According to the Social Security Administration, the top two baby names of 2009 were Jacob and Isabella. And how traditional is that? In the Old Testament, “Jacob” is famous for grabbing his brother Esau by the heel, stealing Esau’s birthright, and fathering the twelve tribes of Israel. In Hebrew his name is “Ya`aqob,” which literally means, “heel puller.” As for “Isabella,” her name goes back even farther; in Hebrew she is “Elisheva,” or “my God is my oath.” She was married to Aaron, making her Moses’ sister-in-law. From Elisheva we also get “Elizabeth,” so she is responsible for tons of name derivatives like Betsy, Beth, Lizzie…
Not to mention Bella. Hmm…Bella. Where have we heard that name recently?
Turns out this spike in name popularity isn’t driven by a sudden interest in the Book of Genesis, but rather, by an obsession with the Books of Twilight. The “Twilight” series has become a pop culture phenomenon, topping Harry Potter’s sales records, spawning two hit movies and soundtracks. At the center of the action is Bella Swan, who has more than her share of teen anxiety: her boyfriend is a vampire, and she’s thinking of becoming one too. “Jacob” is her friend Jacob Black. His main problem is he’s falling in love with Bella. But he also has to deal with another small complication: he’s a werewolf.
As for Bella’s brooding boyfriend, Edward Cullen, why isn’t he more popular on the baby-name parade? Well, he’s moving up the charts. In 2009, “Edward” rose 11 spots to No. 13, and “Cullen” is the fastest mover of 2009, up a whopping 297 slots versus 2008.
All of which has created an interesting irony: a yearful of Old Testament tots who are actually named after unholy monsters.
But you should probably keep that to yourself. If you’re invited to any 1-year-old’s birthday party this year, don’t forget to bring along a present and a fun attitude. Tell the parents how adorable the child is. But please, refrain from saying, “Happy Birthday, you cute little blood-sucker.”
You can read previous installments of the quick Sliver in our online archive. Just go here: http://archive.constantcontact.com/fs015/1103023679528/archive/1103033975377.html
By Mike Wheeler [email protected]