Place Names for Babies

After Dallas, Austin, and Houston, the new cowboy on the block. Old-school Western nickname: Tex.

Now deeply associated with the gemstone Lapis Lazuli, Lazuli is derived from one of the places where the stone was first mined. The word Lazuli is the root for words like azure. Lapis Lazuli is a deep and rich blue color and was used for pigments and jewellery.

Anatolian city visited by Paul in the Bible, though risks sounding a tad antiseptic.

An attractive surname, but also the name of a popular cookie.

Kashmir is a masculine name derived from the famous region that spans parts of India, Pakistan, and China. The geographical name Kashmir itself may come from Sanskrit, possibly meaning 'desiccated land' or 'land of Kashyapa,' a sage in Hindu tradition. The name gained some recognition in Western culture through Led Zeppelin's 1975 song 'Kashmir.' As a given name, Kashmir carries exotic appeal and evokes images of the region's renowned natural beauty, distinctive culture, and luxurious textiles. While uncommon as a personal name worldwide, it has seen occasional use among parents seeking a distinctive name with geographic significance and musical associations. The name carries a mystical quality while remaining relatively straightforward to pronounce in many languages.

Among the least gimmicky, most appealing and colorful of all the names found in the atlas, Jamaica almost sings out the rhythms of the West Indies.

Elgin is a masculine name with Scottish origins, derived from a place name in Moray, Scotland. The etymology likely stems from Gaelic, possibly meaning 'noble' or 'high-spirited.' Historically, Elgin gained recognition through the prestigious Elgin Marbles and the distinguished Elgin watches, lending the name associations with quality and heritage. As a personal name, Elgin saw modest popularity in the United States during the early 20th century, peaking between 1890-1930. While never extremely common, it has maintained steady if limited usage, appreciated for its distinguished sound and Scottish connections. The name carries a refined, somewhat aristocratic quality while remaining accessible, appealing to parents seeking a name with historical depth and a touch of uniqueness.

Also a city near Tel Aviv, Hadar is a name found primarily in Israel. There is also a citrus fruit associated with the holiday of Sukkat the Torah calls the "hadar fruit".

This country name has come into steady use for girls in recent decades, and it's occasionally given to boys too. With interest in other -land names like Leland and Roland, we can see this patriotic heritage choice becoming more gender-balanced.

A Greek island and popular summer destination, Paros received its name after Parus, a son of the Arcadian king Parrhasius.

Fashionably Continental and much fresher than Dominique, though it's been used since the Middle Ages. Dominica can be spelled any number of ways, from Dominika to Domenica, but we prefer this version.

Alaska's second most populous city makes a baby name with a preppy, even aristocratic, flavor.

Now deeply associated with the gemstone Lapis Lazuli, Lazuli is derived from one of the places where the stone was first mined. The word Lazuli is the root for words like azure. Lapis Lazuli is a deep and rich blue color and was used for pigments and jewellery. Lazuli can be used for a boy or a girl.

With the fashions for tree names, place names, and nickname names, Derry is a three-way winner.

The name of the resort city on Spain's Costa del Sol is pronounced mar-BAY-a, setting it apart from the bella-name competition -- though many English speakers won't realize that. And it probably doesn't matter unless you pointedly want to reference the place via your daughter's name. Marbella, with the Ls pronounced, is a pretty choice given to about 100 baby girls each year.

Similar in style to Ripley and Murphy, Ramsey is a Scottish and English surname, borrowed from a place name meaning "garlic island", likely due to the the growth of wild garlic in the area. Associated with chef Gordon Ramsey and actor Bella Ramsey, it was chosen for around 90 boys and 70 girls in the US in a recent year.

The name of the capital city of ancient Syria, an important centre in early Christianity. Its founder Seleucus I Nictor named it after his father, Antiochus. Antiochus was the name of several early rulers and saints, including the patron saint of Sardinia.

Charleston is one of those baby names that may become more popular thanks to its nickname Charlie, now used about equally for boys and girls. If you want to call your daughter Charlie but believe she needs a more formal name, you might try Charleston instead of Charlotte. And Charleston is a lovely city in South Carolina.

The evocative name of one of our most beautiful national parks -- yes, but also the bombastic cartoon character, Yosemite Sam.