Mirabai

Photo Courtesy of JME Portraits

Isn’t this a pretty one? I was talking to someone today who mentioned a lady she knows with this name, and it struck me that I had heard it before and forgotten about it. But one mention and I remembered how lovely I thought it was back then too. To me it has a softly exotic, peacefully lilting feel that makes me think of vanilla, cinnamon and cloves.

If it seems familiar to you, you’ve probably heard of it in one of two ways. One, you’re Indian or familiar enough with Indian culture to immediately think of the famous Hindu poet/princess who devoted her life to the worship of Krishna. Or if you’re Australian you may be thinking of Mirabai Peart, a violinist who appeared as a contestant on the second season of ‘Big Brother Australia’ back in 2002.

Of course they aren’t the only Mirabai's, but it seems this name is relatively uncommon. It has only charted once in the U.S back in 2006 when it was given to just 5 girls. You’re much more likely to meet a Mira (ranked 613 in the U.S in 2014) or a Meera (ranked 1353). Even in India where Mirabai originated from Meera is much more popular, with Baby Center stating it was the 32nd most popular Indian girls name amongst parents registered with their site in 2014.

Which brings us back to the aforementioned poet. She lived from 1498 to 1547 and was more commonly known as Meera, with MiraBai (pronounced Meer-ah-bye) seemingly her formal name. Bai indicates a feminine name, but there is a little more confusion as to the meaning of Meera or Mira as it seems to have origins in many cultures. Some sources claim that in its’ Sanskrit/Hindu (Indian) origin it means ‘ocean’ or perhaps ‘limit’ or ‘boundary’, or even ‘prosperous’. An alternative explanation I’ve seen is that Meera means “saintly woman”, but I can’t help but feel that this is more of an association with the poet, rather than an actual meaning. Which in a case like this probably makes more sense anyway. The original Mirabai is considered to be a saintly heroine, a great inspiration, and this in itself imbues the name with meaning for those who love her story.

Parents already considering the similar names Mirabel or Mirabella might consider Mirabai as a way to escape the “belle/bella” suffix and nickname option that has proven to be so popular in recent years. On the downside, it might take a little work to get people unfamiliar with the name to say it correctly (is it Meera-Bay? Myra-Bye?). But I think that once most people hear it they will be intrigued and enchanted. And your daughter would be extremely unlikely to ever meet another one.

Aquilina

We've been having a nostalgia fest in our house lately, and one of my old favourites that I revisited was the movie 'Troop Beverly Hills'. It stars Shelley Long as privileged Beverly Hills housewife Phyllis, who takes over as leader of her daughters Wilderness Girls Troop. Of course, they do things a little differently in Beverly Hills, and along the way Phyllis discovers a resourcefulness, courage and leadership that she didn't realise she had.

There are just eight girls in the troop, bearing the names of Hannah, Claire, Tiffany, Lily, Chica, Jasmine, Tessa and Emily. But what caught my attention was the name of the young Philippino actress playing Lily - Aquilina.

Sounds alluring and glamorous, doesn't it? I wonder why there aren't more actresses with this name.

Aquilina is a Spanish version of the Latin name Aquila, meaning 'eagle'. Hence it is said to either mean 'eagle' or 'sharp-eyed'. Like Aquila it can be used for both boys and girls. But unlike Aquila it has never charted in the U.S. This makes it quite rare.

If it sounds a little familiar, you may have heard it as a surname, particularly an Italian surname. Apparently this surname was adopted by people who either:

• Owned eagles
• Had great eyesight (eagle eyed)
• Lived near a place populated by eagles; or
• Lived in or near the city of L'Aquila, the capital of the Italian region of Abruzzi.

There was also a child saint by this name who lived from 281-293 BC. Her story is quite grisly, as she was a martyr saint who is honoured by the Roman Catholic Church. This does lend a sense of history and gravity to the name Aquilina, and likely helped to establish it's use as a girls name rather than a boys.

I'm not 100% sure on what the "proper" pronunciation of Aquilina is, although it seems that both ah-kwi-LEE-nuh and ah-kwi-LIE-nuh are acceptable. Personally I much prefer the first. I also prefer it as a girls name - the more likely nicknames of Lina or Aqua make it seem more feminine to me.

Another one of the things I like about this name is that it has a unique look to it. Names containing Q are still very rare on the whole, and therefore generally stand out for that very reason. This may make it seem like Aquilina would be slightly harder to wear if your child happens to be the shy type. But I think it is still soft enough to wear well no matter what your personality. I could see this one on a headstrong princess just as easily as on a tomboy or a quiet bookworm.

Aquilina stands out in a subtle way - graceful, almost whimsical; energetic and sparkling.  If you like names that are rare and tasteful, then Aquilina would be a worthy addition to your shortlist.

Korben

You may remember a 1997 movie that featured Bruce Willis in an orange singlet, Milla Jovovich with orange hair, and a man named Ruby. 'The Fifth Element' is a futuristic sci-fi action adventure in which Willis plays Korben Dallas, an ex-taxi driver who finds himself tasked with saving the universe.Willis is great in this, and the movie itself is fun and funky, filled with snappy dialogue and somewhat bizarre characters.

Korben is a variation of another name, although there is some debate as to whether it stems from the Latin Corbin or the Hebrew Korban. They all sound alike (pronounced KOR-bin) and are so intertwined though that it's probably a bit of both.

The Latin Corbin meaning 'crow, raven' or 'raven-haired' is name that was once used by the Anglo-Normans in Old French and Old English times. It's thought it may have started as a shorter form for the longer and less wieldy Corbinian - a seventh century Frankish saint. Possibly it was just used a nickname for people with dark hair. It also saw use as a last name.

The Hebrew Korban (or Corban) is a biblical name, meaning 'gift or consecrated to God'. It wasn't used as a person given name though, it seems if was more another term for a gift, the purpose of which was to bring one closer to God. Many theorise that this is more like a sacrifice or sacrificial offering than a gift, and hence feel it can have negative undertones, but your viewpoint may depend on your religion.

What we do see here though is a myriad of spellings. With C and K spelling both having "legitimate" origins, this is one name where spelling it with a K isn't necessarily a case or Kardashian syndrome, or trying to create a "trendier" spelling. Variations that charted in the U.S in 2012 (in order of popularity) were Corbin (#221), Korbin (#559), Korbyn (#1052), Corban (#1069), Corbyn (#1166), Korben (#1422), Corben (#1992), Korban (#3932). Spellings Korbyn, Corbyn, Corbin and Korbin also chart for girls, but at a distant #4875, #7848, #11414 and #18167 respectively.

What I do like about this particular spelling - other than the sci-fi action hero reference - is that it lends itself to the nickname Ben, which is a great friendly and familiar nickname. Especially for a more distinguished, somewhat formal sounding name such as Korben. These contrasting feels makes this a very wearable name - a man with this name could be Ben when out drinking with the guys, but the respectable Korben when in the boardroom.  And I feel that in this particular case the K does make it a more powerful, masculine feeling name.

It's easy to pronounce, not super popular but still easily recognisable. It may look invented, but it has some very respectable origins And it doesn't hurt to tell your son that his name was inspired by an action hero who saved the universe.

Clara

New 'Doctor Who' Companion Clara, played by Jenna-Louise Coleman

'Doctor Who' is back on our screens, this time with a new companion Clara Oswin Oswald, played by Jenna-Louise Coleman. They've set the character of Clara up fairly well. Before she actually became the "official" companion, we had already seen two possible "incarnations" of Clara. There's something very intriguing about this character, and I'm looking forward to seeing  where her storyline goes.

The 'Doctor Who' writers have done a good job picking companion names recently. The last female companion - Amelia, nicknamed Amy - was very well named. Amy Pond (played by Karen Gillan) first appeared on the show in April 2010. Amelia was already a fast rising name in many countries, popular in England & Wales, Australia, New Zealand, Poland, Wales, Canada, Scotland and America. Amy had however been dropping, so in one clever choice they got a name with almost universal appeal, with a familiar but not over-used nickname.

And for a show that is broadcast in 48 countries, it is important that main characters have names that have a wide appeal, making it easier for viewers to embrace them.

Like Amelia, Clara was (and still is) already on the rise. It's not as popular or common as either Amelia or Amy in the previously mentioned countries, but instead is currently popular in France, Belgium, Switzerland, Denmark, Germany, Austria, Spain, Ireland and Canada. This makes it another name that is easily recognisable, warmly familiar and with near universal appeal.

Clara is a charming choice, and this Latin name meaning 'clear, bright, famous' seems to suit the vivacity of the new companion quite well. It is a perfect example of the vintage revival names that are currently trending upwards. My own fondest memories of the name are characters in Enid Blyton books, in particular a short tale called 'Conceited Clara'. It's about a girl who is very vain about her pretty dress and shoes, but learns the values of humility and modesty. And it doesn't get much more quaintly vintage than an Enid Blyton character.

Promo Poster from the 2012
'Doctor Who' Christmas Special

There are also some great famous Claras if you like a name with admirable role models, such as:

• Virgin Saint Clara of Assisi
• Founder of the Red Cross, Clara Barton
• Clara Schumann, pianist and wife of composer Robert Schumann
• Canadian Olympic medallist Clara Hughes
• Clara, the heroine of the ballet 'The Nutcracker'
• Concert singer and Mark Twains' daughter, Clara Clemens; and
• Early movie screen legend and original "It" girl Clara Bow

Many people feel that Clara is the new Clare. It's certainly a very sweet, pretty and elegantly understated name. For some that may mean boring, but I'm betting this new Clara will help inject a bit of spunk and geek chic into Clara's image, and make many people reconsider this gem. Clara could be one to watch over the next couple of years.

Taissa

Taissa Farmiga has a lot to smile about

Today I saw the news that Taissa Farmiga will be returning for season three of 'American Horror Story'. She didn't have a role in season two, but I remember seeing her name every week in the opening credits of season one and being intrigued. Mainly because Taissa is a very pretty looking name, but also because I was wondering how it's meant to be pronounced and where it can from.

Taissa pronounces her name as Ta-EE-sa. Her background is Ukrainian American, and she is the younger sister of Vera Farmiga. I loved Vera in 'Up in the Air' with George Clooney, and she is currently starring in the TV show 'Bates Motel' as Norman Bates' mother Norma. Taissa's first acting role was as a younger version of Vera's character in the 2011 movie 'Higher Ground', which was also sister Vera's directorial debut. Taissa also has four movies due out this year, including a role in the upcoming movie 'The Bling Ring' alongside Emma Watson.

Finding information about this name is kind of like tracing a family tree. Taissa is thought to come from the Russian name Taisiya, pronounced tah-EE-see-yah. In turn, Taisiya comes from the Greek name Thais. The meaning of Thais is uncertain, with some sources saying it means 'bandage', some saying 'bond' and some saying 'beloved' (although this may actually be related to similar name Thaiz instead).

Thais was the name of a famous companion (well, technically courtesan) of Alexander the Great in the fourth century BC. However she repented, converted to Christianity and was made a saint. Her saint day is October 8. Saint Thais has inspired and is the subject of a novel by Anatole France, an opera by Jules Bassenet, a play, a film and a statue. Perhaps because of the novel and opera, Thais is quite a popular name in France. It's also well known in Brazil, and in both countries is pronounced tah-EES. 

Thais is also thought to be the origin of the Character Thaisa in Shakespeare's play 'Pericles'. Thaisa (pronounced TAH-ee-sah) is Pericles wife, who appears to die on board a ship during childbirth but actually survived and entered a convent. Perhaps because they both share the same root, it seems that the names Thaisa and Taissa are quite similar, although in pronunciation they differ in their emphasis.

Taissa has quite an international background, and has rarely charted in the US. Admittedly, some people might find it a little hard to pronounce, and be tempted to say it TAY-is-sah or TYE-is-sah, especially since similar looking name Kai is often pronounced KYE or KAY. This would probably be fine, and could open up different nickname possibilities such as Tai. But the original just feels so prettily exotic it'd be a shame to change the pronunciation.

It may be a rare name to most of us currently, but I have a feeling that Taissa Farmiga's star is on the rise - which will mean more and more exposure of this name. It would probably be best to use this one now before she's a household name and everyone will just assume you used it because you love the actress, not simply because Taissa is a gorgeous and distinctive name.

Adrian

Actor Adrian Grenier from 'Entourage'

Today is Father's Day here in Australia so I thought I'd look at my own father's name, Adrian. Adrian is a Latin name meaning 'From Hadria'. Hadria was a town in Northern Italy, and is also purportedly the source of the name for the Adriatic Sea. It is also indirectly the source of the name of Hadrian's Wall, a wall that was built across Northern England during the reign of  Roman Emperor Publius Aelius Hadrianus in the second century AD.

Adrian was first popular in Britain in the 1950's, but these days is popular in many countries. In fact, www.babynamewizard.com reports that Adrian is currently a top 100 name in Spain, Norway, Germany, Austria, Hungary, USA and Sweden. This means that Adrian would likely travel well and be easily recognised in many countries, if you are a parent who has to move to various countries and are looking for a name that would work well in many cultures.

Famous Adrian's are plentiful, and include:

• several saints
• six popes, including the only English pope (Adrian IV) and the only Dutch pope (Adrian VI)
• Sir Adrian Cedric Boult, an English conductor
• multiple American actors, such as Adrien Brody, and Adrian Grenier (pictured above)
• several football players
• Olympic athletes in athletics, baseball and table tennis

I like the name Adrian, and find it to be quite strong and masculine. This is despite the fact that Adrian has often been seen as a feminine name after the girlfriend in the 'Rocky' movies of the 70's and 80's bore this name. Or slightly wimpy if you were a reader of the 80's English young teen book "The Secret Diary of Adrian Mole".

If you also like Adrian, but want a slightly less common variation for your son, great alternatives include Adrien, Hadrian or Adriano. Adrienne, Adrianna and Adria (my personal favourite!) are also good female alternatives, with the double benefits of being feminine but strong sounding names.

Happy Father's Day everyone!