Oliver Vance

Graphic designer turned Substack writer, based in Berlin. His daughter Else arrived in March 2025 — which sent him down a six-month rabbit hole of name etymology, naming traditions across Europe, and the very specific anxiety of partner sync. He writes about it now.

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1 article by Oliver Vance.

• Baby naming culture

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  Action Items For Choosing A Baby Name You Both Love

  July 13, 2026

  A shortlist isn't a decision. Here are the six action items that get two people from list to name, plus who should own each one.