Happy customer, 25 Jul 2008
Very, very happy with this book. Spent ages looking at all the different titles then took a chance by ordering this one. Made the right decision. Format is fresh, easy to glance through or read in more detail depending on how much time you have. Plenty of names to choose from, modern, traditional, trendy, a few foreign names but not too many. Ideal for naming baby without having to trawl through crazy names or a multitude of American names. Within ten minutes of reading this i'd found a few good names. Perfect.

Intelligent and entertaining, 18 Apr 2008
There are so, so many rubbish name books out there. This is one of a very few gems (the only other one I'd recommend is the Oxford Dictionary of First Names).

It's full of interesting, and accurate tidbits about the names, which the author sometimes groups together in themes - for example, Alfred and Aubrey might be talked about in the same entry because both have meanings about elves. This doesn't mean the names are hard to find, though, as they are all ordered alphabetically. Just don't be put off if some of them say "See 'X'"; it doesn't mean they've been lumped in with another name, but that they will be discussed with them. This gives the book an almost conversational feel, as if you were listening to someone really well-informed talk about names. The introduction, too, is very interesting and makes it obvious she has done her research (she even provides a bibliography). I really enjoyed reading it and haven't spotted a single factual inaccuracy of the kind that other name books are riddled with. The only strange thing is that there are lots of typos in my edition. It's a shame that such a good book clearly hasn't been proofread to do it justice.

Happy customer, 25 Jul 2008
Very, very happy with this book. Spent ages looking at all the different titles then took a chance by ordering this one. Made the right decision. Format is fresh, easy to glance through or read in more detail depending on how much time you have. Plenty of names to choose from, modern, traditional, trendy, a few foreign names but not too many. Ideal for naming baby without having to trawl through crazy names or a multitude of American names. Within ten minutes of reading this i'd found a few good names. Perfect.

Intelligent and entertaining, 18 Apr 2008
There are so, so many rubbish name books out there. This is one of a very few gems (the only other one I'd recommend is the Oxford Dictionary of First Names).

It's full of interesting, and accurate tidbits about the names, which the author sometimes groups together in themes - for example, Alfred and Aubrey might be talked about in the same entry because both have meanings about elves. This doesn't mean the names are hard to find, though, as they are all ordered alphabetically. Just don't be put off if some of them say "See 'X'"; it doesn't mean they've been lumped in with another name, but that they will be discussed with them. This gives the book an almost conversational feel, as if you were listening to someone really well-informed talk about names. The introduction, too, is very interesting and makes it obvious she has done her research (she even provides a bibliography). I really enjoyed reading it and haven't spotted a single factual inaccuracy of the kind that other name books are riddled with. The only strange thing is that there are lots of typos in my edition. It's a shame that such a good book clearly hasn't been proofread to do it justice.

Useless Names book, 31 Jan 2008
This book is totally useless unless your looking for an american name for your baby. A complete waste of money, I need to buy another book that has a better list of names. I would recommend people NOT to buy this book. It should be titled "Complete Book of American baby names"

returned, 08 Dec 2007
We returned this book as it was of no use to us at all. It is an American book and this is reflected in the names it has included (eg Hunter) and those it hasn't (eg Daisy). There is also a lot of guff which we felt was unnecessary; all we are after is a list of names and meanings. On the plus side it did provide a few hours of entertainment as we giggled at some of the names parents have inflicted on their off-spring!

Happy customer, 25 Jul 2008
Very, very happy with this book. Spent ages looking at all the different titles then took a chance by ordering this one. Made the right decision. Format is fresh, easy to glance through or read in more detail depending on how much time you have. Plenty of names to choose from, modern, traditional, trendy, a few foreign names but not too many. Ideal for naming baby without having to trawl through crazy names or a multitude of American names. Within ten minutes of reading this i'd found a few good names. Perfect.

Intelligent and entertaining, 18 Apr 2008
There are so, so many rubbish name books out there. This is one of a very few gems (the only other one I'd recommend is the Oxford Dictionary of First Names).

It's full of interesting, and accurate tidbits about the names, which the author sometimes groups together in themes - for example, Alfred and Aubrey might be talked about in the same entry because both have meanings about elves. This doesn't mean the names are hard to find, though, as they are all ordered alphabetically. Just don't be put off if some of them say "See 'X'"; it doesn't mean they've been lumped in with another name, but that they will be discussed with them. This gives the book an almost conversational feel, as if you were listening to someone really well-informed talk about names. The introduction, too, is very interesting and makes it obvious she has done her research (she even provides a bibliography). I really enjoyed reading it and haven't spotted a single factual inaccuracy of the kind that other name books are riddled with. The only strange thing is that there are lots of typos in my edition. It's a shame that such a good book clearly hasn't been proofread to do it justice.

Useless Names book, 31 Jan 2008
This book is totally useless unless your looking for an american name for your baby. A complete waste of money, I need to buy another book that has a better list of names. I would recommend people NOT to buy this book. It should be titled "Complete Book of American baby names"

returned, 08 Dec 2007
We returned this book as it was of no use to us at all. It is an American book and this is reflected in the names it has included (eg Hunter) and those it hasn't (eg Daisy). There is also a lot of guff which we felt was unnecessary; all we are after is a list of names and meanings. On the plus side it did provide a few hours of entertainment as we giggled at some of the names parents have inflicted on their off-spring!

Great for reading and reference, 10 Jun 2003
This charming name book will assist parents in choosing the appropriate Celtic name for their baby as it provides an extensive list of evocative Irish names. But why an Irish name? For some reason, this musical language and the magical legends of Ireland have become very popular in the Anglo-Saxon world and further afield. The introduction discusses trends in the giving of names and mentions the most popular current Irish names. The chapter Little Dark One provides a cursory history of the settling of Ireland by the Celts and then lists and explains suitable names for dark haired people, such as Darcy, Douglas and Duane. . The next chapter discusses and lists the retranslation back into Irish, of popular Anglophonic names and also provides a list of Irish names with their English translations. The A - Z index lists all the names and their meanings/histories alphabetically and is followed by a calendar of saints' feast days. This interesting read and valuable reference work concludes with a thorough index.

not just another name book, 14 Jul 1999
Surprisingly erudite. We chose Maeve.

A rich and resourceful guide., 14 Jul 1999
A rich and resourceful guide. I learned so much about Irish history too. When Caitlin grows up I'll pass along this book to her.

Happy customer, 25 Jul 2008
Very, very happy with this book. Spent ages looking at all the different titles then took a chance by ordering this one. Made the right decision. Format is fresh, easy to glance through or read in more detail depending on how much time you have. Plenty of names to choose from, modern, traditional, trendy, a few foreign names but not too many. Ideal for naming baby without having to trawl through crazy names or a multitude of American names. Within ten minutes of reading this i'd found a few good names. Perfect.

Intelligent and entertaining, 18 Apr 2008
There are so, so many rubbish name books out there. This is one of a very few gems (the only other one I'd recommend is the Oxford Dictionary of First Names).

It's full of interesting, and accurate tidbits about the names, which the author sometimes groups together in themes - for example, Alfred and Aubrey might be talked about in the same entry because both have meanings about elves. This doesn't mean the names are hard to find, though, as they are all ordered alphabetically. Just don't be put off if some of them say "See 'X'"; it doesn't mean they've been lumped in with another name, but that they will be discussed with them. This gives the book an almost conversational feel, as if you were listening to someone really well-informed talk about names. The introduction, too, is very interesting and makes it obvious she has done her research (she even provides a bibliography). I really enjoyed reading it and haven't spotted a single factual inaccuracy of the kind that other name books are riddled with. The only strange thing is that there are lots of typos in my edition. It's a shame that such a good book clearly hasn't been proofread to do it justice.

Useless Names book, 31 Jan 2008
This book is totally useless unless your looking for an american name for your baby. A complete waste of money, I need to buy another book that has a better list of names. I would recommend people NOT to buy this book. It should be titled "Complete Book of American baby names"

returned, 08 Dec 2007
We returned this book as it was of no use to us at all. It is an American book and this is reflected in the names it has included (eg Hunter) and those it hasn't (eg Daisy). There is also a lot of guff which we felt was unnecessary; all we are after is a list of names and meanings. On the plus side it did provide a few hours of entertainment as we giggled at some of the names parents have inflicted on their off-spring!

Great for reading and reference, 10 Jun 2003
This charming name book will assist parents in choosing the appropriate Celtic name for their baby as it provides an extensive list of evocative Irish names. But why an Irish name? For some reason, this musical language and the magical legends of Ireland have become very popular in the Anglo-Saxon world and further afield. The introduction discusses trends in the giving of names and mentions the most popular current Irish names. The chapter Little Dark One provides a cursory history of the settling of Ireland by the Celts and then lists and explains suitable names for dark haired people, such as Darcy, Douglas and Duane. . The next chapter discusses and lists the retranslation back into Irish, of popular Anglophonic names and also provides a list of Irish names with their English translations. The A - Z index lists all the names and their meanings/histories alphabetically and is followed by a calendar of saints' feast days. This interesting read and valuable reference work concludes with a thorough index.

not just another name book, 14 Jul 1999
Surprisingly erudite. We chose Maeve.

A rich and resourceful guide., 14 Jul 1999
A rich and resourceful guide. I learned so much about Irish history too. When Caitlin grows up I'll pass along this book to her.

a fresh approach to an old question, 28 Oct 2008
So many baby name books use the same old alphabetical listings. This one is different, and much more useful. It groups name by type, which makes it far easier to use, especially for second and subsequent children (need a name that sort of goes with the first one?)

Written for an American audience, it is much better for mainstream (British / American) names then for "ethnic" names. Well worth a look though.

The baby name book every parent should buy!, 06 Jul 1999
This book is the smartest, most useful baby naming guide around. We've been having lots of fun with it -- and it's leading us to some great names we wouldn't have found otherwise. Even if you've already bought another book on names, you've gotta have this one, too.

Happy customer, 25 Jul 2008
Very, very happy with this book. Spent ages looking at all the different titles then took a chance by ordering this one. Made the right decision. Format is fresh, easy to glance through or read in more detail depending on how much time you have. Plenty of names to choose from, modern, traditional, trendy, a few foreign names but not too many. Ideal for naming baby without having to trawl through crazy names or a multitude of American names. Within ten minutes of reading this i'd found a few good names. Perfect.

Intelligent and entertaining, 18 Apr 2008
There are so, so many rubbish name books out there. This is one of a very few gems (the only other one I'd recommend is the Oxford Dictionary of First Names).

It's full of interesting, and accurate tidbits about the names, which the author sometimes groups together in themes - for example, Alfred and Aubrey might be talked about in the same entry because both have meanings about elves. This doesn't mean the names are hard to find, though, as they are all ordered alphabetically. Just don't be put off if some of them say "See 'X'"; it doesn't mean they've been lumped in with another name, but that they will be discussed with them. This gives the book an almost conversational feel, as if you were listening to someone really well-informed talk about names. The introduction, too, is very interesting and makes it obvious she has done her research (she even provides a bibliography). I really enjoyed reading it and haven't spotted a single factual inaccuracy of the kind that other name books are riddled with. The only strange thing is that there are lots of typos in my edition. It's a shame that such a good book clearly hasn't been proofread to do it justice.

Useless Names book, 31 Jan 2008
This book is totally useless unless your looking for an american name for your baby. A complete waste of money, I need to buy another book that has a better list of names. I would recommend people NOT to buy this book. It should be titled "Complete Book of American baby names"

returned, 08 Dec 2007
We returned this book as it was of no use to us at all. It is an American book and this is reflected in the names it has included (eg Hunter) and those it hasn't (eg Daisy). There is also a lot of guff which we felt was unnecessary; all we are after is a list of names and meanings. On the plus side it did provide a few hours of entertainment as we giggled at some of the names parents have inflicted on their off-spring!

Great for reading and reference, 10 Jun 2003
This charming name book will assist parents in choosing the appropriate Celtic name for their baby as it provides an extensive list of evocative Irish names. But why an Irish name? For some reason, this musical language and the magical legends of Ireland have become very popular in the Anglo-Saxon world and further afield. The introduction discusses trends in the giving of names and mentions the most popular current Irish names. The chapter Little Dark One provides a cursory history of the settling of Ireland by the Celts and then lists and explains suitable names for dark haired people, such as Darcy, Douglas and Duane. . The next chapter discusses and lists the retranslation back into Irish, of popular Anglophonic names and also provides a list of Irish names with their English translations. The A - Z index lists all the names and their meanings/histories alphabetically and is followed by a calendar of saints' feast days. This interesting read and valuable reference work concludes with a thorough index.

not just another name book, 14 Jul 1999
Surprisingly erudite. We chose Maeve.

A rich and resourceful guide., 14 Jul 1999
A rich and resourceful guide. I learned so much about Irish history too. When Caitlin grows up I'll pass along this book to her.

a fresh approach to an old question, 28 Oct 2008
So many baby name books use the same old alphabetical listings. This one is different, and much more useful. It groups name by type, which makes it far easier to use, especially for second and subsequent children (need a name that sort of goes with the first one?)

Written for an American audience, it is much better for mainstream (British / American) names then for "ethnic" names. Well worth a look though.

The baby name book every parent should buy!, 06 Jul 1999
This book is the smartest, most useful baby naming guide around. We've been having lots of fun with it -- and it's leading us to some great names we wouldn't have found otherwise. Even if you've already bought another book on names, you've gotta have this one, too.

A decent book, well priced, 20 May 2008
I bought two baby name books and this (the cheaper one) was infinately better. It contains a good range of sensible names, including a large proportion of Celtic and Gaelic derivation. There is a clear meaning and/or origin given and because it's pocket-sized, it doesn't take an age to look through.

Happy customer, 25 Jul 2008
Very, very happy with this book. Spent ages looking at all the different titles then took a chance by ordering this one. Made the right decision. Format is fresh, easy to glance through or read in more detail depending on how much time you have. Plenty of names to choose from, modern, traditional, trendy, a few foreign names but not too many. Ideal for naming baby without having to trawl through crazy names or a multitude of American names. Within ten minutes of reading this i'd found a few good names. Perfect.

Intelligent and entertaining, 18 Apr 2008
There are so, so many rubbish name books out there. This is one of a very few gems (the only other one I'd recommend is the Oxford Dictionary of First Names).

It's full of interesting, and accurate tidbits about the names, which the author sometimes groups together in themes - for example, Alfred and Aubrey might be talked about in the same entry because both have meanings about elves. This doesn't mean the names are hard to find, though, as they are all ordered alphabetically. Just don't be put off if some of them say "See 'X'"; it doesn't mean they've been lumped in with another name, but that they will be discussed with them. This gives the book an almost conversational feel, as if you were listening to someone really well-informed talk about names. The introduction, too, is very interesting and makes it obvious she has done her research (she even provides a bibliography). I really enjoyed reading it and haven't spotted a single factual inaccuracy of the kind that other name books are riddled with. The only strange thing is that there are lots of typos in my edition. It's a shame that such a good book clearly hasn't been proofread to do it justice.

Useless Names book, 31 Jan 2008
This book is totally useless unless your looking for an american name for your baby. A complete waste of money, I need to buy another book that has a better list of names. I would recommend people NOT to buy this book. It should be titled "Complete Book of American baby names"

returned, 08 Dec 2007
We returned this book as it was of no use to us at all. It is an American book and this is reflected in the names it has included (eg Hunter) and those it hasn't (eg Daisy). There is also a lot of guff which we felt was unnecessary; all we are after is a list of names and meanings. On the plus side it did provide a few hours of entertainment as we giggled at some of the names parents have inflicted on their off-spring!

Great for reading and reference, 10 Jun 2003
This charming name book will assist parents in choosing the appropriate Celtic name for their baby as it provides an extensive list of evocative Irish names. But why an Irish name? For some reason, this musical language and the magical legends of Ireland have become very popular in the Anglo-Saxon world and further afield. The introduction discusses trends in the giving of names and mentions the most popular current Irish names. The chapter Little Dark One provides a cursory history of the settling of Ireland by the Celts and then lists and explains suitable names for dark haired people, such as Darcy, Douglas and Duane. . The next chapter discusses and lists the retranslation back into Irish, of popular Anglophonic names and also provides a list of Irish names with their English translations. The A - Z index lists all the names and their meanings/histories alphabetically and is followed by a calendar of saints' feast days. This interesting read and valuable reference work concludes with a thorough index.

not just another name book, 14 Jul 1999
Surprisingly erudite. We chose Maeve.

A rich and resourceful guide., 14 Jul 1999
A rich and resourceful guide. I learned so much about Irish history too. When Caitlin grows up I'll pass along this book to her.

a fresh approach to an old question, 28 Oct 2008
So many baby name books use the same old alphabetical listings. This one is different, and much more useful. It groups name by type, which makes it far easier to use, especially for second and subsequent children (need a name that sort of goes with the first one?)

Written for an American audience, it is much better for mainstream (British / American) names then for "ethnic" names. Well worth a look though.

The baby name book every parent should buy!, 06 Jul 1999
This book is the smartest, most useful baby naming guide around. We've been having lots of fun with it -- and it's leading us to some great names we wouldn't have found otherwise. Even if you've already bought another book on names, you've gotta have this one, too.

A decent book, well priced, 20 May 2008
I bought two baby name books and this (the cheaper one) was infinately better. It contains a good range of sensible names, including a large proportion of Celtic and Gaelic derivation. There is a clear meaning and/or origin given and because it's pocket-sized, it doesn't take an age to look through.

Not good, 06 Jan 2006
Not that impressed with this book. Sure it's cheap but the arrangement of names doesn't make that much sense. Broken up into common and less common names quite a few of the names listed in this years top 100 are apparently uncommon! Also some of the names suggested can be instantly discarded...I mean maybe I am being touchy but I kind of don't want to name my child Adolf! Also the general feel and quality of the page layout is poor. Consider looking elsewhere.

Don't name your baby until you have read this!, 07 Apr 2001
This is one of the most comprehensive guides to naming your baby ever. It contains both traditional and modern names, complete with their meanings and origins. The names are sourced from many cultures and provide great inspiration. A name is for life!

Happy customer, 25 Jul 2008
Very, very happy with this book. Spent ages looking at all the different titles then took a chance by ordering this one. Made the right decision. Format is fresh, easy to glance through or read in more detail depending on how much time you have. Plenty of names to choose from, modern, traditional, trendy, a few foreign names but not too many. Ideal for naming baby without having to trawl through crazy names or a multitude of American names. Within ten minutes of reading this i'd found a few good names. Perfect.

Intelligent and entertaining, 18 Apr 2008
There are so, so many rubbish name books out there. This is one of a very few gems (the only other one I'd recommend is the Oxford Dictionary of First Names).

It's full of interesting, and accurate tidbits about the names, which the author sometimes groups together in themes - for example, Alfred and Aubrey might be talked about in the same entry because both have meanings about elves. This doesn't mean the names are hard to find, though, as they are all ordered alphabetically. Just don't be put off if some of them say "See 'X'"; it doesn't mean they've been lumped in with another name, but that they will be discussed with them. This gives the book an almost conversational feel, as if you were listening to someone really well-informed talk about names. The introduction, too, is very interesting and makes it obvious she has done her research (she even provides a bibliography). I really enjoyed reading it and haven't spotted a single factual inaccuracy of the kind that other name books are riddled with. The only strange thing is that there are lots of typos in my edition. It's a shame that such a good book clearly hasn't been proofread to do it justice.

Useless Names book, 31 Jan 2008
This book is totally useless unless your looking for an american name for your baby. A complete waste of money, I need to buy another book that has a better list of names. I would recommend people NOT to buy this book. It should be titled "Complete Book of American baby names"

returned, 08 Dec 2007
We returned this book as it was of no use to us at all. It is an American book and this is reflected in the names it has included (eg Hunter) and those it hasn't (eg Daisy). There is also a lot of guff which we felt was unnecessary; all we are after is a list of names and meanings. On the plus side it did provide a few hours of entertainment as we giggled at some of the names parents have inflicted on their off-spring!

Great for reading and reference, 10 Jun 2003
This charming name book will assist parents in choosing the appropriate Celtic name for their baby as it provides an extensive list of evocative Irish names. But why an Irish name? For some reason, this musical language and the magical legends of Ireland have become very popular in the Anglo-Saxon world and further afield. The introduction discusses trends in the giving of names and mentions the most popular current Irish names. The chapter Little Dark One provides a cursory history of the settling of Ireland by the Celts and then lists and explains suitable names for dark haired people, such as Darcy, Douglas and Duane. . The next chapter discusses and lists the retranslation back into Irish, of popular Anglophonic names and also provides a list of Irish names with their English translations. The A - Z index lists all the names and their meanings/histories alphabetically and is followed by a calendar of saints' feast days. This interesting read and valuable reference work concludes with a thorough index.

not just another name book, 14 Jul 1999
Surprisingly erudite. We chose Maeve.

A rich and resourceful guide., 14 Jul 1999
A rich and resourceful guide. I learned so much about Irish history too. When Caitlin grows up I'll pass along this book to her.

a fresh approach to an old question, 28 Oct 2008
So many baby name books use the same old alphabetical listings. This one is different, and much more useful. It groups name by type, which makes it far easier to use, especially for second and subsequent children (need a name that sort of goes with the first one?)

Written for an American audience, it is much better for mainstream (British / American) names then for "ethnic" names. Well worth a look though.

The baby name book every parent should buy!, 06 Jul 1999
This book is the smartest, most useful baby naming guide around. We've been having lots of fun with it -- and it's leading us to some great names we wouldn't have found otherwise. Even if you've already bought another book on names, you've gotta have this one, too.

A decent book, well priced, 20 May 2008
I bought two baby name books and this (the cheaper one) was infinately better. It contains a good range of sensible names, including a large proportion of Celtic and Gaelic derivation. There is a clear meaning and/or origin given and because it's pocket-sized, it doesn't take an age to look through.

Not good, 06 Jan 2006
Not that impressed with this book. Sure it's cheap but the arrangement of names doesn't make that much sense. Broken up into common and less common names quite a few of the names listed in this years top 100 are apparently uncommon! Also some of the names suggested can be instantly discarded...I mean maybe I am being touchy but I kind of don't want to name my child Adolf! Also the general feel and quality of the page layout is poor. Consider looking elsewhere.

Don't name your baby until you have read this!, 07 Apr 2001
This is one of the most comprehensive guides to naming your baby ever. It contains both traditional and modern names, complete with their meanings and origins. The names are sourced from many cultures and provide great inspiration. A name is for life!

Pretty but Pointless, 22 May 2007
I bought this after reading the reviews. It is a pretty book and looks very nice but for the price the quality and quantity of the names is not good at all. At the very most you get 8-10 names on a page and only about 3 pages to each letter for a girl and a boy and I found most of the names to be bizarre. It it good however for having a laugh at the names as there are more obscure names than useful ones.

Possibly a pretty gift but if you are struggling with names like we are then this book isn't for you.

A great gift, 28 Dec 2005
Having looked at a number of well-thumbed baby name books in local bookshops (3000 names, 5000 names, 10,000 names - please stop!!) I chanced upon this book. It is beautifully produced and gives great ideas on choosing names from a variety of methods. A great looking book that would make a wonderful gift with simple touches like a piece of blue and pink ribbon that can be used as a bookmarks for your favourite names.

Happy customer, 25 Jul 2008
Very, very happy with this book. Spent ages looking at all the different titles then took a chance by ordering this one. Made the right decision. Format is fresh, easy to glance through or read in more detail depending on how much time you have. Plenty of names to choose from, modern, traditional, trendy, a few foreign names but not too many. Ideal for naming baby without having to trawl through crazy names or a multitude of American names. Within ten minutes of reading this i'd found a few good names. Perfect.

Intelligent and entertaining, 18 Apr 2008
There are so, so many rubbish name books out there. This is one of a very few gems (the only other one I'd recommend is the Oxford Dictionary of First Names).

It's full of interesting, and accurate tidbits about the names, which the author sometimes groups together in themes - for example, Alfred and Aubrey might be talked about in the same entry because both have meanings about elves. This doesn't mean the names are hard to find, though, as they are all ordered alphabetically. Just don't be put off if some of them say "See 'X'"; it doesn't mean they've been lumped in with another name, but that they will be discussed with them. This gives the book an almost conversational feel, as if you were listening to someone really well-informed talk about names. The introduction, too, is very interesting and makes it obvious she has done her research (she even provides a bibliography). I really enjoyed reading it and haven't spotted a single factual inaccuracy of the kind that other name books are riddled with. The only strange thing is that there are lots of typos in my edition. It's a shame that such a good book clearly hasn't been proofread to do it justice.

Useless Names book, 31 Jan 2008
This book is totally useless unless your looking for an american name for your baby. A complete waste of money, I need to buy another book that has a better list of names. I would recommend people NOT to buy this book. It should be titled "Complete Book of American baby names"

returned, 08 Dec 2007
We returned this book as it was of no use to us at all. It is an American book and this is reflected in the names it has included (eg Hunter) and those it hasn't (eg Daisy). There is also a lot of guff which we felt was unnecessary; all we are after is a list of names and meanings. On the plus side it did provide a few hours of entertainment as we giggled at some of the names parents have inflicted on their off-spring!

Great for reading and reference, 10 Jun 2003
This charming name book will assist parents in choosing the appropriate Celtic name for their baby as it provides an extensive list of evocative Irish names. But why an Irish name? For some reason, this musical language and the magical legends of Ireland have become very popular in the Anglo-Saxon world and further afield. The introduction discusses trends in the giving of names and mentions the most popular current Irish names. The chapter Little Dark One provides a cursory history of the settling of Ireland by the Celts and then lists and explains suitable names for dark haired people, such as Darcy, Douglas and Duane. . The next chapter discusses and lists the retranslation back into Irish, of popular Anglophonic names and also provides a list of Irish names with their English translations. The A - Z index lists all the names and their meanings/histories alphabetically and is followed by a calendar of saints' feast days. This interesting read and valuable reference work concludes with a thorough index.

not just another name book, 14 Jul 1999
Surprisingly erudite. We chose Maeve.

A rich and resourceful guide., 14 Jul 1999
A rich and resourceful guide. I learned so much about Irish history too. When Caitlin grows up I'll pass along this book to her.

a fresh approach to an old question, 28 Oct 2008
So many baby name books use the same old alphabetical listings. This one is different, and much more useful. It groups name by type, which makes it far easier to use, especially for second and subsequent children (need a name that sort of goes with the first one?)

Written for an American audience, it is much better for mainstream (British / American) names then for "ethnic" names. Well worth a look though.

The baby name book every parent should buy!, 06 Jul 1999
This book is the smartest, most useful baby naming guide around. We've been having lots of fun with it -- and it's leading us to some great names we wouldn't have found otherwise. Even if you've already bought another book on names, you've gotta have this one, too.

A decent book, well priced, 20 May 2008
I bought two baby name books and this (the cheaper one) was infinately better. It contains a good range of sensible names, including a large proportion of Celtic and Gaelic derivation. There is a clear meaning and/or origin given and because it's pocket-sized, it doesn't take an age to look through.

Not good, 06 Jan 2006
Not that impressed with this book. Sure it's cheap but the arrangement of names doesn't make that much sense. Broken up into common and less common names quite a few of the names listed in this years top 100 are apparently uncommon! Also some of the names suggested can be instantly discarded...I mean maybe I am being touchy but I kind of don't want to name my child Adolf! Also the general feel and quality of the page layout is poor. Consider looking elsewhere.

Don't name your baby until you have read this!, 07 Apr 2001
This is one of the most comprehensive guides to naming your baby ever. It contains both traditional and modern names, complete with their meanings and origins. The names are sourced from many cultures and provide great inspiration. A name is for life!

Pretty but Pointless, 22 May 2007
I bought this after reading the reviews. It is a pretty book and looks very nice but for the price the quality and quantity of the names is not good at all. At the very most you get 8-10 names on a page and only about 3 pages to each letter for a girl and a boy and I found most of the names to be bizarre. It it good however for having a laugh at the names as there are more obscure names than useful ones.

Possibly a pretty gift but if you are struggling with names like we are then this book isn't for you.

A great gift, 28 Dec 2005
Having looked at a number of well-thumbed baby name books in local bookshops (3000 names, 5000 names, 10,000 names - please stop!!) I chanced upon this book. It is beautifully produced and gives great ideas on choosing names from a variety of methods. A great looking book that would make a wonderful gift with simple touches like a piece of blue and pink ribbon that can be used as a bookmarks for your favourite names.

The biggest load of Rubbish I have ever laid eyes on!, 30 Oct 2007
If you are looking for a fun stylish and fun name for your baby......this is most definatly NOT the book for you.
It is in fact a book full of the most ridiculous names I have ever come across and will be going promptly in the bin!
With names such as Mailhairer, which the book translates as 'ill fated man' what hope would your child have!
Anyway, to cut a long story short, DO NOT BUY THIS BOOK!

Possibly the worst baby name book in the world, 31 Aug 2007
Ever heard of the names Francis, Frank, Frankie, Edgar, (as in Alan Poe) or Roxane (the muse of the Cyarano de Bergerac, wife of Alexander the Great and a song by The Police)? Congratulations you are already more informed about baby names than whichever deluded soul wrote this book. They even get the origins of some names wrong. As if that wasn't enough the quality of the paper is akin to that of recycled toilet tissue. Have I made myself clear? In summary, this product is not recommended.

Don't waste your money!, 23 Aug 2007
Although this book may well have 25,001 names in it, my friends and family struggled to find more than 1 or 2 on each page that we had ever heard of! It may well have a US-bias, but even having lived there for a while - I still think most of these names are entirely made-up! It's my own fault for going for the cheapest book I suppose, however, if you're looking for something EXTRA unusual and names like Xoan, Gozal and Corky appeal - this may be the book for you! Otherwise, I would say stick to internet surfing and other UK books!

Good choice of names with a bit of US bias, 18 Jun 2007
I found this book really useful with a broad choice of names ranging from a varied range of countries. The fun lists at the beginning were really good and the only down side would be that the lists look like they have been compiled for the US and sometimes not so relevant for the UK.

Happy customer, 25 Jul 2008
Very, very happy with this book. Spent ages looking at all the different titles then took a chance by ordering this one. Made the right decision. Format is fresh, easy to glance through or read in more detail depending on how much time you have. Plenty of names to choose from, modern, traditional, trendy, a few foreign names but not too many. Ideal for naming baby without having to trawl through crazy names or a multitude of American names. Within ten minutes of reading this i'd found a few good names. Perfect.

Intelligent and entertaining, 18 Apr 2008
There are so, so many rubbish name books out there. This is one of a very few gems (the only other one I'd recommend is the Oxford Dictionary of First Names).

It's full of interesting, and accurate tidbits about the names, which the author sometimes groups together in themes - for example, Alfred and Aubrey might be talked about in the same entry because both have meanings about elves. This doesn't mean the names are hard to find, though, as they are all ordered alphabetically. Just don't be put off if some of them say "See 'X'"; it doesn't mean they've been lumped in with another name, but that they will be discussed with them. This gives the book an almost conversational feel, as if you were listening to someone really well-informed talk about names. The introduction, too, is very interesting and makes it obvious she has done her research (she even provides a bibliography). I really enjoyed reading it and haven't spotted a single factual inaccuracy of the kind that other name books are riddled with. The only strange thing is that there are lots of typos in my edition. It's a shame that such a good book clearly hasn't been proofread to do it justice.

Useless Names book, 31 Jan 2008
This book is totally useless unless your looking for an american name for your baby. A complete waste of money, I need to buy another book that has a better list of names. I would recommend people NOT to buy this book. It should be titled "Complete Book of American baby names"

returned, 08 Dec 2007
We returned this book as it was of no use to us at all. It is an American book and this is reflected in the names it has included (eg Hunter) and those it hasn't (eg Daisy). There is also a lot of guff which we felt was unnecessary; all we are after is a list of names and meanings. On the plus side it did provide a few hours of entertainment as we giggled at some of the names parents have inflicted on their off-spring!

Great for reading and reference, 10 Jun 2003
This charming name book will assist parents in choosing the appropriate Celtic name for their baby as it provides an extensive list of evocative Irish names. But why an Irish name? For some reason, this musical language and the magical legends of Ireland have become very popular in the Anglo-Saxon world and further afield. The introduction discusses trends in the giving of names and mentions the most popular current Irish names. The chapter Little Dark One provides a cursory history of the settling of Ireland by the Celts and then lists and explains suitable names for dark haired people, such as Darcy, Douglas and Duane. . The next chapter discusses and lists the retranslation back into Irish, of popular Anglophonic names and also provides a list of Irish names with their English translations. The A - Z index lists all the names and their meanings/histories alphabetically and is followed by a calendar of saints' feast days. This interesting read and valuable reference work concludes with a thorough index.

not just another name book, 14 Jul 1999
Surprisingly erudite. We chose Maeve.

A rich and resourceful guide., 14 Jul 1999
A rich and resourceful guide. I learned so much about Irish history too. When Caitlin grows up I'll pass along this book to her.

a fresh approach to an old question, 28 Oct 2008
So many baby name books use the same old alphabetical listings. This one is different, and much more useful. It groups name by type, which makes it far easier to use, especially for second and subsequent children (need a name that sort of goes with the first one?)

Written for an American audience, it is much better for mainstream (British / American) names then for "ethnic" names. Well worth a look though.

The baby name book every parent should buy!, 06 Jul 1999
This book is the smartest, most useful baby naming guide around. We've been having lots of fun with it -- and it's leading us to some great names we wouldn't have found otherwise. Even if you've already bought another book on names, you've gotta have this one, too.

A decent book, well priced, 20 May 2008
I bought two baby name books and this (the cheaper one) was infinately better. It contains a good range of sensible names, including a large proportion of Celtic and Gaelic derivation. There is a clear meaning and/or origin given and because it's pocket-sized, it doesn't take an age to look through.

Not good, 06 Jan 2006
Not that impressed with this book. Sure it's cheap but the arrangement of names doesn't make that much sense. Broken up into common and less common names quite a few of the names listed in this years top 100 are apparently uncommon! Also some of the names suggested can be instantly discarded...I mean maybe I am being touchy but I kind of don't want to name my child Adolf! Also the general feel and quality of the page layout is poor. Consider looking elsewhere.

Don't name your baby until you have read this!, 07 Apr 2001
This is one of the most comprehensive guides to naming your baby ever. It contains both traditional and modern names, complete with their meanings and origins. The names are sourced from many cultures and provide great inspiration. A name is for life!

Pretty but Pointless, 22 May 2007
I bought this after reading the reviews. It is a pretty book and looks very nice but for the price the quality and quantity of the names is not good at all. At the very most you get 8-10 names on a page and only about 3 pages to each letter for a girl and a boy and I found most of the names to be bizarre. It it good however for having a laugh at the names as there are more obscure names than useful ones.

Possibly a pretty gift but if you are struggling with names like we are then this book isn't for you.

A great gift, 28 Dec 2005
Having looked at a number of well-thumbed baby name books in local bookshops (3000 names, 5000 names, 10,000 names - please stop!!) I chanced upon this book. It is beautifully produced and gives great ideas on choosing names from a variety of methods. A great looking book that would make a wonderful gift with simple touches like a piece of blue and pink ribbon that can be used as a bookmarks for your favourite names.

The biggest load of Rubbish I have ever laid eyes on!, 30 Oct 2007
If you are looking for a fun stylish and fun name for your baby......this is most definatly NOT the book for you.
It is in fact a book full of the most ridiculous names I have ever come across and will be going promptly in the bin!
With names such as Mailhairer, which the book translates as 'ill fated man' what hope would your child have!
Anyway, to cut a long story short, DO NOT BUY THIS BOOK!

Possibly the worst baby name book in the world, 31 Aug 2007
Ever heard of the names Francis, Frank, Frankie, Edgar, (as in Alan Poe) or Roxane (the muse of the Cyarano de Bergerac, wife of Alexander the Great and a song by The Police)? Congratulations you are already more informed about baby names than whichever deluded soul wrote this book. They even get the origins of some names wrong. As if that wasn't enough the quality of the paper is akin to that of recycled toilet tissue. Have I made myself clear? In summary, this product is not recommended.

Don't waste your money!, 23 Aug 2007
Although this book may well have 25,001 names in it, my friends and family struggled to find more than 1 or 2 on each page that we had ever heard of! It may well have a US-bias, but even having lived there for a while - I still think most of these names are entirely made-up! It's my own fault for going for the cheapest book I suppose, however, if you're looking for something EXTRA unusual and names like Xoan, Gozal and Corky appeal - this may be the book for you! Otherwise, I would say stick to internet surfing and other UK books!

Good choice of names with a bit of US bias, 18 Jun 2007
I found this book really useful with a broad choice of names ranging from a varied range of countries. The fun lists at the beginning were really good and the only down side would be that the lists look like they have been compiled for the US and sometimes not so relevant for the UK.

Interesting but confusing, 23 Mar 2008
As an interesting read about the origins of various types of name (biblical, literary, modern etc) this book is good. The first few chapters about how to go about choosing a name are also interesting. BUT, if all you want is lists of names and their meanings/origins, this isn't the book for you. The book is also very American so perhaps not ideal for those looking for names in the UK. I'll be continuing my search elsewhere and am glad I was given this book and didn't spend money on it.

All it should be and more, 20 Dec 2005
For a book about naming babies it has everything you could possibly ask for.

Sections on the origins of names and their history, what to consider when choosing a name, and extensive analysis of current naming practise and its evidently based on excellent scholarly research.

Well done to the author as this book succeeds where many have failed dismally.