England may be cheating us out of national statistics this year, but we can delight that the London Telegraph continues to print the birth announcements of the wealthy and connected.
Most of the names here are distinctly British, or at least distinctive. I dig the alliteration of Constance Cordelia, Agatha Appoline, Jemima Juliet and Margot Mary. There are also a lot of babies who stood out in part because of the fabulous sibling groups: Leopold and Ambrose; Iona, Ru, Eléa and Archie; Woody, Hector, Jago and Ayre; Finty, Heby, and Ottilie. Wonder what some of these are short for? There’s precisely one combination below I would steal for myself, but I’m not telling what it is– I like it that much!
My favorite announcement was one that read: “Mother doing well. Father drunk!”
Agatha Appoline, a sister for George
Agatha Harriet Grace, a sister for Dominic
Annabel Ruth and Alice Louisa, sisters for Thomas and Kate
Arabella Imogen May, a sister for Charlie and Georgina
Aurelia Caroline Melesina, a sister for Felix
Beatrice Nesta
Bethan Eira, a sister to Tomas Ieuan
Constance Cordelia, a sister for Harry and Freddie
Constance Tabitha, a sister for Arabella and Archie
Eilidh Vina
Fenella Mary
Flora Hamilla Forbes
Flora Hermione Iona, a sister for Angus
Freya Harriet Elizabeth
Georgiana Rosie Catalina, a sister for Thomas and Isabella
Georgina Beatrice Daphne
Harriet Emily Florence, a sister for Annabel
Henrietta Emily, a sister to Francesca and Georgina
Hester Mary
Ignatia Mary Alice
Imogen Daire McInnes (Daire)
Imogen Julia Margaret
India Pearl, a sister for Daisy
India Zelda Jane, a sister for Thea
Jemima Juliet, a sister for Elie and Ben
Jess Alicia, a sister for Archie and Paisley
Jessamy Eva, a sister for Freddie
Katinka Rose
Lara Ceinwen
Lucya Nicola, a sister to Freya, Maya and Lilya
Margot Mary
Mary Agnes Elisabeth, a sister for Wilfrid and Humphrey
Minna Rose
Nancy Alexandra
Octavia Natasha Louise, a sister for Lucinda
Ottilie, a sister for Finty and Hebe
Penelope Fanta Florence
Penelope (Poppy) Muriel Florence
Phoebe Aurelia Anunziata, a sister for Algy and Octavia
Pia Joséphine, a sister for Jemima
Posy Clementine, a sister for Kip and Effie
Rosalie Elizabeth, a sister for Alice
Saskya Catherine Joan
Tilly Ann
Ursula Isabel Langdale, a sister for Alicia and Emilia
Violet Polly
Willa Alice Martha, sister to Tom and Poppy
Xanthe Ann, sister to Zara
Ambrose Liam Alexander, a brother for Leopold
Angus Rory Alexander, a brother for Ellen
Archie Christopher Steuart, a brother for Iona, Ru and Eléa
Archie John Wellington
Arthur George Congreve, a brother for Dorothy
Ayre Alastair, a brother for Woody, Hector and Jago
Benedict Rufus, a brother for Florence and George
Bertie Arthur Andrew, a brother for Molly
Cameron John Sébastien, a brother for Hamilton, India and Orlando
Caspar Francis Spiegelberg
Edward Guy Cecil
Edward Hector James, a brother to Isabella
Elias Constantin Raphael, a brother for Kiran
Ethan Clive des Voeux
Finlay David, a brother for Neave
Francis Doune Montresor Romaine, a brother for Inca and Inigo
Frederick Hugh Rainer
Harvey Albert Peter
Hector Oliver Linton, a brother for Hal and Bini
Hugh Coningsby Russell, a brother for Claudia
Hugo Paul Ernest
Humphrey Thomas Lambarde, a brother for May and Beatrice
Ioan Llyr Philip
Ivo William Casimir, a brother for Katya, Tabitha and Claudia
James Peregrine
John Philip, a brother for Demelza
Osbert William Norby (Bertie), a brother for Charlie
Percy Arthur Charles
Percy Roderick
Rafferty James
Ralph Paul, a brother for Finn.
Rufus Jago Llewelyn, a brother for Henrietta
Silas Edward Wilfred, a brother for Sam, Martha May and Rosie
Thady Luke Ralph
Theodore Quincy (Teddy)
Ty Preston Valentino
Wilbur Alfred Beaumont
Xander James Ogilvie
{ 24 comments… read them below or add one }
India Pearl reminds me of India Opal in “Because of Winn-Dixie” by Kate DiCamillo. I like Benedict Rufus and Ambrose Liam Alexander. Ayre Alastair and Angus Rory Alexander seem quite Scottish to me, which I like, and Katinka Rose is nice.
Ooh this is like Christmas! I LOVE when you post the Telegraph announcements! Love siblings Dorothy and Arthur; George and Agatha; Henrietta, Francesca, and Georgina; Mary, Wilfrid, and Humphrey; Phoebe, Algy, and Octavia; Kip, Effie, and Posy; Tom, Poppy, and Willa; Humphrey, May, and Beatrice… I’m probably missing some of my favorites, but gah, they’re beautiful sets, aren’t they?
As for names alone that I love, Humphrey might have just become a new favorite! Arabella Imogen May is a beauty, as is Imogen Daire McInnes, and India Pearl (normally I don’t like India, but with Pearl? Swoon.), Posy Clementine is RIGHT up my ally, and Katinka Rose is exotically sweet.
Archie John Wellington and Arthur George Congreve are so sophisticated (well, Archie isn’t so much I guess, but the John Wellington makes up for the nickname). Love Benedict Rufus and Wilbur Alfred Beaumont. Love Angus, Harvey, Rafferty, Osbert nn Bertie, and Rufus.
Also, love how many Georgina/ianas there are. It’s one of my favorites that my hubby hates, so I can’t really even dream about using it, but it’s nice to see other people do!
Sorry for the LONG reply, I just LOVE this list so much! And Elisabeth, that’s such a tease to say you’d steal one, but not tell! Come on!
Oh, I like so many of these: Agatha Apolline, India Zelda Jane (I’d steal that one & flip India & Zelda!), Flora Hermione Iona is gorgeous!
Ambrose Liam Alexander is fantastic, this whole sibset is wonderful: Ivo William Casimir, a brother for Katya, Tabitha and Claudia, the loveliest: Ioan Llyr Philip and I find this ibset completely charming: Benedict Rufus, a brother for Florence and George.
What a great bunch this week, thanks for digging these up, Elisabeth! Will you tell us which one you’d swipe maybe Wednesday? C’mon, I told you which one I’d swipe!
Quite a few jewels especially on the girl’s list. Cordelia keeps growing on me more and more, love the Constance Cordelia combo. Like Nessa, I don’t normally care for India, but she’s wonderful in the India Pearl pairing.
Octavia and Lucinda as a sibset are on-spot. I find I don’t miss the final “n” I expect to see in Jessamine and actually like Jessamy Eva.
Thrilled with Aurelia Caroline Melesina, Phoebe Aurelia Anunziata, Pia Joséphine, Rosalie Elizabeth and Posy Clementine.
Elisabeth, no matter which one you “steal”, I’m sure it will be an awesome sibset, you tasteful namer, you!
I like so many that it’s difficult to pick them out but my favourites are undoutedly:
Agatha Appoline, a sister for George
Constance Cordelia
Georgina Beatrice Daphne
Rosalie Elizabeth, a sister for Alice
Arthur George Congreve, a brother for Dorothy
Benedict Rufus, a brother for Florence and George
Edward Guy Cecil
Edward Hector James
A few others that deserve a special mention are@
Ignatia Mary Alice – I’m not at all fond of Ignatia but think this combination works extremely well.
India Pearl, a sister for Daisy – I’m not usually a fan of India either but as Lola and Christina have already noted, she works really well paired with Pearl. I find the pairing of India and Daisy a bit off though, don’t know why…
India Zelda Jane, a sister for Thea – this combo made me think of Lola the minute I read it!
Mary Agnes Elisabeth, a sister for Wilfrid and Humphrey – again love the sibling set!
Humphrey Thomas Lambarde, a brother for May and Beatrice – Humphrey, Beatrice and May, darling!
Percy Arthur Charles – love it but would never be brave enough to use Percy.
My absolute, absolute loves are Agatha Appoline and George, Rosalie Elisabeth and Alice and Benedict, Florence and George!
I’m looking for a sibset at the moment…some nice ones there. I’d prefer some of the terribly British names that the crazily spelt ones that seem to be invading humanity.
Oh Yay! An actual Llewelyn in the wild! Granted it’s only the second middle name but it’s a start. You know I adore him so.
And if I knew which gender you fancied I could probably pick the combo you’d steal. There is one combo of each gender that screams YOU to me.
Fantastic blog!
Do you think it’s safe to assume from this list that Hector is rising in popularity (or is it already popular in Britain?)
Mmmmmmmmmm Imogen! I’m trying so hard to convince my hubby that if we have a daughter she should be an Imogen. And Beatrice! Lovely lovely lovely. Georgiana is gorgeous. Arthur George is fantastic, two of my favourite boy names.
Ohhh Arabella Imogen May makes me melt. I love Imogen so much that I don’t even care what she is paired with, thus I adore the two Imogen combos as well. I also love the Phoebe and Flora combos.
I have my guesses for you, but won’t post them ; )
Do you mind telling me what website you can get these birth announcements off of?
I just google London Telegraph and click on Announcements at the bottom in the Culture section.
Sengi, I hear Hector being bantied about a *tiny* bit, but don’t really think it’s on the rise in the U.S. save for the Latino community.
As for all of you who want to know the combo I’d steal? Sorry, but this preggo’s staying mum until babe is here!!!
“Lucya Nicola, a sister to Freya, Maya and Lilya”
Oh nooooooo – kre8tiv spelling to match?!
Do you have a rule about rhyming names? That mother is going to run out soon.
I don’t know any Hectors, but I know a little Herbie (bwaaaaah).
Some great names there – not that we are bisased though, Osbert William Norby is our little fella. Both my husband and I grew up with a pretty popular first names so we thought he deserved a little individuality. Keep the names coming!
Osbert is such a daring and darling name! Thanks for writing, Bertie’s Mummy. You’ve reminded me, I’m definitely overdue for another Telegraph list.
I just had a look at the latest announcements, and found
Pearl Amelia Rose, a sister for Dame Edith
Wow, I’ve never heard of a Dame before! Maybe she’ll marry Barron Trump one day
Elizabeth when are you due? I am wondering how long we will have to wait to find out your name pick!! I am due 29 September and absolutely at a loss trying to choose a girl’s name (boy’s name sorted). I love Sophia – have done for years – but it is SO popular now. Sigh.
A newborn dame Edith, wow. I suppose there’s no chance she’s already been bestowed that as a title? Dame doesn’t work for me, but Pearl is lovely. I hope they call the little sister Edith.
I know what you mean about Sophia. It would be perfect– lovely sound, meaning, and history. Works the world over. But it’s just too too popular. I’ve always loved Olivia with a passion myself, but would never use it now. When I was in the hospital, one nurse was complaining about Olivia, Sophia, Mia, and Isabella. Just WAY too many of them, she said.
Jane, the new babe arrived just days ago! Announcement soon, I promise. I can announce my roommate’s choice at the moment: Isabelle.
The popularity of Mia surprises me — I’ve only known two Mias in my entire life, one being my niece, another being a childhood friend. Speaking of my niece, her mother is expecting another girl — Which name do you prefer, Nina or Cara? Those are the two main contenders for Mia’s little sis, and I want your input. Nina is definitely a guilty pleasure of mine, so getting a little Nina? Fab-u-lous!
Oh Elizabeth, that is fantastic news! CONGRATULATIONS! I am yet to have my first child, so can only imagine the joy of holding your newborn in your arms at long last. I don’t blame you if we don’t hear from you for a while on the site!!
Although I do look forward to hearing what name you have decided on!
Selfishly though, I am crestfallen to hear that a nurse would note how over-popular Sophia has become. I knew it was the case, but it is sad to have that final confirmation that people are OVER IT!
Perhaps when you are less busy (yeah right – not much chance of an un-busy new mum for at least… 5 years?!) you would be so kind as to help me immensely by offering your opinion on my baby name dilemma. My long-time favourite names (Sophia, Lily, Ella) have all become Top 30 names where I live (New Zealand). I am concerned that my child will be the umpteenth one in their class with the same name – like Melissa, Jennifer, Angela, Joanne and Lisa were in my time – and therefore the name will quickly become boring and dated.
So, I have tried looking for a less-popular name, and have found these that I like:
Thea
Elodie
Violet
Ophelia
Arden
(None of these have yet hit the radar at all in NZ.)
The problem is that I don’t love any of them as much as I love my Sophia, Ella and Lily. They seem to lack the same simple, unpretentious prettiness. So the dilemma is, should I go with a simple, popular name that I truly love, or a name that I merely like but that is not going to be so ubiquitous and dated?
Finally, the child’s surname will be Leaf. Do you think that flower names (like Lily and Violet) should therefore be ruled out, or should I not worry about possible plant-like connotations? Some people tell me that I should absolutely rule out flower names, while others tell me that Lily and Violet have become human names in their own right, and will still sound like human names even with a surname like Leaf. I am stuck on the fence, swaying from one side to the other.
Thanks so much for your thoughts!
And again, a big, happy, heartfelt congratulations on your new baby! Enjoy every minute xx
My sincere apologies Elisabeth – I have been spelling your name wrongly! Mortifying!
I’ve been looking through the London Telegraph announcement obsessively for a couple of weeks now. India Pearl as a sister for Daisy is just beyond cute.
Elisabeth I hope your little one and you are doing well. I just wanted to let you know that I may have found a way through the name impasse – I suggested the name Theodora to my husband, and he is happy with it as long as he can call her Thea (one of only two names he has suggested in all these months!) as a nickname. Perfect! A strong uncommon name with a soft pretty nickname. I am VERY happy. The full name we are considering is Theodora Violet Edith. (Violet because we both love it but have had so many people object to it as a first name with Leaf, and Edith after our beloved grandmothers who share the same name.)
Now we just gotta see if it sticks as a favourite for the next 3 months! Crossing fingers…
Violet Polly is darling!