Book Nook - George the Mouse in a Log Pile House

In author Rebecca Atanassova and illustrator Alissa Hansen’s upcoming children’s book, readers follow an adventurous mouse named George searching for the place where he belongs. Inspired by the true tale of an English wildlife photographer and his wild mouse friend, George the Mouse in a Log Pile House reminds readers that friends come in all shapes and sizes, kindness connects hearts, and each new day holds a bit of wonder.

I had a chance to review a copy of the book, which is really cute. The illustrations are charming and sweet, with a classic look that will appeal to readers of all ages. 

I had a chance to learn more in this interview.

Thank you so much for your interest in our book, George The Mouse in a Log Pile House! We feel George embodies what is good, kind and right in this world. We appreciate the opportunity to share and hopefully spark wonder in others. -Rebecca Atanassova 

How did a real-life encounter go from cute little incident to a children's book?

Nature photographer, Simon Dell, is the creator of George The Mouse in a Log Pile House, the social media site. Here is how that came to be. One day, after mowing the lawn, a wild mouse popped up and looked curiously at Simon. He offered the mouse a peanut, which the little mouse took. The mouse, whom he named George, came back day after day. Simon built a home, and then a village. George and his family settled in the village, and Simon shared the delightful and amusing mouse photographs with his followers. His site received worldwide attention, including People Magazine. 

Fine artist Alissa Hansen was a fan of the site and painted beautiful watercolor paintings of them. She and Simon became friends and collaborated on a calendar and other projects. Simon confided to Alissa that he had always wanted to have a children’s book about George The Mouse to share with his grandchildren, and he would love for her to illustrate it. 

All they needed was an author. That’s where I came in. I knew Alissa and loved her artwork. I actually approached her to illustrate one of my other books. She had just taken on this book project with Simon and flipped the script on me. She asked if I’d like to give writing George the Mouse a try. I studied the photographs on the site and the outline of events he gave me. Within about a week, had a manuscript. We spent three years in pre-production. Alissa worked with our art director, Christine Kettner, and I worked on revisions with our editors. We’re finally crossing the finish line and are so excited to share George with the world. 

How can imaginative stories inspire appreciation for nature?

I believe when you take something that comes from a child’s everyday world, that is familiar and accessible, and add a touch of whimsy, you open the door for them to take the next steps in their own play. They can dream up fanciful things happening in the world around them. Inspired by rich illustrations of flowers, trees, buzzing bumblebees, children may begin noticing these treasures as they are out in nature. When there is a humble and kind animal character, such as George, children will be able to connect and identify with him. Stories like these can inspire children to care even about the smallest creatures and their homes. 

Why is it important for kids and adults to maintain a sense of wonder about the world?

When I was in school, our choir learned a song called, “Look For the Joy!” “Look for the joy, in all that you see. A flash of lightning, the wings on a bee.” It goes on to say, that the moment passes, but “the joy lingers on.” The song thrilled me. It spoke of wonder.  

Wonder is an appreciation of the beauty and simplicity of the world around us with a pure heart and curiosity. It shows a gentleness and awareness that is often lacking in our busy world today. Wonder is the lens through which young children see the world. They are born with it. Sadly, I think it fades over time. Developing a sense of wonder is like getting back that extra “sense.” People often talk about having a “gratitude attitude”? Wonder is like this. It invites us to slow down, notice, appreciate, and remain curious. I think it might be getting lost in the rush of the day to day. I think wonder is a marvelous sense to try and preserve. I hope I never lose that way of seeing the world, because it brings me both peace and joy. 

Money Makers - The Jewelry You Never Wear May Be Your Most Overlooked Asset

Unvault reveals the financial power hidden in your jewelry drawer

By Merilee Kern, MBA

Jewelry has long been associated with sentiment, style, and tradition. Yet for many consumers, it remains an overlooked financial resource. Unvault, a fintech platform designed to ease and expedite the appraisal and sale of gold jewelry to function as readily monetizable liquid assets, is shifting that perception by helping people understand that what sits quietly in drawers may represent real, accessible value. The platform introduces a new way to think about jewelry, not only as adornment but as financial power that can be understood, tracked, and acted upon.

Most people own jewelry worth thousands of dollars and have no clear understanding of its value. It often remains unmanaged and misunderstood until a moment of need forces a decision. At that point, consumers are typically left navigating inconsistent pricing, unclear valuation logic, and resale environments that lack transparency. This gap has created a category defined by hesitation and distrust.

Unvault addresses this challenge by offering instant, transparent valuations powered by AI and real-time market data. Users upload photos of their jewelry and receive an estimated value within seconds, including a clear range and confidence level. This approach replaces guesswork with informed insight, allowing consumers to make decisions based on actual data rather than assumptions.

The platform goes further by enabling users to build a digital jewelry portfolio. Each piece can be tracked over time as market prices fluctuate, offering visibility into how gold and other materials impact value. This transforms jewelry ownership into an active, informed experience. Consumers can decide what to keep, what to insure, and what to sell, all from a position of clarity.

When users choose to sell, the process is designed to maintain transparency at every step. Items are shipped using insured labels, then authenticated through a recorded evaluation process. Final offers include detailed breakdowns of weight, purity, and pricing, along with a clearly stated platform fee. The consumer remains in control throughout, with no obligation to proceed.

This model reflects a broader cultural shift. Consumers increasingly expect transparency in categories that have historically been opaque. Jewelry, despite its economic significance, has lagged behind. Unvault introduces infrastructure that aligns with modern expectations, bringing visibility and accountability to a space that has lacked both.

The company’s origin story reinforces this mission. Founder Nidhi Singhvi grew up in Jaipur, a global center for gemstones, where jewelry was deeply tied to financial security and independence. Her experience, combined with a career in financial markets, highlighted the contrast between sophisticated systems for digital assets and the lack of structure for physical ones like jewelry. Unvault represents a return to those roots, with a focus on modernization.

With thousands of users and tens of millions of dollars tracked on the platform, Unvault is gaining traction as a trusted alternative to traditional resale options. Its emphasis on transparency, data, and user control positions it as a new standard for how consumers engage with jewelry.

Ultimately, Unvault is not about encouraging people to sell their jewelry. It is about giving them the tools to understand its value. Whether that leads to holding, insuring, or selling, the decision belongs to the consumer. What changes is the level of confidence behind that decision.

As fashion continues to intersect with technology and finance, platforms like Unvault highlight a new dimension of ownership. Jewelry is no longer just a personal or aesthetic choice. It is an asset that can be measured, tracked, and leveraged. And for many, it may represent value that has been hiding in plain sight all along.

~~~

Entrepreneur Leadership Network member Merilee Kern, MBA is an internationally-regarded brand strategist and analyst who reports on cultural shifts and trends as well as noteworthy industry change makers, movers, shakers and innovators across all categories, both B2C and B2B. This includes field experts and thought leaders, brands, products, services, destinations and events. As Founder, Executive Editor and Producer of “The Luxe List,” Merilee is a prolific business, lifestyle, travel, dining and leisure industry voice of authority and tastemaker. She keeps her finger on the pulse of the marketplace in search of new and innovative must-haves and exemplary experiences at all price points, from the affordable to the extreme. Her work reaches multi-millions worldwide via broadcast TV (her own shows and copious others on which she appears) as well as a myriad of print and online publications. Connect with her at www.TheLuxeList.com / Instagram www.Instagram.com/MerileeKern / X http://www.X.com/MerileeKern / Facebook www.Facebook.com/MerileeKernOfficial / LinkedIN www.LinkedIn.com/in/MerileeKern.

Music Minute - The Last Temptation of Beck

Once upon a time, there was a man who made himself into a myth.

He went by a single name: Beck. He sang songs that didn’t make easy sense in plain English, but which were somehow urgent and undeniable to those who heard them. He mined a dizzying array of musical styles from the past to construct albums that were eminently of the zeitgeist. Before and after the smash success of his 1993 single “Loser,” he was the hardest-working slacker in America. He went platinum multiple times over. And for a time, he was regarded by journalists and devoted fans alike as the “pop messiah”—a title that referred not just to the new energy he brought to the radio and MTV, but to the devotion he inspired.

But something happened to Beck Hansen, right at the dawn of this century. His music, once defiant and bombastic, turned morose and inward-facing. It was more than just a musical shift. Beck destroyed the online forum where his devoted fans had gathered. He cut ties with the small collective of LA-based bohemians he’d come up alongside, surrounding himself instead with sycophants and celebrities. Beck had been born and raised in the Church of Scientology; many in his orbit feared he’d been pulled back to the faith.

In the years since, Beck’s music has continued to win accolades, including multiple Grammys. But the true story of Beck in the nineties and beyond has never been told.

In The Last Temptation of Beck, with sensitivity and an arrestingly original style, New York Times bestselling author Josephine Riesman offers a vivid and multifaceted look at a singular artist and the Generation Xers for whom he became a reluctant spokesman. Drawing from interviews with those who’ve been closest to Beck, as well as troves of never-before-published documents, Riesman offers a story about authenticity and irony, paranoia and belief. Situated at the last gasp of the millennium, it’s more than a simple biography—it’s a riveting drama about the blurry lines between fandom and worship; between myth and lies; and between the old world that is dying and the new one that still struggles to be born.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Josephine Riesman is the New York Times bestselling author of Ringmaster: Vince McMahon and the Unmaking of America and the Hugo finalist True Believer: The Rise and Fall of Stan Lee. She was a longtime staffer at New York magazine and its culture site, Vulture, and her work has appeared in The Guardian, The Wall Street Journal, The New Republic, and Rolling Stone, among other publications. She is trans and lives in Portugal with her spouse and their cats.

Music Minute - Anne Wilson Extends The STARS Tour

PLATINUM-certified, GRAMMY-nominated artist and songwriter Anne Wilson is extending her 2026 nationwide The STARS Tour into the fall with 25 additional dates across the U.S. The new leg adds to the previously announced 30 dates, bringing Wilson's live show to cities across the West Coast, Midwest, South and more. Special guests Peter Burton and Aodhán King are set to join on select dates. Presale for the new dates begins Wednesday, May 13 at 10 a.m. local time, with general onsale beginning Friday, May 15 at 10 a.m. local time. Tickets available for purchase via annewilsonofficial.com.   “God has moved in such powerful ways during The STARS Tour this spring, and I'm beyond excited to announce that we're headed back out this fall to keep it going,” shares Wilson. “These nights of worship, music and community have meant so much to me, and I truly feel like we're just getting started. I cannot wait to see everyone this fall on The STARS Tour!”   Named after her third studio album, Stars, released last fall via Capitol Christian Music Group, the tour continues a major season for Wilson. In April, she performed the national anthem for NASA's launch of the Artemis II mission at Kennedy Space Center — NASA's first crewed mission to the moon in more than 50 years. Watch Wilson's performance here.   For Wilson, the moment marked a full-circle milestone. Before music, she dreamed of becoming an astronaut, a childhood fascination that later helped inspire Stars and its title track, where she sings, “thought I'd be an astronaut, land on the moon, but life happens fast and I grew up too soon.”    Earlier this year, Wilson released a reimagined version of “Still Do” with country superstar Cole Swindell, offering a fresh take on a fan favorite from Stars. She is also set to perform as a nominee for Female Artist of the Year at this year's K-LOVE Fan Awards and recently announced her third book, “Rebel: Following Jesus When the World Walks the Other Way,” set for release on June 9. Following the success of her debut book, “My Jesus,” and the K-LOVE Fan Award nominated “Hey Girl” 40-day devotional, Wilson's latest work is a rally cry for a generation to live an authentic, countercultural and rebellious faith.   With over 2 billion career streams, Wilson continues to cement herself as “one of contemporary Christian music's most dynamic trailblazers" (People). Building on the success of a GRAMMY nomination, multiple Dove Award wins and recognition from Spotify, CMT, Billboard and more, Wilson's next chapter promises to shine even brighter. Stay up to date at annewilsonofficial.com and keep up with her on Instagram, TikTok and YouTube.   The STARS Tour fall 2026 dates: Sept. 10, 2026 in Portland, Ore. at Arlene Schnitzer Concert Hall * Sept. 11, 2026 in Spokane, Wash. at Fox Theater * Sept. 12, 2026 in Tacoma, Wash. at Pantages Theater * Sept. 15, 2026 in Colorado Springs, Colo. at Pikes Peak Center * Sept. 17, 2026 in Tulsa, Okla. at Mabee Center * Sept. 18, 2026 in Kansas City, Mo. at The Midland Theatre * Sept. 19, 2026 in Springfield, Mo. at Spence Chapel Auditorium at Evangel University * Sept. 23, 2026 in Roanoke, Va. at Berglund Performing Arts Theatre * Sept. 24, 2026 in Baltimore, Md. at Lyric Baltimore * Sept. 26, 2026 in Virginia Beach, Va. at The Dome by Rutter Mills * Sept. 30, 2026 in Houston, Texas at Bayou Music Center * Oct. 1, 2026 in Grand Prairie, Texas at Texas Trust CU Theatre at Grand Prairie * Oct. 2, 2026 in Oklahoma City, Okla. at The Criterion * Oct. 9, 2026 in Birmingham, Ala. at BJCC Concert Hall ~ Oct. 11, 2026 in Augusta, Ga. at Bell Auditorium ~ Oct. 22, 2026 in Omaha, Neb. at Peter Kiewit Concert Hall at The Holland Performing Arts Center ~ Oct. 23, 2026 in Peoria, Ill. at Prairie Home Alliance Theater ~ Oct. 24, 2026 in Davenport, Iowa at Capitol Theatre ~ Nov. 5, 2026 in Las Vegas, Nev. at The Smith Center ~ Nov. 6, 2026 in Riverside, Calif. at Fox Performing Arts Center ~ Nov. 7, 2026 in Tucson, Ariz. at Linda Ronstadt Music Hall ~ Nov. 9, 2026 in San Diego, Calif. at San Diego Civic Theatre ~ Nov. 12, 2026 in Bakersfield, Calif. at Dignity Health Theater ~ Nov. 13, 2026 in Sacramento, Calif. at SAFE Credit Union Performing Arts Center ~ Nov. 14, 2026 in Redding, Calif. at Redding Civic Auditorium ~   * with Aodhán King ~ with Peter Burton

ABOUT ANNE WILSON: Anne Wilson makes music where faith and country meet, a rare space where honesty, grief and hope live side by side. At just 24, she has already crossed the 2 billion streams milestone and emerged as one of the most distinctive new voices in both Christian and country music. Long before stepping onto a stage, Wilson dreamed of becoming an astronaut — a curiosity and sense of wonder that still shapes how she sees the world today.   Stars threads together themes of grief, growth, maturity and wonder, carried by Wilson's soaring vocals and country-pop production. From the wide-eyed imagery of the title track to the raw prayer of “Carry Me” and the redemption arc of “Dead in the Water,” the album reflects both the hardship of loss and the joy of new perspective.   Alongside the album, Wilson will deliver her new music to fans in person on The STARS Tour throughout 2026. She will also release her third book, “Rebel: Following Jesus When the World Walks the Other Way,” on June 9, which is poised to serve as a rally cry for a generation to live an authentic, countercultural and rebellious faith.    Anne Wilson is still becoming, still wrestling and still rejoicing — but Stars proves she's shining brighter not in spite of the struggle, but because of it.

ABOUT PETER BURTON: Peter Burton is a California-based singer-songwriter and worship leader whose songs seek to lead people to hope. His music tells the story of challenges that come with the human experience, instantly creating a sense of familiarity and pointing listeners to the faithfulness of God through lyric and melody. His debut single, “Where Would I Be,” reached #1 on Christian radio. Burton has been around the professional music industry for years, touring nationally and opening for artists like Matthew West, as well as joining Anne Wilson on her The STARS Tour. Now stepping into solo artistry, he introduces his energetic, hope-filled sound with clarity and conviction.

ABOUT AODHÁN KING: Aodhán King is a singer, songwriter, and worship leader from Sydney, Australia, now based in Los Angeles. He first gained international recognition as a member of the twice GRAMMY-nominated band Hillsong Young & Free, whose music has amassed more than 1.2 billion streams in North America and produced eight #1 singles.   As a songwriter and collaborator, Aodhán has contributed to songs recorded by leading artists across contemporary Christian and pop music, including Hillsong UNITED, Hillsong Worship, Cody Carnes, Benjamin William Hastings, Elevation Worship and LANY.   In 2024, Aodhán released his debut solo album, Beyond Us, followed by additional releases and collaborations with artists including Bethel Music, Abbie Gamboa, Anna Golden, Joel Houston, CXMXNS and Benjamin William Hastings.

Book Nook - Charts for Babies and Am I Overthinking This?

I'm a math teacher and I love it when people make math more mainstream. Charts and graphics are a great way to do that - and they can be introduced at any age. Young kids can start to understand visuals that make sense of the world around them, and there are plenty of places to find humorous pie charts and graphs that can entertain even the most math-phobic adults.

I recently had the chance to review a copy of Charts for Babies, a book I enjoyed so much that I had to check out the author's other chart-based work, Am I Overthinking This?

Both books are enjoyable reads. Charts for babies introduces young kids to the idea that visual aids can make sense of the world around us, and sometimes a picture really does say a thousand words. For slightly older kids, the charts can be a great jumping-off point into fun, low-pressure discussions about how we view the world.

The illustrations are engaging and clear, with a charming hand-drawn style that is whimsical and fun. Whether or not you like math, I encourage you to check out both books!

Music Minute - Makenzie Phipps: Won't Be Here Forever

Makenzie Phipps’ new single, “Won’t Be Here Forever,” is a heartfelt tribute to her mother, Angel. Written by Makenzie in honor of her mom, the song beautifully captures the importance of cherishing the moments and relationships that mean the most to us. While its release during Mother’s Day weekend makes the message especially meaningful, “Won’t Be Here Forever” is a touching reminder to appreciate loved ones year-round, though listeners may still want to keep a tissue nearby. “Won’t Be Here Forever” was premiered on Coffee, Country, & Cody on 650AM WSM and digitally by American Country Network.

To purchase/stream: hypeddit.com/makenziephipps/wontbehereforever 

“I am so fortunate that I still have mine. Just the thought of my mother not being here takes my breath away,” says Makenzie. “She’s my biggest fan, supporter, confidante, and friend. I feel this song speaks to everyone year-round, but the fact that it’s being released during Mother’s Day weekend makes it even more special. I love you, Mom!”

As excitement builds around the release of “Won’t Be Here Forever,” Makenzie is also celebrating another special milestone with the launch of her new “Makenzie Phipps’ Spotlight Collection by JTV.“

Makenzie has officially partnered with JTV® (Jewelry Television) following a special connection that began after she was spotted at a Nashville event. Ahead of her wedding, Phipps was surprised with beautiful jewelry pieces from JTV, including a meaningful turquoise cross that was secretly blessed by guests during her wedding celebration. The piece quickly became even more special when Makenzie wore it on stage during her performance on NBC’s The Voice. As part of the new partnership, JTV has launched the “Makenzie Phipps’ Spotlight Collection by JTV,” featuring jewelry personally selected by Makenzie along with additional curated pieces reflecting her unique style, personality, and love for timeless elegance. For more information, visit HERE. 

“We’re thrilled to be partnering with Makenzie,” said JTV Host Kristen Keech. “She is such an incredible vocalist, and when she wore JTV’s turquoise cross during her debut on The Voice, everyone at Jewelry Television was beyond excited! I loved having her visit our JTV Studios, where we had so much fun styling her in some of our signature collections, like Southwest Style, Bella Luce, Off Park, Charles Winston, and more. Her authentic country style is so all-American and pairs beautifully with these collections. We think it’s a great collab that showcases Makenzie’s rising music career and JTV’s signature sparkle.” 

Makenzie Phipps Show Schedule:
MAY 08 - Long Way Brewing / Radford, Va.
MAY 09 - Phat Patty's Bar & Grill / Lebanon, Va.
MAY 12 - Margaritaville Restaurant Nashville / Nashville, Tenn.
MAY 16 - Margaritaville Restaurant Nashville / Nashville, Tenn.
MAY 19 - Margaritaville Restaurant Nashville / Nashville, Tenn.
MAY 23 - Fincastle / Bluefield, Va.
MAY 24 - Mountain 2 Island at the Rock House Marina / Pulaski, Va.
MAY 26 - Margaritaville Restaurant Nashville / Nashville, Tenn.
MAY 27 - Ole Red / Nashville, Tenn.
MAY 29 - Margaritaville Restaurant Nashville / Nashville, Tenn.
MAY 31 - Beachaven Vineyards & Winery / Clarksville, Tenn.
JUN 06 - Pearisburg Festival / Pearisburg, Va.
JUN 21 - Beachaven Vineyards & Winery / Clarksville, Tenn.
JUN 27 - Water Ways Amphitheater / Julian, W. Va.
JUN 28 - Mountain 2 Island at the Rock House Marina / Pulaski, Va.
JUL 11 - The Tap Bar & Grill / Jackson, Tenn.
JUL 19 - Beachaven Vineyards & Winery / Clarksville, Tenn.
JUL 24 - Evening Shade / Tazewell, Va.
JUL 25 - Main Street Moments / Tazewell, Va.

For more information, visit makenziephipps.com.  

About Makenzie Phipps:
Hailing from Bluefield, Virginia, Makenzie Phipps has captivated audiences across the country, from performing the National Anthem at sporting events to gracing fairs, festivals, and television with her unmistakably authentic country voice. Her renditions of “Amazing Grace” and “I Want To Stroll Over Heaven With You” have garnered nearly four million views. Makenzie has been featured by major outlets, including Forbes, Taste of Country, RFD-TV, People.com, American Songwriter, and Newsmax, and maintains a close connection with her fans through an active social media presence, which is quickly approaching one hundred thousand followers and growing. Phipps has won several industry awards, was a contestant on Season 28 of ‘The Voice’ on Team Snoop Dogg, and she will be releasing new music throughout the year. 

For more, visit makenziephipps.com.

About JTV®
Headquartered in Knoxville, Tennessee, JTV® (Jewelry Television) is one of the largest jewelry retailers in the United States, with more than 30 years of experience bringing fine jewelry, gemstones, and fashion accessories to millions of customers. Through its omni-channel strategy, JTV connects with audiences via 24/7 live TV programming reaching approximately 60 million U.S. and Canadian households, an industry-leading e-commerce platform (JTV.com), and a dynamic social media presence. Committed to education and exceptional customer service, JTV employs numerous Graduate Gemologists and Accredited Jewelry Professionals.

For more information, visit JTV.com and follow JTV on Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, X, and LinkedIn.

Book Nook - Forgotten Wisdom Books

I recently had a chance to see the series of Forgotten Wisdom Books. Promising life lessons from a former Marine and retired teacher, these books definitely feel like grandpa sharing what he's learned over the course of his life.

The books focus on lessons like confidence, grit, and responsibility. Sometimes they come across as a little old school, with a blunt, tell-it-like-it-is tone, but they're good for opening up discussions on how things like confidence can show up in real life. Set in the context of grandparents and parents sharing lessons with kids based on real-life situations they encounter, the books have a familiar feel and bold illustrations to highlight the lessons learned. Bonus - each book comes with a patch to help remind readers of the story's main point. (And there's a flag to be found on every page, so it adds a fun little seek-and-find element to the story.

Stephen Clifford is the author of the Forgotten Wisdom Books children’s series, including Nothing Changes If Nothing Changes, Bring Your Own Grit, No One Stands Taller Than You, Stop Existing and Start Living, and Fear Is a Choice. He is also a speaker who presents at elementary schools, middle schools, and youth programs across the United States, alongside his seventeen-year career in digital advertising within the sports publishing and technology industries. He holds a B.A. in Communications from the University of Hartford. 

Stephen lives in New Jersey with his family. When he’s not writing or working, he can usually be found coaching youth sports, running around town, training in MMA and judo, or cheering from the sidelines at his kids’ games. 

Learn more by visiting forgottenwisdombooks.com or following @forgottenwisdombooks.

Parenting Pointers - Vintage Baby Name Popularity

Charlotte is the most popular vintage baby girl name from 1925 in America today. Meanwhile, for parents looking for ultra-rare historic baby names, century-old names such as Willie, Phyllis and Myrtle have almost disappeared entirely in the USA today.

Experts at Chicksx.com examined US Social Security Administration (SSA) data on the top 100 baby girl names in America in 1925 and compared them with newly released SSA data on baby girl names in 2025, to discover which of these century-old baby girl names are most and least popular today. 

Top 10 most popular 100-year-old baby girl names in America today

1). Charlotte (13,400 baby girls)

Charlotte is the most popular 100-year-old baby girl name in America today, with 13,400 baby girls given the name in 2025 — more than any other vintage baby girl name on the list. Charlotte is the feminine French form of Charles and comes from Germanic origins meaning ‘free woman’. The elegant royal name was already fashionable in the 1920s thanks to its aristocratic European associations, and has surged again in recent years partly due to Princess Charlotte, daughter of Prince William and Catherine, Princess of Wales.

2). Emma (12,754 baby girls)

Emma is the second most popular 100-year-old baby girl name in the USA today, with 12,754 baby girls given the name in 2025. Emma comes from Germanic origins meaning ‘universal’ or ‘whole’, helping give the classic name its broad and timeless appeal.

3). Evelyn (9,123 baby girls)

Evelyn is the third most popular 100-year-old baby girl name in America today, with 9,123 baby girls given the name in 2025. Evelyn is believed to derive from the Norman French name Aveline and is often associated with meanings such as ‘desired’ or ‘wished for child’.

4). Eleanor (7,649 baby girls)

Eleanor is fourth on the list of most popular 100-year-old baby girl names in the USA today, with 7,649 baby girls given the name in 2025. Eleanor likely derives from the Old French name Aliénor and is often associated with meanings such as ‘bright’ and ‘shining one’, fitting its historic royal image.

5). Violet (7,546 baby girls)

Violet is the fifth most popular 100-year-old baby girl name in the USA today, with 7,546 baby girls given the name in 2025. Derived from the purple flower of the same name, Violet is associated with beauty, modesty and nature-inspired elegance.

6). Elizabeth (6,760 baby girls)

Elizabeth is the sixth most popular 100-year-old baby girl name in America today, with 6,760 baby girls given the name in 2025. Elizabeth comes from Hebrew origins meaning “God is my oath” and has long been associated with royalty, most famously Queen Elizabeth II. Its regal history, biblical roots and timeless elegance have helped keep the classic name consistently popular across generations.

7). Hazel (6,318 baby girls)

Hazel is the seventh most popular 100-year-old baby girl name in the USA today, with 6,318 baby girls given the name in 2025. Derived from the hazel tree, the nature-inspired name is associated with wisdom, protection and earthy beauty, helping fuel its modern revival among parents seeking soft vintage names.

8). Ella (5,831 baby girls)

Ella is the eighth most popular 100-year-old baby girl name in America today, with 5,831 baby girls given the name in 2025. Ella has Germanic origins meaning “all” or “completely” and has remained popular thanks to its short, melodic sound and classic simplicity.

9). Grace (5,127 baby girls)

Grace is the ninth most popular 100-year-old baby girl name in the USA today, with 5,127 baby girls given the name in 2025. Derived from the Latin ‘gratia’, meaning grace or goodness, the elegant classic name has strong religious and virtuous associations that have helped maintain its enduring appeal.

10). Josephine (4,126 baby girls)

Josephine rounds out the top ten most popular 100-year-old baby girl names in America today, with 4,126 baby girls given the name in 2025. Josephine is the feminine form of Joseph and comes from Hebrew origins meaning “God will increase”, giving the sophisticated vintage name both historical depth and timeless charm.

 

Top 10 rarest 100-year-old baby girl names in America today

1). Willie (0 baby girls)

Willie is the rarest 100-year-old baby girl name in the USA today, with zero baby girls given the name in 2025. Willie is traditionally considered a diminutive of Wilhelmina or Willa and has Germanic roots meaning “resolute protector” or “will-helmet”. Derived from the elements wil (“desire” or “will”) and helm (“helmet” or “protector”), the vintage name carries associations of strength and dependability. Once used as a charming, softer alternative to the more formal Wilhelmina, Willie was a familiar American girls’ name in the early 20th century but has now almost entirely disappeared from use.

2). Phyllis (7 baby girls)

Phyllis is the second rarest 100-year-old baby girl name in America today, with just seven baby girls given the name in 2025. Phyllis comes from Greek origins meaning ‘green bough’ or ‘foliage’, giving the rare vintage name a subtle connection to nature and renewal.

3). Myrtle (8 baby girls)

Myrtle is the third rarest 100-year-old baby girl name in the USA today, with eight baby girls given the name in 2025. Myrtle is derived from the flowering myrtle plant, which traditionally symbolises love, peace and prosperity.

4). Bessie (16 baby girls)

Bessie is the fourth rarest 100-year-old baby girl name in America today, with 16 baby girls given the name in 2025. Bessie is traditionally used as a diminutive of Elizabeth, which comes from Hebrew origins meaning “God is my oath”, giving the sweet vintage nickname a strong biblical and historic foundation.

5). Gertrude and Margie (17 baby girls)

Gertrude and Margie are tied as the fifth rarest 100-year-old baby girl names in the USA today, with 17 baby girls each given the names in 2025.

Gertrude comes from Germanic origins meaning “spear” and “strength”, giving the historic name powerful warrior-like roots.

Margie is often used as a diminutive of Margaret and ultimately derives from Greek origins meaning “pearl”. 

6). Wanda (20 baby girls)

Wanda is the sixth rarest 100-year-old baby girl name in America today, with 20 baby girls given the name in 2025. Wanda is often linked to Slavic origins and has been associated with meanings such as “wanderer” or “of the Wend tribe”, giving the name a distinctive old-world feel.

7). Thelma (29 baby girls)

Thelma is the seventh rarest 100-year-old baby girl name in the USA today, with 29 baby girls given the name in 2025. Thelma is believed to have been popularised as a literary name and is often associated with meanings such as “will” or “volition”, giving it a quietly strong and determined quality.

8). Bertha and Jeanne (30 baby girls)

Bertha and Jeanne are tied as the eighth rarest 100-year-old baby girl names in America today, with 30 baby girls each given the names in 2025.

Bertha is a traditional Germanic name meaning “bright” or “famous”, and was once widely associated with strength and respectability in early 20th century America.

Jeanne is the French form of Jane and means “God is gracious”, giving the elegant vintage name both European sophistication and religious roots.

9). Ethel (34 baby girls)

Ethel is the ninth rarest 100-year-old baby girl name in the USA today, with 34 baby girls given the name in 2025. Derived from Old English origins meaning “noble”, Ethel was once considered a sophisticated and upper-class name during the late Victorian and early 20th century eras.

10). Bernice (35 baby girls)

Bernice is the tenth rarest 100-year-old baby girl name in America today, with 35 baby girls given the name in 2025. The name comes from Greek origins meaning “bringing victory” and was especially popular in the early 20th century before gradually falling out of fashion.

Al Alof, CEO of Chicksx.com, commented:

“Vintage baby names have a remarkable ability to feel both nostalgic and modern at the same time, which is why so many century-old names continue to resonate with American parents today. Names like Charlotte, Emma and Evelyn have stood the test of time because they carry a sense of elegance, familiarity and sophistication that never truly goes out of style.

Charlotte in particular has become one of the defining vintage names of this generation. Its royal associations, both historic and modern, give it a timeless prestige that many parents find appealing. Princess Charlotte has also helped introduce the name to a new generation of parents looking for names that feel classic, graceful and refined.

It is also fascinating to see how some once-common names have almost vanished from use entirely. While names such as Myrtle and Phyllis were staples of the 1920s, they are now exceptionally rare choices that could appeal to parents searching for something truly distinctive and uncommon. As modern baby naming trends become increasingly crowded with similar-sounding names, many parents are beginning to appreciate forgotten vintage names because they offer individuality, history and character.

Names like Myrtle and Phyllis carry a strong sense of old-world charm and could be perfect for families wanting a rare name that still has genuine historical roots and personality.”

Post courtesy https://chicksx.com/ 

Methodology: The statistical release on the top 100 baby girl names (1925) from The US Social Security Administration (SSA) was analysed and compared to the latest SSA statistical release on baby girl names (2025) to discover which of the top 100 baby girl names from 1925 were the most and least popular in 2025. 

Source: https://www.ssa.gov/oact/babynames/