Beyond Patrick and Erin

In honor of St. Patrick's Day (a holiday that leaves me conflicted), I present you with the top Irish baby names (in 2002):

Girls:

Sarah
Aoife
Ciara
Emma
Chloe
Amy
Katie
Niamh
Sophie
Lauren

Boys:

Jack
Sean
Adam
Conor
James
Daniel
Cian
Michael
David
Luke

Month Musings

I was having a name conversation with some friends last night and among the topics was "month names." Month names, of course, are April, May (Mae), June, and August. I suppose "January" should be included too, though I think that's about it. There's nothing really wrong with month names, but my question is this: when do you use them? Rory was born in June, and I suppose I could have named her June, but it just seems pretty silly to name a baby after the month they were born (as if you or she would forget!), sort of inline with naming them after the city of their conception. But at the same time, it seems strange to give a kid a month name if they weren't born in that month: "Hi, I'm April, nice to meet you." "Oh, is your birthday in April too?" "No, October."

I think month names work if you're naming the child after the month someone significant was born, like a grandparent or famous person, or perhaps the month of a famous historical event. Also, if it's a family name (Great Uncle August), it is appropriate. Finally, if you like the name and don't mind the questions, go for it (just be aware that they may be made fun of in other languages where they don't name their kids "April").

Thoughts on month names?