My boyfriend and I have already decided on using Kiersarge as a middle name for a boy in the future. The idea came from a ship my father was on for multiple deployments, so it has a lot of sentimental and familial meaning. Now I’m curious to hear what other people think of Kiersarge as a name! The original spelling is Kearsarge, but we’re using a different spelling just for asthetic. It means highest peak/ highest point in a few different Native American tribes, and is the name of mountain in [name_m]New[/name_m] Hampshire, along with the ship mentioned earlier and a town in [name_u]California[/name_u].
I love, love, love the sentimental and nature connection, and I would imagine that a kid would think it’s super cool to be named after a ship.
Sound-wise, I don’t love it…the “sarge” part makes me think of “[name_m]Sarge[/name_m]” (as in sergeant) or “barge.” But paired with a more traditional first name that’s not too heavy, Kiersarge/Kearsarge could make an unexpected, fun middle.
Since you’re keeping it in the middle, why not use the original spelling? I think it reads as the same pronunciation. That way it feels less like a made-up name and more like an honor name.
I thought about the spelling as well. The alternative actually stems from me misspelling it a few times when my father was on the ship. I was kinda fifty-fifty so I let my boyfriend decide. I chose [name_m]Holden[/name_m] for the first name, since it’s also related to my family and it’s in the top 300, so interesting but not too uncommon.
I think it’s acceptable in the middle.
Which tribes? In what language(s)? I would double check that information. Otherwise, I think it’s fine in the middle, although it does remind me of corsage.
I think it’s is a really interesting and sentimental choice for a middle name. In my opinion, though, the original spelling tells a much more interesting story, and preserves the link to nature/the ship better.
I think [name_m]Holden[/name_m] is a great choice paired with this middle. Sounds like you have a great name lined up for your little one!
(PS: to the pp who was also interested in its origins, I googled and came up with this. It’s a very anglicized spelling/version of what is believed to be the original local name for the mountain https://www.nhstateparks.org/uploads/pdf/MtKearsargeHistory_Web.pdf)
@halloween_jacqueline: Thank you!