Confession: I hadn’t heard of Blayne Alexander until I saw a recent birth announcement, but the NBC News correspondent made an immediate impression.
She looks radiant in the photo — warm, approachable, and utterly natural — and the details around the announcement are equally charming. Her husband, Jay Bailey, wears a “Girl Dad” hoodie in the picture, which is delightfully sweet. Most of all, the story behind their daughter’s name is thoughtful.
Their daughter’s name is Sage Milan.
Sage is familiar — a nature- and virtue-inspired name that has grown more popular in recent years — but the couple emphasized the virtue meaning when they explained their choice. Milan is a clever and contemporary touch: a blend of their mothers’ names, Millie and Annita. The combination feels modern and unexpected while still personal.
I’d love to hear more about their naming process. If Sage Milan is this well considered, it’s fun to wonder what other names they considered along the way.
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Guilty pleasure alert: one reason I kept HBOMax after the six-month trial was Gossip Girl. The show might influence naming trends; Julien could become more popular for girls thanks to the Julien featured in the series. Other possibilities to watch for include Zoya, Monet, or Aki. We won’t know for sure until the naming data arrives.
Curious about character names — are Julien Elizabeth and Zoya Jane a Pride and Prejudice reference? It’s subtle, but viewers familiar with the first episode may notice nods and parallels worth pondering.
On television discoveries: have you noticed Angourie? Australian actress Angourie Rice, who plays Siobhan on Mare of Easttown and appears in the new Spider-Man films, has an uncommon first name. Discussions of unusual names often highlight gems like hers.
Looking for more rare name ideas? Lists of lesser-known or “secret” names can be great inspiration. Names such as Keyes, Bramwell, Leolin, Evanthe, Lilavati, and Ismerie show the range of beautiful, uncommon options available.
Also of interest: lists of trending names for 2021. Remember that these lists often reflect page views rather than birth records, but the names people research frequently end up on birth certificates. Names like Declan, Jasper, Aurora, and Kai are likely to remain in use.
Finally, a powerful collection of name quotes from Nancy. The piece includes a memorable passage about immigrants reclaiming their names — a reminder of how meaningful names can be.