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NOLA Names

  1. Wisteria

    • Origin:

      Flower name, from English surname

    • Meaning:

      "Wister's flower"

    • Description:

      A frilly southern-accented flower name yet to be planted on many birth certificates. In the language of flowers, the wisteria is a symbol of devotion. It is named for American horticulturalist John Caspar Wister.
  2. Duke

    • Origin:

      English rank of nobility

    • Description:

      While John Wayne and Duke Ellington are worthy role models, the reason Duke is currently enjoying a revival and returned to the Top 1000 in 2013 as one of the year's fastest-rising boys’ names is more likely due to the name given to high-profile TV couple Giuliana and Bill Rancic. Christened Edward Duke, he has always been called by his middle name, just as Edward Duke Ellington was. Duke is just one of several aristocratic titles being increasingly used by ordinary citizens.
  3. King

    • Origin:

      English

    • Meaning:

      "monarch"

    • Description:

      King is a name that sends a mixed message. While some might think of it as more fitting for a canine, others see it as a strong name with offbeat style and a full court of rich associations, from Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. to Elvis.

      King Vidor was an important early Hollywood director; King Camp Gillette invented the safety razor.

      If it's king names you're after that aren't King itself, see our list of Names with Royal Meanings or other lists and blogs on royal names.
  4. Jules

    • Origin:

      Latin; Greek

    • Meaning:

      "youthful; soft, downy"

    • Description:

      Jules is one of the adorable boyish nicknames newly fashionable for girls. It's rarer than Billie, with a cool and casual feel. It's use in the popular TV series Euphoria - where the character of Jules Vaughn was portrayed by Hunter Schafer - brought this name into the spotlight.
  5. Royal

    • Origin:

      English word name

    • Meaning:

      "royal"

    • Description:

      Even less subtle than Duke or Earl, this name shot up the popularity charts in 2013, the same year young Prince George was born and the craze for all things royal (and Royal) began. Today, it's a leading boys' name on Nameberry's own popularity charts.
  6. Leontine

    • Origin:

      French female form of Leontios, Greek

    • Meaning:

      "lion"

    • Description:

      Leontine is the French form of a name that's more familiar by its spelling variation Leontyne, the name made famous by opera diva Price. An obscure choice, Leontine nevertheless feels right for our lion-name-crazed moment.
  7. York

    • Origin:

      English

    • Meaning:

      "from the yew estate"

    • Description:

      Brisk, preppy York is an underused classic with the potential to really shine in the 21st century. It's most familiar as a place name — York is a city in England — and surname. New York City and State were named after the Duke of York.
  8. Dixon

    • Origin:

      Scottish

    • Meaning:

      "son of Dick"

    • Description:

      A relatively common surname, Dixon would be an inventive way to honor an ancestral Richard or Dick, the X form a lot livelier than the Dickson spelling, just as Dix is a more modern short form than Dick; it would be right at home alongside Dax and Jax.
  9. Jena

    • Origin:

      Diminutive of Jennifer, variation of Gina, English, Arabic, "white wave; paradise"

    • Meaning:

      "white wave; paradise"

    • Description:

      Jena is a succinct name with a number of different roots, making it a versatile choice. On one hand, it might be used as a diminutive for the 70s favorite Jennifer, a name of Cornish origin that was hugely popular in a number of countries in the latter half of the 20th century. Jena might feel sleeker and more contemporary to some than the long form.
  10. Hurst

    • Origin:

      English

    • Meaning:

      "wooded hill"

    • Description:

       As a surname, it's most familiar as Hearst -- publishing magnate William Randolph and kidnapped granddaughter Patty. Few would use it if it wasn't their own family name.
  11. Washington

    • Origin:

      English

    • Meaning:

      "home of the Wassa people"

    • Description:

      Lincoln, Tyler, Taylor, Jackson, Jefferson, Harrison, McKinley, Grant, Kennedy, Carter -- yes. Washington -- probably not.
  12. Lyons

    • Origin:

      English surname, French variation of Leon

    • Meaning:

      "person from Lyon, the hill fort of Lugus; lion"

    • Description:

      With Leon and Leo both popular options, Lionel on the rise, and other lion-inspired names such as Ariel and Leandro gathering attention, Lyons might work for a contemporary baby.
  13. Pershing

    • Description:

      Pershing is a masculine name with American historical roots, deriving from General John J. Pershing, the commander of American Expeditionary Forces during World War I. The surname-turned-first-name gained modest popularity in the early 20th century as a patriotic tribute to the military leader. Pershing itself has Germanic origins from the name 'Pfirsich,' meaning 'peach.' As a given name, it represents strength, leadership, and military excellence. While never extremely common, Pershing experienced a small surge following WWI but has remained rare in contemporary usage. Today, it might appeal to parents with military connections or those looking for a distinguished, uncommon name with historical significance.

  14. Antonine

    • Origin:

      Feminine diminutive of Antoine, French form of Anthony

    • Meaning:

      "priceless one"

    • Description:

      The roles of vintage French girl names are filled with now-rare feminizations, such as Antonine. More usual forms today are Antonia or even Antoinette.
  15. Napolean

    • Description:

      Napolean is a variant spelling of Napoleon, a masculine name with Greek origins meaning 'lion of the valley' (from 'napos' meaning valley and 'leon' meaning lion). This name is forever associated with Napoleon Bonaparte, the French military leader and emperor who rose to prominence during the French Revolution. The Napolean spelling variation is significantly less common than the standard Napoleon. The name conveys strength, ambition, and leadership qualities through both its meaning and historical associations. Despite its powerful connotations, the name has remained relatively rare in modern usage, likely due to the strong historical association with Bonaparte. Parents choosing this spelling variant might appreciate the historical connection while enjoying the slightly distinctive orthography.

  16. Tupelo

    • Origin:

      Native American place-name and tree name

    • Meaning:

      "swamp tree"

    • Description:

      Tupelo, the name of a Mississippi city as well as a tree with soft, light wood that grows in the swamps of the south, attracted some attention as a first name via author Tupelo Hassman. The song Tupelo Honey also brought it some notoriety.
  17. Evangaline
    • Marigny
      • Palmetto
        • Mandolin