Towns in Missouri

Powerful surname choice with many distinguished bearers, fresher sounding than Parker.

Belton is a masculine English surname that has occasionally transitioned into use as a first name. Originally a locational surname derived from places in Leicestershire and Rutland, England, it comes from Old English elements meaning 'bell settlement' or 'farm with a bell.' As a given name, Belton has remained relatively uncommon, maintaining an air of distinction and uniqueness. It gained modest usage in the United States, particularly in southern states, during the 19th and early 20th centuries. The name carries aristocratic connotations due to its connection with English estate names and has occasionally appeared in literature set in the English countryside. Belton offers a refined alternative to more common bell-derived names.

Short but substantial.

Used as a first name for a handful of girls every year, Joplin could be seen as a distant cousin of other -lin names, like Caitlin, Brooklyn and Braelynn. We think it works even better as a musical middle name possibility for fans of Janis... or Scott. Both great connections — albeit very different from one another.

Louisiana is a geographic spin on the Louise theme. Pretty, if a bit of a syllable overload. Short form Lou or Lulu lightens it.

Streamline it to Marsh, Mason, or Carson.

Fallon has gone feminine, but this puts it back in the boys' camp.

Asbury Park, a quirky town on the Jersey Shore, was named for Francis Asbury, the first American bishop of the Methodist Episcopal Church. Springsteen fans will likely be among those most drawn to Asbury as a first name; the Boss's first album was called "Greetings from Asbury Park."

This would make an interesting name for a boy, if it weren't for the fact that the two most well known Fergies are female.

An ancient city in modern-day Syria, which occasionally makes the roster of girl names. Its etymology is uncertain — locally it is called Tadmor, and Palmyra is the Greek version — but it has traditionally been associated with palm trees. It may also be a feminine form of the Italian Palmiro, meaning "pilgrim", ultimately from palma, again meaning "palm tree".

Vintage surname that's fallen out of use, but perhaps deserves a revival.

A literary surname that's short, to the point, and very rare. It combines several origins: Scandinavian meaning "high ground", Scottish meaning "stranger", and English meaning "wild boar" (hello, secret animal name!).

Kearney is a masculine name of Irish origin derived from the Gaelic 'Ó Ceithearnaigh' or 'Ó Cearnaigh,' meaning 'warlike' or 'victorious.' Originally a surname associated with County Mayo in Ireland, Kearney has transitioned to occasional first-name use. The name carries historical significance in Irish culture and has been preserved through generations of Irish diaspora. As a first name, Kearney remains uncommon, lending it distinction and uniqueness. It embodies strength and determination while maintaining its Celtic heritage. The name has a professional sound that ages well from childhood to adulthood. Those named Kearney might appreciate the name's rich cultural background and relative rarity, setting them apart in most social and professional settings.

Hermann is a masculine name of Germanic origin meaning 'army man' or 'warrior,' derived from the elements 'heri' (army) and 'mann' (man). This powerful name has deep historical roots, most notably associated with Hermann (or Arminius), the Germanic chieftain who defeated Roman legions in the Battle of Teutoburg Forest in 9 CE. Popular throughout Germany, Switzerland, and Scandinavia, the name has been borne by notable figures such as author Hermann Hesse and physicist Hermann von Helmholtz. While its usage has declined in recent decades, it maintains a classic, strong character. In English-speaking countries, the simplified spelling 'Herman' is more common, though the double 'n' version preserves its authentic Germanic heritage.

Lamonte is a masculine given name that combines the prefix "La-" (meaning "the" in French and Spanish) with "monte," which derives from Latin and Romance languages meaning "mountain." The name may have evolved as a variant spelling of Lamont, which has Scottish origins as a surname derived from the Old Norse elements "logmaðr" (lawman) and the French "mont." Lamonte has appeared in U.S. naming records throughout the 20th century, with more consistent usage beginning in the 1960s. The name exhibits the common pattern of adding prefixes to existing names or terms to create distinctive variations. While not among the most common names, Lamonte has maintained steady usage and offers a sophisticated sound with its French-influenced pronunciation.

A rarely-used place name (probably because of the last three letters), Essex was the ancient kingdom of the East Saxons and is now a county in England. The singer David Essex used it as his stage surname, and reality TV couple JP and Ashley Rosenbaum used it for their daughter's name, though few have followed suit.

This Old Welsh name associated with blacksmiths has never caught on, but it has the right two-syllable occupational feel to qualify for revival. Gower Champion was a successful midcentury dancer, choreographer and director on the Broadway stage, in films and on TV.

An English occupational name and surname that brings to mind old, stately homes, black suits, and white gloves, Butler peaked back in 1919 when 30 boys were given the name. It hasn't appeared in the stats since the 90s and, despite the popularity of occupational names, that first syllable likely puts parents off using this one.

Not even for Brandy's twin brother.

Revolutionary choice.