NameSpire

Editors' ReviewDownload.com staffFebruary 9, 2005This program offers plenty of ways to research names even though its information has not been updated since 2003. Using the program's Namealyze feature, users can customize a search using gender, syllables, vowels, consonants, length, origin, and meaning options, or search through names one by one. Similar programs include a standard search for the most popular names in a given year, but this program's Popularity tab goes beyond the basics and offers many unique search functions including names that have declined in popularity each year or largest year-to-year gain in popularity. With more than 4,700 names in the database, the well-designed and friendly interface makes the name-search process fun. NameSpire includes an optional Tips window at start-up but lacks the ability to print results. Strangely enough, the program cannot be uninstalled directly from the Start menu, though you can remove it via the Control Panel. The fully-functional seven-day trial is enough to gives expectant-parents a feel for its value.