A guide for parents faced with the enjoyable, but often difficult, task of choosing a suitable name for their child. Covering the meaning and origin of some 2500 first names in common use in the English-speaking world, the book also records variations in spelling, masculine and feminine forms, diminutives, and foreign language equivalents. In addition, there are entertaining and informative notes on the famous bearers of names - both real and fictional - who have influenced their popularity. It includes many recent coinages:, such as Keanu, Cressa, Cayleigh, Jewel and Jetta. * Simple pronunciation guidance for unfamiliar names (such as the Gaelic names Aoife, Cian, and Danhnait) This book is intended for the ideal book for parents-to-be; it will also fascinate anyone interested in the social history or origins of names.