Geographical baby names - England
- Stafford
Origin:
EnglishMeaning:
"from the ford by the landing place"Description:
A surname style name could feel stuffy and edgy, depending on how you look at it. Originally, it was given to those who came from Staffordshire, a county in the West Midlands of England. The name appeared sporadically in the US Top 1000 in the late 19th- and early 20th-century, and has been given to a small handful of boys more years since. Chosen for 14 boys in a recent count, nickname Ford might widen its appeal.
- Richmond
Origin:
GermanMeaning:
"powerful protector"Description:
Richmond is a place-name — it's the capital of Virginia, US, and a town in London, UK — that makes a fresh way to honor an ancestral Richard.
- Hyde
Origin:
Medieval measure of land, or English surnameMeaning:
"hide"Description:
Hyde, of course, is most familiar as a surname -- as in Mr. Hyde, evil alter ego of Dr. Jeckyll. Unless Hyde is a family name or you have some other excellent reason for using it, we think you could do better.
- Ely
Origin:
Russian variation of EliMeaning:
"ascended, uplifted, high"Description:
Russian form of Eli mainly used today by families with Russian Jewish heritage.
- Dudley
Origin:
EnglishMeaning:
"Dudda's meadow"Description:
It's easy to love a name that rhymes with "cuddly" and is also attached to the surname Do-Right -- once you ignore the "dud" connection.
- Kendal
Origin:
EnglishMeaning:
"valley of the river Kent"Description:
Variant of Kendall
- Walton
Origin:
EnglishMeaning:
"fortified town"Description:
Slightly more modern than Walter, but only just.
- Selby
Origin:
EnglishMeaning:
"from the willow farm"Description:
Selby, a rarely heard British surname, feels sleeker and more distinctive than Shelby. Todd Selby, known primarily by his last name, is a hip photographer of interiors.
- Bedford
Description:
Bedford is a masculine name derived from an English place name and surname meaning 'Beda's ford' - referencing a river crossing associated with a person named Beda. The name carries strong Anglo-Saxon heritage and projects a distinguished, aristocratic quality. Bedford has historical significance as a prominent English duchy and appears in place names across the United Kingdom and United States. While uncommon as a first name, it has occasionally been used by families with connections to Bedford locations or as a way to preserve a family surname. The name conveys strength and tradition with its strong consonants and two distinct syllables. Bedford might appeal to parents seeking a distinguished English name with historical weight that remains relatively unused.
- Burton
Origin:
EnglishMeaning:
"fortified enclosure"Description:
Burton originated as a habitation surname that now feels like a appropriate first. Actor Richard Burton, two-time husband of Elizabeth Taylor, was the most famous bearer. Burtie makes an adorable short form.
- Derby
Origin:
Word name English from NorseMeaning:
"park with deer"Description:
Derby might be considered a word name or a surname-name. In England, it would be pronounced darby, causing confusion with that similar name.
- Corby
Description:
Corby is a unisex name, though more commonly used for females, with English origins. Derived from an Old Norse place name meaning 'raven settlement' or from old English elements 'cor' (raven) and 'by' (farm or settlement). As a surname-turned-first-name, Corby has the casual, friendly quality characteristic of this naming trend. Though never broadly popular, the name saw modest usage in the mid-20th century in English-speaking countries. Corby has a distinctively British feel and carries associations with the market town of Corby in Northamptonshire, England. The name's brevity, two-syllable rhythm, and friendly 'y' ending give it an approachable, contemporary sound despite its ancient origins. Corby remains an uncommon choice for parents seeking something distinctive yet unpretentious.
- Amberley
- Essex
- Ilkley
- Otley
- Surrey
- Truro
- Wednesbury