Royal Wedding Fails to Increase Popularity of 'Royal' Baby Names

(LONDON) -- If you thought the royal wedding would inspire new moms and dads to name their babies either William or Kate, you’d be wrong. Data analyzed by the folks at BabyCenter.com reveals the two names have actually declined in popularity during the past year.

Researchers compared the popularity of the names in the first three months of 2011 with the first quarter of 2010 and discovered William is down 66 percent and Kate is down 60 percent. The name of Prince William’s brother, Harry, rose 24 percent while the name of Kate’s sister, Pippa, saw no change in popularity.

In 2010, William was number 23 on the year’s most popular baby names list while Kate was number 93. Harry was ranked 398 and Pippa was number 2,345.

Linda Murray, global editor-in-chief at BabyCenter.com, says 36 percent of moms who visit the website say they find name inspiration in famous people and characters, but when a name becomes associated with one specific celebrity, or in this case, with royalty, it declines in popularity or, if already unpopular, remains so.

On the other hand, Murray says while the royal wedding may not trigger a rise in the popularity of the names William and Kate, the names the couple choose for their children will definitely start a trend.

SOURCE: http://www.kgoam810.com/rssItem.asp?feedid=116&itemid=29662896

To Find Out...Or Not?

For some, finding out the gender of the baby before it is born, is a must. Other couples like to be surprised. A group of Mom's have been asked, "How did you make the decision to find out the gender of your baby ahead of time or to be surprised?" and here's what they had to say:

I'm an organizational freak so the question to find out was a no brainer on all 3 kids. I had to be very well prepared...basically I don't like surprises. So, all three times, our babies were happy to show off what they were at ultrasound time! Mom Expert Dana

This is one of the things I let my husband decide. I was experiencing everything, I thought it would be an awesome way to get him involved. He decided to find out ahead of time. We loved calling each baby by their name while they were still in the womb. Mom Expert Susan

There was never a question about finding out the sex for any of our kids. The first time, I was so antsy I was going nuts waiting for the 20-week ultrasound. It wasn't because I cared, but just because I wanted to know. My husband was pretty eager to find out, too. With the twins, I was surprised to learn Read more

Complete article: wishpot baby blog

The More the Merrier

More babies were born in the United States last year than ever before, more than 4 million births in 2007.

Also, Western Australia last year, has had an increase of births by almost 20 percent since 2002.

Amazing!

Our Top Ten Reasons to Have a Baby

10. New Baby Smell. Who can resist?

9. Hardship develops perseverance. Changing diapers and not sleeping can only make you stronger.
8. Free time is overrated. The less you have, the more valuable it is.
7. Maternity Leave. Getting paid to not work? Ideal.
6. Little Person Giggle. There is nothing like a good belly laugh.
5. Carry on your name. Building the family tree is a noble cause.
4. Cute. You gotta admit, a baby is cute. They're so little.
3. Family Balance. A boy and a girl. The best of both worlds.
2. Make the world a better place. One person at a time. Parents help form people of character.
1. Family. The more the merrier.