How popular is the baby name Neil in the United States right now? How popular was it historically? Use the popularity graph and data table below to find out! Plus, see all the blog posts that mention the name Neil.

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Popularity of the baby name Neil


Posts that mention the name Neil

Numerology: Baby names with a value of 4

Baby names with a numerological value of 4

If you’re on the hunt for baby names with a numerological value of 4, you’re in luck! Because today’s post features hundreds of 4-names.

Before we get to the names, though — how do we know that they’re “fours” in numerology?

Turning names into numbers

Here’s how to calculate the numerological value of a name.

First, for each letter, come up with a number to represent that letter’s position in the alphabet. (Letter A would be number 1, letter B would be number 2, and so forth.) Then, add all the numbers together. If the sum has two or more digits, add the digits together recursively until the result is a single digit. That single digit is the name’s numerological value.

For instance, the letters in the name Willow correspond to the numbers 23, 9, 12, 12, 15, and 23. The sum of these numbers is 94. The digits of 94 added together equal 13, and the digits of 13 added together equal 4 — the numerological value of Willow.

Baby names with a value of 4

Below you’ll find the most popular 4-names per gender, according to the latest U.S. baby name data. I’ve further sub-categorized them by total sums — just in case any of those larger numbers are significant to anyone.

4 via 13

The letters in the following baby names add up to 13, which reduces to four (1+3=4).

Girl names (4 via 13)Boy names (4 via 13)
Cai, Eh, Cia, Gea, AabhaCade, Cai, Cj, Eh, Jc

4 via 22

The letters in the following baby names add up to 22, which reduces to four (2+2=4).

Girl names (4 via 22)Boy names (4 via 22)
Kaia, Lia, Ila, Giada, Ali, AichaAli, Lee, Dale, Akai, Hadi, Mace, Dael, Bane

4 via 31

The letters in the following baby names add up to 31, which reduces to four (3+1=4).

Girl names (4 via 31)Boy names (4 via 31)
Blake, Demi, Macie, Kara, Miah, Aliah, Janae, Delia, Echo, Haddie, Ayda, Gina, Cedar, Effie, Koda, Candace, HaliaJacob, Blake, Kaleb, Cash, Kane, Koda, Ahmed, Gian, Cedar, Gio, Mael, Adiel, Taj, Ved, Cree, Dev, Koe, Elam, Gene, Echo, Calan, Aahil

4 via 40

The letters in the following baby names add up to 40, which reduces to four (4+0=4).

Girl names (4 via 40)Boy names (4 via 40)
Maya, Angela, Kiara, Lola, Alaya, Megan, Linda, Kenia, Aadhya, Maleah, Tara, Hailee, Akira, Chiara, Kit, Joan, Kaira, Leni, Camden, Jude, Amya, Emmi, Danika, Nya, Elin, Melia, Skai, Janna, Aayla, Akari, Calani, AyalaDavid, Diego, Jude, Camden, Lucca, Zaid, Eliam, Neil, Dilan, Allan, Boden, Teo, Adler, Joan, Kenai, Abner, Kaine, Kit, Benaiah, Benji, Alder, Obadiah, Nile, Nate, Abdul, Kaeden, Jasai, Haze, Jacobi, Akari, Izaac, Jaciel, Bleu, Calian, Audie, Fateh, Blue, Akira, Halen, Jahkai, Kaidan, Elden, Tadhg, Amiel

4 via 49

The letters in the following baby names add up to 49, which reduces to four (4+9=13; 1+3=4).

Girl names (4 via 49)Boy names (4 via 49)
Emilia, Athena, Jayla, Logan, Oaklee, Kyla, Isabela, Dallas, Milan, Amayah, Aliza, Gwen, Jianna, Harlee, Araceli, Billie, Alaiya, Jaycee, Reya, Mirha, Karen, Amiya, Ehlani, Emilee, Annabel, Ayva, Brisa, Coral, Luana, Niya, Johana, Carol, Tiara, Zaila, Ellamae, Kamani, Maiya, Auri, Aalayah, Islah, Fannie, Anora, BrigidLogan, Luke, Aaron, Jose, Milo, Adriel, Ayden, Dallas, Crew, Niko, Milan, Dariel, Bruce, Hamza, Clyde, Kenji, Brock, Ahmir, Carlo, Mazi, Eitan, Demir, Oaklee, Mahir, Jru, Hiram, Klay, Eydan, Aviel, Braeden, Sahil, Eziah, Jaycee, Ayub, Calix, Bennie, Atom, Kirk, Penn, Jahdiel, Kion, Rahim, Fares, Ason

4 via 58

The letters in the following baby names add up to 58, which reduces to four (5+8=13; 1+3=4).

Girl names (4 via 58)Boy names (4 via 58)
Lily, Natalia, Liliana, Josie, Daisy, Arianna, Ariella, Milani, Nicole, Aniyah, Daniella, Ryan, Lylah, Kylee, Emerald, Kimber, Robin, Avayah, Magdalena, Paloma, Nyra, Indigo, Joyce, Jaylee, Amyra, Sonia, Elayna, Aleyna, Lailani, Ziva, Jalayah, Marlie, Mayra, Elyana, Sedona, Natalee, Fatimah, Karis, Oriana, Pippa, Toni, Star, Mariel, Linden, Hayes, Keely, Melinda, Inayah, Tova, Illiana, Ivanka, Janeth, Sianna, Haniya, Ezri, Anvika, Berklee, Marlei, Charis, Kayli, Mayar, MelodiMiles, Nathan, Ryan, Jesse, Hayes, Holden, Pedro, Isaias, Kieran, Roy, Danny, Albert, Alvin, Robin, Brendan, Brecken, Harold, Dangelo, Ezrah, Ignacio, Kolt, Teddy, Oakland, Archibald, German, Indigo, Oaklen, Clint, Linden, Jakhari, Shiv, Zacari, Donte, Jaron, Fredy, Fenix, Nyjah, Daxon, Finnan, Coast, Rune, Brigham, Marko, Harlen, Keandre, Selim, Harland, Kamran, Aiyden, Abelardo, Jaycen, Mykah, Daquan, Jeter, Branden, Hillel, Wayde, Hashim

4 via 67

The letters in the following baby names add up to 67, which reduces to four (6+7=13; 1+3=4).

Girl names (4 via 67)Boy names (4 via 67)
Gabriella, Ruth, Michelle, Lyric, Aurelia, Paislee, Kaliyah, Zoya, Jessie, Brylee, Maisy, Kimora, Lyanna, Cordelia, Jillian, Jaelyn, Honey, Valencia, Angeline, Tillie, Isadora, Sybil, Ester, Suri, Zhavia, Italy, Evelin, Charly, Jules, Catarina, Delylah, Anayeli, Zayna, Manuela, Karly, Jaylen, Azura, Tracy, Jensen, Gretel, Sahasra, Elvira, Jinora, Bradley, Timber, Kyndal, Jamiyah, Aubriana, EliyanaJulian, Dominic, Miguel, Jensen, Jaylen, Bradley, Marcelo, Julio, Lionel, Rayden, Carmelo, Brycen, Zamir, Kylen, Cullen, Lyric, Zayan, Jessie, Caysen, Maddux, Monte, Elvis, Pharaoh, Oziel, West, Finnian, Carver, Percy, Jules, Yazan, Riyan, Ishmael, Maykel, Urijah, Ayven, Zakaria, Marlin, Maxon, Syre, Yechiel, Kyland, Manny, Jeziel, Soul, Kylar, Timber, Andrey, Kevon, Pryce, Rahmir, Ezrael, Finlay, Charly, Cyril, Neftali, Zhaire

4 via 76

The letters in the following baby names add up to 76, which reduces to four (7+6=13; 1+3=4).

Girl names (4 via 76)Boy names (4 via 76)
Rory, Lorelei, Emory, Kinley, Zendaya, Kataleya, Hayley, Georgina, Nyomi, Winona, Emmeline, Ansley, Kathleen, Addisyn, Taliyah, Evaluna, Sidney, Martina, Eliette, Pepper, Theresa, Samiyah, Amberly, Skylah, Arlett, Nariyah, Dawson, Naylani, Jailyne, Starr, Everlie, Keylin, Shreya, Wynn, Zaniya, Juanita, Vianey, Raniyah, AnnamarieThomas, Emmett, Dawson, Jeremy, Louis, Rory, Sylas, Dexter, Nixon, Alonso, Jerry, Nathanael, Emory, Mordechai, Kruz, Jethro, Torin, Sidney, Kymir, Woods, Neymar, Gurbaaz, Khyrie, Tylen, Wynn, Yusef, Herbert, Waylan, Kolsen, Royale, Jacques, Adonnis, Keyler, Welles

4 via 85

The letters in the following baby names add up to 85, which reduces to four (8+5=13; 1+3=4).

Girl names (4 via 85)Boy names (4 via 85)
Anastasia, Gracelyn, Brinley, Ainsley, Sevyn, Madisyn, Aubrielle, Artemis, Paityn, Ripley, Margaux, Rayleigh, Finnley, Shoshana, Tinley, Rivky, Storm, Yamilet, Shannon, Julieth, Karoline, Alitzel, Hillary, Rosabella, Lively, Vesper, Mallorie, RyleySteven, Kayson, Franklin, Donovan, Finnley, Boston, Sevyn, Jovanni, Ulises, Rowdy, Korbyn, Lucius, Zackary, Kyzer, Octavio, Rodolfo, Kendrix, Wolfgang, Storm, Xavion, Artemis, Devonte, Ripley, Tymir, Myron, Gryffin, Theodor, Broderick, Hyrum, Octavian, Kipton, Hawkins, Omarion, Raylon, Ryley, Shannon

4 via 94

The letters in the following baby names add up to 94, which reduces to four (9+4=13; 1+3=4).

Girl names (4 via 94)Boy names (4 via 94)
Willow, Genevieve, Harmony, Evangeline, Alessandra, Antonella, Stormi, Elowyn, Lakelynn, Emberlyn, Kinsleigh, Bernadette, Milagros, Constance, Madisson, Josette, Everest, Aislynn, Lourdes, Jaqueline, RosaleighBraxton, Everest, Dutton, Jaxtyn, Jiovanni, Brayson, Reynaldo, Sebastien, Trevon, Alexandro, Tayson, Gregorio, Suleiman, Santhiago, Riyansh

4 via 103

The letters in the following baby names add up to 103, which reduces to four (1+0+3=13).

Girl names (4 via 103)Boy names (4 via 103)
Scarlette, Princess, Roslyn, Valkyrie, Merritt, Nicolette, Rosemarie, Violett, Quinley, JustyceGreyson, Solomon, Yisroel, Zeppelin, Jettson, Perseus, Marquise, Maziyon, Merritt, Younis, Tiberius, Everhett, Yitzchak, Jaxston, Trevion, Nicodemus

4 via 112

The letters in the following baby names add up to 112, which reduces to four (1+1+2=4).

Girl names (4 via 112)Boy names (4 via 112)
Brooklyn, Emmersyn, Divinity, Weslynn, VictoryStetson, Valentino, Houston, Guillermo, Zayvion, Augustin, Brooklyn, Ollivander

4 via 121

The letters in the following baby names add up to 121, which reduces to four (1+2+1=4).

Girl names (4 via 121)Boy names (4 via 121)
Persephone, Courtney, Tiaraoluwa, Luxury, KierstynMorrison, Courtney, Kristofer, Christofer, Quintus

Number 4: Significance and associations

What does the number four mean in numerology?

There’s no definitive answer, unfortunately, because various numerological systems exist, and each one has its own interpretation of the number four. That said, if we look at a couple of modern numerology/astrology websites, we see 4 being described as “hardworking,” “practical,” “stable,” “trustworthy,” and “detail-oriented.”

We can also look at associations, which are a bit more concrete. Here are some things that are associated with the number 4:

  • Seasons (spring, summer, autumn, winter)
  • Cardinal directions (north, south, east, west)
  • States of matter (solid, liquid, gas, plasma)
  • Original Greek classical elements (water, earth, air, fire)
  • Moon phases (new, half-moon waxing, full, half-moon waning)
  • Suits of playing cards (hearts, diamonds, clubs, spades)
  • Suits of tarot cards (cups, coins, wands, swords)
  • Limbs (2 arms and 2 legs)
  • Baseball (4 bases)
  • Violin (4 strings)
  • Common time in music (4 beats per measure)
  • Arithmetic (4 basic operations)
  • Furniture (most furniture has four legs)

What does the number 4 mean to you? What are your strongest associations with the number?

P.S. To see names with other numerological values, check out the posts for the numbers one, two, three, five, six, seven, eight, and nine.

Sources: SSA, Numerology – Cafe Astrology, The meaning of the numbers 1 – 9 – World Numerology, 4 – Wikipedia

[Latest update: Jan. 2024]

How did “Lucifer” influence baby names?

The character Mazikeen Smith from the TV series "Lucifer" (2016-).
Mazikeen Smith from “Lucifer

Several Neil Gaiman characters (e.g., Coraline, Yvaine) have influenced baby names in the past, so here are several more that are influencing baby names right now.

These names come courtesy of the TV show Lucifer (2016-), which was loosely based on Gaiman’s comic book series The Sandman (1989-1996).

  • Lucifer: The premise of the show is that the main character, Lucifer (played by Tom Ellis), bored with Hell, has decided to move to Los Angeles and open a night club called “Lux.” (The Latin word lux, meaning “light,” comes directly from Lucifer’s name, meaning “light-bearing.”) In 2017, the baby name Lucifer saw a definitive rise in usage — a fact that would no doubt alarm a large number of Americans.
  • Mazikeen (Maze): Lucifer’s right-hand man is a lady: Mazikeen “Maze” Smith (played by Lesley-Ann Brandt). She’s a demon who followed Lucifer to Earth as his sworn protector. At the start of the series, she worked as a bartender at Lux. The baby name Mazikeen debuted in the U.S. baby name data in 2016, and Maze debuted for girls specifically the next year.
  • Amenadiel: Lucifer’s eldest brother is Amenadiel (played by D. B. Woodside). He’s an archangel (still in God’s good graces) who has a contentious relationship with Lucifer, who he encourages to return to Hell. The baby name Amenadiel debuted in the U.S. baby name data in 2017.

How many U.S. babies have been getting these names lately? Here are the numbers…

LuciferMazikeenMazeAmenadiel
201826 boys42 girls11 boys &
13 girls
8 boys
201724 boys27 girls15 boys &
9 girls*
9 boys*
201613 boys8 girls*11 boys.
20157 boys.14 boys.
201411 boys.10 boys.
*Debut

Though Mazikeen and Amenadiel both sound biblical, neither one is found in the Bible. Mazikeen is based on the Hebrew word mazzikim, meaning “harmful spirits.” Amenadiel’s explanation has eluded me so far, but, like many Hebrew names, it ends with -el, which refers to “God.”

What are your thoughts on these two new names? How about on the rising usage of Lucifer?

Sources: List of Lucifer characters – Wikipedia, Jewish Concepts: Demons & Demonology

P.S. Also on TV right now is American Gods (2017-), based on the Neil Gaiman book of the same name. I thought the show might give the name Shadow a big boost, but so far this isn’t the case.

Update, 2020: Looks like one of debut names of 2019, Axara, can be traced back to a uniquely named single-episode Lucifer character who appeared on the show in March of 2018.

Update, May 2021: Another Lucifer debut! This time it’s Remiel, which was already in the boys’ data before popping up as a girl name last year. In the show, Remiel is Lucifer’s kid sister.

Baby names that fell the fastest in the U.S. data, 1881 to today (relative decrease)

fallen leaves

We looked at the top baby name rises last month, so this month let’s look at the opposite: the top drops. That is, the baby names that decreased the most in usage, percentage-wise, from one year to the next in the Social Security Administration’s data.

Here’s the format: girl names are on the left, boy names are on the right, and the percentages represent single-year slides in usage. (For example, from 1880 to 1881, usage of the girl name Clementine dropped 68% and usage of the boy name Neil dropped 76%.)

  • 1881: Clementine, -68%; Neil, -76%
  • 1882: Malissa, -56%; Verne, -67%
  • 1883: Minna, -67%; Morton, -74%
  • 1884: Roxy, -62%; Ellsworth & Newt, -60%
  • 1885: Sina, -68%; Clarance, -74%
  • 1886: Cordia, Dicie & Johnie, -64%; Adelbert, -69%
  • 1887: Faith, -69%; Hardy, -73%
  • 1888: Diana & Hope, -63%; Connie, -55%
  • 1889: Zilpha, -71%; Wendell, -71%
  • 1890: Buena, -60%; Alvie, -69%
  • 1891: Odie, -65%; Pierce, -76%
  • 1892: Eudora, -67%; Maude, -58%
  • 1893: Lollie, -65%; Levy, -64%
  • 1894: Macy, -64%; Lindsay, -76%
  • 1895: Gina, Laurel & Pennie, -69%; Alvie & Urban, -65%
  • 1896: Dagmar, -75%; Talmage, -67%
  • 1897: Myrta & Ouida, -75%; Benton, -68%
  • 1898: Fae, -71%; Fate, -74%
  • 1899: Rosia, -80%; Fitzhugh, -79%
  • 1900: Irva, -74%; Dora, -69%
  • 1901: Leonore, -75%; Judge, -81%
  • 1902: Veva, -74%; Davis, -72%
  • 1903: Littie & Samantha, -67%; Hunter, -67%
  • 1904: Genie, -71%; Bessie & Reynold, -67%
  • 1905: Luberta, -75%; Randall, -67%
  • 1906: Dulcie, -75%; Patsy, -69%
  • 1907: Libbie, -71%; Geo, -59%
  • 1908: Aurore, -75%; Elden & Minor, -67%
  • 1909: Arnetta, -68%; Tracy, -75%
  • 1910: Lollie, -67%; Hadley, -64%
  • 1911: Nada, -72%; Shelton, -73%
  • 1912: Carla, -71%; Rosendo, -67%
  • 1913: Vassie, -67%; Auburn, -67%
  • 1914: Coy & Maryelizabeth, -64%: Hosey, -78%
  • 1915: Thomasine, -67%; Giacomo, -67%
  • 1916: Zudora, -75%; Remus, -72%
  • 1917: Athalie, -78%; Tatsuo, -82%
  • 1918: Theta, -74%; Lennis, -72%
  • 1919: Liberty, -83%; Foch, -84%
  • 1920: Veatrice, -77%; Pershing, -73%
  • 1921: Fidela & Theone, -70%; Cleven, -71%
  • 1922: Angelyn & Renata, -75%; Dail, -73%
  • 1923: Odilia, -83%; Ugo & Waino, -74%
  • 1924: Gladine, -71%; Masayuki, -72%
  • 1925: Williemae, -72%; Emitt, -72%
  • 1926: Patrice, -75%; Ann, -78%
  • 1927: Vila, -75%; Boston, -76%
  • 1928: Kazue, -79%; Shoji, -93%
  • 1929: Livia, -81%; Tatsuo, -82%
  • 1930: Ivalee, -71%; Deforest, -72%
  • 1931: Emaline, -76%; Audley, -75%
  • 1932: Zulema, -80%; Hale, -77%
  • 1933: Dessa, -78%; Burleigh, -79%
  • 1934: Nira, -81%; Overton, -71%
  • 1935: Claudean, -73%; Hester, -74%
  • 1936: Norita, -79%; Kenley, -79%
  • 1937: Adel & Berdine, -71%; Grace, -78%
  • 1938: Ever, -75%; Casimiro, -75%
  • 1939: Walda, -74%; Butler, -74%

The SSA data isn’t perfect, but it does become more accurate in the late 1930s, because “many people born before 1937 never applied for a Social Security card, so their names are not included in our data” (SSA). Now, back to the list…

  • 1940: Avalon & Ellouise, -75%; Jacque, -71%
  • 1941: Lassie, -71%; Faye & Lemar, -71%
  • 1942: Voncille, -75%; Meyer, -70%
  • 1943: Mahala, -76%; Ewing, -76%
  • 1944: Kyle, -77%; Griffith, -77%
  • 1945: Sherrianne, -74%; Ellwood, Kern & Pascal, -67%
  • 1946: Bettyjo, -71%; Adrien, -77%
  • 1947: Judye, -76%; Bernardino, -72%
  • 1948: Tilda, -78%; Saverio, -74%
  • 1949: Vickii, -77%; Alphonza, -75%
  • 1950: Ranelle, -78%; Agapito, -68%
  • 1951: Vallorie, -90%; Skippy, -72%
  • 1952: Laural, -76%; Edson, -74%
  • 1953: Annelle & Otilia, -72%; Gerrit, -70%
  • 1954: Trenace, -81%; Celso, -76%
  • 1955: Jyl, -79%; Garrie & Robet, -74%
  • 1956: Cerise, -79%; Orlin, -74%
  • 1957: Angelene, -77%; Ruby, -76%
  • 1958: Seneca, -80%; Darryel & Richerd, -72%
  • 1959: Elfrida, -82%; Dietrich, -75%
  • 1960: Jinny, -72%; Ardis, -74%
  • 1961: Perian, -91%; Cully, -84%
  • 1962: Chantay, -80%; Torin, -73%
  • 1963: Marnita, -82%; Isidore, -75%
  • 1964: Julann, -79%; Tandy, -75%
  • 1965: Tonjua, -90%; Jaimie, -86%
  • 1966: Charlet & Desi, -77%; Glennon, -74%
  • 1967: Jeryl, -83%; Haskell, -72%
  • 1968: Millette, -88%; Daneil, -77%
  • 1969: Lya, -81%; Athony, -73%
  • 1970: Cinamon, -77%; Aldrin, -77%
  • 1971: Chimene, -77%; Garet, -74%
  • 1972: Jurea, -83%; Rayvon, -77%
  • 1973: Dayatra, -86%; Keelan, -70%
  • 1974: Shondell, -78%; Efraim, -71%
  • 1975: Natonya, -78%; Imari, -76%
  • 1976: Okema, -87%; Nakia, -79%
  • 1977: Liberty, -79%; Tierre, -81%
  • 1978: Farrah, -78%; Quint, -77%
  • 1979: Danetta, -77%; Kinte, -84%
  • 1980: Vernee, -77%; Kendra, -75%
  • 1981: Santresa, -80%; Jerritt, -74%
  • 1982: Andres, -75%; Stavros, -78%
  • 1983: Tremaine, -81%; Nicanor, -75%
  • 1984: Tyechia, -81%; Jeris, -77%
  • 1985: Gricel, -89%; Duron, -76%
  • 1986: Celenia, -83%; Damiano, -76%
  • 1987: Tareva, -86%; Krystal, -75%
  • 1988: Jeree, -82%; Jammal, -80%
  • 1989: Neyva, -77%; Derrel, -76%
  • 1990: Catherin, -93%; Salvator, -88%
  • 1991: Tichina, -80%; Arsenio, -76%
  • 1992: Unnamed, -88%; Unnamed, -86% [2nd place: Emilce & Symba, -83%; Quayshaun, -80%]
  • 1993: Akeiba, -88%; Evelyn & Jawara, -71%
  • 1994: Kebrina, -86%; Farrell, -79%
  • 1995: Noheli, -84%; Ajee, -79%
  • 1996: Shatasha, -81%; Unknown, -77%
  • 1997: Hydia, -80%, Halston, -79%
  • 1998: Ajaysia, -77%; Jachai, -91%
  • 1999: Naidelyn, -86%; Denzil, -79%
  • 2000: Shanequa, -82%; Giovan, -75%
  • 2001: Berania, -78%; Devontre, -75%
  • 2002: Anallely, -86%; Nkosi, -72%
  • 2003: Jnaya, -88%; Tyheim, -81%
  • 2004: Nayzeth, -89%; Myzel, -75%
  • 2005: Nathaniel, -80%; Hannah, -87%
  • 2006: Babygirl, -86%; Infant, -91% [Counting legit names only: Mikalah, -82%; Jakyri, -79%]
  • 2007: Bethzy, -91%; Brasen, -83%
  • 2008: Lizania, -86%; Duvan, -79%
  • 2009: Aideliz, -88%; Kesan, -78%
  • 2010: Chastelyn, -95%; Yanixan, -87%
  • 2011: Samuel, -79%; Tiger, -80%
  • 2012: Thaily, -78%; Vadhir, -88%
  • 2013: Shanik, -88%; Oneil, -77%
  • 2014: Audris & Avalie, -80%; Sy, -73%
  • 2015: Rion, -83%; Rawley, -79%
  • 2016: Yazaira, -84%; Treysen, -79%
  • 2017: Brucha, -76%; Makana, -79%
  • 2018: Yuleimy, -85%; Neizan, -78%
  • 2019: Anifer, -86%; Nomar & Gianlucas, -73%

(Did you catch the doubles? Alvie, Tatsuo, and Fae/Faye.)

Top drops aren’t quite as exciting as top rises, but certain ones become much more intriguing when you notice that they were also top rises:

  • Rose-then-dropped: Clarance, Lollie, Lindsay, Zudora, Tatsuo, Liberty, Norita, Vallorie, Krystal, Seneca, Nakia, Mikalah, Bethzy, Thaily
  • Dropped-then-rose: Clementine, Malissa, Diana, Alvie, Pierce, Judge, Rosendo

I’ve already written about some of the names above (click the links to see the posts) and I plan to write about a few of the others. In the meanwhile, though, feel free to beat me to it — leave a comment and let us know why you think any of these names saw dropped in usage when they did.

Source: SSA

Image: Adapted from Fall (6282684630) by Kenny Louie under CC BY 2.0.

Where did the baby name Geddy come from?

Geddy Lee of the band Rush (in 2004)
Geddy Lee of Rush

Last weekend, the Toronto Zoo announced that its three capybara pups would be named Geddy, Alex, and Neil in honor of Geddy Lee, Alex Lifeson, and Neil Peart — the three members of Canadian progressive rock band Rush (known for songs like “Tom Sawyer” and “Limelight”).

This reminded me that, in the late 1970s and early ’80s — when Rush was a fixture on the U.S. Billboard charts — the name Geddy started appearing in the U.S. baby name data:

  • 1984: 9 baby boys named Geddy
  • 1983: unlisted
  • 1982: 14 baby boys named Geddy
  • 1981: unlisted
  • 1980: unlisted
  • 1979: 5 baby boys named Geddy [debut]
  • 1978: unlisted

Vocalist Geddy Lee was born Gary Lee in Toronto in 1953 to parents Morris and Manya Weinrib, Holocaust survivors from Poland. Here’s how the name “Gary” morphed into the name “Geddy”:

“Okay, it’s like the same story of Leave it to Beaver. The story goes: my mother is Polish and she has a very thick accent. When I was about twelve years old, I had a friend who, whenever he heard my mother pronounce my name, he thought she was calling me, ‘Geddy.’ He started calling me ‘Geddy,’ and eventually, all of my friends started calling me ‘Geddy,’ and eventually my mother started to call me ‘Geddy,’ for real. And eventually, I changed my name legally to ‘Geddy,’ so that’s the story and that’s my name, Geddy.”

If you were having a son, and you had to name him either Gary or Geddy, which would you choose? Why?

Update, Feb. 2024: Here’s a paragraph from the prologue of Geddy Lee’s memoir My Effin’ Life (which was published late last year):

You probably know me as Geddy Lee, but my birthname was Gershon Eliezer Weinrib, after my maternal grandfather who was murdered in the Holocaust. As per tradition, my mom, her sister and her brother all named their first-born male children in his honour; my two cousins and I, all of us born within a couple of years of one another, were given that same first name, Gershon.

The name on his birth certificate, however, is Gary Lee Weinrib — the “English equivalent” of his Jewish name.

Sources:

Image: Adapted from Geddy Lee Milan 2004 (public domain) by Enrico Frangi