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How to Use This Book

Symbols

The symbols in the book are designed to make it easy and quick for you to identify certain names.

The stars identify the names that are our recommended Best Bets – names we find to be particularly appealing in a wide range of styles.

A unisex symbol means the name can be used for both boys and girls, so that you may find a choice in the boys’ section that works for a daughter or vice versa.

Derivations and Meanings

There is much conflict and misinformation over the background and meaning of names, but what you’ll find here is the most authoritative material available. We simplified derivations, saying Scottish and English and French, for instance, rather than getting into such fine points as Middle English and Old French. We do identify African and Native American tribal derivations, when accessible. For consistency, names that are related to other names are all called ‘variations’, while shortened forms are labelled ‘diminutives’.

Spellings

The main entry is usually the classic spelling of the name, with variations, short forms and international versions listed beneath. When there is a spelling variation that is commonly found – for example, the popular KAITLYN for the original CAITLIN – that has an individual entry as well.

Lists

Rather than segregating our lists, we’ve woven them throughout the book. If you’re looking for a name that sounds creative or one that means ‘strong’, if you want an inventive nickname for Elizabeth or a substitute for Dylan, you’ll find them all in one place. A guide to the lists is in the Contents. Within each letter, there is a selective listing of recent choices of celebrity parents under the heading Stellar Starbabies.

Armed with all this information and advice, we’re sure you will arrive at the best possible baby-naming decision for your baby, finding the one perfect name that you and your child will love forever.