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.

4 articles by Oliver Vance.

• Baby name curation
• Names by origin
• Names by style and era
• Baby naming culture

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  German Names That Travel Well: 10 Picks and Their Roots

  November 9, 2026

  Ten German names with sourced roots, pronunciation tips, the Standesamt rules to check, and a simple method for agreeing on one as a couple.

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  Flower Names for Babies: Seven Picks With Real Roots

  October 19, 2026

  Seven flower names with real etymology, honest popularity numbers and a simple test to run before you commit to one.

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  French Names for Babies: Meanings and How to Say Them

  October 5, 2026

  French names ask you to commit to a sound. Ten picks with meanings, pronunciation and a quick test to run with your partner before you decide.

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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.