What About My Name?

15 Points Per Correct Answer - No time limit  

1. The name "Emily" may conjure up images of sweet shyness. Perhaps this is a lingering effect of a character of the same name that Charles Dickens created for "David Copperfield", or perhaps the often placid yet lovely poetry of Emily Dickinson is partially responsible. But I assure you that my name's origin is not passive nor does it promise sweetness. Emily was the number one choice for baby girls' names in the US from 1997 to 2003 England for 2003 and 2004. The name's meaning is what the name "Emily" was without in those countries during those years. What would that be? Imitation Consequence Rival Mercy

2. One of the best known bearers of my name gained fame for his skepticism. In 2001 my name was number one for baby boys in France. In 2003 my name was number three in England and Wales. Don't doubt that you know my name. Which of the following is it? Clément Louis Thomas Pierre

3. Since my name means "universal", perhaps every woman should bear it! Perhaps someday every woman will; after all, in 2003 my name was the most popular name for newborn girls in Scotland, Ireland and Sweden. I was still number two in the US, but a certain "rival" had best watch out! What is my name? Emma Sarah Chloe Ashley

4. I am the MAN! No really. That's what my name means. My name didn't crack the top ten in the US until 1993, but the name has stayed there ever since. My namesake in the Bible had a brother named Peter. Which of the following names is mine? Andrew Nathaniel Carl Matthew

5. My parents named me after their favorite Welsh lake. My name is not so popular as a certain one meaning "green shoot" nor is it given to girls as often as the name taken from the longest river in Ireland. At least it doesn't double as an herb like a certain English name that refers to the sea. Which of the following names is mine? Rosemary Chloe Shannon Lynn

6. I was given my great great grandfather's first name, and I note with satisfaction that it became the number one name for baby boys in Scotland in 2004. It is the English spelling of a French name that was often taken by French Kings. Because this is a "fill in", I will give you two literary hints: "Jabberwocky" and Narnia. What is my name? Answer: (Five letters)

7. I love my first and middle name, but I admit it doesn't always fit my personae; you see it means "anointed flower of heaven". My first name is from my German grandmother and the middle from my Hawaiian grandmother. Can you pick my name out of the ones following? (Hint: look for the flower in the middle.) Kristin Leilani Camille Kalani Catherine Noelani Melanie Nalani

8. My name is uniformly popular in many countries from Belgium and France to the British Isles and North America. In the US, my name jumped in popularity beginning in the 1970s. Some might speculate that a popular 1960's folk singer had something to do with this. My name is Welsh in origin and means "great sea". What is my name? (Hint: The answer is blowing in the wind!) Dylan Paul Peter Donovan

9. I hope you won't take offense, but I'm the original fair-haired boy. My name derives from a sixth century Irish Saint whose name literally meant "fair hair". But my name has been steadily declining in popularity; and because of the suspicions surrounding a certain American baseball player, it could become less popular still. What is my name? Barry Jason Alex Roger

10. Although there is doubt and debate about the exact number of words William Shakespeare coined (with estimates running as high as 2000), apparently my name was one of them. In "Twelfth Night" my namesake was described as a "most radiant, exquisite and unmatchable beauty". Another bearer of my name starred opposite John Travolta in the movie version of "Grease". For over forty years, my name has been steadily rising in popularity in the US where it reached fifth place for baby girls' names in 2003. What is my name? Cordelia Jessica Miranda Olivia