For those wishing to choose a less traditional and more unusual name for a son or daughter, it is worth thinking about names associated with different foods and drinks. There are some celebrities who have taken a fruit and changed it into a baby name, such as Gwyneth Paltrow and Chris Martin's baby, whom they named Apple.
Choosing Unusual Baby Names – Naming Babies After Food
The key to choosing a name after a food is to remember that what one's surname is can make a name sound totally inappropriate. For example, calling a baby Berry can sound fine, but if the baby's surname is going to be Tart, then this is certainly one to best avoid. In Frou-Frou, Frisby & Brick: The Unfortunate Book of Baby Names (Headline Publishing, 2010), Russel Ash highlights some key food-related names which will not be popular when one's baby grows up, to include the following:
- Apple Pie – born Virginia, c. 1830
- Candy Barr – born South Carolina, c. 1848
- Cherry Tart – born Mississippi, c. 1859
- Eggy Bacon – born Georgia, c. 1851
- Ham Burger – born Michigan, c. 1847
- Liver Bacon – born Missouri, c. 1891
- Muffin Hill – born Texas, c. 1876
- Treacle Tart – baptized Durham, 1746
- Gooseberry Berry – born Texas, 1920
Having looked at the names which are best avoided with certain surnames, alternative food-related names, may include Logan (after Loganberry), Mango, Star (after Starfruit), Goji, Barley, Apricot, Rhye, Fennel and Coulis. In addition to choosing English food names, some parents opt for food names in different languages such as Pomme (Apple), Raisin (Grape) and Fraise (strawberry).
Choosing Unusual Baby Names – Naming Babies After Drinks
Another increasingly popular way of choosing a baby name, involves naming after various drinks, such as Brandy or Gin. Again, as with names after various foods, there are some drinks best to avoid, recognised by Ash, to include:
- Lemonade
- Milk
- Tequila
- Wine
- Beer
- Lager
Alternative drink-related baby names, which are perhaps a little more desirable than the list above, may include names such as Kirsch, Sambuca, Cordial, Chardonnay, Bailey and Pim. There are also many children who have been named after seasons, especially in Australia, where Summer is quite a popular choice.
As highlighted above, choosing an alternative or more unusual name for a baby boy or baby girl, may involve naming after a food or drink, such as Cherry, Apple, Chardonnay or Brandy. However, it is important to think about initials and whether a first name will sound appropriate with a surname.
Source:
Ash, R. Frou-Frou, Frisby & Brick: The Book of Unfortunate Baby Names. London: Headline Publishing, 2010.
Kate Le Page - Kate Henning-Le Page writes about eating disorders, body image and recovery issues. She specializes in anorexia recovery.
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