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Awesome American Names

  1. Skip

    • Description:

      Skip is a casual, spirited masculine name that originated as a nickname rather than a formal given name. Traditionally, it emerged as a diminutive for various names, particularly Christopher, but also for Richard, Skipper, or other names. The name evokes a carefree, energetic personality—someone who might 'skip' through life with enthusiasm. Skip gained some popularity in mid-20th century America, particularly during the 1950s-60s, reflecting the era's fondness for friendly, approachable nicknames as standalone names. While rarely used as a birth name today, it retains nostalgic charm and continues to be used as a nickname. The name carries associations with youthfulness, informality, and an unpretentious American sensibility.
  2. Mikel

    • Origin:

      Basque and Scandinavian variation of Michael

    • Meaning:

      "who is like God"

    • Description:

      A Basque and Scandinavian form of Michael, pronounced MEE-kel. In the US, it is sometimes chosen as a modern alternative spelling of Michael.
  3. Janessa

    • Origin:

      American invented name

    • Meaning:

      "god is gracious + butterfly"

    • Description:

      This newly invented name is most likely a combination of Jane and Vanessa. Though it may not have as long of a history as more traditional names, Janessa has been a staple on the bottom half of the US Top 1000 since the mid-1980s. Perhaps surprisingly, it peaked at Number 524 in 2004.
  4. Lanna

    • Description:

      Lanna is a feminine name with multiple cultural origins. In Thai culture, it refers to the ancient kingdom of Lan Na in northern Thailand, meaning 'land of a million rice fields.' In Western contexts, it often functions as a variation of Lana, which has Slavic roots meaning 'light' or can be a short form of names like Alana or Elena. The double 'n' gives the name a distinctive spelling while maintaining the melodic pronunciation. Lanna has gained modest popularity since the late 20th century, appreciated for its brevity, international appeal, and gentle sound. The name conveys qualities of brightness and natural beauty, making it attractive to parents seeking a name that is both simple and meaningful with cross-cultural resonance.

  5. Braelyn

    • Origin:

      Modern invented name

    • Description:

      Braden (and Braeden) had his heyday in the early part of the 21st century, giving rise to many offshoots for both boys and girls. But Braelyn and siblings are now on a long downward slide.
  6. Bud

    • Origin:

      English nickname

    • Description:

      This is a name you get stuck with, not (we hope) one your parents choose for you.
  7. Deja

    • Description:

      Deja is a feminine name that gained popularity in the United States during the 1990s. The name is connected to the French phrase 'déjà vu,' meaning 'already seen' or suggesting something familiar or previously experienced. This gives the name an intriguing, somewhat mystical quality. Deja has a melodic, flowing sound with its two syllables and soft ending. The name peaked in usage during the late 1990s and early 2000s, partly influenced by R&B singer Deja Trimble (known professionally as Deja) and the growing appreciation for names with multicultural resonance. Deja appeals to parents seeking a name that's distinctive yet easily pronounced, with a touch of exotic flair while remaining accessible to English speakers.
  8. Kami

    • Origin:

      English, Japanese

    • Meaning:

      "young ceremonial attendant or crooked nose; divine"

    • Description:

      An English short form of Kamilla, Kameron or similar, or a Japanese unisex name meaning "divine",
  9. Mallie

    • Description:

      Mallie is a feminine name with multiple possible origins. It may have originated as a diminutive of Mallory (meaning 'unfortunate' from Norman French), Malina (meaning 'raspberry' in Slavic languages), or Amalia (meaning 'work' from Germanic roots). Alternatively, it could be a variant of Molly, which is itself a diminutive of Mary. The name has a sweet, vintage charm characteristic of the late 19th and early 20th centuries when diminutive names ending in '-ie' were particularly fashionable. While not currently in the top rankings, Mallie has the appealing quality of being recognizable but uncommon. It carries a friendly, approachable sound that balances well between traditional and distinctive.
  10. Davion

    • Origin:

      Modern invented name

    • Description:

      Davion has only ranked in the US Top 1000 since the early 1990s, and its alternate spelling Davian is a more recent entry, first entering the charts in 2004. Their apparent connection to more common names Dave and Damian presumably provided the avenue for their success; however, both names are trending downward with no expected resurgence in the coming years.
  11. Devan

    • Description:

      Devan as a feminine name represents an interesting crossover from traditionally male usage. While more common as a boy's name with roots in Irish and Sanskrit origins, Devan has gained traction as a girl's name in recent decades. In Irish contexts, it derives from 'Devin' meaning 'poet' or as an anglicized form of 'Damháin,' while in Sanskrit it relates to 'divine' or 'heavenly.' As a feminine name, Devan offers a modern, slightly androgynous quality that appeals to parents seeking gender-neutral options. Its popularity for girls saw modest growth in the 1990s and early 2000s but remains relatively uncommon, giving it distinction without being completely unfamiliar. The name balances strength and softness in its sound and associations.
  12. Loralie

    • Description:

      Loralie is a melodic feminine name with multiple potential origins. Most commonly, it's considered a variant spelling of Lorelei, which derives from Germanic folklore about a siren who lured sailors to their doom on the Rhine River with her enchanting singing. Alternatively, it may combine elements of 'Laura' with the French suffix '-lie.' The name carries a dreamy, lyrical quality with its flowing syllables and soft sounds. While less common than spellings like Lorelei or Lorelai, Loralie offers a unique twist on the classic name while maintaining its musical essence. The name gained some attention through various cultural references, but remains relatively uncommon, making it distinctive without being unfamiliar. Its romantic and somewhat mythical associations give it an ethereal charm.
  13. Jerica

    • Description:

      Jerica is a feminine name that serves as a variant of Jericha or a feminine form of Jeric, ultimately connected to the biblical city of Jericho. The name has Hebrew origins, loosely associated with meanings like 'city of the moon' or 'fragrant place.' Emerging in popularity during the latter part of the 20th century, Jerica offers a modern update to the more traditional Jessica or Erica. The name possesses a melodic quality with its three syllables and soft ending. While never reaching mainstream popularity, Jerica appeals to parents seeking a name that sounds familiar yet remains relatively uncommon. In the United States, its peak usage occurred in the 1980s and 1990s, though it maintains a modest presence today.

  14. Lisanne

    • Origin:

      Dutch combination of Elisabeth + Anne

    • Meaning:

      "God is my oath + grace"

    • Description:

      A bit like Annelise in reverse, Lisanne is a sleek but gentle Dutch compound name that was popular in the 2010s.
  15. Rocko

    • Origin:

      Italian, variation of Rocco

    • Description:

      This unusual spelling was used by Johnny Knoxville for his son.
  16. Aidyn

    • Origin:

      Spelling variation of Aiden

    • Description:

      The popularity of Aiden has sparked many creative spellings - this one is understandably towards the bottom of the Top 1000.
  17. Liddie

    • Description:

      Liddie is a diminutive feminine form of Lydia, which has ancient Greek origins meaning "from Lydia," referring to a region in Asia Minor (now part of modern Turkey). The name carries a vintage charm and has historically been used as an affectionate nickname for women named Lydia or sometimes Elizabeth. While not commonly used as a standalone name in contemporary times, Liddie has a sweet, old-fashioned appeal that evokes a sense of nostalgia. It shares phonetic similarities with other nickname forms like Libby and Lilly, making it familiar yet distinctive. In popularity, Liddie remains quite rare as a given name, though it continues to be used occasionally in families with traditional naming preferences.
  18. Deanne

    • Origin:

      Variation of Deanna, English

    • Meaning:

      "divine; church official"

    • Description:

      Deanne was one of many variations popular in the middle of the 20th century, during the heyday of Diane and sisters and even cousins. Now, at least one generation away from a comeback.
  19. Sammi

    • Description:

      Sammi is a masculine name that is often considered a variant or diminutive of Samuel, which has Hebrew origins meaning 'name of God' or 'God has heard.' This friendly, approachable name has gained popularity as both a nickname and a standalone name. Sammi has a casual, youthful quality that appeals to many parents looking for a less formal alternative to traditional names. Though primarily used for boys, Sammi can occasionally be found as a feminine name as well, making it somewhat gender-neutral in contemporary usage. The name has maintained steady but modest usage in English-speaking countries, offering familiarity without being overly common.
  20. Ruthann

    • Description:

      Ruthann is a feminine name that combines the classic biblical name Ruth with the suffix 'ann.' Ruth derives from Hebrew origins, meaning 'friend,' 'companion,' or 'vision of beauty.' This combination name gained modest popularity in the United States during the mid-20th century, particularly in the 1930s and 1940s. Ruthann offers a slightly more elaborate alternative to the simpler Ruth, while maintaining its traditional roots and dignified sound. The name carries associations with loyalty and steadfastness, qualities attributed to the biblical Ruth. While less common today than in previous generations, Ruthann has a timeless quality that appeals to parents seeking a name with both classic roots and a distinctive character.