ances tree

  1. Fear
    • Origin:

      English word name
    • Meaning:

      "an unpleasant often strong emotion caused by anticipation or awareness of danger"
    • Description:

      One of the more unusual word names used by Plymouth pilgrims for their children. Fear Brewster is an example of the usage of this name. Definitely one of the historic pilgrim names best left in the past.
  2. Experience
    • Origin:

      Word name
    • Description:

      Experience was used by the Puritans but probably too joke-worthy for a modern child...or teenager.
  3. Favor
    • Origin:

      English
    • Meaning:

      "kindness, benefit; approval, support"
    • Description:

      A warm-sounding word and virtue name used by the Puritans and still popular in parts of Africa, especially with the Favour spelling. It might be used as a nickname for the longer, perhaps even bolder form, Godfavor (as in, "favored by God").
  4. Abiah
    • Origin:

      Hebrew
    • Meaning:

      "God is my father"
    • Description:

      Abiah is a Biblical name that appears for both female and male figures. It may be considered the same as the name Abijah in the Bible; one female Abijah was a queen and ancestor of Christ. Abiah may also be considered a relative of the Arabic name Abia. However you spell or pronounce it -- a - BY -a or a - BEE - a -- this name can be an original way to the nickname Abi.
  5. Fitzhugh
    • Origin:

      English, from German
    • Meaning:

      "son of intelligence"
    • Description:

      All the Fitz names are hard to carry, but this one has a wonderful meaning and might be a good middle name choice to honor a brilliant lineage.
  6. Manning
    • Origin:

      Irish surname
    • Meaning:

      "monk"
    • Description:

      For football fans who have decided Peyton has become too feminine. Or they could look to brother Eli for inspiration.
  7. Alban
    • Origin:

      Latin
    • Meaning:

      "white, or, man from Alba"
    • Description:

      An ancient and highly unusual name; St. Alban -- sometimes also called Albinus or Aubin -- was an early martyr in Roman Britain. Using an alternate spelling, Alben Barkley was the 35th U.S. Vice-President, serving under Harry Truman. And Albin is popular in modern Sweden. But only the form Alban has the alternate meaning "from Alba".
  8. Garretson
    • Description:

      Garretson is a masculine name that originated as a patronymic surname meaning 'son of Garrett.' Garrett itself derives from Germanic elements meaning 'spear strength' or 'brave with the spear.' As a first name, Garretson represents the trend of transforming surnames into given names, which became increasingly popular during the 19th and 20th centuries in America. The name has a distinguished, somewhat formal quality with its three-syllable structure and 'son' suffix. While uncommon as a first name, Garretson offers a distinctive alternative to the more familiar Garrett. It carries connotations of heritage and family tradition, often appealing to parents looking to honor ancestral surnames or create a name with a strong, traditional masculine feel. The name's rarity gives it a unique quality while maintaining recognizable linguistic roots.

  9. Keene
    • Description:

      Keene is a masculine name of English origin functioning primarily as a surname before its adoption as a given name. It derives from the Middle English 'kene,' meaning 'bold,' 'sharp,' or 'eager.' As a first name, Keene embodies qualities of intelligence, perception, and mental sharpness. It gained limited use as a given name in the early 20th century, often honoring family surnames. The name has maintained a steady but uncommon presence, never breaking into popular rankings but appealing to parents drawn to short, strong-sounding names with positive connotations. Keene's single-syllable structure and long 'e' sound give it a crisp, clean quality reminiscent of other brief masculine names like Dean or Shane, while its uncommon status offers distinctiveness without seeming invented or unfamiliar.

  10. Johnston
    • Description:

      Johnston originated as an English and Scottish surname meaning 'son of John,' making it part of the patronymic naming tradition. As a given name, it represents the ongoing trend of using family surnames as first names, which became increasingly common in the 19th and 20th centuries, particularly in the United States and United Kingdom. The name carries a dignified, traditional quality and often serves to honor maternal family lines or maintain family naming traditions. Johnston projects strength and formality, fitting alongside other surname-as-first-name options like Harrison, Jackson, or Wilson. While never extremely common as a first name, it has maintained a steady if minimal presence in naming records. The name's substantial sound and historical connections make it an option for parents seeking something distinctive yet rooted in Anglo-Saxon naming traditions.
  11. Claiborne
    • Origin:

      French and German
    • Meaning:

      "boundary with clover"
    • Description:

      This surname-name oozes Southern charm; nevertheless, its most famous bearer was a New Englander, Rhode Island senator Claiborne de Borda Pell, who sponsored education legislation leading to the much beloved Pell scholarship programme. That connection alone instills this name with intellect as well as style.
  12. Cornell
    • Origin:

      British from Latin, or Anglicized form of French
    • Meaning:

      "corner or crow"
    • Description:

      This name has not one but two impressive cultural connections: collage artist Joseph Cornell and photographer Cornell Capa--not to mention Cornell University.
  13. Almon
    • Description:

      Almon is a masculine name with biblical Hebrew origins, appearing in the Old Testament as the name of a place and as a personal name. The meaning is often associated with 'hidden' or possibly 'almond tree,' symbolizing watchfulness and promise in biblical contexts. Almon has a dignified, classical quality while remaining relatively uncommon in modern usage. The name shares phonetic similarities with more familiar names like Alton or Alden, making it accessible despite its rarity. Almon offers a traditional biblical option for parents seeking a name with religious significance and historical depth. Its short, straightforward pronunciation and spelling give it a practical quality despite its uniqueness. The name carries connotations of strength and steadfastness while maintaining a gentle, approachable sound.

  14. Caroll
    • Description:

      Caroll is a masculine name that represents a variant spelling of Carroll, which originated as an Irish surname derived from the Gaelic "Cearbhall" meaning "fierce warrior" or "champion." While it may be used for boys, Caroll has become increasingly gender-neutral, with the feminine usage growing more common in recent decades, particularly with the single-L spelling Carol. The name carries literary connections through Lewis Carroll, author of "Alice's Adventures in Wonderland." As a masculine name, Caroll has decreased in popularity since the mid-20th century but retains appeal for parents drawn to Irish heritage or surname-style first names. The double-L spelling gives the name a distinctive touch while maintaining its traditional roots.

  15. Ballou
    • Origin:

      French
    • Meaning:

      "from Bellou"
    • Description:

      This surname-name comes with some great connotations: Addie Ballou the American feminist, Kurt Ballou — guitarist with the band Converge, or Adin Ballou — abolitionist and pacifist. It has a trendy, whimsical sound that sets it apart from more traditional surnames like Cooper, Hunter, and Archer and puts it more in the camp of the softer international names like Aaru, Bayou, and Finlo.
  16. Longfellow
    • Origin:

      English
    • Meaning:

      "tall one"
    • Description:

      Longfellow is the first name of the eponymous hero of the classic 1936 film Mr. Deeds Goes to Town, later remade with Adam Sandler. But it's hard to imagine a modern parent using it except as a middle name to honor the poet.
  17. Aldin
    • Description:

      Aldin is a masculine name with Germanic roots, likely derived from the elements 'ald' meaning 'old' or 'wise' and 'win' meaning 'friend.' This creates a meaning along the lines of 'old or wise friend.' The name can also be considered a variant of Alden, which shares similar etymology. Aldin possesses a strong, concise sound while maintaining a gentle quality through its soft consonants. Though uncommon in mainstream usage, the name has maintained a steady if minimal presence in English-speaking countries. Aldin strikes a balance between feeling historic and contemporary, with its traditional roots but streamlined modern sound. The name projects qualities of wisdom and loyalty through both its literal meaning and its solid, dependable phonetics. Its rarity gives it distinction while its straightforward pronunciation keeps it accessible.

  18. Ballard
    • Description:

      Ballard is a masculine name of English origin functioning primarily as a surname before its adoption as a given name. Derived from the Old English 'bal' (ball) and 'heard' (hard), it historically referred to a bald-headed person. As a first name, Ballard emerged in the United States during the trend of using family surnames as given names. It carries an aristocratic, distinguished quality with connections to notable landmarks like Ballard County, Kentucky, and the Ballard neighborhood in Seattle. While never extremely common, it appeals to parents seeking a name with historical gravitas and a refined sound. Ballard projects strength and stability, with a timeless quality that avoids trendy phonetic patterns.
  19. Osborn
    • Origin:

      English
    • Meaning:

      "divine bear; divine warrior"
    • Description:

      A surname style choice that could get you nicknames Bear and Ozzy, which is pretty cool. It comes from the Old English variant of the Old Norse Ásbjǫrn, which was introduced to England after the Norman conquest and used occasionally as a given name ever since. Victorian author Elizabeth Gaskell used the spelling variation Osborne in her final novel, Wives and Daughters.
  20. Ellyson
    • Description:

      Ellyson is a masculine name that likely originated as a surname derived from a patronymic meaning 'son of Ellis' or 'son of Elias.' Ellis itself comes from the biblical Elijah, meaning 'Jehovah is God,' giving Ellyson indirect religious connections. As a first name, Ellyson is quite uncommon but fits within the modern trend of using surnames as given names. The name has a contemporary feel despite its historical roots, with the 'son' ending connecting it to traditional Nordic naming patterns. Ellyson offers an interesting alternative to more common El- names like Elliott or Elijah. The name has a pleasant rhythm and familiar sounds while remaining distinctive. It strikes a balance between traditional and modern, likely appealing to parents who want something uncommon but not completely unfamiliar in structure. Ellyson suggests both heritage and innovation in its composition.