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Word Names Nerd Names By Romy Marylou Amber

  1. Cupid

    • Origin:

      Latin

    • Meaning:

      "desire"

    • Description:

      The name of the Roman god of love, the son of Venus, considered so romantic as to be unfit for mere mortals. Yet now that Romeo and Venus herself are fair game for modern babies, why not Cupid?
  2. Shadow

    • Description:

      Shadow as a masculine name falls into the category of modern word names, drawing from the natural phenomenon rather than traditional naming conventions. This unconventional choice emerged primarily in English-speaking countries during the late 20th century, reflecting growing interests in distinctive, nature-inspired naming. The name evokes imagery of mystery, protection, and constant companionship. As a given name, Shadow remains quite rare, appealing to parents seeking something dramatically unique with a touch of intrigue or gothic sensibility. The name carries associations with depth, complexity, and a certain enigmatic quality. While uncommon in official records, Shadow occasionally appears as a nickname or middle name, particularly in communities embracing alternative naming traditions.

  3. Major

    • Origin:

      Latin

    • Meaning:

      "greater; or, a military rank"

    • Description:

      This bold choice soared in popularity from 2008 to 2013, and now seems to have plateaued. But watch out—the character Major Major Major Major in the classic absurdist novel Catch-22 had a terrible time.
  4. Bandit

    • Origin:

      Word or occupational name

    • Meaning:

      "outlaw, thief"

    • Description:

      We hesitate to call Bandit an occupational name, any more than Rogue or Vandal are occupational names, yet its use by one of the bandmembers of My Chemical Romance (for his daughter: we're thinking only Gerard Way could pull that off) undoubtedly owes a debt to occupational cousins from Pilot to Parker.
  5. Nike

    • Origin:

      Greek

    • Meaning:

      "victory"

    • Description:

      Cool goddess name, but you might need to brace yourself for lots of sneaker jokes, depending on where you live.
  6. Mountain

    • Origin:

      Nature name

    • Description:

      Mountain names such as Everest and Denali are being used more frequently, but Mountain itself was unknown until Hunger Games star Jena Malone used it as a middle name for her son Ode Mountain. And really, why not? It's one of the most unique baby names in the hot nature category.
  7. Gold

    • Origin:

      English word name

    • Meaning:

      "gold"

    • Description:

      Luxe baby name that could easily fit in among children named Onyx and Emerald. Goldie is a rising choice for girls.
  8. Banjo

    • Origin:

      Word name

    • Meaning:

      "string instrument"

    • Description:

      When Australian actress Rachel Griffiths chose this highly unusual name for her son, many assumed it was a bizarre invention, but noted Australian poet and writer of Waltzing Matilda, Banjo Patterson, is known by this name. Sprightly and musical, it could blend in with Bruno, Benjamin and Joey.
  9. Bliss

    • Origin:

      English word name

    • Meaning:

      "great happiness"

    • Description:

      Bliss might once have seemed a far-out choice, but it has been on the rise for girls in recent years, alongside similar options such as Dream, Heaven, Halo, and Blessing. Associated with a state of perfect happiness and with spiritual blessedness, it holds both religious and secular appeal.
  10. Forever

    • Origin:

      Word name

    • Meaning:

      "always, eternally, continually"

    • Description:

      A word name that parents might choose to reflect the eternal love they feel for their child, Forever is a bold choice, but grounded perhaps by the familiar ev sound heard in Everett and Evan and the for sound of Ford and Forest. Also used in a religious or spiritual sense, it feels akin to the likes of Heaven, Blessed, Chosen, Fable, and Seven.
  11. Tango

    • Origin:

      Spanish

    • Meaning:

      "touch"

    • Description:

      A South American dance style whose name derives from Latin tangere "touch". It's also a popular orange-flavored fizzy drink in the UK, as well as the word for the letter T in the NATO phonetic alphabet.
  12. Safari

    • Origin:

      African word name from Swahili

    • Meaning:

      "journey"

    • Description:

      In the US this is likely to conjure zebras, lions and elephants on the Serengeti, but its original meaning "journey" broadens its wearability. Safari is a name common in Africa for babies born while their parents were on a journey.
  13. Striker

    • Origin:

      English word name

    • Description:

      Striker is one of the new gang of boys' names that have two syllables, end in -er, spring from words, and have a macho, even aggressive meaning and image. Other examples include Breaker, Heller, and Wilder. Do the world a favor and desist.
  14. Rebel

    • Origin:

      Word name

    • Meaning:

      "rebel"

    • Description:

      Asking for trouble. Rebel Wilson is female, but this name is truly gender neutral, though hardly neutral in any other way. Rebel is undoubtedly one of the edgiest boys' names starting with the letter R.
  15. Magic

    • Origin:

      Word name

    • Description:

      For basketball fans, in honor of Magic Johnson. Or anyone who believes in magic.
  16. Wynter

    • Description:

      Wynter is a masculine name representing a modern spelling variation of Winter, one of the English season names that has gained popularity as a given name. This contemporary spelling with 'y' instead of 'i' gives the name a distinctive, stylized quality while maintaining its connection to the cold season. As a masculine choice, Wynter breaks traditional gender associations, as Winter/Wynter has been more commonly used for girls. The name evokes images of snow, resilience, and quiet strength. While still uncommon for boys, Wynter has seen increased interest from parents seeking nature-inspired names with a contemporary edge. The unique spelling adds character to this seasonal name, making it stand out while retaining its natural imagery.
  17. Smokey

    • Origin:

      Word name

    • Description:

      It has a variety of associations from Smokey Robinson to Smokey the bear, but Smokey still feels a bit comical for a baby.
  18. Red

    • Origin:

      Color name

    • Description:

      Fiery but slight middle name choice; much more apt to be a redhead's nickname.
  19. Fairy

    • Origin:

      English word name

    • Meaning:

      "fairy"

    • Description:

      Fairy's reputation as a slur directed at gay men takes it off the table as a baby name option. Go with Pixie or Faye instead.
  20. Warrior

    • Origin:

      English

    • Meaning:

      "wage war"

    • Description:

      Could a child named Warrior be anything but fierce and willful? We count Warrior among our Magic Names, those that are chosen for their ability to influence and protect their bearers. We see Warrior rising significantly in the next few years, joining current favorites like Legend, Hero, and Saint.