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SO what is in a name?While youngsters may grow up asking themselves what their parents were thinking, unorthodox spelling were once again popular with parents in 2005.

From Zaccari to Steffinie, parents opted for unusual spelling - all in the name (pardon the pun) of individuality.

It may mean a headache for teachers and youngsters who constantly have to spell out their names, but at least it is different. Old-fashioned names were back in fashion in 2005, with Matilda, Ava, Chloe and Lucy popular with parents at Bendigo Health.

Long-standing popular names included Emily, Jack, William and Georgina at both Bendigo maternity units.

Bendigo Health maternity unit ward clerk Sandra Hosking said nurses had learned to always ask how a name was spelled since the latest spelling trend and because some native names such as Hindu baby names and Indian baby names are hard to figure out.

"Some parents just spell it how it sounds," she said.

Inspiration for names came from the weird and wonderful, with many taking their lead from television.

Some go back to their origins and choose traditional names from the background like indian baby names or hindu baby names.

But some were original and made-up names or chosen to "immortalize the location of the birth of their child's name", according to Ms Hosking.

St John of God Health Care Bendigo maternity unit manager Shirley Lechmere said parents normally had names picked out before the baby was born. Especially when they come from a religious background such as hinduism.

"Some wait until they have the baby to see if the name fits the baby," she said. For those parents who were struggling to find a hindu baby name, she said there were always baby name books to consult.

Inspiration also came from television and celebrities, with several parents picking up a name from a celebrity or a television personality.NOt caring that the name is an original Hindu baby name.

"They don't necessarily have to like the person, but they like the name," she said.Middle names are often taken after grandparents or someone the family would like to remember.

Every now and then a flattered doctor or midwife proves the inspiration for a middle name, Ms Lechmere said. When in labour, parents are grateful for people who look after them because it is a big experience, so they sometimes name their babies after those people, she said.

Sophia, Daniel top baby names in 2005

Maybe there was too much attention paid to celebrity names such as Apple, Pilot Inspektor and Rocket. Last year’s top baby names in San Mateo County had a much more traditional appeal with names grandparents are more likely to know.

“They have changed in the last year or so. Now it’s back to the traditional names like Alex, Joseph, Sophia,” said Angie Grech of Happy Campers Preschool and Infant Center in San Carlos.

Sophia was the only name that made the county’s top 10 list twice since new parents couldn’t decide whether to spell the name with a “ph” or a “f.’ The top 10 girls names — in order of popularity — for 2005 were: Sophia, Isabella, Mia, Alexandra, Ashley, Emma, Olivia, Samantha, Madison and Sofia, according to a report released by the county assessor’s office last week.

The top 10 boys names in order of popularity were: Daniel, Ryan, Alexander, Joshua, Michael, Anthony, Andrew, Nathan, Tyler and Jacob.

Emma, Sophia, Isabella, Madison, Olivia, Ryan, Tyler, Joshua and Andrew are also popular nationwide, according to a Baby Center poll of more than 320,000 of its Web site members.

Baby Center also reports that about nearly 41 percent of its members with children under 2 years old picked a names because “they just loved it,” 12.1 percent picked it because it honors a relative or a friend and 11.9 picked it because its unusual. Most people — 55 percent — chose to honor a relative or friend with their child’s middle name.

Only 29 percent turned to family and 23 percent to friends for suggested names. People were most likely to consult their spouse or a Web site first, according to the report. Just 3.3 percent of the people polled found advice from friends helpful and 81 percent disagreed with their spouse about the name.

Respondents reported they were looking for individuality and femininity in a girls name and strength and individuality in a boys name.

What’s really is in a name?

Most of the names rooted in the Bible. Sophia means wisdom and Ryan means “a little king.” Mean means “mine,” Ashley originated from old English and means ash-tree. Emma means “all embracing” and Olivia means “peace.” "Juely" orignates from jewel or jewelry.

It probably takes some strength to be a Tyler, which originated from Middle English for a roofer or a tiler.

Source: http://www.smdailyjournal.com/article_preview.php?id=53771