It’s a boy for pop singer Shakira and her boyfriend, Barcelona soccer player Gerard Piqué, and they chose a place name—Milan—for his first name. (His full name is Milan Piqué Mebarak, with his surname and hers filling the middle and surname spots.)
Milan is a city in Italy, famed for its fashion industry. According to a statement on Shakira’s website, “The name Milan (pronounced MEE-lahn), means dear, loving and gracious in Slavic; in Ancient Roman, eager and laborious; and in Sanskrit, unification.”
Milan is a slightly offbeat baby name choice. In the U.S., Milan is more commonly used as a girl’s name—it ranks in the top 600 girls’ names, while it hasn’t hit the top 1000 boys’ names since 1955. But given the popularity of city and place names for boys and girls (we’re talking London, Brooklyn, Camden and Roman), perhaps Shakira’s new son can help lift Milan into popularity here. Keep in mind, though, that if you’re a jet setter, you’ll find plenty of Milans in your travels throughout Europe, especially in countries like Hungary and Croatia, and even into the Netherlands. (It’s also pretty popular in India, thanks to its lovely meaning in Hindi.)
It’d be a nice alternative to names like Mason and Miles—as it has a slightly more exotic, cosmoplitan vibe.
What do you think of Shakira’s son’s name? Is it one you’d consider for your son (or even your daughter)?
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Photo: Shakira by vipflash / Shutterstock.com