Year of the M, as in Michelle and Mia and...

Charles Dharapak, Associated Press - Ap

Michelle Obama

Coincidence? The popularity of baby names beginning in "M" coincides with the future First Lady's increasing public presence.

By GAIL ROSENBLUM, Star Tribune

Last update: December 28, 2008 - 6:39 PM

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When it comes to names, every year has its baby bump. Or, more accurately, says Liz Zack, editor of Parents.com, "forces" that bump certain names up or down. Parents draw inspiration from celebrities, nature, a booming economy (Tiffany, Mercedes) or a return to simple pleasures (Daisy).

One force leading into 2009 seems to be a celebrity of a different kind: Michelle Obama. At least six female names beginning with "M" were among the top names of 2008, Zack says: Michelle, Madison, Madeline, MaKayla, Mia and MacKenzie. She predicts it will continue.

Other hot trends for '09:

Celebrities: Isabella is still a favorite, having been chosen recently by Matt Damon and Drew Lachey. Britney Spears' troubles don't seem to have had a trickle-down effect on her younger son, Jadyn James. Jadyn was the No. 2 baby name of 2008; James was No. 7. The popular vampire flick "Twilight" birthed Edward and Bella.

Places: Posh and David Beckham started the trend with son Brooklyn. Gwen Stefani and Ashlee Simpson ended 2008 with sons Zuma (California beach) and Bronx, respectively.

Nature: Parents are going back to simplicity: River, Clay, Sky, Daisy, Lily.

Strong names: A return to names that sound presidential -- William, Robert, James. No creative spellings, she says -- "names that, frankly, will look good on a résumé."

Assuming anyone wants to see that résumé.

"A name is something you have 100 percent control over," Zack says, "even in times of a lot of financial constraints."