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[Opinions] American word names of 2020, part 1 (long)
I wanted to get some perspective on what English word names are being used nowadays, so I made a few lists...mostly separated out nature names and place names from this one and focused on the ones that had less than 200 uses but kept others for perspective...Does anything surprise you or stand out to you? Do you like/hate any in particular? Have you met anyone with the names that were used less than 200 times?Feel free to make some combos.Kit - 195 (113m, 82f)
Aura - 187 (f)
Essence - 183 (f)
Divine - 182 (70m, 112f)
Truth - 177 (118m, 59f)
Rowdy - 168 (164m, 5f)
Symphony - 168 (f)
Noble - 162 (145m, 17f)
Jubilee - 158 (5m, 153f)
Echo - 156 (34m, 122f)
Chosen - 155 (115m 40f)
Steel/Steele - 151 (m, 46/104)
Sire - 150 (m)
Valor - 149 (131m, 18f)
Temperance - 147 (f)
Amen - 146 (64m, 82f)
Rebel - 144 (54m, 90f)
Charity - 138 (f)
Empress - 133 (f)
Constance - 130 (f)
Verity - 129 (f)
Axle - 128 (m)
Carver - 128 (118m, 10f)
Unique - 127 (11m, 116f)
Coy - 123 (b)
Glory - 112 (15m, 97f)
Story - 110 (13m, 97f)
Sir - 108 (m)
Ender - 107 (101m, 6f)
Charm - 106 (6m, 100f)
Maven - 106 (18m, 88f)
Carol/Carole - 106 (f, 100/6)
Curt/Kurt - 103 (m, 12/91)
Lane - 103 (m)
Ransom - 102 (m)
Desire - 101 (11m, 90f)
Blythe - 97 (10m, 87f)
Ranger - 97 (m)
Riot - 97 (78m, 19f)
Daze - 96 (86m, 10f)
Booker - 93 (m)
Valentine - 93 (50m, 43f)
Champ/Champion - 93 (m, 28/65)
Peace - 92 (38m, 54f)
Tiara - 91 (f)
Serene - 89 (f)
Rhythm - 88 (32m, 56f)
Wisdom - 82 (42m, 42f)
Sunday - 81 (f)
Prudence - 80 (f)
Koi - 80 (46m, 34f)
West - 79 (m)
Quest - 77 (m)
Diesel - 76 (m)
Wednesday - 76 (f)
Harbor - 75 (24m, 51f)
Rogue - 74 (26m, 48f)
Alpha - 73 (66m, 7f)
Clarity - 72 (f)
Eternity - 72 (f)
Blue - 72 (42m, 30f)
Brave - 70 (50m, 20f)
Lacy - 69 (f)
Hero - 68 (57m, 11f)
Golden - 68 (36m, 32f)
Earl - 68 (m)
Knight - 67 (m)
Bliss - 67 (7m, 56f)
Bless/Blessed - 63 (43m, 20f)
Cashmere - 65 (40m, 25f)
Crimson - 63 (30m, 33f)
Remedy - 62 (f)
Reverie - 62 (f)
Cross - 61(m)
Dolly - 60 (f)
Maze - 60 (29m, 31f)
Marvel - 52 (23m, 39f)
October - 61 (6m, 55f)
Seven - 59 (f)
Lucky - 58 (44m, 14f)
Precious - 57 (f)
Chip - 57 (m)
Arbor - 57 (25m, 32f)
Psalm - 56 (39m, 17g)
Omega - 54 (43m, 11f)
Silver - 54 (37m, 17f)
Rip - 54 (m)
Soul - 53 (29m, 24f)
November - 53 (f)
Brandy - 53 (6m, 47f)
Freedom - 52 (22m, 30f)
Trust - 48 (30m, 18f)
Clement - 48 (m)
Ward - 47 (m)
Quill - 47 (42m, 5f)
Novella - 46 (f)
Charisma - 46 (f)
Moxie - 43 (f)
Honest - 43 (20m, 23f)
Forever - 43 (4m, 39f)
Thane - 42 (m)
Sherry - 41 (f)
Copper - 41 (32m, 9f)
Vesper - 41 (f)
Paradise - 40 (f)
Pace - 40 (34m, 6f)
Gemini - 39 (25m, 14 f)
Gypsy - 39 (f)
July - 38 (11m, 27f)
Revel - 38 (22m, 16f)
Favour/Favor - 38 (f, 23/15)
Priest - 38 (m)
Candy - 36 (f)
Unity - 36 (f)
Dutch - 35 (m)
December - 35 (f)
Rich - 33 (m)
Amity - 32 (f)
Bud/Buddy - 32 (m, 8/24)
Epic - 31 (22m, 9f)
Dodge/Dodger - 30 (m, 24/6)
September - 29 (f)
Prosper - 29 (22m, 7f)
Bright - 29 (24m, 5f)
Azure - 29 (20m, 9f)
Teal - 29 (9m, 20f)
Cyan - 29 (11m, 18f)
Spirit - 28 (6m, 22f)
Blade - 28 (m)
Righteous - 28 (21m, 7g)
Art - 27 (m)
Allure - 27 (f)
Beretta - 27 (f)
Doc/Dock - 27 (m, 21/6) 
Shine - 27 (19m, 8f)
Rusty - 26 (m)
Sovereign - 26 (10m, 16f)
Dirk - 25 (m)
Reason - 24 (16m, 8f)
Beauty - 24 (f)
Urban - 24 (m)
Kulture - 24 (f)
Vanity - 23 (f)
Fable - 23 (5m, 18f)
Solace - 23 (9m, 14f)
Light - 22 (12m, 10f)
Lady - 21 (f)
Cage - 21 (m)
Prophet - 20 (m)
Elysian - 20 (15m, 5f)
Wonder - 19 (5m, 14f)
Duchess/Dutchess - 19 (f, 13/6)
Poet - 19 (11m, 9f)
January - 19 (f)
Holiday - 19 (f)
Rocket - 19 (m)
Trigger - 18 (m)
Hallelujah - 18 (f)
Agape - 18 (6m, 12f)
Siren - 17 (f)
Caprice - 17 (f)
Magic - 17 (11m, 6f)
Believe - 17 (7m, 10f)
Free - 17 (10m, 7f)
Garland - 16 (f)
Modesty - 16 (f)
Merry - 16 (f)
Helix - 16 (m)
Acre - 16 (m)
Eleven - 16 (7m, 9f)
Master - 16 (m)
Boss - 15 (m)
Bridge - 15 (m)
Kindred - 15 (7m, 8f)
Happy - 15 (10m, 5f)
Winner - 15 (10m, 5f)
Courage - 14 (8m, 6f)
Meridian - 14 (f)
Tempest - 14 (f)
Temple - 14 (f)
Emperor - 14 (m)
Bash - 14 (m)
Dally - 13 (f)
Law - 13 (m)
Saga - 13 (f)
Stellar - 13 (7m, 6f)
Theory - 13 (6m, 7f)
Epiphany - 12 (f)
Halcyon - 12 (5m, 7f)
Music - 12 (6m, 6f)
North - 12 (6m, 6f)
Revere - 12 (m)
Boomer - 12 (m)
Buster - 11 (m)
Pike - 11 (m)
Bravery - 11 (m)
Danger - 11 (m)
Power - 11 (m)
Celestial - 11 (f)
Pixie - 11 (f)
East - 11 (m)
Skip - 10 (m)
Cope - 10 (m)
Kitty - 10 (f)
Zeal - 10 (m)
Anchor - 10 (m)
Taurus - 10 (m)
Radiance - 10 (f)
Rhapsody - 9 (f)
Alchemy - 9 (f)
Neon - 9 (m)
Comfort - 9 (f)
Hopper - 9 (m)
Tuesday - 9 (f)
Solo - 9 (m)
Real - 9 (m)
Red - 9 (m)
Race - 9 (m)
Axe - 9 (m)
Dagger - 9 (m)
Brick - 9 (m)
Action - 8 (m)
Bond - 8 (m)
Bow - 8 (m)
Arch - 8 (m)
Deem - 8 (f)
Velvet - 8 (f)
Affinity - 8 (f)
Legendary - 8 (m)
Aquarius - 8 (m)
Sincerity - 7 (f)
Sonder - 7 (m)
Sonnet - 7 (f)
Sparkle - 7 (f)
Diva - 7 (f)
Bronze - 7 (f)
Heart - 7 (f)
Gold - 7 (f)
Kind - 7 (f)
Wild - 7 (m)
Revelation - 6 (m)
Eureka - 6 (f)
Constant - 6 (m)
Carpenter - 6 (m)
Innocent - 6 (m)
Charming - 6 (m)
Valiant - 6 (m)
Prayer - 6 (f)
Daze - 6 (m)
Rage - 6 (m)
Edge - 6 (m)
Tally - 6 (f)
Fancy - 6 (f)
Cozy - 6 (f)
Mystic - 6 (f)
Striker - 6 (6)
Novel - 6 (m)
Satchel - 6 (m)
Pretty - 5 (f)
Money - 5 (m)
Church - 5 (m)
Viridian - 5 (m)
Sojourner - 5 (f)
Providence - 5 (f)
Wander - 5 (m)
Truce - 5 (m)
Virtue - 5 (f)
Monday - 5 (f)
Reality - 5 (f)
Guardian - 5 (m)
Beacon - 5 (m)
Buzz - 5 (m)
Shy - 5 (m)
Worth - 5 (m)
Cameo - 5 (f)
Day - 5 (f)
Palace - 5 (f)Patience, Knowledge, Felicity, True, Zen, Belle, Liberty, Blessing, Sincere, Promise, Dream, Halo, Heaven, Princess, Queen, Duke, Gentry, Indie, Love, Joy, Mercy, Cherish, Miracle, Destiny, Arrow, Scout, Boon/Boone, Decker, Foster, Gray/Grey, Deacon, Bishop, Trip/Tripp, Shepherd, Saint, Lyric, Loyal, Loyalty, Ever, Cadence/Kaidence, Capri, Blaze, Bode, Dash, Pierce, Gauge/Gage, Sterling, Turner, Titan, Junior, Ford, Randy, Royalty, Legacy, Banks, Case, Cannon, Navy, Aries, Marshall, Major, Creed, Marine/Marina, Fisher, Baker, Thatcher, Treasure, Trace, Tray/Trey, April, May/Mae, Ray/Rae/Rey, Marquis/Marquise, Baron/Barron, Earnest/Ernest, Honor/Honour, Justice/Justyce, Honesty/Honesti, Merit/Meritt/Merritt, Wilder/Wylder, Denim/Denym, Drake were over 200 uses. Prince, Messiah, Hope, Dean, Crew, Cash, Grant, Beau, Atlas, Reign, Victor, Lance, Tanner, Tailor/Taylor, Cane/Cain, Journey, Haven, Harmony/Harmoni, Trinity, Chance, Ace, June, Sienna, Archer, Walker, Tucker, Gunner, Griffin, Sailor/Saylor, Cruise/Cruz, Page/Paige, Royal/Royale were over 1,000 uses. Serenity, Genesis, Chase, Rider/Ryder are over 3,000 uses. Legend, Zion, Eden, Phoenix, Melody, King/Kyng are close to that.Christian, Maverick, Hunter, Leo, August, Angel, Parker, Aria, Grace, Scarlet/Scarlett, Brook/Brooke/Brooks were over 5,000 uses. Paisley and Roman were close.Mason was over 10,000 uses. Carter, Harper, and Everly/Everleigh/Everlee/Everley were close to that....this isn't every word name used; it's just what I thought to check, although there were dozens more I did check that weren't used. I left them out because this is already super long.

This message was edited 4/27/2022, 11:20 AM

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In terms of meeting people with names used under 200 times, I have met multiple people named Carol/Carole. I think it is uncommon now, but hasn't always been. I was in elementary school with a Chip. I know a Cherri, not a Sherry, and a Shai rather than a Shy (which I know is a very different name). I also have met someone called Rusty, but I don't know if it was a given name or a nickname.
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Love: Aura, Silver, Liberty, Dean, Haven, Zion & HunterLike: Temperance, Story, Charm, Booker, Prudence, Grey, Elysian, Siren, Thatcher, Beau, Trinity, Christian, August & CarterNeutral: Ender, Maven, Lane, Tiara, Sunday, Rogue, Wednesday, Clarity, Reverie, Seven, Lucky, Charisma, Moxie, Thane, Vesper, Gypsy, July, Dodge/Dodger, Cyan, Believe, Meridian, Dally, Pike, Tuesday, Bow, Fancy, Mystic, Viridian, Wander, Beacon, Day, Belle, Indie, Mercy, Arrow, Scout, Boone, Decker, Deacon, Gage, Ford, Baker, April, Wilder, Hope, Ace, Griffin & Phoenix (g)
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I noticed (in addition to the violent, competitive/power, happy/blessed, and obviously religious ones) a truth/steady/justice theme and an idyllic/everlasting theme. Sincere, Sincerity, Trust, Truth, True, Truce, Verity, Justice, Honesty, Honest, Honor, Real, Reality, Loyal, Loyalty, Constance, Constant, Patience, Peace, Pace, Temperance, Reason, Theory, Knowledge, Wisdom, Clarity, Promise; Forever, Eternity, Paradise, Halcyon, Elysian, Heaven, Eden, Zion, Everly, Epic, Legend, Legendary, Legacy, Celestial, Divine, Saga, Fable.Also Free, Freedom, Liberty, Wander, Wonder, Marvel, Indie, Sojourner, Quest, Journey, Chance, Chase, Rebel, Maverick, Maven, Hero, Knight, Spirit, Story, Novel, Novella, Mystic, Scout, Lucky, Blaze, Dash, Ace, Trace, Essence, Brave, Bravery, Courage, Valor, Walker, Ranger, Rogue have vaguely similar vibes to me.My favorites are Prosper, Epiphany, Knowledge, Temperance, Valentine, Hope. 2nd tier: Clarity, Sojourner, Truce, Symphony, Jubilee, Harmony, Eden, Bode, Vesper, Sovereign, Wonder, Sonder, Sincerity, Joy, Courage, Bright, Bridge, Paradise, Honor, Justice, Prudence, Remedy, Lucky, Kindred, Providence, Patience, Promise, Sterling, Meridian, Treasure, Dream, Mercy, Clement, Phoenix, June.I like a lot of them in an 'I would like to meet someone named that' kind of way. I've met Charity, Patience, Temperance, Constance, Sterling, April, Joy, Brandy, Sherry, Chip, Thane, Pixie, Candy, Honor, Cashmere, Walker, Grant, Trinity, Rusty, Dusty, Sojourn, Worth, Trip, Carol.I wouldn't have guessed Kit, Rowdy, Symphony, Denim, Legacy, Chosen, Knowledge, Sincere, Halo, Decker, Baker are as popular as they are. I was also surprised Innocent was used at all.These stand out as unlikable to me:Money, Gentry, Free, Rich, Favor
Church, Amen, Righteous
Monday, Wednesday
Shy, Coy, Charming, Innocent, Chosen, Precious
Sparkle, Velvet, Siren, Allure, Lacy
Legacy, Legend, Legendary, Epic, Titan, Champ
Tucker, Randy
Alpha, Omega
Echo, Gypsy, Affinity
Prince, Princess, Duke, Duchess, Dutch
Emperor, Boss, Master, Diva, Dock, Sire
Copper, Ward, Dodger
Reign, Royalty, Royale
Bishop, Priest
Gunner, Striker, Boomer, Buster, Decker, Trigger, Ender
Cannon, Arrow, Brick, Axe, Pike, Beretta
Blade, Dirk, Dagger
Rage, Haze, Daze, Edge, Pierce, Race, Rip, Bash
Power, Danger, Rowdy, Riot, Revel, Wild, Wilder
Crew, Cruise, Cross
Cane, Case, Tray, Satchel, Cage, Acre
Parker, Rider, Trip, Hopper, Solo, Race, Diesel
Zion, Eureka, Marvel

This message was edited 4/27/2022, 5:49 PM

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This message was edited 4/27/2022, 8:55 AM

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I have met (including my family members and classmates) Mediatrix (f), Blessing (f), Queen (f), Queenie (f), Joy (m), Junior (m), Marina (f), Prince (m), Maverick (m), Miracle (m), Omega (f), Christian (m), Dolly (f), Grace (f), Marvel (m), Acacia (f), Oceana (f) Charisma (f), Diva (f), Prayer (m), and Journey (f).*Plus I have met a new Mercy, that is you ;-)
whew, that took a long time to list
I think I like Christian-related names (Blessing, Hope, Faith, Charity, Unity, and Temperance). I also like some flower names (Daisy, Magnolia, Narcissa, Jonquil, etc.), some gemstone names (Topaz, Peridot, and Diamond), some occupational names for boys (Smith, Archer, and Sawyer)P.S: I wrote this message as response from this thread, and the part 2 (nature names) that you made.

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This message was edited 4/27/2022, 9:16 AM

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Mediatrix is neat. I've not seen that before.I like Topaz and Peridot. They were a couple I looked for that weren't used in 2020. Jonquil, Narcissa, and Daffodil weren't either.
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A whole new category of word names is "deadly weapon" names. Brick, Axe, Dagger, Blade, Trigger, Cannon? Please.
So many of these sound like names for dogs.
And I know Agape here has three syllables (at least I hope so) but that doesn't change the fact that the word also has two syllables and refers to someone with his mouth hung open.
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Yeah, I feel like the violent/weapon names are unfortunate...there was also Dirk, Bow, Arrow, Beretta, Pike, and names like Striker, Gunner, Bash, Haze, Rowdy, Rage...though there's a bunch of baby Axels, so Axe won't stand out as much as Brick or Trigger, at least.I like Agape as a GP, but I do imagine it would be awkward.

This message was edited 4/27/2022, 1:00 PM

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Those stood out to me:Temperance - fun in its frumpiness. I wonder if the parents choosing it are the kind who'd like to revive the Temperance League, or whether they just enjoy the Tempest adjacent sound.
Amen - at first instinct, I'd say this reminds me more of the Ancient Egyptian deity than of the liturgical word. But the parents are probably using it as the latter. Quirky. Almost sacrilegious.
Desire - umm unless it's Désiré(e) it feels very erotically charged.
Hero - I've always wondered: is Hero the character pronounced the same as hero the noun?
Omega - reminiscent of werewolf fan fiction.
Clement - I enjoy Clement and the nickname Clem very much. It deserves a comeback along with Clementine.
Neon - huh. Kind of reminds me of Lazer, in that it could be traditional parents honouring their heritage or the young and hip.
Monday - I don't like Mondays. And it sounds similar to mundane. But I guess it's preferable to Thursday.
Scout - dog name.
Bode - this doesn't bode well.
Atlas - cool. I'm still not over how great a title Atlas Shrugged is and how much it's wasted on Ayn Rand's book.
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Temperance spiked randomly about a decade ago (that's when the one I've met was born). Her parents are Baptists, but I don't think they're anti-alcohol, or their parents and siblings aren't at least...and their other kids have more common names like Violet. I suspect they were influenced by the TV show Bones.Also I wonder if it could be influenced by the tarot trend sometimes (Temperance is a tarot card, along with Moon, Star, Justice, Empress, Emperor); that's one of my associations, which makes it seem like it could fit in with stuff like Aura, Essence, Spirit, Clarity, Quest, Indie, Indigo, Knight, Journey, Courage, Lucky, Gemini, Jupiter, Jet, River. But in general it seems like a more unwieldy tomboyish Prudence to me and reminds me a bit of Tennessee or Timothea and Twyla. I like that it's more persnickety than Patience, so maybe that is an association with Tempest or temper, idk.Omega does remind me of werewolves, but I'd guess Alpha and Omega are used mostly as a religious reference ("Jesus is the Alpha and Omega" in connection to eternity - that kind of thing).

This message was edited 4/27/2022, 7:01 PM

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