Naming a Girl Baby

1895

The most popular name to bestow on a baby girl at this time is Dorothy evidently, for out of 178 girls' names in the catalogues of the babies whose portraits were shown at a recent baby display 14 bore Dorothy. Next in favor was Marjorie, spelled even Marjourie. Ruth, which is generally supposed to be the favorite, owing to its connection with the White House, wasn't in the race for popularity, as only three infants were so named in the returns. Helen or Helene came next in favor, Kate or Katherine holding its own, and Mary and Marie were well ahead along with Gladys and Elizabeth. Such names as Beatrice, Josephine, Anita, Eleanor, Jessica, Alice, Madeline, Florence and Rachel were twice represented, but aside from that the widest variety figured.

It is evident that much greater independence is shown now than formerly in christening the feminine portion of the population. When two or more children in a family were represented in the catalogue it looked as if there had been an attempt to select names in harmony. In one family there were Mauriel, Dorothy, Marion and Marjorie, a happy combination. The most distinctive trio possibly were Honor, Gillian and Rufus Barr. If that family doesn't turn out well then there is nothing in the effect of a name. Drenna was one of the oddest names; Serane another. There were two Bettys, one dear Peggy, a Mollie, three Virginias, one Lorna Doone and a Yolande. — New York Commercial.