Names from France

A view of the Pyrenees Mountains from the village

of Dun, near Toulouse. This is my own photo

so please ask for permission if

you want to use it. Thanks! :)

For the next part of the week, I stayed with some of my mother's friends in the village of Dun, near Mirepoix, which itself is near Toulouse. I spotted some more names whilst I was there.

Elodie

Elodie was a flight attendant on the plane. Her name is of French origins as a form of Alodia, which itself comes from the Germanic elements of alja ("other; foreign") and aud ("riches; wealth). In its native France, Elodie last appeared on the popularity charts in 2010, where it ranked at #216. In England and Wales, it ranked at #172 last year.

Elisabette

Elisabette was another flight attendant on the plane. Her name is a French form of Elizabeth, which has a meaning of "God is my oath". 

Étienne

Étienne was a waiter at the hotel on the first night. His name is the French form of Stephen, which has a meaning of "crown". In its native France, Étienne last appeared on the popularity charts in 2010, where it ranked at #225.

Sabine

Sabine was a member of staff at the airport in Toulouse. Her name is the French and German form of Sabina, which itself is of Roman origins, literally meaning "sabine", the name of an ancient Italian ethnic group. 

Jean

Jean was a local of Dun. His name is the French form of John, which means "Yahweh is gracious". In its native France, Jean last appeared on the popularity charts in 2010, where it ranked at #89. 

Robert

Robert was an English resident of Dun. His name is of European origins and itself comes from the Germanic name Hrodebert, meaning "bright fame". In England and Wales, Robert ranked at #96 in the popularity charts whilst in the United States, it ranked at #61 last year.

Pascal

Pascal was another local of Dun. His name is of Latin origins and has a meaning of "relating to Easter". 

Loïc

Loïc was a local of Mirepoix. His name is the Breton form of Louis, which itself is the French form of the Germanic name, Ludwig, which is composed of the elements hlud ("famous") and wig ("war; battle"). 

Philippe

Philippe was another local of Mirepoix. His name is the French form of Philip, which itself is an Anglicized form of the Greek Philippos, meaning "friend of horses". 

Sophie

Sophie was another local of Dun. Her name is the French form of Sophia, which itself is of Greek origins and has a meaning of "wisdom". In England and Wales, Sophie ranked at #10 in the popularity charts whilst in the United States, it ranked at #91 last year.

Logan

Logan was a staff member at the airport in Toulouse. His name is of Scottish origins, and is derived from a surname meaning "little hollow" in Scottish Gaelic. In England and Wales, Logan ranked at #23 in the popularity charts, whilst in the United States, it ranked at #13 for boys and #391 for girls last year.

Hannah

Hannah was an English tourist at the airport in Toulouse. Her name is of Biblical origins, and has a meaning of "favour" or "grace". In England and Wales, Hannah ranked at #59 in the popularity charts, whilst in the United States, it ranked at #28 last year.

Names from Seville

A view of Seville from the Metropol Parasol structure. This is my 

own photo so please ask for permission if you want to use it. Thanks! :)

It's been ages since I last posted and quite literally none of you have read my last few posts, which might be due to my hiatus. I can't make any promises that I'll be back to my old standards, as I'm in the middle of my exams (which are very important) which results in me being unable or forgetting to blog. But, at least I'm here today. 

In the first half of the first week of the October half term, I visited Seville in Andalucia, Spain. Whilst I was enjoying my trip I managed to spot quite a few names. 

Harriet

Harriet was a British tourist at the airport. Her name is an English form of Henriette, meaning "home ruler" as a feminisation of Harry. Harriet first began to be used in the seventeenth century and shot up in popularity in the eighteenth century. In England and Wales, Harriet was #61 on the popularity charts last year; whilst in the United States, it last appeared on the charts in 1970, where it ranked at #820.

Sage

I'm not sure if Sage counts as a proper sighting, since I overheard some women behind me on the plane talking about a baby named Sage. Sage originates from the English word, which describes somebody who is wise. It is also the name of a spice. Sage is very rare in England and Wales, though in the United States, it ranked at #388 in the popularity charts for girls and #652 in the popularity charts for boys last year.

Juan

Juan was the owner of my apartment. His name is a Spanish and Manx variation of John, which itself is the English translation of Iohannes. John has a meaning of "Yahweh is gracious" and is of Biblical origins. In it's native Spain, Juan ranked at #29 in the popularity charts, whereas in the United States, it ranked at #98 in the popularity charts last year.

Frolian

Frolian was a little boy at a tapas restaurant on the first night. His name derives from the Spanish name Froila, whose meaning is not known. It's a very rare name, though in 1998, Infanta Elena, Duchess of Lugo gave her oldest son Felipe the middle name of Froilán (his full name is Felipe Juan Froilán) and he is known as Froilán to the Spanish media, so as not to confuse him with his uncle King Felipe.

Lorena

Lorena was a woman behind the till at a shop on the second day. Her name is the Spanish form of Lorraine, which has a meaning of "kingdom of Lothar" as being derived from a French region. In Spain, Lorena last appeared on the popularity charts in 2010, where it ranked at #82. In the United States, it ranked at #968 that same year.

Claudia

Claudia was a little girl at the Alcàzar Palace on the third day. Her name is of Ancient Roman origins, as a feminsation of Claudius. Claudia was used very rarely as a given name until the sixteenth century. In England and Wales, Claudia ranked at #306 in the popularity charts, whilst in the United States, it ranked at #723 last year.

Matteo

Matteo was the younger brother of Claudia. His name is the Italian form of Matthew, which is of Biblical origins and has a meaning of "gift of Yahweh". In its native Italy, Matteo ranked at #6 in the popularity charts in 2013, whilst in England and Wales, it ranked at #402 a year later.

Luca

Luca was a little boy at the María Luisa Park in the evening. His name is a European form of Luke, a Biblical name which has a meaning of "from Lucania". In England and Wales, Luca ranked at #58 in the popularity charts, whilst in the United States, it ranked at #185 last year.

Blanca

Blanca was a baby at the park. Her name is a Spanish cognate of the French Blanche, which has a meaning of "white". In its native Spain, it ranked at #43 in the popularity charts last year.

Pablo

Pablo appeared twice in Seville. It is the Spanish form of Paul, which itself derives from the Ancient Roman name of Paulus, meaning "small" or "humble". A famous bearer of the name is Pablo Picasso. In its native Spain, Pablo ranked at #3 in the popularity charts whilst in the United States, it ranked at #396 last year.

Cristina

Cristina was a dancer at the Flamenco museum in the evening. Her name a romance language form of Christina, which itself is of Latin origins as being derived from Christiana. It means "follower of Christ". In Spain, Cristina ranked at #55 in the popularity charts last year whilst in the United States, it ranked at #952 a year earlier.

Rosario

Rosario was a singer at the Flamenco museum in the evening. Her name is of Spanish origins and has a meaning of "rosary", coming from the Spanish title of the Virgin Mary, "Nuestra Señora del Rosario/"Our Lady of the Rosary". 

Roque

Roque was another dancer at the Flamenco museum in the evening. His name the Spanish and Portuguese form of Rocco, which has a meaning of "rest". 

May

May was a staff member at a supermarket. Her name is derived from the month, which itself comes from Maia, who was a Roman goddess. In England and Wales, May last appeared on the popularity charts in 2012, where it ranked at #493.

Mari

Mari was another staff member at a supermarket. Her name is a form of Maria, which itself is a European form of the Biblical name Mary. Mari has a number of meanings, including "bitter" and "wished for child". 

Paco

Paco was another staff member at a supermarket. His name is a diminutive of Francisco, which itself has a meaning of "Frenchman" as a Spanish form of Francis. 

Alejandro

Alejandro appeared twice in Seville. Alejandro the Spanish form of Alexander, which itself is a Latin form of the Greek name Alexandros, meaning "defending men". In its native Spain, Alejandro ranked at #4 in the popularity charts, whilst in the United States, it ranked at #157 last year.

Rafael

Rafael was a guest at my apartment. His name is the romance language form of Raphael, which itself is of Hebrew origins and has a meaning of "God has healed". In England and Wales, Rafael ranked at #275 in the popularity charts, whilst in the United States, it ranked at #293 last year.

Juan Carlos

Juan Carlos was another guest at my apartment. The name of the former King of Spain translates as John Charles in English. 

Constanza

Constanza was another guest at my apartment. Her name is the Spanish form of Constantia, which itself comes from the Latin name Constantius. Constanza has a meaning of "constant; steadfast". 

Caroline

Caroline was another guest at my apartment. Her name is the feminisation of Carolus, which itself is the Latin form of Charles, which has a meaning of "man". In England and Wales, Caroline last appeared on the popularity charts in 2004, where it ranked at #459, whilst in the United States, it ranked at #58 in the popularity charts last year.

Alexander

Alexander was a tourist at the airport. In England and Wales, Alexander ranked at #22 in the popularity charts, whilst in the United States, it ranked at #8 last year.

Naming Seasons #1: Autumnal Names

Credit: Autumn's Wikipedia page

I thought I'd do a new posting idea, "Naming Seasons". Here, at the start of each season I will be posting about names that relate to the particular season. As it's the first day today, let's start with autumn. 

Autumn

The name of the season itself first had usage in the English language, and has been given to babies since the 1960s. It derives from the Latin word autumnus, and can also be used as a name in France, where it is spelt as Automne. In England and Wales, Autumn ranked at #184 on the popularity charts last year, whereas in the United States, it had a ranking of #71 that same year.

Maple

Maple is of English origins and means just that. It is used more in the United States, though it's still a rare name across the pond. In the United States it first began to be used as a name in the 1600s. It started out as a unisex name however in more recent times it has been predominantly feminine. The maple leaf is also the national symbol of Canada. 

October

The name of the second month in Autumn, which also happens to be my birth month, October is of Modern English origins, though derives from the word octo, meaning "eight". Author Ray Bradbury has a book called Octoberland, in which one of the characters is called October.

Aurelia

Aurelia could be used as an autumnal name due to it's meaning of "golden", a reference to the colour of the leaves in autumn. It is derived from the Ancient Roman family name Aurelius. In England and Wales, Aurelia had a ranking of #298 in the popularity charts last year, whereas in the United States, it ranked at #832 that same year.

Hazel

Sharing the same name as the hazelnuts, which are a common sight in early autumn, Hazel is of English origins, and is derived from the Old English word hæsel. It first started to be used as a name in Victorian times. Popular young adult author John Green used Hazel as the name of the main character in one of his bestsellers, The Fault in Our Stars. In England and Wales, Hazel had a ranking of #252 in 2014, whereas in the United States, it ranked at #107 in the popularity charts that same year.

Laurel

Laurel is after the laurel tree, which is a common sight in autumn. The name of the tree itself comes from the Latin laurus. In England and Wales, it is quite an uncommon name, however in the United States, it ranked at #815 in the popularity charts in 2014. 

Forrest

Forrest derives from an English surname, which was originally worn by families who lived near forests, which look red and golden in autumn. In England and Wales, Forrest is a rare name, however in the United States, it had a ranking of #718 in the popularity charts last year.

Hawthorne

Hawthorne is after the bush, which are common sights in autumn. The meaning of the name Hawthorne is "lives where hawthorne bushes grow". It is a rare first name. 

Rowan

The rowan tree bears brightly coloured berries in autumn, making it fit in the list of autumnal names. Rowan can be used for either sex, though originally started out as a male name. In England and Wales, Rowan had a ranking of #127 for boys and #443 for girls in 2014, whilst in the United States, it ranked at #239 for boys and #412 for girls that same year.

Hawk

Hawk is after the sparrowhawk, which migrates in the autumn season. It is of English origins and is more common as a surname, though also has usage as a first name.

Auburn

This unusual choice is after the colours of autumn. Auburn is of English origins and means "red-brown". More commonly used to describe a particular colour of human hair, Auburn is a rare name.

Naming Nationalities #4: Dutch Names

Credit: lastminuteamsterdam.com

I'm so sorry for the lack of posts, this year will be quite busy for me because I have exams, so I'm afraid that this might be the usual posting standard, though whenever I get free time, I'll try to update. 

I thought this Naming Nationalities post would be about Dutch names. Dutch names often fascinate me, and they are very appealing aesthetically. I also love the Dutch language (unfortunately though, I can't speak or understand it, apart from a few random words and phrases!). 

Féline/Feline

Pronunciation: "fay-lee-nuh"

Unusable in the English word due to it being very reminiscent of feline, another word for 'cat', Féline is the Dutch feminisation of Felinus, a Latin name that literally has a meaning of "cat-like". In the Netherlands, Feline had a ranking of #38 in the popularity charts last year, whilst it's accented counterpart Féline ranked at #149.

Madelief

Madelief is derived from the Dutch word for 'daisy', madeliefje. In the Netherlands, it had a ranking of #122 in the popularity charts last year.

Cornelia

One of the most traditional Dutch names, Cornelia is a feminisation of Cornelius, which is of Ancient Roman origins and has a possible meaning of "horn" as being derived from the Latin element of cornu. An authentically Dutch nickname for Cordelia is Lieke, pronounced as "lee-kə". In the Netherlands, Cornelia had a ranking of #174 in the popularity charts last year.

Annemijn

Pronunciation: "anne-min"

Annemijn is a rare Dutch long form of Anne (pronounced similarly to "Anna" in the Dutch language). It has a meaning of "graceful; charming". Another similar name is Rozmijn, or Rosemijn. 

Roos

Pronunciation: "row-z"

Roos is the Dutch form of Rose, after the flower. In the English language, Roos can also be used as a surname. In the Netherlands, it had a ranking of #21 in the popularity charts last year.

Annelies

Pronunciation: "ahn-nə-lees"

Annelies is the Dutch and German form of Anneliese, and it was also the full name of the famous Holocaust diarist Anne Frank. Annelies is a combination of the names Anna and Liese, which mean "grace" and "my God is an oath" (Liese being a short form of Elisabeth) respectively. 

Floris

Floris is the Dutch form of Florentius, which has a meaning of "prosperous; flourishing" as being a masculine form of Florence, which is of English and French origins. In the Netherlands, Floris had a ranking of #41 in the popularity charts last year.

Friso

Friso refers to the Frisian ethnic group located originally in the South East of the Netherlands. The name of former Queen Beatrix's late son, Friso last appeared on the popularity charts in 2012, where it had a ranking of #469.

Pieter

Pronunciation: "pee-tər"

Pieter is the Dutch form of Peter, which is of Greek origins and has a meaning of "stone". In the Netherlands, Pieter had a ranking of #80 in the popularity charts last year.

Andries

Pronunciation: "ahn-drees"

Andries is the Dutch form of Andrew, which is an English form of the Greek Andreas, which has a meaning of "manly; masculine". In the Netherlands, it last appeared on the popularity charts in 2010, where it had a ranking of #485.

Ambroos

Ambroos is the Dutch form of  Ambrose, which has a meaning of "immortal" and is of Greek origins. It is a rare name in the Netherlands, and an authentic Dutch nickname is Broos. 

Naming style focus #3: Vintage Names

Credit to www.pinterest.com

My first post for August (where is the year going?!) will be about vintage names. I'm not totally crazy about the new trend for vintage names, though I do have a few vintage favourites on my list.

Edith

One of my favourite names is derived from the Old English name Eadgyð and has the charming nickname opportunity of Edie. Popular in the Anglo-Saxon era as well as the nineteenth century, Edith is now starting to come back into fashion and a famous namesake includes Edith Piaf. In its native England, it ranked at #164 in the popularity charts in 2013, whilst in the United States, it ranked at #718 in the popularity charts that same year.

Emmeline

Another favourite, Emmeline comes from the old Germanic name of Amelina, which means "work" as it is derived from the element amal. Emmeline was first introduced to England by the Normans; and features in one of A.A. Milne's poems. In England and Wales, it ranked at #445 in the popularity charts in 2013, whilst in the United States, it had a ranking of #907 a year later.

Lillian

Also spelt as Lilian, this name has been suggested as being an English diminutive of Elizabeth, which has a meaning of "God is my oath". In England and Wales, Lillian ranked at #339 in the popularity charts in 2013, whilst in the United States, it had a ranking of #25 a year later.

Evelyn

Evelyn comes from an English surname which itself derives from Aveline, which has a meaning of "hazel nut" in French. It first started to be used as a male given name in the seventeenth century, though in recent years it has taken off as a girl's name, largely thanks to the related name, Evelina. In England and Wales, Evelyn ranked at #45 in the popularity charts in 2013, whilst in the United States, it ranked at #16 in the popularity charts a year later.

Nettie

This charming name is originally a diminutive of names ending in "-nette". In the United States, it was most popular back in 1880, where it ranked at #65 in the popularity charts. The last time it appeared on the US popularity charts was in 1962, where it ranked at a much lower #979.

Elsie

Elsie is another English diminutive of Elizabeth. In England and Wales, it ranked at #47 in the popularity charts in 2013, whilst in the United States, it had a ranking of #334 a year later.

Edeline

Another favourite, Edeline is a cognate of Adeline, which itself is a diminutive of Adele, which itself is a short form of Adela, a Germanic name meaning "noble".

Rose

The name of my own grandmother, Rose comes from the flower and is another name that was brought to England by the Normans, originally in the forms of Roese and Rohese. In England and Wales, it ranked at #68 on the popularity charts in 2013, whilst in the United States, it had a ranking of #194 a year later.

Violet

Another flower name, Violet first had its usage as a name in Scotland in the sixteenth century, whilst in nearby England, it first started to be used as a name in Victorian times. In England and Wales, it ranked at #78 on the popularity charts in 2013, whilst in the United States, it had a ranking of #67 in the popularity charts a year later.

Flossie

Flossie is an adorable diminutive of Florence, which comes from Florentius and has a meaning of "prosperous; flourishing". In the United States, it last made an appearance on the popularity charts in 1950, where it ranked at #971.

Lily

The name of my own great-aunt, Lily comes from the flower, which is a symbol of purity. It is of English origins and in it's native country, it ranked at #12 in the popularity charts in 2013, whilst in the United States, it had a ranking of #27 a year later.

Noms de Le Castellet et Cassis: Names from Le Castellet and Cassis

Left: Sunset in Le Castellet. Right: Sea at Cassis.

These are my own photos. Please ask permission before using.

Thank you! :)

The formatting of the last blog went a little wrong and I can't change it without writing it all out again, which is time consuming, so I'll keep it white. Here is the final half of the French Riviera names.

Graham

Graham was the owner of my apartment in Le Castellet. His name is of Scottish and English origins, which has a meaning of "gravelly homestead" as being derived from the place name Grantham. In its native England, Graham last appeared on the popularity charts in 1998, where it ranked at #398, whilst in the United States, it had a ranking of #199 in 2014.

Xavier

Xavier was a little boy at the beach at the Ile de Bendor. His name is of Basque origins and has a meaning of "new house". In England and Wales, Xavier ranked at #172 in the popularity charts in 2013, whilst in the United States, it had a ranking of #88 a year later.

Christian

Christian was a man in Le Castellet. In England and Wales, his name ranked at #218 in the popularity charts in 2013, whilst in the United States, it ranked at #42 in the popularity charts a year later.

Hugo

Hugo was a little boy in Le Castellet. His name is the Latin form of Hugh, which has a meaning of "heart, mind, spirit". In England and Wales, Hugo ranked at #74 in the popularity charts in 2013, whilst in the United States, it ranked at #438 in the popularity charts a year later.

Laurine

Laurine was a little girl at the beach in Cassis. Her name is a French diminutive of Laure, which itself is the French form of Laura, which has a meaning of "laurel". In its native France, Laurine last appeared on the popularity charts in 2010, where it ranked at #179.

Marie-Chantal

Marie-Chantal was a shopkeeper in Cassis. Marie has a meaning of "bitter", whilst Chantal has a meaning of "stony". Marie-Chantal is also the name of the current heir to the defunct Greek throne, who owns a children's clothing line.

Margot

Margot was a little girl at the beach at the Ile de Porquerolles. Her name is a French short form of Margaret, which has a meaning of "pearl". 

Nonin

Nonin was Margot's older sister. Her name is originally a surname of French origins.

Louane

Louane was a baby at the boat at the Ile de Porquerolles. His name is of of French origins, and is originally a feminine form of Lou and Anne. 

Louis

Louis was a little boy at the hotel in Cassis. His name is of French origins and is derived from Ludwig. In England and Wales, Louis ranked at #77 in the popularity charts in 2013, whilst in the United States, it ranked at #289 in the popularity charts a year later.

Carole

Carole was a woman in Cassis. Her name is a French feminisation of Carolus, a Latin form of Charles. 

Jonathan

Jonathan was a boy on the boat in Cassis. His name is of Hebrew origins and has a meaning of "Yahweh has given". In England and Wales, Jonathan ranked at #167 in the popularity charts in 2013, whilst in the United States, it ranked at #44 in the popularity charts a year later.

Sunny

Appearing twice during the holiday, Sunny is derived from the English word meaning "sunny; cheerful". 

Paolo

Paolo was a little boy at the hotel in Cassis. His name is of Italian origins and is a form of Paulus, an Ancient Roman name meaning "small" or "humble". 

Noms de Nice et Monaco: Names from Nice and Monaco

Left: Saint Paul-de-Vence. Right: Casino de Monte Carlo
These are my own photos. Please ask permission before using.
Thank you!

I've deserted this blog for over a month and I'm really sorry, but now that it's the summer holidays and I have time off until September, I will most likely be back to my usual posting standards. In the early hours of Sunday morning, I came back from my summer holiday. I went to the French Riviera. I managed to spot a lot of names, so this post will be done in two separate halves - one for my first week in Nice and Monaco, and the other for my final week in Le Castellet and Cassis. 

Ella

Ella was a little girl at the airport from Britain. Her name is of Norman origins, and is from the Alia, a Germanic name. It has a meaning of "other" as Alia came from the Germanic element alja. Ella was only used in England from the fourteenth century, and it had a revival in Victorian times. Still popular today, Ella ranked at #16 in the popularity charts in England and Wales in 2013, whilst in the United States, it ranked at #17 in the popularity charts a year later.

Marianne

Marianne was a woman at the airport. Her name is of French origins, and was originally a diminutive of Marie, which has several meanings, the most common being "bitter", though other more positive meanings include "star of the sea" or "wished for child". After the French Revolution, Marianne was adopted as the symbol of France. In its native France, it last appeared on the popularity charts in 2008, where it had a ranking of #484 whilst in the United States, it's last appearance was in 1991, where it had a ranking of #941.

Harriet

Harriet was a little girl on the shuttle bus from Britain. Her name is of English origins, being a variation of Henriette. Harriet first began to be used in the seventeenth century, and a century later it was starting to become very popular in English speaking countries. In its native England, it ranked at #61 on the popularity charts in 2013, whilst in the United States, it last appeared on the popularity charts in 1970, where it had a ranking of #820.

Charles

Charles was Harriet's older brother. His name is the English and French form of Karl, which came from a Germanic word meaning "man". The name of the current heir to the British throne, Charles ranked at #61 in the popularity charts in 2013 in England and Wales, whilst in the United States, it had a ranking of #51 in the popularity charts a year later.

Phoebe

Phoebe was a little girl on the plane. Her name is of Greek origins and has a meaning of "bright; pure". Phoebe comes from Phoibe, who was a Titan in Greek mythology and is associated with the moon. In England and Wales, Phoebe ranked at #24 in the popularity charts in 2013, whilst in the United States, it had a ranking of #298 a year later.

Carla

Carla was a little girl from Denmark at the airport. Her name is a feminisation of Carl, which is a spelling variation of Karl. In England and Wales, Carla last appeared on the popularity charts in 2011, where it ranked at #449, whilst in the United States, it had a ranking of #863 in 2014.

Charlie

Charlie was a baby from Britain at the airport. His name is an English diminutive of Charles. In its native England, Charlie ranked at #5 in the popularity charts for boys and #298 in the popularity charts for girls in 2013, whilst in the United States, it ranked at #225 for boys and #229 for girls.

Isabella

Isabella, nicknamed Bella, was a toddler from Britain at the airport. Her name is a Latinate form of Isabel, which itself is an Occitan form of Elizabeth, which has a meaning of "God is my oath". In England and Wales, it ranked at #8 in the popularity charts in 2013, whilst in the United States, it ranked at #4 in the popularity charts a year later.

Zara

Zara was a little girl from Britain at the airport. Her name is the English form of Zaïre, a name used by Voltaire in one of his tragedies. It has been suggested to be based on Zahrah, an Arabic name meaning "blooming flower". In England and Wales, Zara ranked at #70 in the popularity charts in 2013, whilst in the United States, it ranked at #422 in the popularity charts a year later.

Alexandra

Alexandra was the owner of my apartment. Her name is the feminisation of Alexander, which is of Greek origins and has a meaning of "defending men". In England and Wales, Alexandra ranked at #102 in the popularity charts in 2013.

Kristiane

Kristiane was a little girl at a restaurant in Saint Paul-de-Vence. Her name is a German form of Christina, which has a meaning of "follower of Christ" as being a feminine form of Christian. 

Hermine

Hermine was a little girl from Kristiane's family. Her name is a Germanic and French variation of Hermione, which derived from Hermes, which has a meaning of "cairn, pile of stones, boundary maker". 

Louise

Louise was a little girl who was also part of the same family as Hermine and Kristiane. Her name is of French origins and is the feminisation of Louis, which itself is the French form of Ludwig. My own middle name, Louise ranked at #366 in the popularity charts in 2013.

Adine

Adine was Kristiane's little sister. Her name is of Basque origins, as coming from adin, which has a meaning of "age". 

Sofia

Sofia was a little girl who was also part of the same family as Kristiane, Hermine, Louise and Adine. Her name is of Greek origins, and has a meaning of "wisdom". In England and Wales, Sofia ranked at #30 on the popularity charts in 2013, whilst in the United States, it ranked at #12 in the popularity charts a year later.

Aleksandr

Aleksandr was a little boy at the restaurant in Saint Paul-de-Vence. His name is the Russian form of Alexander. 

Raphaël

Raphaël was a little boy at a shop in Saint Paul-de-Vence. His name is the French form of Raphael, which is of Hebrew origins and has a meaning of "God has healed". In England and Wales, Raphael ranked at #234 in the popularity charts in 2013, whilst in the United States, it ranked at #596 in the popularity charts a year later. 

Alexandre

Appearing twice during the holiday, Alexandre is the French form of Alexander. In its native France, Alexandre last appeared on the popularity charts in 2010, where it ranked at #29. 

Matthieu

Matthieu was a  waiter at the tea room of the Villa Ephrussi de Rothschild. His name is the French form of Matthew, which itself is the Greek form of the Hebrew Mattityahu, which has a meaning of "gift of Yahweh". In its native France, Matthieu last appeared on the popularity charts in 2010, where it ranked at #68.

Charlotte

Appearing three times during the holiday, Charlotte is the French feminisation of Charles. The name of the new Princess of Cambridge, Charlotte ranked at #21 in the popularity charts in 2013, whilst in the United States, it ranked at #10 in the popularity charts a year later.

Bernadette

Bernadette was a woman in Nice. Her name is the French feminisation of Bernard. Bernadette was the name of a French saint, who had claimed to have seen visions of the Virgin Mary.

Florian

Florian was a little boy at the beach in Nice. His name is of Ancient Roman origins, as being derived from Florus, which has a meaning of "flower".

Fabian

Appearing three times during the holiday, Fabian is of Ancient Roman origins, as being derived from Fabius, which has a meaning of "bean". In England and Wales, Fabian ranked at #266 on the popularity charts in 2013, whilst in the United States, it ranked at #325 in the popularity charts a year later.

Richard

Richard was a waiter at a restaurant on the beach. His name is of Ancient Germanic origins, and has a meaning of "brave power". In England and Wales, Richard ranked at #261 in the popularity charts in 2013, whilst in the United States, it had a ranking of #141 a year later.

Johan

Johan was another waiter at the restaurant on the beach. His name is a Scandinavian, Germanic and Czech form of John, which has a meaning of "Yahweh is gracious". 

Nano

Nano was a waitress at the restaurant on the beach. Her name is of Spanish and Gothic origins. 

Nicolas

Nicolas was a waiter at a restaurant in Nice. His name is the French form of Nicholas, which has meaning of "victory of the people". In England and Wales, Nicolas ranked at #293 in the popularity charts in 2013, whilst in the United States, it had a ranking of #196 a year later.

Marilène

Marilène was a waitress at the restaurant in Nice. Her name is a French combination of Marie and Hélène and is the name of one of the Princesses of the Netherlands.

Marina

Marina was another waitress at the restaurant in Nice. Her name is of Ancient Roman origins, as a feminisation of Marinus, which has a meaning of "of the sea". In England and Wales, Marina last appeared on the popularity charts in 1997, where it ranked at #471, whilst in the United States, it ranked at #660 in the popularity charts in 2014.

Julien

Appearing twice during the holiday, Julien is the French form of Julian, which has a meaning of "downy-bearded" as being derived from Julius. In its native France, Julien last appeared on the popularity charts in 2010, where it ranked at #65. 

Names from Suffolk

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I visited Ickworth House in Suffolk over the weekend, and was able to spot quite a few names, since it was a very family friendly place. 

Bruno

Bruno was a waiter at one of the restaurants at the hotel. His name is of Germanic origins and has a meaning of "armour; protection". It is derived from the Germanic element of brun, which also means "brown". In England and Wales, Bruno ranked at #479 in the popularity charts in 2013, whilst in the United States, it ranked at #670 a year later.

Dorcie

Dorcie was a toddler at the gift shop. Her name is of Greek origins as it is a variant of Dorcas, though Dorcie means "gazelle" whilst Dorcas means "abounded in good deeds and gifts of mercy". Alternative spellings include Dorsie and Dorseigh. Dorcie is a rare name in both England and Wales and the United States.

Chloe

Chloe was a little girl at the house. Her name is of Greek origins and has a meaning of "green shoot". Chloe has had its usage in Greek mythology, as the name of Demeter's epithet. In the English speaking world however, Chloe has only been used since the Protestant Reformation in the sixteenth century. In England and Wales, Chloe ranked at #18 in the popularity charts in 2013, whilst it ranked at the same place in the United States a year later.

Caroline

Caroline was a tour guide at the house. Her name is the French feminisation of Carolus, a Latin version of Charles, which itself is of Germanic origins (as being derived from Karl) and has a meaning of "man". In England and Wales, the last time Caroline made an appearance on the popularity charts was in 2004, where it had a ranking of #459. In the United States however, it ranked at #58 in the popularity charts in 2014.

Adela

Adela was a little girl at the house. Her name is of Germanic origins and has a meaning of "noble". Adela has been worn by a 7th century Saint and medieval English royalty. In the Czech Republic, Adela is a very popular name, having ranked at #4 in the popularity charts in 2014. In the United States, it last made an appearance on the popularity charts in 1956, where it had a ranking of #936.

Elsa

Elsa was another little girl at the house. Her name is a short form of Elisabeth, which is of Hebrew origins as being a spelling variation of Elizabeth, which itself has a meaning of "God is my oath". Made world widely recognisable by the hit Disney film Frozen, Elsa ranked at #183 in the popularity charts for England and Wales in 2013, whilst in the United States, it ranked at #286 in the popularity charts a year later.

Bluebell

Bluebell was another little girl at the house. Her name is after the flower, and it has been suggested that Bluebell has been used as a name since Victorian times, when the other flower names started to become more popular and widely used. It is a rare name in both England and Wales and the United States.

Muffin

Muffin was Bluebell's sister, though I'm unsure as to whether this is a pet name or her "real" name. Muffin is most commonly used as a term of endearment as it is the name of the well liked food. It is a rare name in both England and Wales and the United States.

Charlie

Charlie was a little boy at the house. His name is a diminutive of Charles, which itself has a meaning of "man". It can also be used for girls, where it is more commonly a diminutive of Charlotte, a feminisation of Charles. In England and Wales, it ranked at #5 in the popularity charts in 2013 for boys, and #298 in the popularity charts for girls. In the United States, it ranked at #225 in the popularity charts for boys, and #229 in the popularity charts for girls a year later.

Frederick

Frederick was a little boy at the house, and his nickname was Freddie. His name is of Germanic origins (as being the English form of Friedrich) and has a meaning of "peaceful ruler". It has had a long usage in Germany, though has only been used in England since the eleventh century, when the Normans introduced it to England from France. In England and Wales, Frederick ranked at #82 in the popularity charts in 2013, whilst in the United States, it ranked at #496 in the popularity charts a year later.

Jojo

Jojo was another little boy at the house, and I suspect his name was short for Joseph, though I'm not sure. It's long form, Joseph, is of Biblical origins as the name the Virgin Mary's husband. It has a meaning of "he will add". As a given name, Jojo is rare in both England and Wales and the United States, though it is more common as a nickname.

Theo

Theo was another little boy at the house. His name is of Greek origins, as a short form of Theodore, which has a meaning of "God's gift". In England and Wales, Theo ranked at #41 in the popularity charts in 2013, and in the United States, it ranked at #509 in the popularity charts a year later.

Douglas

Douglas was a little boy in the kitchens of the house. His name is of Scottish origins, and has a meaning of "dark river", as coming from the Gaelic elements of dubh (dark) and glais (water; river). In England and Wales, Douglas ranked at #338 in the popularity charts in 2013, and in the United States, it ranked at #598 in the popularity charts a year later.

Orla

Orla was a little girl at the gardens of the house. Her name is of Irish origins, as being the Anglicized form of the Irish name  Órfhlaith, which has a meaning of "golden princess". In England and Wales, Orla ranked at #132 in the popularity charts in 2013, whilst in the United States, the last time it made an appearance on the popularity charts in 1894, where it had a ranking of #787.

Introducing Prince Nicolas Paul Gustaf of Sweden, Duke of Ångermanland

Credit: thelocal.se

I have been on a bit of a blogging hiatus lately, so I apologise! I've also written this post on my phone so it may be different in the terms of format and layout from my other posts. 

On June 15, the youngest daughter of King Carl XVI Gustaf of Sweden and Queen Silvia gave birth to her second child, a little Prince named Nicolas Paul Gustaf. He is a little brother to Princess Leonore. 

Overall, I think his name is nice but I must admit that I'm a little disappointed that he wasn't an Oscar or that his middle name wasn't Bertil. Anyway, that aside, he is adorable and this post is going to look at the meaning behind his names.

Nicolas

Nicolas is a European variant of Nicholas, which is of Greek origins. It has a meaning of "victory of the people". In England and Wales, Nicholas ranked at #141 in the popularity charts in 2013, whilst in the United States, it ranked at #57 in the popularity charts a year later. In the royal world Nicholas and its variants are popular - Lord Nicholas Windsor and Prince Nikolai of Denmark being amongst some of the bearers. 

Paul

Paul is the name of Chris O'Neill's father, Paul O'Neill. It is of Latin origins, as it is derived from the Roman family name of Paulus. Paulus has a meaning of "small; humble". In England and Wales, it ranked at #285 in the popularity charts in 2013, whilst in the United States, it ranked at #201 in the popularity charts a year later. 

Gustaf

The second name of the Swedish King is the Swedish and German variant of Gustav, which is of Old Norse origins and is suggested to mean "staff of the Goths". In it's native Sweden, Gustaf ranked at #27 in the popularity charts in 2014, whilst in the United States, the last time it appeared on the popularity charts was in 1934, where it had a ranking of #897.