Reviews (38)

The best baby name book ever!
I have never felt compelled to write a review for a book on Amazon until I bought this book!I am in the process of naming my third baby.Although I already had five baby name books on my shelf, I picked this up at the bookstore and immediately wanted it.I am so glad I bought it.Not only is it a great book for naming your baby but it's extremely interesting to sit and read.This book is so much more than just a list of names, or a dictionary of name meanings.After searching countless baby name websites and my other baby name books I had come across no names I liked well enough to put on my list.After reading this book, so many names struck me as great options.I have a list so long now I don't know how to choose!Feel confident in choosing to buy this book!Good luck.

The most enlightening baby-name book I've ever read
This is the most fantastic baby-name book I've ever read. And I've read it purely for FUN. The truth is, my husband and I have our minds made up about Baby #3's name (or, at least, we've narrowed the selection down considerably), and STILL, I can't put Laura's book down. (I've also spent way too many hours perusing her archived blogs online.)
Helpful - but baby is still nameless
It has not helped us to get a name. Let's you know the popularity of a name. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Baby Names    2. Dictionaries    3. Family & Relationships    4. Family / Parenting / Childbirth    5. Family/Marriage    6. Names, Personal    7. Family & Relationships / Baby Names   

Reviews (6)

It's OK
This book had some good points and some bad points.All of the lists at the beginning were cute and fun and even could be helpful for some.I agree with a previous post that the meanings of the names sometimes sent you to another name, then another and another without ever giving you ameaning.All of the bizaar names would probably be helpful for those looking for a "stand-out" name.Also, I think the way the author reached 100,000 plus names was by listing every different spelling of each name as a different name instead of listing it under parenthesis as most books do.It just creates a lot of names to go through before you can find the ones you like.Basically, I think this would be a pretty good book for someone looking for an unusual name, but otherwise, get something else.

Not very useful
Considering the size of the book I was disappointed in the lack of information and meanings given. They are mostly one word meanings, if there is a meaning at all. Mostly it seems like it wants to take you in a big circle of reference from one name to the next never quite giving you what you are looking for. It wasn't helpful for me. I found "The Babyname Wizard" book A LOT more informative and helpful.

Great selection!
I received this book as a gift and at first I thought 100,000 names would be too many to look through, but the lists really helped me narrow things down. Plus, my husband and I had a lot of fun flipping to random pages and seeing what we'd find! ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Baby Names    2. Family & Relationships    3. Family / Parenting / Childbirth    4. Family/Marriage    5. Genealogy    6. Parent And Child    7. Family & Relationships / Baby Names   

Reviews (18)

Great book for people who are internet savvy
I love this book! I'm one of those people who want a unique name for my child and this book is laid out in a very different way than the other books I have. The other reviewers are correct in that there are no meanings given, but anyone with an internet connection can look up the names themselves. I also have one of those thick 30,000 best world names books and prefer this smaller one. If you are looking for unique names and a little entertainment, this book is great. It's a small book, so don't expect to just buy this book as you search for your baby's name.

Great book for people who are internet savvy
I love this book!I'm one of those people who want a unique name for my child and this book is laid out in a very different way than the other books I have.The other reviewers are correct in that there are no meanings given, but anyone with an internet connection can look up the names themselves.I also have one of those thick 30,000 best world names books and prefer this smaller one.If you are looking for unique names and a little entertainment, this book is great.It's a small book, so don't expect to just buy this book as you search for your baby's name.

Great Name Book!
This book is great. It gives you the list of today's top 100 names, as well as tossing out some lesser known ones from other parts of the world, and names that haven't been in the mainstream for decades. Great book if you want a different name for your baby without it being too out there or borderlining trashy. We got our baby's name from this book! ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Baby Names    2. Child Care/Parenting    3. Dictionaries    4. Family & Relationships    5. Family / Parenting / Childbirth    6. Family And Child Development    7. Genealogy    8. Names, Personal    9. Personal names   

Reviews (3)

Helpful in the naming game
The best thing about this book was something that I saw in no other book.One of the ways we were looking at to name our child was to find words (or the meaning of the names for those we were naming for) and finding the hebrew word that meant that.This is the only book with a dictionary in the back of words (i.e., if you look up song, you will find Shira, if you look up Strong, you will find Ethan).So it was helpful when we were looking at naming in that way.There are so many names in here, it is great - not all of them are Jewish, per se, but all names seem to be in the book.It was extremely helpful in naming our child!

dislikes of internet sells
I wanted to take a quick look over the internet but the people who programed this site will not let you scan the book for one second. It is sad that you would have to by the book just to look for one sorry thing. And I am ashamed at the situation.And at the creaters of this site for not giving anyone the chance to look before they buy.

A complete Jewish-American name book.
I found this book to be the best, most complete book of names for an English-speaking parent-to-beof Jewish heritage.Everything is included: English/Anglo-Saxon/American (even some Spanish and French), and of course, Yiddish, Biblical/Talmudic, and Israeli names. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Baby Names    2. English    3. English language    4. Etymology    5. Hebrew Language    6. Jewish    7. Judaism - General    8. Names    9. Names, Personal    10. Reference    11. Religion - Judaism   

Reviews (2)

A must have for college football fans
Travers' latest book is a must have for every college football fan, especially USC Trojans.He did serious research and was able to capture the events as they happened.It made me feel like I was back at USC.I could not put this book down.It backs up in every way how USC football is THE dynasty.I highly recommend this excellent book.

USC Trojans: College Football's All-Time Greatest Dynasty
The book is well done and covers the complete history of the USC football program. The author has done a ton of research and put it together in a well organized order for easy reading.The chapters are not long and that makes it easy reading. The author has rated all the college football programs and presented them in the order of their successes.
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Subjects:  1. Football    2. Football - College    3. Football - General    4. History    5. Southern California Trojans (Football team)    6. Sports    7. Sports & Recreation    8. University of Southern California    9. American football    10. Family & Relationships / Baby Names    11. Sports & Recreation / General   

Reviews (2)

All the names are here for your new baby
A very comprehensive book of all the saints names you want to know and choose for your new arrival. You will be able to see the many variations and what they did that made them a great saint worthy of their name.

Tremendous Resource
Are you sick of pouring through the contemporary name books? Then pick up this treasure.Featuring more than 8,000 girls and boys names, the advantage to this resource is that it lists appropriate patron saints for most of the names, along with a very brief biography of such saints, the meaning of the name and includes the feast day for the patron.Read more

Subjects:  1. Baby Names    2. Christian saints    3. Christianity - Catholicism    4. Christianity - Theology - Catholic    5. Dictionaries    6. Names, Personal    7. Religion    8. Religion - Classic Works    9. Reference works    10. Saints & hagiography   

Reviews (1)

Very thorough
I looked through many baby name books and this one seemed to be very comprehensive.It has old and new, popular and old-fashioned names.Not only the familiar American names but other common names from around the world.If you're looking for definitions this book doesn't elaborate but gives a few words plus the origin and alternate spelling.There are also lists of the most popular names from different decades and different countries.This book will keep me busy for a while.I am very happy with my purchase. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Baby Names    2. Dictionaries    3. Family & Relationships    4. Family / Parenting / Childbirth    5. Family/Marriage    6. Genealogy    7. General    8. Names, Personal    9. Parent And Child    10. Family & Relationships / General   

Reviews (11)

Beautiful, unique names
After searching three other baby name books (that each boasted 20,000 names or more - one even had more than 50,000 from around the world) and finding nothing that worked for our first child, I borrowed this book from a friend and found the perfect name. The name my husband and I chose wasn't in any of the other books. The same thing happened to the friend who lent me The Name Book - she has never found her first-born's name in another baby name book.
Name Book
This book is comprehensive in its information, but does not try to be the same as other books with information about proper names.I appreciate the genderless organization, just alphabetical listings, with alternate spellings and nick-names included.Each name has the origin, although I found a few of them to be different from the expected and usual. The meanings and scripture associated with the names are the driving reason for my purchase of this book.I plan to use it as a teaching tool with my students, encouraging them with the meaning and scriptures for their names.

Great Book!
This is a great book that I have used over and over! Even after picking my baby's name; I still refer to it!! It has over 10,000 names with meanings and orgins PLUS a great spiritual and bible reference for each name!
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Subjects:  1. Baby Names    2. Christianity - Christian Life - Parenting    3. Dictionaries    4. Etymology    5. Family / Parenting / Childbirth    6. Language Arts & Disciplines    7. Names, Personal    8. Personal names    9. Reference    10. Reference works   

Reviews (3)

The Perfect Name - The Perfect Book
I recieved this book as a gift, normally I wouldn't purchase a baby name book so I guess that's why I was given it as a gift. I have to say that I'm very impressed with this book. I love that it does more than just give you a list of baby names. It gives you lots of information about everything leading up to choosing a baby name, the traditions, the dilemmas of name choosing, finding out the sex of the baby beforehand and so much more. I like the others have mentioned love the color coding.
A wonderful guide and name dictionary!
When I was pregnant with my first child, I was mostly disappointed with the baby name books I found. Now pregnant with my second, a friend suggested I check out The Perfect Name, and I am so glad I did!
The Perfect Addition to the New Parent Bookshelf
At first I didn't want to buy a baby name book.I had tons of ideas in my head.But when my boyfriend suggested we purchase one and cuddle on the couch perusing the pages- I couldn't resist.
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Subjects:  1. Baby Names    2. Family & Relationships    3. Family / Parenting / Childbirth    4. Family/Marriage    5. Names, Personal    6. FAMILY & CHILD CARE - FAM&CHILD CARE TRD P    7. Family & Relationships / Baby Names   

Reviews (6)

Onomasticians, a book for your library!
If you research the history and meaning of names AND use Gematria, your results will be exquisitive! You will need this book as an auxilary.
Incredible Book!
I would recommend this book to anyone. While reading it with a circle of friends, we realized that many of the descriptions attributed to each name were amazingly accurate, and some of my friends even admited that though certain descriptions came as a shock to us, they personally recognized it as part of their personality. Even if you don't believe in the deep meanings this book has to offer, it's always just fun to read with or without friends. as always, great job Rabbi Blech!

A beautiful resource for people looking for meaningful names
What I love about this book is that it does not just give you the simple meanings.It also gives a pasuk (a verse from the Torah) that applies to the name and give you the deeper meanings of the name and blessings associated with it.I used Your Name Is Your Blessing to help find a name for my second child.I have since lent it out many times.It seems to have disappeared, so now that I am expecting again, please G-d, I am buying it again because I enjoyed it so much last time.This is a very special baby naming book.It is one you will never regret buying.Confession: I even read it way after my child my born and named, simply because I enjoyed it so much. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Baby Names    2. Family / Parenting / Childbirth    3. Gematria    4. Jewish    5. Judaism    6. Judaism - General    7. Names, Personal    8. Religion    9. Personal names    10. Reference works    11. Religion / Judaism / General   

Reviews (1)

not a book for French beginners
I don't like this book, actually i am taking French in college now, this is the textbook for my elementary course. but i don't think it is a book for beginners, there are too much infor in one chapter. and it never makes it clear the grammar points/pronunciation, the CDs read very fast to catch up with. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Baby Names    2. English    3. Family & Relationships    4. Family/Marriage    5. Foreign Language - Dictionaries / Phrase Books    6. French    7. French language    8. Textbooks for foreign speakers    9. Foreign Language Study / French    10. Marriage, family & other relationships    11. Personal names    12. Pregnancy, birth & baby care   

Reviews (3)

The Best Celtic Name Book
When I was pregnant with my first child I searched all over for Celtic/Scottish baby name books.This one took the cake!There are so many names and excellent descriptions of the meanings.I loved reading it.My husband and I found the perfect name for our son in it.I am now pregnant with the second and will definitely use this book to find a name.It is well worth the money.

Celtic names deciphered
Finally a Celtic baby names book with both pronunciation and background on the names! I am a writer and I found it particularly useful with my writing.Alternate spellings are also given.

A fun-to-read resource
Ms. Todd brings us an assortment of 2,000 Celtic names from six Celtic countries/regions, including Cornwall and Brittany.All entries are cross-referenced and include variants of spelling and pronunciation guides. Commentary includes the names in myth, as well as regional popularity ofthe names.Writers of historical fiction and historical romance will findthis book to be a handy, well organized resource. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Baby Names    2. Family & Relationships    3. Family / Parenting / Childbirth    4. Family/Marriage    5. Personal names    6. Reference works   

Reviews (13)

Best Used Before Naming Your Baybee!
One of the oafish ladies in my wife's Big Readers Book Club recently had twins (one boy, one girl) and she could've really used this book before naming the screaming mutants "Cooleena" and "Rupappy".I suppose that's better than what her equally idiotic husband named their blue heeler ("Muttplug").Lansky's book really could help a lot of people.Provided they receive it in time...

Beyond Rosenkrantz and Satran
Nowadays, of course, the first question one asks upon hearing that friends are "expecting" is no longer, "Have you picked out a name?" but rather "Do you know whether it's a boy or a girl?"But then that makes the now second question all the more in need of a precise answer.
About as interesting as reading a dictionary
Definately only a book to use to look up names.not to actually help you find one.
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Subjects:  1. Anthologies (multiple authors)    2. Baby Names    3. Child Care/Parenting    4. English    5. English language    6. Etymology    7. Family & Relationships    8. Family / Parenting / Childbirth    9. Names    10. Names, Personal    11. Fiction / Anthologies (multiple authors)    12. Personal names    13. Pregnancy, birth & baby care   

Reviews (26)

Don't waste your time
This book is not very good and it doesn't have any good baby names in it. It's lame.

This book is a joke!
I actually laughed out loud at this book, and it's not supposed to be funny. As someone who is very interested in names and onomastics in general, I can honestly say I have no idea how this book was ever published.The meanings are atrocious and can't be anything further from reality.I saw the name "Choicey" meaning: One who chooses" listed in this book. Excuse me? Choicey isn't a name.It dosan't exist, nor should it.If you could give a toss less that your child's name is just an adverb, or a juxtoposition of letters from someone's last failed scrabble attempt, then by all means this is the book for you.For those of you who want something meaningful, with some history... Who don't think naming your child "Spidey" is a good idea...then only buy this if you want to make fun of it.THEN it can be worth something. I wish I could give it zero stars.

Innovative and Inspiring
I bought this book for my son and daughterinlaw. However, I could not help but peek a look before hand, then I got hooked readingand the ways you could come up with names.
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Subjects:  1. Baby Names    2. Dictionaries    3. Family & Relationships    4. Family / Parenting / Childbirth    5. Family/Marriage    6. Names, Personal    7. Parenting - General    8. Pregnancy, birth & baby care   

Editorial Review

At 62, ever-dependable oil man Duane Moore ditches his pickup and starts walking everywhere--deeply deviant behavior in one-stoplight Thalia, Texas. "It occurred to him one day--not in a flash, but through a process of seepage, a kind of gas leak into his consciousness--that most of his memories, from his first courtship to the lip of old age, involved the cabs of pickups," Larry McMurtry writes. Yet oddly enough, Duane's marriage, four children and nine grandchildren, his career highs and lows, all occurred when he was nowhere near his vehicle. Within days he has moved into his cabin on a hill, reacquired his dog, Shorty the Sixth ("an air of slight guilt was typical of all the Shortys"), and begun to think on these things. Of course, this brings on an additional problem: "He realized that for the first time in his life he had too much time to think; of course he had Read more

Reviews (62)

Please read this book!!
This book hit me straight in the heart. I got so wrapped up in this book, that I couldn't put it down. I did not read the first two of the trilogy, I wasn't aware that is was a trilogy when I bought it. It is not that important. The way that Duane was depicted in this book was amazing. I felt as if I really identified with him. I recommend it to anyone whose heart is searching.

Reflections on Duane's Depressed by Larry McMurtry

Excellent novel
This is the third volume in the trilogy which includes THE LAST PICTURE SHOW and TEXASVILLE.
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Subjects:  1. Baby Names    2. Fiction    3. Fiction - General    4. Humorous    5. Westerns - General    6. Family & Relationships / Baby Names   

Reviews (18)

Great Book!
This book is so interesting! It's got so much whichcraft stuff in it that you really can't call it just a magical names book!

A Fantasy Gamers Paradise...
As a 25 year vetran of d20 role-playing games I have been searching for a definitive collection of names beyond the standard Jack and Jill and I have finally found it in "The Complete Book of Magical Names".While I have a passing interest in Wicca, I mostly purchased the book to help me satisfy my long term facination with language and particularly the names used by various ancient cultures and civilizations.I am positive that any writer or gamer would find this book an excellent edition to their collection.

Looking for a magickal name?
Whether you are looking for a craft name or a legal name, this book offers you some 'magickal' options in a fun and informative manner.Not the biggest of best name book on the market, but certainly the only one (that I am aware of) that is targeted to a Pagan audience.This book would be helpful to newbies and should be in any coven/grove library. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Baby Names    2. Body, Mind & Spirit    3. Folklore & Mythology    4. Inspiration & Personal Growth    5. Magic    6. Magick Studies    7. Miscellanea    8. Names, Personal    9. New Age    10. New Age / Body, Mind & Spirit    11. New Age / Parapsychology    12. Reference    13. Witchcraft & Wicca    14. Body, Mind & Spirit / Witchcraft & Wicca    15. Occultism & quasi-religious beliefs    16. Personal names   

Reviews (2)

Top of the Top 25
Great literature names , Great stories behind namesBut need more names. This book is really by CArol MCD Wallace. She has anotherbook out The Penguin Classic Baby namebook. Be carefulthat is a reprint of this book don't buy 2.

More for literature buffs than parents to be
This book is not a conventional baby name book - it lists names that are included in the Penguin Classics series of books. It does not include 20th Century classics though, which is a big let down. It is not a book you would probably use solely if you were trying to find a name for your child-to-be - many, if not the majority, of names are not really those you would consider - Minnehaha perhaps? And certain books seem to be mentioned a little too much - `Orlando Furioso' must have a cast of thousands if the number of times it is mentioned in this book is anything to go by.Read more

Subjects:  1. Baby Names    2. Characters and characteristics    3. Characters and characteristics in literature    4. Dictionaries    5. Family & Relationships    6. Family / Parenting / Childbirth    7. Family/Marriage    8. Names, Personal    9. Family & Relationships / General    10. Personal names    11. Pregnancy, birth & baby care   

Subjects:  1. Baby Names    2. Dictionaries    3. Family & Relationships    4. Family / Parenting / Childbirth    5. Family/Marriage    6. General    7. Names, Personal    8. Parent And Child    9. Pregnancy    10. Reference    11. Reference / General    12. film / radio / tv - TV & Radio TRD HC    13. Sale Books   

Reviews (2)

This is the best reference book on first names.
I have often found need for this book. It gives detailed etymologies of names, of famous persons bearing the name, and cross-references different forms of the name (as nick, male/female, and other languages). A name bookdone up as a proper reference book. It also has sections on Hindi/Indianand Muslim/Arabic names.

Comprehensive collection of names with meanings & origins.
Head and shoulders above all other name books I have seen.Wellresearched and extremelythorough. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Baby Names    2. Dictionaries    3. Dictionaries - General    4. Family & Relationships    5. Family / Parenting / Childbirth    6. Family/Marriage    7. Names, Personal    8. Family & Relationships / Baby Names    9. Personal names    10. Reference works    11. Reference | Subject area reference   

Reviews (20)

world of baby names
I was so happy to see this book listed. We have babies on the way in the family, plus animals and dolls to name. I love the fact that it lets you know the meanings and derivation of the multi-cultural names that we hear everyday.
a good baby name book,but not the best
I like this book.It is a good collection of names(although not the 30,000 promised)from various areas of the world,from South East Asia to Wales,and from Ireland to the Usa.It certinly will be useful in naming your child if youre after a multi cultural name.
Best baby name book
This is the best baby name book I have ever seen.We love the Italian section--very accurate, and nice.We also enjoy looking through the others.There are 31 chapters.They include:African names, African-American names, American, Biblical, Chinese, Czech and Slovak, English, French, German, Greek, Hawaiian, Hindu/Indian, Hungarian, Irish, Italian, Japanese, Jewish/Hebrew, Korean, Muslim/Arabic, Mythology, North American Indian, Polish, Polynesian, Portuguese, Rumanian, Russian, Scandinavian, Scottish, Southeast Asian, Spanish, and Welsh.
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Subjects:  1. Baby Names    2. Child Development And Rearing    3. Dictionaries    4. Family & Relationships    5. Family / Parenting / Childbirth    6. Family/Marriage    7. Genealogy    8. Names, Personal    9. Parenting - General    10. Personal names    11. Child care & upbringing    12. Family & Relationships / Baby Names    13. Pregnancy, birth & baby care