More than 1,000 Jewish names for boys and girls including the stories and associations that give meaning to the all-important task of Jewish parents in naming their newborn.

By breaking down names into clever, funny, but especially accurate categories, it tells us, among other things, what we're aiming for when we choose a name for our kid.

Say you want to give your baby and Irish name-either because you of Irish descent or because you simply like the sound of Sinead or Finnega. But where do you find an Irish name? Sprinkled throughout most naming dictionaries are names that seem to be Irish, but it's difficult to tell: A name that one book calls Irish might be called Scottish in another, or simply Celtic. And it's even harder to find Irish names beyond the usual Kevin and Kathleen and Kelly. Instead of a handful of Irish names within a universal name book, this book offers a universe of Irish names from which to choose. Using the same innovative structure that made its parent, Beyond Jennifer & Jason, the reigning authority on baby names-and written with just as much flair and wit-Beyond Shannon & Sean provides the most comprehensive guide to Irish names ever published in America: From Annie to Aine, from Seamus to James-the most popular names in Ireland today, and why there are no Irish girls named Erin or Colleen. From Murphy Brown to the hills of Donegal-melodious place names and family names, and why no one (not even an O'Kane) ever uses Gofraidh. From Finn MacCool to Sinead O'Connor-names inspired by Irish legends and literature, and real people who have made their names famous. Plus a much-needed guide book to obscure Celtic pronunciations, and more...

An indispensable "how-to" guide for creating lasting memories and special ceremonies as you welcome your new Jewish daughter. When a son is born, every Jewish parent knows what ceremony will welcome him into the community and signal his part in the Jewish people--the brit milah. What to do when a girl is born? How can you welcome your new daughter in a truly Jewish way, and celebrate your joy with family and friends? In the past, parents who wanted a simchat bat (celebration of a daughter) ceremony for their new daughter often had to start from scratch. Finally, this first-of-its-kind book gives families everything they need to plan the celebration. History & Tradition--The roots of simchat bat in Jewish tradition, how it has evolved and how the past can be used to bring today's dynamic ceremonies to life. A How-to Guide--New and traditional ceremonies, complete with prayers, rituals, handouts to copy and step-by-step instructions for creating your own unique ceremony. Planning the Details--What to call your daughter's welcoming ceremony, when and where to have it, setting it up, how long it should be, how to handle the unexpected, how to prepare a program guide and more. Ideas & Information--Practical guidelines for planning the event, and special suggestions and resources for families of all constellations.

Years ago when most Jews lived in fairly close communities and were more observant of religious rituals, couples having a baby found it easy to get information about having a bris if the baby was a boy. Now with many young Jewish couples living far from their parents and home communities and having less knowledge about and observance of Jewish customs, such information is not as readily available. That is why this book has been written. Its goal is to provide clear, accurate information about all aspects of the modern bris ceremony. The information in this book will help couples 1) make decisions about having a bris, 2) choose a mohel, and 3) understand the medical and religious aspects of this significant family event.

The perfect name is one of the first and most important gifts parents can give their children–and often one of the most challenging decisions of parenthood. Expectant parents who want their child’s name to be meaningful will find Classic Biblical Baby Names a unique and invaluable resource. Drawing from both the Old and New Testaments, here are hundreds of history’s most enduring names, carefully selected to appeal to contemporary tastes yet outlast trends. Organized alphabetically by gender, and complete with fascinating background information, each entry includes: • Scriptural stories surrounding the name • Meaning and spiritual connotation • Citation of where the name appears in the Bible • Proper pronunciation • Cultural origin • Alternate spellings, related names, nicknames • Famous namesakes From Adam to Zeph and Abigail to Zia, Classic Biblical Baby Names will enrich your understanding of familiar names and invite you to discover lesser-known possibilities. Names are an integral part of our identity and this one-of-a-kind guide will help you choose a name that reflects your hopes for the future and instills a sense of self in your child.

The incredible bestselling first novel from Pulitzer Prize- winning author, Jhumpa Lahiri. 'The kind of writer who makes you want to grab the next person and say "Read this!"' Amy Tan 'When her grandmother learned of Ashima's pregnancy, she was particularly thrilled at the prospect of naming the family's first sahib. And so Ashima and Ashoke have agreed to put off the decision of what to name the baby until a letter comes...' For now, the label on his hospital cot reads simply BABY BOY GANGULI. But as time passes and still no letter arrives from India, American bureaucracy takes over and demands that 'baby boy Ganguli' be given a name. In a panic, his father decides to nickname him 'Gogol' - after his favourite writer. Brought up as an Indian in suburban America, Gogol Ganguli soon finds himself itching to cast off his awkward name, just as he longs to leave behind the inherited values of his Bengali parents. And so he sets off on his own path through life, a path strewn with conflicting loyalties, love and loss... Spanning three decades and crossing continents, Jhumpa Lahiri's debut novel is a triumph of humane story-telling. Elegant, subtle and moving, The Namesake is for everyone who loved the clarity, sympathy and grace of Lahiri's Pulitzer Prize-winning debut story collection, Interpreter of Maladies.

Modern English and Hebrew names with an analysis of their meanings and origins.