Meadowbrook Press Distributed by Simon & Schuster New York

Consider This: Annika may fit well
with a Scandinavian or Russian
surname. Pronunciation will be
divided between “ANN-eh-kah”
and “AHN-eh-kah.”
Antoinette HHH
(French) a form of Antonia.
First Impression: People see Antoinette
as regal, classy, and wealthy, but
also snobby, pompous, and prissy.
Gender Association: Used for girls
Popularity and Trend: Last ranked in
the Top 1000 in the 1980s
Risk of Misspelling: Average
Risk of Mispronunciation: Average
Famous Namesakes: Queen Marie
Antoinette; minister Antoinette
Blackwell
Common Nicknames: Nettie, Toinette,
Toni, Ann
Common Variations: Antonette
Consider This: With famous namesake
Marie Antoinette, this name may
seem lofty, but there are plenty of
friendly nicknames to use.
Antonia HHH
(Greek) flourishing. (Latin)
praiseworthy.
First Impression: Antonia is pictured as
a natural leader who’s confident
and commanding.
Gender Association: Used mostly
for girls
Popularity and Trend: Last ranked in
the Top 1000 in the 1980s
Risk of Misspelling: Fairly low
Risk of Mispronunciation: Fairly high
Famous Namesakes: Poet Antonia
Byatt; character Antonia
Shimerda (My Antonia); author
Antonia Fraser; film director
Antonia Bird
Common Nicknames: Toni
Common Variations: Antonina,
Antoinette
Consider This: Antonia may be
pronounced “ann-toh-NEE-ah”
by some and “ann-TOH-nee-ah”
by others.
Anya HHHH
(Russian) a form of Anna.
First Impression: People see Anya as a
strong character who believes in
herself.
Gender Association: Used for girls
Popularity and Trend: #405
(#586 in 2000)
Risk of Misspelling: Fairly low
Risk of Mispronunciation: Fairly low
Famous Namesakes: Character Anya
(Buffy the Vampire Slayer)
Common Nicknames: None
Common Variations: Anja
Consider This: This Russian name is
rising in popularity, but it may
not work with every surname.
Pronunciation could pose a slight
challenge for those who don’t
realize it’s “AHN-yah” instead
of “ANN-yah.”
Aolani HH
(Hawaiian) heavenly cloud.
First Impression: Aolani is said to be
a soft-spoken Hawaiian woman
who’s warm, peaceful, and fond
of golden sunsets viewed from
the beach.
Gender Association: Used for girls
Popularity and Trend: Never been
ranked in Top 1000
Risk of Misspelling: Fairly high
Risk of Mispronunciation: Fairly high
Famous Namesakes: None
Common Nicknames: None
Common Variations: None
Consider This: This Hawaiian name
will be tricky for the average
person to spell and pronounce.
April HHHH
(Latin) opening.
First Impression: April is considered
soft and sweet, but still outgoing
and popular.
Gender Association: Used for girls
Popularity and Trend: #319
(#214 in 2000)
Risk of Misspelling: Low
Risk of Mispronunciation: Low
Famous Namesakes: Character April
O’Neil (Teenage Mutant Ninja
Turtles); actress April Grace
Common Nicknames: None
Common Variations: Avril
Consider This: April had its heyday in
the ’70s and ’80s, but now it’s
falling fast.
GIRLS • PAGE 23