Miss Peregrine's Peculiar Children Names

  1. Ollie
    • Origin:

      Diminutive of Oliver, Latin
    • Meaning:

      "olive tree"
    • Description:

      Down-home nickname name once associated with the friendly dragon on kids' TV. As Oliver rises, we may well hear more Ollies.
  2. Addison
    • Origin:

      English
    • Meaning:

      "son of Adam"
    • Description:

      Despite its origin as a patronymic meaning "son of Adam", Addison really caught on for baby girls in the US around the turn of the millennium, following in Madison's footsteps to peak at #11 in 2007 and again in 2010.
  3. Enoch
    • Origin:

      Hebrew
    • Meaning:

      "dedicated"
    • Description:

      A major figure in the Old Testament, Enoch was the son of Jared, the father of Methuselah, and the great-grandfather of Noah whose Book of Enoch provides a focal point for ancient Jewish mysticism. Another Enoch was the son of Cain. "Enoch Arden" is a famous poem by Alfred, Lord Tennyson. On the negative side, British politician Enoch Powell gave the infamously racist Rivers of Blood anti-immigration speech, taking the name out of consideration for many parents in the UK.
  4. Horace
    • Origin:

      Latin clan name
    • Meaning:

      "timekeeper"
    • Description:

      The ancient name Horace sounds fustily fuddy-duddy, and yet, with the resurrection of Homer, and the new interest in old Roman names...who knows.
  5. Deirdre
    • Origin:

      Irish
    • Meaning:

      "sorrowful"
    • Description:

      Sadly, this strong Celtic name often has "of the sorrows" attached to it because of the tragic character in Irish legend. Also a bit drab when compared with newer Irish imports.
  6. Nim
    • Origin:

      Modern invented name
    • Description:

      Australian writer Wendy Orr put this name on the map with her hit Nim's Island" series of children's books, about a smart young girl who lives on an island in the South Pacific. Abigail Breslin played Nim in a 2008 film adaptation of the book.
  7. Sam
    • Origin:

      Diminutive of Samantha
    • Meaning:

      "told by God"
    • Description:

      Sam as a name standing on its own was given to only 18 girls in 2021, versus over 400 boys. But as a short form it's appealing and down-to-earth for both sexes, and heard far more often: There were over 2500 baby girls named Samantha in the US in one recent year and more than 8500 boys named Samuel, so you will hear the name Sam a lot more often than you might guess judging by the numbers for this short form. Like the wildly popular Charlie, Sam is a nickname that works equally well as a girls' name as a boys'. All forms considered, Sam is still one of the most popular names that start with S.
  8. Cuthbert
    • Origin:

      English
    • Meaning:

      "famous, brilliant"
    • Description:

      Years ago we might have said that this name was unthinkable, but with clunky, old-fashioned names being so popular right now — consider Augustus, Stanley, Wilfred, etc — what's to stop Cuthbert from becoming more wearable? Bertie is a cute (and very fashionable) nickname option for this grand old name, though Curt and Kit might work too.
  9. Ricky
    • Origin:

      English diminutive of Richard or Frederick
    • Meaning:

      "dominant ruler; peaceful ruler"
    • Description:

      Gone with Richard and Rick, Ricky has been falling since the turn of the 21st century. Probably still suffering from overuse in the 1990s.
  10. Myron
    • Origin:

      Greek
    • Meaning:

      "fragrant, an aromatic shrub, myrrh"
    • Description:

      One of many M names -- including Murray, Melvin, Morton, Milton, and Marvin -- given to first-generation Jewish boys to replace the old-fashioned Moses. Now we'd pick Moses over any of them.
  11. Millard
    • Origin:

      Latin
    • Meaning:

      "caretaker of the mill"
    • Description:

      If you're looking for a presidential first name, keep looking.
  12. Sergei
    • Origin:

      Russian variation of Sergius
    • Description:

      Common Russian name of one of that country's most beloved saints, known for his kindness and gentility.
  13. Radi
    • Description:

      Radi is a masculine name with multiple cultural origins. In Arabic contexts, Radi (رادي) means 'content' or 'satisfied,' conveying a sense of peace and fulfillment. The name also appears in Slavic languages where it relates to words meaning 'happy,' 'willing,' or 'glad.' This cross-cultural presence gives Radi a universal appeal while remaining relatively uncommon in Western countries. The name's brevity and simple pronunciation make it accessible across language boundaries, though its usage remains modest in English-speaking nations. Radi has a modern, streamlined quality that aligns with contemporary naming trends favoring shorter names. The positive connotations associated with contentment and happiness make it an uplifting choice with international resonance.

  14. Maryann
    • Origin:

      English, combination of Mary and Ann
    • Meaning:

      "drop of the sea, bitter, or beloved + grace"
    • Description:

      Combination of Mary and Ann which has been more popular than Marianne in recent years, although still below the Top 1000, after a peak in the 1940s.
  15. Hildy
    • Description:

      Hildy is a feminine name that functions primarily as a diminutive of Hildegard, a powerful Germanic name meaning "battle stronghold" or "protected in battle." This shortened form transforms the strong, traditional Hildegard into something more playful and approachable. Hildy gained some recognition through characters in popular culture, including the film "His Girl Friday." While never extremely common, it saw modest usage in the mid-20th century. The name carries a vintage charm with its bright, cheerful sound and retro feel. Hildy strikes a balance between being recognizably traditional in its roots while having a distinctive quality that sets it apart. Women named Hildy might be perceived as having spirited, independent personalities with a touch of nostalgic charm and individuality.
  16. Esmerelda
    • Origin:

      Romani variation of Esmeralda, Spanish, Portuguese
    • Meaning:

      "emerald"
    • Description:

      Probably a spelling mistake for Esmeralda.
  17. Reynaldo
    • Description:

      Reynaldo is a masculine name of Spanish and Italian origin, derived from the Germanic name Reynold or Reinhold, composed of the elements 'ragin' (advice, counsel) and 'wald' (rule, power). It essentially means 'wise ruler' or 'powerful counselor.' Reynaldo gained popularity in Spanish-speaking countries and communities, particularly through cultural diffusion in Latin America. The name has a regal, sophisticated quality while maintaining a warm, approachable feel. In the United States, Reynaldo saw modest popularity in the mid-20th century but has become less common in recent decades. Variations include Reinaldo, Rinaldo, and the shortened forms Rey or Ray.

  18. Edvard
    • Description:

      Edvard is a masculine name of Scandinavian and Eastern European origin, representing a variant of Edward. The name combines the Old English elements 'ead' meaning 'wealth' or 'fortune' and 'weard' meaning 'guardian,' thus translating to 'wealthy guardian' or 'prosperous protector.' Notable bearers include the Norwegian composer Edvard Grieg and the expressionist painter Edvard Munch, creator of 'The Scream.' While Edward remains more common in English-speaking countries, Edvard is particularly popular in Norway, Sweden, and parts of Eastern Europe. The name carries an air of sophistication and cultural depth, with its continental European spelling offering a distinctive alternative to the more common Edward while maintaining the same classic heritage and meaning.
  19. Asgard
    • Balenciaga