You spoke, and the field is set: these are the names that advanced to the Girls’ Quarter Finals in March Madness Baby Names 2019.
Here’s a concise recap of the Opening Round results and what they reveal about current naming tastes.
- Sweetly vintage Faye overwhelmingly defeated Phryne, taking over 80% of the vote. Phryne sparks curiosity—thanks in part to a memorable fictional character—but Faye’s short, brisk charm feels more immediately wearable to many parents.
- Cornish nature name Elowen narrowly edged out popular favorite Maisie, winning just over 51% of the vote. Elowen has been attracting attention on name forums and rising steadily in use, even if it hasn’t yet settled into the U.S. Top 1000.
- Scandinavian-influenced Lumi claimed more than 52% of votes, leaving Maple to wait another year for a shot at a comeback.
- Floral name Marigold swept to a decisive victory over Noa with roughly 75% of the vote. Flower names clearly remain a strong trend in girl naming.
- The biggest margin in this round went to Esme, which captured nearly 83% of the vote against Oakley. While Oakley is climbing in popularity, Esme’s romantic simplicity continues to resonate.
- Margot advanced with more than 75% of the vote over underdog Zosia. Margot’s continued rise is evident among readers and voters alike.
- Sleek, modern-sounding Marlowe took almost 73% of the vote against the cinematic-invented Evolet, while vintage botanical Flora beat surname-style Sloane with about 66% support.
The Quarter Finals
The Quarter Finals are always a tough round—each matchup highlights contrasting naming styles. Voting remains open through Thursday, March 14th. Below are the four head-to-head contests that will determine which names move on to the SemiFinals.
Vintage, Feminine Face-Off: Faye v. Flora
This matchup pairs two names that feel like they belong together: simple, vintage, and undeniably feminine. Faye conveys a quick, old-fashioned charm with a hint of whimsy, while Flora brings classical floral imagery and a softer, more pastoral elegance. Both names lean vintage, yet each presents a different vibe—Faye is concise and spunky; Flora is lyrical and botanical.
Modern Innovations Battle: Elowen v. Marlowe
Two contemporary-sounding choices meet here. Elowen, a Cornish name with a nature-inflected, flowing quality, contrasts with Marlowe’s gender-neutral, literary, and surname-inspired feel. Neither name was widely heard two decades ago, but both have gained momentum among parents looking for fresh yet grounded options.
Vowel-Intensive Match-Up: Lumi v. Margot
Vowel-rich Lumi brings a crisp, Northern European flavor and a modern, melodic sound. Margot, by contrast, finishes on a strong consonant and offers a timeless, slightly francophone elegance. This contest tests whether voters prefer the luminous novelty of Lumi or the steady, familiar class of Margot.
Romantic Rising Name Contest: Marigold v. Esme
Here, floral romance meets refined brevity. Marigold is unabashedly botanical and vintage-revival in spirit, with a bright, cheerful image. Esme is compact and romantic, with an established, graceful presence. Both names appeal to different sensibilities—one garden-fresh and exuberant, the other understated and wistful.
Thank you for participating in this round of March Madness Baby Names. The competition gets tougher with every vote. Check back on Saturday, March 16th to see which names advance to the SemiFinals and to cast your next votes.