Nifty Namesakes for Your October Babe
By Meagan Burke, TulipByAnyName
October is filled with crisp autumn days, pumpkin-spiced treats, and inspirational October baby names. From Luicano to Minnie to Noah, we have a delightful assortment of great October namesakes for you.
Juliette Gordon Low, founder of the Girls Scouts of the United States, was born on October 31, 1860, and her birthday is commemorated by the Girl Scouts as “Founder’s Day.” Juliette is a French name meaning youthful that has been steadily rising in popularity. Currently ranked at Number 226, Juliette has risen over 400 spots in the last 10 years. This spelling of Juliette may also remind you of actors Juliette Binoche and Juliette Lewis.
The first episode of The Tonight Show hosted by Johnny Carson (shown with sons) aired on October 1, 1962. Carson went on to host the show for thirty years. Carson also has an October birthdate,–he was born on October 23, 1925. Carson is one of the many attractive surnames that are now regularly being used as first names, presently ranked at Number 89 for boys and occasionally used for girls, as in writer Carson McCullers. Current TV hosts Carson Daly and Carson Kressley also share this name. Actress Kate Erbe chose the name Carson for her son born in 2003.
On October 23, 1910 Blanche Scott became the first American woman to fly solo in an airplane. A pioneer in travel, Scott was also the first woman to drive across the U.S. from coast to coast. A medieval French name meaning white, Blanche probably originated as a nickname for a woman with blonde hair. Blanche peaked in 1902 but was used by less than five baby girls last year. Strongly associated with the sassy Golden Girls character Blanche Devereaux, Blanche was also a popular royal name in twelfth century France.
Influential expat poet Ezra Pound was born on October 30, 1885. Pound is credited as defining and encouraging a modernist aesthetic in poetry. A Hebrew name meaning help, Ezra reached a new high in popularity last year at Number 92. Ezra is a prophet in the Old Testament, the author of the Book of Ezra. Paul Reiser and Taylor Hanson each have sons named Ezra. Ezra Fitz is also the name of a character on the popular TV show Pretty Little Liars.
Country comedienne Minnie Pearl, was born Sarah Ophelia Colley Cannon on October 25, 1912. Minnie Pearl was a member of the Grand Ole Opry cast from 1940 to 1996 and was also a staple on Hee Haw. Minnie originated as a nickname for names like Wilhelmina and Minerva, but gained popularity as a given name in the late 1800s. Minnie was only given to 68 girls as a first name last year, though it was Number 356 in England and Wales. Minnie may remind you of Disney’s Minnie Mouse or actress Minnie Driver, born Amelia.
Andrew Lloyd Webber’s musical Cats opened on Broadway on October 7, 1982. Webber is arguably one of the best modern musical theater composers. Andrew is a classic name that has been in the Top 50 since the early 1960s. A Greek name meaning manly, it lends itself to the familiar and accessible nicknames Andy and Drew. Andrew was one of the twelve apostles in the New Testament. You might also consider Anderson, Anders, and Andre.
Charlotte Brontë’s novel, Jane Eyre was first published on October 16, 1847. Brontë was the eldest of the three iconic Brontë sisters whose novels are now considered major classics. A French feminine form of Charles, Charlotte climbed to an all-time high last year of Number 9, no doubt boosted by the little British Princess of Cambridge Several celebrities including Chelsea Clinton, Colin Hanks, Harry Connick Jr., and Pierce Brosnan have daughters named Charlotte.
Opera Singer Luciano Pavarotti, one of the most successful and recognizable operatic tenors of all time, was born on October 12, 193. Luciano is an Italian form of Lucian, pronounced loo-CHAHN-oh, which means light. A handsome and grand choice, Luciano currently ranks at Number 538 in US popularity and 152 in Italy. Other notable Lucianos include Olympian Luciano de Paolis and composer Luciano Berio.
On October 28, 1858 R.H. Macy, born Rowland Hussey Macy, opened the first Macy’s department store. Macy is a variation of the English surname Massey, meaning hill. Currently ranked at Number 413 for girls, Macy peaked in popularity in 2003. Singer Macy Gray is one of the most popular bearers of this name; actress Edie Falco chose it for her daughter.
Teacher and journalist Noah Webster was born October 16, 1758 and is famous for compiling the first American dictionary in English. A Hebrew name meaning rest and wandering, Noah has been the most popular boys name in the U.S. for the past three years, honoring the Old Testament biblical hero. Several celebrities including Michael Buble, Alessandra Ambrosio, and Megan Fox and Brian Austin Green have used the name Noah for their sons.