From Aaron to Zoe: 15,000 Great Baby Names

When I read the title of the book I felt dragged into it: Zoe is the name of the baby girl of one of my friends and a name which I've always considered beautiful (heard it in a song by Lenny Kravitz for the first time), yet not too widespread. I had a chance to check out this book and found it to be one of the two best among books of baby names. What I liked most about it was how complete the description for each of the names was. It included the name, current language (where it comes from), ethnicity, meaning, biblical citation (if any), popularity, nicknames, alternative spellings and more. In the end, it doesn't offer 20 or 30 thousand names like most titles, but "only" 15 thousand. When you read it, it feels like the authors did a quality work in putting them together, proof once again that quantity doesn't necessarily imply quality. Also worth considering is "A World of Baby Names".


Nice collection but errors made me skeptical   March 23, 2000
9 out of 12 found this review helpful

This is a great collection to browse through for ideas and related forms of names, in case you are looking for a fresher version of a beloved and overly popular name.

However, I came across several errors in meaning (among names that I happen to know a lot about, those from Wales) that, of course, made me wonder whether I could believe in the ones that I *didn't* know about.

Overall, I think that this is a good book and a really nice source for ideas. However, if you're in love with a name because of its meaning, check it out several other sources to confirm (I'd advise this with any baby name book, actually).

The introductory part of the book is thoughtful and helpful, as well. I have only one bone to pick there - he advises people who don't like Jr to use II instead. This is simply not correct usage, and it irritates me beyond belief. Only royal names are assigned this way; mere commoners have to have a Sr and Jr before a III (after which Jr becomes II).


Great resource that is broad in subject and deep in insights   November 11, 1998
3 out of 3 found this review helpful

I found reading through "From Aaron to Zoe" to be refreshing. Finally a baby namer book that makes some sense and allows new parents to know some real background about their child's name.. This is a must for parents and will be a wonderful present.


Amazing and thorough book. Perfect for new parents!   November 3, 1998
2 out of 2 found this review helpful

Mr. Richman has outdone himself in "From Aaron to Zoe : 15,000 Great Baby Names". The book is thorough and about as complete as one could ever need in helping to choose a name for one's baby. It was a real joy to read the background on each name. I believe Richman's book can be enjoyed by anyone with an interest in names as his style is easy to read while the text is deep in content. A must