With baby naming becoming a competitive sport in Hollywood, what are the best and worst star baby names of the past year? Here, according to Linda Rosenkrantz and
Pamela Redmond Satran, authors of “The Baby Name Bible,” are the most inspiring
and most horrifying baby names chosen by celebrities in 2007.

THE BEST

FRANCES PEN — Amanda Peet
Proof that not all celebrities go for the attention-grabbing name, Frances is a quiet, gently frayed classic that deserves rejuvenation. And Pen, after Peet’s mother Penny, is an example of a fresh, creative way to honor a family member.

ORSON — Lauren Ambrose
The flame-haired Six Feet Under star picks up on what seems to be a new Hollywood tradition of naming babies after screen greats of yore, in this case the magnificent Orson Welles.

STORY ELIAS — Jenna Elfman
Story is an unapologetically modern word name, with no history beyond the ancient tradition of spinning engaging tales. But the biblical Elias balances Story’s newfangled charm.

THE HENRYS — Julia Roberts, Rachel Weisz, Heidi Klum & Seal
Is Henry the name of the year? Julia Roberts chose it for her newborn son, along with a diverse group of other celebrities in recent months, ranging from Heidi Klum and Seal to White Striper Jack White to Rachel Weisz. Ever since the birth of the British prince in the early ’80s, parents have been giving Henry another look. But while the name is rising through the popularity ranks, it’s so classic it could never be called trendy, and is a solid, attractive choice.

AND THE WORST

PTOLEMY — Gretchen Mol
An example of “trying too hard to be cool by flaunting your arcane knowledge” by picking the unpronounceable name of an ancient Greek scientist. You’ve got to wonder how many times poor Ptolemy will have to explain that the “P” is silent before he drops the name in favor of his middle name, John.

KING JUSTICE — Jaceon (The Game) Taylor
Certain celebrities have taken the idea of show biz royalty and aristocracy way too literally. Now King Justice Taylor can lord it over Princes Michael Jackson I and II, Princess Tiaamii Andre, Barron Trump, Duke Keaton and Count and Countess Bonaduce, whenever he decrees a regal play date.

CASH — Annabeth Gish
There’s been a lot of talk about parents these days wanting to brand their babies, some going so far as to tag them with luxury labels, such as Lexus, Armani, Chanel and Chardonnay. But nothing beats cold Cash.