Dual Approval

I am generally a bit wary of names that "work" for both genders; they often are more suitable for one gender or the other, and it means it's not clear on future job applications if the person is a guy or girl. Nonetheless, there are some names that I think are grand for just about any baby:

- Rory: Since this is the nickname of my own dear daughter, I'm obviously a "Rory" fan. I think it works for boys, and it is a nice, not as girly option for little "Auroras" like my daughter, or "Aurelias," and "Loreleis."
- Jamie: It's an adorable short for a young "James" for a boy, and is a nice standalone for a girl's name.
- Jordan: This name has been acceptable for both genders for long enough to make it a viable option for either a guy or a girl. It still has a strong enough sound for a boy (and I prefer it as a guy's name), but it is a far from unusual option for a girl too.
- Alex: A nickname for "Alexander," "Alexandra," and "Alexandria..." dare I call it a classic? This name works for anyone.


Do you have an addition for the list?

Horrific Auto Names

I always thought it would be fun to be the person who decides what to name a new car model. I think the Mercedes Brittany would be a top seller! Here's an article listing some truly AWFUL car names. Really, they should have consulted me first...

http://www.foxnews.com/leisure/2012/04/14/10-worst-car-names-all-time/

Man Names

Baby names don't tend to get very many men excited. While quick to reject names, most guys aren't quick to offer their own suggestions. It takes a very special name to generate an enthusiastic response, and these names vary man to man. In the case of my husband, strong, Nordic names like "Thane," wild west cowboy names like "Slate," and quirky fuddy duddy names like "Conrad" thrill him the most.
If you're struggling to come up with any names your man approves of, consider his interests and passions. Is he:
- Artistic? Offfer: "Claude" or "Vincent"
- Athletic? Offer: "Walker" or "Ryder"
- Aquatic? Offer: "Isla" or "Shell"
- Outdoorsy? Offer: "Hunter" or "Willow"
- Musical? Offer: "Cadence" or "Piper"
- Traditional? Offer: "Sarah" or "James"
- Indecisive? Offer: "Elizabeth" or "William" because they come with many nickname possibilities.
- Romantic? Offer: "Aurelia" or "Rodrigo"
- Hip? Offer: "Tate" or "Moe"
- Nerdy? Offer: "Euclid" or "Newton"
- Reformed? Offer: "Luther" or "Calvin"
- Geeky? Offer: "Han" or "Kirk"
- Heroic? Offer: "Wallace" or "Patton"
- Literary? Offer: "Hemmingway" or "Rudyard"
- Succinct? Offer: "Guy" or "Brynn"
- Sentimental? Offer: His grandma's name
- Nostalgic? Offer: His favorite childhood hero's name 
- Easygoing? Offer: Whatever you want!

Let these inspire you, and dream up a couple to toss at your man. Have a pen and paper ready, because they could be just the thing to cause a fount of names to well up inside him!