AerieEerie's Character Name Bank

This once neglected Biblical name is back on the scene, ready to shake off both its association with the long running satirical comic strip, L'il Abner and its historical Puritan image. The name appears in the Bible several times, notably on the cousin and commander of Saul's army and by two figures in the New Testament. It re-entered the US Top 1000 in 2023, and was a fast rising choice in 2024 when it was given to nearly 300 boys.

Much more manageable than the full form of the name. Possible international alternative to Ella.

Clancy, one of the original crossover Irish surname names, is as energetic and appealing as ever — full of moxie, more distinctive than Casey, and also one of the less obvious of the red-headed names.

Peaceful, calm, and untroubled: these are qualities parents may be hoping for, either on their parenting journey or in their child’s life. The name Serenity encapsulates these hopes, conjuring up a sense of balance, composure, and ease.

This masculine floral name literally means "burning bush", and is the Bulgarian word for the dittany plant. The name derives from the highly volatile oils produced by the plant, which can actually catch fire in hot weather. A notable bearer of the Bulgarian-form of the name is Rosen Plevneliev, a former President of Bulgaria.

Deriving from the Roman cognomen Vivianus, Vivian was originally a masculine name, with Vivien being a feminine soundalike coined by Alfred Lord Tennyson for the Lady of the Lake in his famous poetic adaptation of the legend of King Arthur. It has since become a much more popular choice for girls in the US, but retains a refined British charm which sees it cropping up occasionally for boys in the Telegraph birth announcements.

This is a rare and lovely form of Susannah commonly heard in Israel. Shoshana Shapiro — nicknamed Shosh — is the character played by Zosia Mamet on the hit HBO series Girls — a fact that could give the name an upward thrust.

Cerelia is a melodic and unusual choice, perfect for a child born in April or May. Another version is Cerella.

Only if you're an aviation buff or seriously addicted to popcorn.

Gentle meaning and bona fide Hebrew history, but feels old-mannish, like Herman and Menashe.

Presidential surname adopted as a first by numbers of midcentury African-American parents.

In the New Testament, Hosanna was exclaimed by those around Jesus when he first entered Jerusalem, making this an exuberant and spiritual choice. A possible alternative for Susanna or Hannah, it was given to more than 100 girls in a recent year in the US. Associated with the hymn "Give Me Joy In My Heart", Hosanna would fit in with the likes of Halo, Chosen, Shepherd, Blessing, and Messiah.

Mauve-tinted nickname with vintage charm that could just follow in the footsteps of ABBIE. More prominent now as the nickname for the Texas A&M sports teams.

Dessie is a charming feminine name with multiple origins. Primarily considered a diminutive of Desdemona (from Greek, meaning 'ill-fated'), it's also used as a nickname for names like Desirée (French for 'desired') or Odessa (derived from a Ukrainian city name). Additionally, Dessie is the name of a city in Ethiopia, giving it geographical significance. The name peaked in popularity in the early 1900s in the United States, particularly in southern regions, and carries a sweet, vintage quality. With its soft sounds and approachable nature, Dessie evokes a friendly, warm personality. Though relatively uncommon today, it maintains appeal for parents seeking a distinctive yet accessible name with historical roots and a gentle, feminine quality.

Zibby is the adorable, zippy nickname for Elizabeth used for the lead female character in the film "Liberal Arts." Zibby can make a Libby for the 21st century.

The Roman god of the underworld, the former ninth planet, a cartoon dog...but not a baby.

Serenia is a feminine name evoking tranquility and peace, derived from the Latin word "serenus" meaning "clear, calm, or serene." The name has a flowing, ethereal quality that suggests serenity and gentle beauty. Though not commonly used historically, it fits well with modern naming trends favoring meaningful names with positive associations. Serenia shares roots with the more common Serena but offers a slightly more elaborate and distinctive option. The name's melodic four-syllable pattern gives it a graceful, almost musical quality. While remaining relatively rare in usage statistics, Serenia appeals to parents seeking a name with obvious meaning and a peaceful, harmonious sound profile.

Elvy is a feminine name with Scandinavian and Germanic roots, possibly originating as a diminutive form of names containing the element 'elf' or 'alv,' referring to supernatural beings in Norse mythology. It could also be a variant of Elvira or a shortened form of names beginning with 'El-' such as Eleanor or Elisabeth. The name has a vintage charm while maintaining a light, modern feel with its 'y' ending. Elvy has never been widespread in English-speaking countries but maintains modest usage particularly in Sweden and Norway. Its brevity and distinctive sound appeal to parents seeking something uncommon yet easy to pronounce. The name carries connotations of mystical beauty and ethereal qualities, influenced by its potential connection to elf mythology.

A French surname turned Spanish masculine given name, Rosamel likely derives from the combination of rose + Greek mel "honey".

A neglected surname name that could substitute for the more common Gordon, which has in the past associated with the milk company and Elsie the Cow.