The Well-Named Podcast

Begging Your Pardon

Dori and Kristen return from a little break with a guest who is one of only 13 women in the US with her first name! Also, the Social Security Administration's official baby name list for 2025 gets the once-over, and Dori hears a name 'in the wild' (well, on a cruise ship).

Stuck in the Middle

Dori and Kristen celebrate Middle Name Pride Day with a look at why we even have them, and how they came to be. They also dig into the origins of some classic band names and some US state names, while Kristen basks in the afterglow of her life-changing fist bump with dreamy rocker Chris Isaak!

Severance Speaks

Meet Severance, a woman with a name so unique that it's everywhere! Also, the Super Bowl and the Winter Olympics inspire Dori and Kristen to take a run at sports names, and Dori's son discovers a new name in the wild. (Don't miss the special nod to "Gone with the Wind"!)

First Names First

Happy New Year! Are you a January 1st baby, or do you know one? Dori and Kristen kick off Season 2 with a sampling of names given to the first babies of 2026 around the US, and last year's top names in New Zealand. Dori shares a story about a little girl who has named herself, and Kristen recounts the day she laid down the law about her own name.

Jack's Birthday Cake

It's a season to celebrate as Kristen welcomes a new grandson! As usual, there's a fun story associated with the baby's name. Another name heard 'in the wild' sparks a discussion of hippie names, and Dori discovers a list of archaic words that just might inspire a name or two.