When it comes to the world of baby names, nothing affects the trends quite as much as when Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt have (or adopt) another child. These well-publicized parents have a knack of choosing names that are different, but not too far left-of-center. The names they bestow on their little ones are different and unusual, but at the same time have a sense of familiarity that appeals to other parents.
Angelina first adopted in 2002, before her partnership with Brad Pitt, a boy she named Maddox Chivan. This name wasn’t anywhere on the list of most popular names issued by the Social Security office in 2002, making it less popular than even Osbaldo or Mustafa. However, the following year, after the mass publicity of Angelina’s adoption, the name Maddox soared up the charts. Over 350 babies were given the name inspired by Angelina’s son and the popularity has only increased. Last year alone nearly 1,500 baby boys were given the name “Maddox.”
In July of 2005, in the midst of lots of attention for her relationship with Brad Pitt, Angelina adopted again. This time it was a girl from Ethiopia who Angelina named Zahara Marley. Due to the public attention about her relationship, and the subsequent divorce of Brad Pitt and his then-wife Jennifer Aniston, the adoption of the child wasn’t the biggest story and her name didn’t receive as much attention.
However, it fits perfectly with the tastes of parents seeking a name with an unusual letter (“z,” “x” or even “q”) and the meaning, “flower,” sets a peaceful tone that fits with her siblings. With more positive press for the Jolie-Pitts these days, this name may still see an increase in popularity.
Less than a year later Angelina gave birth to Shiloh Nouvel, whose name was chosen because it means “peaceful one,” according to the parents. Shiloh was again a name that the public hadn’t heard before, but instantly fell in love with. Although the name hasn’t broken into the top 1000 most popular names, baby name consultants have seen it in use more frequently.
Early in 2007, Angelina and Brad adopted once again. This was another boy, from Vietnam, and they chose the name Pax Thien. This name, suggested by Angelina’s mother before she died, means “peace” in Latin. It fits wonderfully with the other children’s names, unheard of but not weird and containing the ever desired “x.”
It is too early to yet see what affect this name will have on the baby naming trends, but we can certainly expect to see the names Pax and, more friendly to the other trends these days, Paxton.
If one thing is ever certain of the Jolie-Pitt clan, it’s that they will choose tasteful, yet offbeat, names for their children and certain start yet another trend. Keep your eye on them this year: there are rumors Angelina is pregnant … and she’s not denying it!
