When I cracked open a review copy of The Complete Book of Baby Names by Leslie Bolton in search for a name for my yet unnamed fetus, I was expecting the same old same old.
Yes, there’s the requisite index of names and several chapters of decent naming advice. But what I loved best about this book were the lists – so many wonderful lists! Nearly 300 in fact, all to help open your mind beyond Madison and Max.
Think: biblical names, literary names, and popular names from dozens of countries around the world. You’ll find names inspired by every kind of athlete from bowlers to Heisman trophy winners. And I especially loved the more esoteric top tens, like mob names, surfers, stuntmen, guitarists and optometrists. Of course some of the inclusions seem a bit arbitrary–according to the author, I’m a supermarket checkout clerk. Who knew.
Overall, if you need a naming resource beyond the outstanding (ha) suggestions from friends and family, I’d certainly suggest you make this your first–and maybe your only–purchase. –Liz
Can’t We Just Name Her Jane and Call it a Day?
