Meadowbrook Press Distributed by Simon & Schuster New York

Risk of Mispronunciation: Low
Famous Namesakes: Actress Ashley
Olsen; singer Ashlee Simpson;
actress Ashley Judd; singer
Ashley Tisdale
Common Nicknames: Ash, Lee
Common Variations: Ashlee, Ashleigh
Consider This: Although not quite as
popular as it was a few years ago,
Ashley is still popular enough
that your daughter will likely
share the name with a classmate.
Ashlyn HHHHH
(English) ash-tree pool. (Irish)
vision, dream.
First Impression: Ashlyn is imagined to
be a “good girl” who’s tender,
gracious, and a little naïve.
Gender Association: Used for girls
Popularity and Trend: #140
(#178 in 2000)
Risk of Misspelling: Fairly low
Risk of Mispronunciation: Low
Famous Namesakes: None
Common Nicknames: Ash
Common Variations: Aislynn, Ashlin
Consider This: Ashlyn is more unique
than similar-sounding Ashley,
but it’s still popular.
Asia HHHH
(Greek) resurrection. (English)
eastern sunrise. (Swahili) a form
of Aisha.
First Impression: In appearance and
personality, Asia is seen as an
exotic and mysterious woman.
Gender Association: Used for girls
Popularity and Trend: #332
(#220 in 2000)
Risk of Misspelling: Low
Risk of Mispronunciation: Low
Famous Namesakes: Actress Asia
Argento
Common Nicknames: None
Common Variations: Asiah
Consider This: Place names are hit-ormiss,
but this place name seems
to be a hit.
Astra HHH
(Greek) star.
First Impression: Astra is perceived as a
free-spirited flirt, a warm mother,
or a mysterious introvert.
Gender Association: Used for girls
Popularity and Trend: Never been
ranked in Top 1000
Risk of Misspelling: Fairly low
Risk of Mispronunciation: Fairly low
Famous Namesakes: Comic book
character Astra; character
Princess Astra (Dr. Who)
Common Nicknames: None
Common Variations: Aster
Consider This: People don’t know
what to think about this unusual
name, but they are generally
positive about it.
Athena HHHH
(Greek) wise.
First Impression: Like a goddess, Athena
is thought to be a brave heroine
with a statuesque physique.
Gender Association: Used for girls
Popularity and Trend: #504
(#528 in 2000)
Risk of Misspelling: Fairly low
Risk of Mispronunciation: Low
Famous Namesakes: Mythological
figure Athena; heiress Athina
Onassis de Miranda
Common Nicknames: None
Common Variations: Athina
Consider This: This is a very strong
name, which may make it hard
for your daughter if she turns
out to be quiet or shy. It is also
very Greek.
Aubrey HHHH
(German) noble; bearlike. (French)
blond ruler; elf ruler.
First Impression: People think Aubrey
may be shy or flirty, but either
way, she’s a loving soul.
Gender Association: Used mostly
for girls
Popularity and Trend: #92
(#223 in 2000)
Risk of Misspelling: Fairly low
Risk of Mispronunciation: Low
Famous Namesakes: Singer Aubrey
O’Day; artist Aubrey Beardsley
Common Nicknames: None
Common Variations: Aubree, Avery
Consider This: Aubrey was mostly
considered a boys’ name until
the ’80s. Now it’s used almost
exclusively for girls, ranking in
the Top 100.
GIRLS • PAGE 25