My mom had the original edition of this book years ago. She would use it to make name certificates for new babies at church, include it with encouraging words to friends, etc.
I bought a copy when I was expecting my first baby and it is still something I go back and refer to when getting name meanings for friends. I bought a second Kindle version so I would always have it on hand. (It's also great if you are into Biblical dream interpretation, sometimes a person in your dream is a symbol for something and knowing the meaning of the name is helpful.)
Each name is listed with the most prevalent spelling first followed by variations of the name. The cultural or language origin is listed as well as the literal meaning of the name.
The next part is where this book stands out from the other name books. The spiritual connotation of the name is then listed along with a verse that the author felt illustrated that characteristic.
For example, the name Blaine is a Gaelic name with the variations Blain, Blane, and Blayne listed. The literal meaning is Lean. The author has interpreted the spiritual connotation as "Trusting," one who trusts in God regardless of the circumstances. Isaiah 42:16 NRSV is given as a key verse.
"I will turn the darkness before them into light, the rough places into level ground . . . I will not forsake them."
The original book had an appendix in the back with a listing of men and women's names only. I don't see this in the second edition which I have on Kindle. It does have a listing of Biblical names. In both editions, there is a page listing birthstones and flowers by month, and places to write down your favorite names.
The original version of this book had predominantly European and Latin with some Native American names. Comparing my old print version with this latest edition on my Kindle, it appears to have more Asian, Middle Eastern, and African name meanings than the first. Also in this edition that wasn't in the other is an outline for a family tree where you can write down names for four generations on each of the Mother and Father's side. Which is kind of cool.
The one thing that is a little difficult is when someone has a name that has a weird spelling or variation of a name. The names are listed alphabetically by the most common spelling, so you have to think which one it would be listed under.
Regarding some other comments: You can't look up names by meanings. That is true, but with the Kindle version you can always do a search and find them.
The names aren't separated by boy and girl names: Maybe because all three of my girls have names that were originally masculine that are now considered "gender neutral," I don't see it as that big of a deal.
I bought three books on names before my first child was born. One was the mega-book of the time. This is the only one out of the three that not only do I still have, but that I still use.
Loading your book clubs
There was a problem loading your book clubs. Please try again.
Not in a club? Learn more
Join or create book clubs
Choose books together
Track your books
Bring your club to Amazon Book Clubs, start a new book club and invite your friends to join, or find a club that’s right for you for free.
Download the free Kindle app and start reading Kindle books instantly on your smartphone, tablet, or computer - no Kindle device required.
Read instantly on your browser with Kindle for Web.
Using your mobile phone camera - scan the code below and download the Kindle app.
There is a newer edition of this item:
Book recommendations, author interviews, editors' picks, and more. Read it now
Frequently bought together
$7.00
Get it Jan 26 - 31
Only 1 left in stock - order soon.
Total price:
To see our price, add these items to your cart.
Choose items to buy together.
Similar items that may ship from close to you
Page 1 of 1 Start overPage 1 of 1
About the author
Follow authors to get new release updates, plus improved recommendations.
Reviews with images
All Photos
Good baby name book
I like the large amount of names. It gives meaning, spiritual meaning and a bible verse that has absolutely nothing to do with the name listed. The names are not organized by gender, which served us well since we were looking for both. And some of the names provided could be either gender.It gives a list of Biblical names but doesn't give meanings for all of these names.Working with hubby, we were able to figure out a potential boy and girl name (since we are waiting to find out).Overall, I found the book useful. And prompt to arrive. Still waiting on the other baby name book I ordered on the same day from a different company.
Top reviews from other countries
Mrs. J. P. Naylor
Trainer recommended
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on March 2, 2021