We all have those names nestled deep in our souls — the names we thought we’d use, but for whatever reason, didn’t, or won’t. This is a place to share them, if you want, or honor them as little names that, while never used by you, are nonetheless loved. Use them if you want, share your own for others to enjoy as much as you do in your heart, or just wave to them from the shore, like Cheryl Strayed’s ghost ships, saying them one final time before we let them go.

Micah: Boy names are hard as it is — so it’s extra hard to wave a fond farewell to this one. You are a quiet name, gentle, with a twinkle of an eye, like the shiny stones with a similar name.  Micah, Micah, Micah.

Phoebe: Phoebs! I never watched Friends growing up, so for me this name was never connected to the show at all. I just loved it. I am an unashamed lover of all bird-names, and I’ll always be a little sad there’s not a little Phoebe in my life. Phoebe, Phoebe, Phoebe.

Prudence: Really, all of those virtue names that sound like they’re from the Mayflower’s passenger list are right up my alley; Pru, Patience, Mercy — I bid you all adieu. Prudence, Prudence, Prudence.

Juliet: Juliet, you most romantic, literary name! A mix of sporty Julie and lovely Julia, you are so sweet. Juliet, Juliet, Juliet.

Malcolm: Mal, you’re a boyish name with good roots. Malcolm, Malcolm, Malcolm.

Birdie: I wasn’t kidding when I said I’m a sucker for bird names, and Birdie has always been a personal favorite, because of its so-very-literal! Bird-ness, and for the sweetness it implies without, in my opinion, being childish. Perhaps this is because nearly every Birdie I know is an adult, and usually an elderly one.  Birdie, Birdie, Birdie.

Robin (for a boy): Yes, another bird name. Robin, you are a sweet, nature-centric name for a boy in a world of names often meant to involve ideas about what a man should be. Robin though, is kind, a frolicker in the Hundred Acre Woods, a dreamer, a lover of animals. Robin, Robin, Robin.

Marigold: Oh Marigold, my sweetest name of all. I saved this for so long, hoping to use it, but it never happened. May you be the most brilliantly gold sunshine of a name to someone looking for just the right one. Marigold, Marigold, Marigold.

What names will you send off into the world to seek its fortune here?