Wacky Word Names

Sean and Robin Wright Penn chose this name for their son to honor their friend Dennis Hopper; others might associate it with the painter Edward. Couldn't be more spirited.

It may sound sweet smelling, but remember, it was the name of the little skunk in Bambi. Better to pick a single bloom from the bouquet, like Violet or Lily or Daisy.

This may be a bit quirky to make it as a name, especially in first place. If you love it, you might try it in the middle.

May be the most modern, stylish Catherine nickname: more unusual than Kate or Cate, with an animal and word name edge. Cat Power is a trendy folksinger.

Grrrr.

Simple and down-to-earth, but would probably work best as a middle name.

Spicy.

Like Verity and Amity, this inclusive virtue name used by the colorful British literary Mitford family is ready to join its more popular peers Hope, Faith, and Grace.

Otherworldly.

A word that's been used, very infrequently, as a name for hundreds of years. Interesting sound and meaning.

The Puritans used it as a virtue name -- but today it would just be considered weird: silence is no longer golden.

Solemn but soaring name with patriotic symbolism.

If Viola is a credible girl's name, why not the mellow Cello for a boy.

A word name in the Puritan vein, à la Remember or Experience, which a few daring namers are beginning to consider.

Actress Shannyn Sossamon used this as the middle name for her son Audio; one of the most do-not-try-this-at-home combos we've heard.

Among the children named Heaven are the daughters of TV personality Brooke Burke and rap singer Lil' Mo, who also has a daughter named God'iss Love. Some parents have taken to using Nevaeh instead—Heaven spelled backwards.

Evocative word name that's refreshingly straightforward. Overtones of Christianity and penalty. More subtle option: Cruz.

Could be seen as extravagantly ecstatic for a baby name, though feel free to rhapsodize about your little girl, whatever her name.

Experience was used by the Puritans but probably too joke-worthy for a modern child...or teenager.

Plausible word name, denoting strength and stability, currently given to a small handful of boys in the US each year.