I was almost named Shirley, but my parents played it safe. My maternal grandfather was named Shirley--friends called him Shirl--and he was, by all accounts, a "man's man." I think I would have had a "Boy Named Sue" kind of childhood if I had been named Shirley, but now that I'm older (37) I sometimes wish I hadn't missed out on a unique name. After all, how many "David"s are there in my generation? (Answer: many.)
Nov. 09 2007 11:28 AM
Score: 0/0
JT
from New Rochelle NY
Evan Rachel Wood.
The reason for the girls named Evan in the early 21st century.
http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0939697/
Nov. 09 2007 10:59 AM
Score: 0/0
FREDERIC
If I recall correctly.. wasn't King Arthur's Sister named Morgan?
Morgen Le Fea.
Nov. 09 2007 10:56 AM
Score: 0/0
Joe Boucher
from NY, NY
I wrote a crossword a couple years ago called "Dude (Looks Like a Lady)" featuring "crossover" names like Joyce Cary, Shirley Povich, and Evelyn Waugh. It's still online at http://www.thehighhat.com/Detritus/005/xword.html .
Nov. 09 2007 10:54 AM
Score: 0/0
Emily
from Manhattan
I wonder what Ms. Nilsen has to say about names from other languages/cultures adopted by Americans to name children of the opposite gender, e.g. Kristen, Andrea, etc. That seems interesting to me.
Nov. 09 2007 10:54 AM
Score: 0/0
Mike
from Rockefeller Center
Besides the Census website, people should consult the Social Security Administration who have a great name database: http://www.ssa.gov/OACT/babynames/.
Nov. 09 2007 10:52 AM
Score: 0/0
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Comments [6]
I was almost named Shirley, but my parents played it safe. My maternal grandfather was named Shirley--friends called him Shirl--and he was, by all accounts, a "man's man." I think I would have had a "Boy Named Sue" kind of childhood if I had been named Shirley, but now that I'm older (37) I sometimes wish I hadn't missed out on a unique name. After all, how many "David"s are there in my generation? (Answer: many.)
Evan Rachel Wood.
The reason for the girls named Evan in the early 21st century.
http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0939697/
If I recall correctly..
wasn't King Arthur's Sister named Morgan?
Morgen Le Fea.
I wrote a crossword a couple years ago called "Dude (Looks Like a Lady)" featuring "crossover" names like Joyce Cary, Shirley Povich, and Evelyn Waugh. It's still online at http://www.thehighhat.com/Detritus/005/xword.html .
I wonder what Ms. Nilsen has to say about names from other languages/cultures adopted by Americans to name children of the opposite gender, e.g. Kristen, Andrea, etc. That seems interesting to me.
Besides the Census website, people should consult the Social Security Administration who have a great name database: http://www.ssa.gov/OACT/babynames/.
Leave a Comment
Register for your own account so you can vote on comments, save your favorites, and more. Learn more.
Please stay on topic, be civil, and be brief.
Email addresses are never displayed, but they are required to confirm your comments. Names are displayed with all comments. We reserve the right to edit any comments posted on this site. Please read the Comment Guidelines before posting. By leaving a comment, you agree to New York Public Radio's Privacy Policy and Terms Of Use.