Eldey

Icelandic, "fire island"

(Imagine this went up on the 2nd of July as it was supposed to 😳)

A fiery Icelandic choice, Eldey is also the name of a small, rocky island off the southwest coast of the country. Its sheer cliffs are now home to one of largest colonies of Northern gannets, however it is also known for being home to the last family of flightless great auks, who were hunted to extinction in the 19th-century.

The species was completely killed off after sailors discovered the last incubating pair in 1844, strangled the adults to get the egg, which was then cracked in the process.

This might not sound like the best association for a name, but nevertheless, it may appeal to environmentally conscious parents, bird watchers, and those looking for something with a fire inspired meaning. Ultimately derived from Old Norse, it means "fire island", in reference to its location on a volcanic ridge.

Pronounced as EHL-tay, it was first approved as a name in 2008, and has been used as a given and middle name ever since.