't wait to see her alongside Jenna...and hopefully we get to see her dance a bit ;).

This photo from set confirms the Wednesday season 2 cast list! We now know for sure that we'll see Georgie Farmer, Victor Dorobantu, Luyanda Unati Lewis-Nayo, Joy Sunday, Owen Painter, Emma Myers, Billie Piper, Jenna Ortega, Evie Templeton, Luis Guzmán, Isaac Ordonez, Catherine Zeta-Jones, Alfred Gough, Noah Taylor, Miles Millar, Tim Burton, Steve Buscemi, Moosa Mostafa, and Hunter Doohan in season 2 of Wednesday. Deadline confirmed that season 1 regulars Percy Hynes White, Jamie McShane, and Naomi J Ogawa will not be returning.

We know that Jenna Ortega will return as Wednesday, but during her Actors on Actors chat with Elle Fanning, Fanning REALLY wants to know if Weems (the principal of Wednesday's Nevermore Academy, played by Game of Thrones' Gwendoline Christie) will return, Ortega doesn't hesitate to voice how much she loved working with the actress: "I would die to work with Gwendolyn Christie for the rest of my life."

"Wednesday's relationship with Weems is one of my favorite because they're very, very different women and they're constantly against each other but simultaneously they both want to watch each other's successes," she continues. "And Gwendolyn being as talented as she is, she's just really, really a pleasure to work with, so I'm doing everything in my power to throw out the most insane plots that would possibly bring this woman back from the dead." Never say never!

What is Wednesday season 2 about?

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Wednesday Season 2 Plot

"We've had a lot of conversations and I think we've decided things that we definitely want to enhance or dive a little bit deeper in," Ortega says during her Actors on Actors interview with Elle Fanning.

In addition to leading the cast, Ortega is serving as producer this time around. She's mentioned how collaborative and welcoming series director Tim Burton has been throughout the whole process, and how excited she is to voice her own ideas. "I think we want to lean into the horror aspect of the show a little bit more because it is so lighthearted," she continues. "A show like this, you know, with vampires and werewolves and superpowers, [you don't] want to take yourself too seriously. So I think that we're ditching any romantic love interest for Wednesday which is really great, and then also we have such incredible female leads in the show."

On January 15, Jenna Ortega revealed she's got her hands on the first few scripts for Wednesday season 2. “We’re definitely leaning into a little bit more horror,” Ortega tells E! News. "There’s really, really good one-liners and I think everything’s bigger. It’s a lot more action-packed. Each episode will probably feel a little bit more like a movie, which is nice.”

When is season 2 of Wednesday coming out?

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Wednesday Season 2 Release Date

Wednesday season 2 will stream on Netflix in 2025. You can stream Wednesday season 1 on Netflix now!

Is season 2 Wednesday going to be scary?

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"We’re definitely expanding on the supernatural world," Jenna Ortega tells Vanity Fair. "Our show had all sorts of werewolves and vampires and da-ta-da. And I think we expand on that a little bit."

"In the first season we had episodes that really stood out visually, like the dance episode was a really big one for people, and that setting was very particular and it felt like Prom Night, a little bit, or Carrie," she continues. "Every episode [of season two] that I’ve read so far is like that. It just stands out on its own as a very memorable scene or bit or setting, which I think is what I’m most excited for."

Your First Look At 'Wednesday' Season 2!

Netflix/YouTube

For Netflix's Geeked Week, the streamer gave us a behind the scenes first look at Wednesday season 2, which actress Catherine Zeta Jones promises will be "bigger and more twisted" than we could hope for. And Tim Burton's aesthetic is exactly the kind of gothic moodiness we were hoping to see!

We see brief glimpses of Wednesday and Enid at Nevermore, and a shot of Wednesday giving a passionate speech onstage. Maybe she's rallying the student body to fight another evil? Or providing a distraction for Enid to do some snooping? We'll have to wait until 2025 to find out.

Where is Wednesday season 2 filmed?

Vlad Cioplea/Netflix

Via Deadline, season 2 of Wednesday moved from Romania (where they shot season 1) to Ireland, and became the country's "largest production."The show wrapped production in December.

How old is Wednesday Addams?

Netflix

Wednesday Addams is 15 years old at the beginning of the Netflix series. This version of the character is older than other versions, and in the past, we've seen her at six years old and 13.

Are you excited for season 2 of Wednesday? What do you think about the series adding more horror elements? Let us know in the comments and check out the rest of the New TV Shows coming this year!

This post has been updated.

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