Here is the game we are playing:
We are going to pretend that we are naming a baby and that the name MUST start with a certain letter, and so we will need one name starting with that letter for a boy and one name starting with that letter for a girl, or else one name that would work for either, EVEN IF we don’t like any of the names that start with that letter enough to Actually In Real Life choose them. It is just a game where we place artificial restrictions on reality in order to create the kind of tension that makes games fun—like when you have to choose what foods you’d eat if you could only eat three foods for the rest of your life: the fun is in thinking it over AS IF it were a real forced decision, while KNOWING it is not. There is a baby! It MUST be given a name with a particular letter! That is the game.
After that basic concept, we can decide our own sub-rules, based on what makes the game fun and not stressful. Some examples:
• I’m not planning to play that the name has to fit with the names of my other children or with the surname, though this would be an option for anyone who would LIKE to play it that way; I think I will have more fun if I pretend it is a stand-alone baby and that the surname is not an issue, though I may change my mind as we go. (And if I narrow it down to a few options and can’t decide, I might use siblings/surname as a tie-breaker.)
• It is also fine to narrow it down to a few finalists without getting to The One Name.
• It is fine to wave aside issues such as a friend who already used that name, a famous person with the name, etc., if that makes it more fun and less stressful to choose. This is just pretend, so you can pretend that those things aren’t issues if you want to. (Or you can let the issues stand as they are in real life, if THAT is more fun.)
• We can also all make our own decisions about whether the names have to be ones we think we’d ACTUALLY USE in that hypothetical scenario, or just our FAVORITE names starting with that letter, regardless of whether we think the names are practical; I am not sure which way I will play it, and I likely won’t be consistent.
• If you already have a child with a name starting with the letter we’re working on, you get to pick again from all the names that remain; you don’t have to choose your child’s name as your favorite just because it WAS your favorite: this is a FRESH baby, and you wouldn’t give it the same name as your existing child. (If you would normally prefer not to repeat an initial within a sibling group, you can just pretend that’s NOT a preference for the sake of the game.)
• You can do as much or as little explanation as you like in your comment: you can just list the names you chose, or you can explain your process/preferences/reasoning/runners-up, or whatever is most fun.
Today’s letter is U. This is the shortest section of the baby book so far. When people write to us saying they want a vowel theme but they don’t want to repeat initials, it is virtually always that they can’t think of any options for U. Nor can I, frankly. I heartily recommend NOT starting a vowel theme if you want more than three or four children and you don’t want to repeat initials. Keep in mind how many vowels we HAVE, is my suggestion.
For a girl, I wondered about Unity. But I would worry that right now, politically, in the United States, that word seems like it is mostly used for “Can’t we all just Get Along, rather than having all this unpleasant Rising Up Against Injustice and Corruption???” Still, in more neutral times it would be considered a positive word. I also considered Una: I like that it doesn’t match Uma Thurman, and yet Uma Thurman’s name has made the pronunciation of Una clear. I also considered Ursula: I know there’s a sea witch association, but I’m okay with that, and we can work on channeling those powers for good. If I picture a baby in my arms, and I say the names and imagine that I MUST choose one, then I choose Ursula.
The only U boy name that was a familiar name to me was Ulysses. But…I don’t like Ulysses. He was a big old jerk. I get that he was supposed to be a hero, but have you re-read those stories recently? A lot of REALLY NOT GREAT stuff there. Still, at least it is a recognizable name. Oh, I am also at least somewhat familiar with the name Umberto, and I love the sound of it; it reminds me of Albert, another of my favorites—and in fact, comparing the sound of Umberto with the sound of Albert, I think Umberto makes Albert sound a little clunky. I would not normally feel comfortable taking a name from another culture like this, but if I am looking at the baby in my arms, and I MUST choose a name, and this is just a game so we can waive aside some of the usual issues we would consider—then I choose Umberto.
Now you! If you want to! Only if it’s fun and not stressful! Feel free to adjust the game-play to be fun and not stressful!
Boy: Uwe (pronounced OO-vey)
Girl: Urmilla/Uma
Ursula and Una were the two girl names I ended up with too. I lean to Una more I think. For a boy I’ll go with Ulrich.
This one is hard. I can’t think of any good (to me) names.
Girl: Ursula or Ulla
Boy: Uly or Uriel
I knew a young girl named Unique but that seems a bit too precious and pretentious at the same time. I considered place names but Utah, Utica, and Utopia just don’t strike the right note. Urbana was the only place name I though maybe I could work with.
So I am left with Ursuline nm Suli and Uriah nn Rye. These are names I could imagine using if pressed.
You just gave me the idea to use Utah for my boy name! It’s our favorite destination and brings many positive associations. Since this is all pretend anyway, I’ll nab it!
I would go with the Hawaiian Ulani for a girl, and maybe Umber or Upton for a boy.
U is definitely a challenge. I would go with Umbria for a girl and I guess Urban for a boy.
This is a tough one…not a lot of options that resonate with me. I suppose I’d go with Ursula for a girl. I don’t love the sea witch association, but there’s also Ursula K. Le Guin, and I love a good literary name! And for a boy, I guess Urban? I’m not particularly attached to it, but I like that it’s a pope name. :)
Yes, reading Ursula K LeGuin as an adult totally changed how I see her name! Growing up with The Little Mermaid it was kind of ruined, but the author came first. Maybe Uther for a boy.
Hmmmm. I like Uma immensely (probably because of exposure via excessive repetition of the Descendants soundtrack), but I love the sound of Umbria. Upton is the surname of a much beloved family friend, so I would probably choose that for a boy, for the pleasant associations.
I would love to be more original with a “u” name for a girl, but I have to go with Una because it’s a name I would consider IRL.
A boy is harder. There aren’t any “u” names that I can imagine actually choosing. I love Unai, but it definitely couldn’t go with Una, and my actual son’s name ends in “ai,” so I couldn’t use it IRL. If I had a baby right here that had to have a “u” name, I would consider Ulysses and Uther but probably reject them both as not being positive enough mythological figures. So I guess it would most likely be Uriel or possibly Udo.
This is so haaaard. But, if I must, I must.
Girl: Ura
Boy: Ulric
U was a hard one! For a girl I’ll go with Ulani and for a boy Uriel.
Ursa & Ulysses
Although, I take your comment about Ulysses being a jerk. The nickname Uli is super sweet though.
The only other name I could think of besides thought mentioned so far is Utah. I don’t mind it, but not for my kid. Partly because I’m Canadian. There is a beautiful seaside town here called Ucluelet, but that doesn’t exactly roll off the tongue ;-)
This is so haaard! But, for the sake of the game, I must choose. I’m going with
Girl: Ula (oo-la)
Boy: Umberton (um-burr-ton )
I’m not thrilled about either of these. I’m not even sure either of those are “real” names. But I like the softness of Ula better than Una or Uma. The -n ending of Umberton makes it much more reasonable for my WASP-y self and feel less like appropriation of someone else’s cultural name.
Ula is the name of a coffee shop in my city!
Ulysses and Umbelina!
Girl:
Upali (Indian name, I think typically male, though)
Uliya, (like Julia… Russian),
Unice (like Eunice),
Udora (like Eudora)
Boy:
Uno (Nordic heritage),
Usher,
Udry,
Umber
Ooh, Umber, very earthy and artistic. I love it.
I want to feel that way about this name, but I just keep thinking about Ember and Umber on The Magicians! I think they’ve ruined it for me although I guess Ember was the more unsavoury character.
Uliya sounds lovely!
I know a little Ursula who goes by Zula, if that makes it any more wearable.
I like Sara’s suggestion of Ulani – I’d probably go with that for a girl.
For a boy…hmm….maybe Uriah?
I loved Uli from Project Runway – her full name is Ulrike, so maybe that? Usher or Upton?
OMG I forgot about Uli! She was the best and she totally got robbed (imho). Great name too. :)
I think this is my least favorite letter for names. I have been pondering my answer since we finished with V, and there were no hidden gems for me.
Una, Uriel.
I have always liked the name Undine. I don’t know why, and I think I like Ondine more, but Undine would be my girl choice.
I think someone mentioned Uri above, and I guess it’s essentially Yuri without the Y. (I actually kind of like Uri/Yuri for a dog name–which are the only “kids” I’ll be having, so that’s a compliment!)
Udelle and Uri
U is hard. I have decided on Una for a girl. Una was one of my favorite characters in the Anne of Green Gables series – but I have to admit this is the best of the lot type answer. I can’t imagine any of the names for “my” baby girl.
Or for “my” baby boy. My favorite of the U names is Ulric. Just because.
So Ulric/Una.
I love Ursula the sea witch, but for an actual child I think it’s too much. I do like Ursina. But I’d go with Uma.
For a boy, Uriah, but I don’t love it.
I also know a little girl named Uriel.
Oof, this is a tough one. I’m between Undine and Ursuline for a girl, and probably Ulysses or Umbra for a boy.
I realize Ulysses is a character who does very problematic things in the stories about him, but I do like the sound of the name, and the nickname Uli/Uly. It’s an interesting thing, so many male mythological characters and gods have unpleasant aspects to their personalities. You’ve made me think about where the line should be drawn. If I were then to chose another male name beginning with U instead, I think I would chose Ulick, the name of a lovely person I’m acquainted with. For a girl I would chose Una, although I would prefer the spelling Oona in “real life.”
Uri for a boy for sure.
And probably Uwe for a girl, German-pronunciation.
Girl: Uma
Boy: Udell. This is a surname pick for me but the (alleged?) meaning is nice as well.
I like the meaning of Ulrich but I just can’t because it reminds me of Lars Ulrich and that is a HARD PASS. I have always loved the name Uther because it’s fun to say if you’ve watched too many King Arthur movies (OOOOOOO-therrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr) but he is %100 not a cool dude.
Runner up for boy name is Utah because Point Break.
Ulrich and Ursula.
I would still choose Ulysses for a boy, and not because of the president. Nor the famous James Joyce novel. I would choose Ulysses in honor of my great great great grandfather from my paternal grandmother. I love that it is an unusual family name.
For a girl, I’d probably go for Uma, though seeing Umbria and Uriah above causes me pause, as those feel lovely too.
Oooh. Hmmm. Una is easy, it’s so trim and elegant and fun to say, though Undine is lovely. I suppose Ulysses, regretfully.
U: Una and Ulysses
V: Vera and Valerian
W: Willa and Walter
X: Xenia and Xavier
Y: Yvaine and Yves
Z: Zinnia and Zachary
Ulalia and Ulrich
Ursula and Umber
I think for a girl I’d use Ursa. I like the connection to the constellations.
For a boy I love all the suggestions of Umber, for the implication of art and nature.
Undine and Ulysses!
I met a little Ulysses once … he was named for the butterfly.
As with everyone else, this my least favourite letter of the alphabet when it comes to baby names, but I’ve played several Alphabet games before, do I have thought about U a fair bit.
For a girl I like Ulalie/Ulalia, Ulrika, Una and Ulani. I’d choose Ulalie.
For a boy, I really do not like any U names much at all. But for the sake of the game, Umber, Utah and Ulrick, but I would choose Umber to go with Ulalie.
You are so right about the vowel name thing. I have a friend with an Annsley, Elsa (pre-Frozen), Ismae and Ottilie. No U. Not sure if they plan on more!
My girl pick is Ulrike after an acquaintance and Umber for a boy.
Uri for a boy, Ursula or Ursa for a girl, but not thrilled with any “U” options, unfortunately.
For a girl, Una for sure. For a boy, I agree the pickings are slim. I think I’d go with Uriel, but I’m wondering if Ursus could be a viable option? I remember liking the name Orson for a boy at one point, and it is obviously similar to Ursus in terms of meaning and some sounds. Maybe it could work? And the more I look at it/think about it, Uriel is making me think of a urologist or something. So, Una and Ursus!
really like Udelia for a girl. I prefer it to Odelia, actually. so either Udelia or Udora.
for a boy, Ulesi, which Nameberry says is the Hawaiian variation of Ulysses, as well as a Latin variation of Odysseus, but I find appealing as a standalone either way. Uli would be a sweet nickname. and I’m a big fan of softer-sounding names on boys!
Ulani and Upton
As teachers do, I’ve encountered many unique names spanning the alphabet. My favorites with U are:
Boy: Ulysse (French, pronounced “ooo-lees”)
Girl: Ultra (her full name was Ultra Violet, so bold!)
Wow that’s like a superhero name! Also why haven’t I nicknamed my niece “Ultra” yet? Her name is Violet!
I love the name Ursula. I remember hearing it on Phoebe’s sister in friends when I was a young teenager and realizing it was a NAME and not just a sea witch. I have loved it ever since (even though Phoebe’s sister maybe was also a sea witch!). Also: sisters named Phoebe and Ursula. Swoon.
For a boy, Ulysses.
In some ways, I’m surprised that Uriah isn’t mentioned really. He first in with Biblical Elijah, Micah, Ezra and Silas. Cute nickname Uri. But he does have that terrible story (killed in war so David could steal his wife).
I think there is the Urea/Urine problem with Uriah.
Also the negative association of Uriah Heep.
Yes, Uriah Heep is my main association here, and it is not particularly savory.
I am really into names but I have to say that a vowel – no – repeat – initials – theme is pushing things a little. I can’t imagine anyone meeting a family and saying ‘oh wow, all of their names start with vowels and you didn’t repeat any initials!’. If I met a family of Anna, Eric and Oscar my mind wouldn’t go ‘vowel’ if you know what I mean. But on the other hand do my opinions matter?
I love Ursula, always have. The meaning is gorgeous ‘little bear’. There is the constellation Ursa Major. It is all round wonderful. But I’ve never seen the Little Mermaid movie so there is that.
For a boy I’m not keen on any of the possibilities. Maybe Urban? At least there is a Pope as a namesake so I could claim a long history. Roll on T :)
I’ve been thinking about U ever since we finished with V and it’s so hard! For a girl I’d use Ursula for sure. One of my favorite book characters is named Ursula and all three of my other children have names with a bit of a literary theme so she’d fit right in. It’s not the best. It’s pretty heavy on the “ur” sounds when combined with my last name, and my mom had a cat named Ursula for a while. In general I’d feel pretty happy about Ursula, though.
For boys there is no U name that appeals to me at all so I think what I would do is go into the family tree and use Ubald, which was my husband’s great-grandfather’s name. The French pronunciation isn’t too bad, and maybe I could figure out something where he could go by his initials and be UB or UL or something.
Sam, same. The only U name I could think of were Una, Uma and Ursula. I actually have Una on an extended list of names, so I’ll go with that for a girl.
For a boy, the only name I can think of is Ulysses. I don’t hate it, actually reminds me of Ron Swanson from Parks and Rec, because it is his middle name on the show. So final answers: Una and Ulysses.
Oops! Same, Same. Not Sam.. even though I may agree with a Sam! :)
Ursula and Ulysses, I guess?
Una and Urban, I suppose. I’m not thrilled by either.
For a girl I would absolutely use Ursula. For a boy, I think I’ll go with Uther. Probably not a name I’d use IRL-but I’ve been watching a lot of Merlin on Netflix, so it feels familiar.
Ulysses and Ursa
I already have a Ulysses (named moreso after Union Civil War General and President, Ulysses S. Grant rather than Odysseus. I’m always surprised and disappointed that the only people who seem to know who that is are all over the age of 60)
So if I had to pick another boy name it would be either Ulrich or Uther but probably go with Uther due to the King Arthur mythos rather than the Metallica reference.
For a girl I like Ursula, Umber, and Undine but I would probably go with Ursula.
I think I’d be hoping for a girl because for boys I’ve got nothing, nada, zilch. Whereas, I actually like the name Ursula– it brings Ursula LeGuin to mind and I like that it has a nature meaning, plus my mom has a good friend named Ursula, which gives it a kind of old lady charm. All of this dilutes the sea witch for me. Plus a certain kind of little girl might like the association.
Ulalia for a girl
Upton for a boy
Ulani is new to me and I like it very much.
Usborne might work for a boy?
Uma for a girl, and Umber for a boy!
U is so difficult. I have been thinking about it since we did V, and still haven’t found anything that I loved. If I was looking at a baby though: Uma / Ulrich
Ursuline & Uriah
U is the toughest letter of the alphabet for this! Ursula and Uri.
For a boy, Ultan (uncommon but immediately recognisable in Ireland).
For a girl, I’m torn between Una, Undine and Ursula. The character in Kate Atkinson’s Life After Life probably tips the balance in favour of Ursula.
I thought this would be tough but I actually like quite a lot of u names!
For a girl my favourite is Undine although I also like Ursula, and I’ve loved Umeko (it means plum child) ever since living in Japan but would never actually use it.
For a boy I love Unwin for the sound and meaning (wine friend) and would probably want to use in real life except it sounds like the opposite of win, which might create some teasing opportunities. I also like Ultan.
Undine and Unwin.
This one was hard. I feel pretty confident in my boy choice. It would be Ulric (inspired by “Ulrich” from “A Knight’s Tale”, which proved it was wearable).
With girls, I think I prefer the sound of Ursula (or even more, Ursalina, so I could just call her Lina)… but in trying to picture it on a baby, I looked at my darling daughter and decided that she would wear Una much better than any Ursula derivatives. So Una it is! There was an adorable contestant on “MasterChef Junior” named Oona. She was so precocious, and really endeared to a name I once thought was weird.
Like everyone else, I have a hard time with U. I think Una for a girl (not sure if I like Oona better, but I at least like the sound of it). (Also, I remember Oona from Master Chef Junior, too! I think she’s part of the reason that name grew on me.) I like Ursula as well, but couldn’t imagine actually using it in real life.
For a boy, probably Ulysses. Again, not crazy about it and wouldnt use it in real life, but it sounds fine.
The one U name I could never use is Uriah. Thanks to Dickens, I have an immediate negative reaction to that name.
Oona from master chef junior is totally why the name grew on me! haha.
I have a real life daughter named Unity and the reaction to her name has been pretty great generally speaking. She likes the positive meanings and on first hearing her name, people often pause and say “wow, that’s lovely.” I understand what you’re saying about people talking about “unity” in the same way as “civility” but that hasn’t really come up with my particular kid.
I also am a big fan of Ursula, for the Le Guin reference and the strong sound.
For a boy I would use Uri.
Ubaldo and Ursual
*Ursula
Una and Uri
U was a hard letter for me, but I think both of these are short and sweet
Ula (pronounced Yoola) and Umar.
I like Unity too!
Girls:
Uma
Una
Unity
Ulyssia (I had a student with this name and she was so great, I have always loved this)
Boys:
Ulysses
Ulrich
Uriah
Interesting but not entirely sure how I feel about:
Ultimate
Usher
Umbria/Umber
Upton
Urban
Utah
Utopia
Universe
Una for a girl. Thanks to creative commenters, Utah is my boy name and happily so! We love traveling to Utah so the name would bring up many pleasant associations.
I had a teacher named Ursa and I always thought that was neat.
Uriah for a boy, I suppose.
I know a little Ursula in real life who goes by Ursie, and it’s totally adorable. I used to equally think of the Sea Monster and Phoebe’s mean twin from Friends/Mad About You …but I’m surprised at how quickly I forgot those associations and now just think of it as a sweet little girl!
I’m surprised no one mentioned Uzziah. Maybe not someone you’d want to name your kid after, but it is kind of a cool name.
These things being said, no idea what I’d choose! Udella? Umber is pretty awesome, too.
Ursula is A Lot, but I like it! For a boy, thanks fellow commenters for the nice idea of Upton.
Una & Uriah
Ursula and Uriah.
I think I would choose Uri for a girl or a boy.
This is a very difficult one, wow!
For girls, I narrowed it down to Ursula and Unity. I was leaning toward Unity. I think SOME people would roll their eyes at Unity, but I know that practically EVERYONE would comment “Ursula like the villain from the Little Mermaid?” I asked my husband, and he prefers Ursula. He thinks it’s better to have a strong, traditional name no matter what. I looked up Ursula and it’s really growing on me. There are a lot more uses than just the Little Mermaid, and the meaning “little bear” is pretty cute. You could have some adorable bear-themed nursery decor with that. Someone suggested Ursuline in the comments, which I think is clever and pretty.
For boys, I thought about Ulysses, Urban, and Ulrich, none of which I would have considered without the game, and Ulrich turned out to surprise me by how much I like it. I feel pleased when I say it with my other children’s names. I can’t remember, but I think I may have had a professor with that name, or one like it, which is feeding into my positive feelings about it. A nice discovery!
U: Ursula and Ulrich
V: Victoria and Victor
W: Winifred and William
X: Xandra and Xavier
Y: Yvette and Yakob
Z: Zelie and Zechariah