Voila, a list!

[barelyshocking.livejournal.com]

Hello all! I'm relatively new to this community. I've commented on a few other name lists, and I thought it was time to join in and post my own name list. I've been 'collecting' names since I was in primary school, doodling dream lists on the back of notebooks and in diaries. I have to say that a lot of names have come and gone (thank the heavens!) but I've stayed true to many of them. My absolute favourite names are bolded, however all the names have earned their place. I encourage feedback, and most of all suggestions of other names you may think I'd like (depending on any trend that may be apparent in my choices).. Also, if you know of a meaning for a name I haven't listed, I'd love to hear it!

Another note: I tend to favour classic names. Not common names so much, just classic or historical. I have a great love of Greek names, being a student of Ancient History, and I also find that I prefer the Italian version of a name much more than the standard (for example, Alessandra). My heritage to my knowledge is a blend of all things British, with some Prussian thrown in for good measure. In honesty, my ancestry does not play a huge part in the names I choose.

And a final note; I'm not expecting, and I don't have immediate plans for children. I do like to be ready though!

Boys
Lucius - Latin, meaning 'Right'
Lucas - Greek, meaning 'From Lucania'
Darcy - Celtic/Gaelic, meaning 'Dark One'
Vincent - Latin, meaning 'Victorious'
Jakob - Hebrew, meaning 'Supplanter'
Rafe - English, meaning 'Wolf Counsel'
Sebastian - Greek, meaning 'Venerable'
Ajax - Greek, meaning 'Of the earth'
Nicholas - Greek, meaning 'Victory of the People'

Girls
Stella - Latin, meaning 'Star'
Celeste - Latin, meaning 'Heavenly'
Olivia - English, meaning 'Elf Army'
Ruby - English, meaning 'Red Gemstone'
Lydia - Greek, meaning 'From Lydia'
Lilah - Persian, meaning 'Lilac Tree'
Sofia - Spanish, meaning 'Wisdom'
Juliette - French form of Juliet, meaning 'Downy'
Nathalie - French, meaning 'Born on Christmas Day'
Alessandra - Greek, meaning 'Defender of Men'
Scarlett - English, meaning 'Red'
Hermione - Greek, meaning 'Pillar Queen'
Antoinette - French, unknown meaning

(All of the above name meanings have been sourced from http://www.babynames.com. I am sure there are alternate meanings floating around out there, but for simplicity's sake I have stuck to the one, online guide.)

Another name which I simply can not find a meaning for is Lascia (pronounced Lah-sha). I know this is a genuine name, possibly Polish because I had a good friend in primary and high school who had this for a middle name, and her family were Polish/Italian. Perhaps I've spelt it wrong, I'm not sure. I think it looks beautiful though, and sounds lovely. I have used it as a WoW character name, along with Christobel, and I have strong attachment to both names.

There are a couple of names that I will not budge on. Stella, for example. I have adored this name ever since 'discovering' it a long time ago in A Streetcar named Desire. I find it beautiful, and I know without a doubt that my first born daughter shall be Stella. The middle name, I'm not so sure on. If I have children with my current partner, then I would likely use his Nonna's name, Maria, in one form or another. I have also entertained Stella Celeste, and Stella Suzanne, after my mother.
William is not in the above list, simply because I would not use it as a first name. It is my much loved Grandfather's name, and I intend to use it as a middle name if I have a son. Now, I'm not as bothered as some people (not that it is a bad thing, I assure you) when it comes to whether or not names 'fit' together. I'd be more than happy to name my son Lucas William, or Sebastian William, even if the name didn't quite roll off the tongue. I think it comes down to a lot more than that; personality, the meaning and strength of the name, and the importance of the name to the parents. My partners Grandfather was Sebastiano, and there is a bit of a tradition in his family to continue the family name, which I respect. These sorts of things mean more to me than alliteration, syllables and so forth.

I would use any of the listed names as 'real names'. I do have a 'If only.. ' name list which may wait for a later date, which includes gems such as Achilles, Odysseus and Grier. Usually though, I don't fall in love with a name that I wouldn't use for my own children.

Phew ! If you've made it through this essay, then I applaud you! I think this community is fantastic, and I appreciate being able to discuss baby names without actually having children/expecting children myself. I enjoy reading the 'birth notices' and so forth, and I love comparing what is fashionable and popular in the States with what is happening here (I live in Australia).

Thanks everyone!