Family names

Ann, the name of the sainted mother of the Virgin Mary, was among the top girls’ names for centuries, in both the original English Ann spelling and the French Anne. Both left the Top 100 around 1970 and show no signs of returning, with Anne is the middle of the US Top 1000 and Ann dropped out of sight.

The popular appeal of the strong, intelligent Saint Teresa of Avila, combined with the selfless compassion of the more recent Mother Teresa, have fused to give this second-tier classic a somewhat noble, religious image. Although the origins of the name are uncertain, it has been prevalent particularly in forms Theresa, Teresa, and Therese throughout Europe for centuries.

Joyce was once a boy name, but took off for girls during the mid-twentieth century, when it spent 1930 to 1947 in the Top 20.

Most parents today call their Edwards Edward -- and we tend to think that's the right call. But it's worth noting that Eddie has been in the Top 1000 every year since records began in 1880; indeed, it was a mainstay on the Top 100 through the 1950s.

When Marion Michael Morrison became John Wayne around 1930, his last name took on an air of cowboy cool that lasted about thirty years. These days however, Wayne has been replaced by Waylon, Wesley, and Wyatt, and it now resides in the grandpa name camp, alongside Stan, Bruce, and Ronald. For some, thus may well be its selling point. < br>
Originally an occupational surname, Wayne comes from the Old English wægn meaning "wagon". Associated with wagon makers, it rose to popularity as a give name in the mid-20th-century. Notable bearers include footballer Wayne Rooney, hockey player Wayne Gretzky (generally considered the greatest player in the history of the sport), and rapper Lil Wayne.

Long in our category of so-far-out-it-will-always-be-out category, once seen as a gum-cracking 1940's telephone operator, we think it's time to reassess Myrtle, and look at is as a nature name, a plant with pink or white aromatic berries. Ruled by Venus, myrtle is a plant associated with love, peace, fertility and youth.

This spelling of the classic name is found in France, Germany, Greece, and other cultures, and is worn by such notables as Elisabeth Kubler-Ross, Elisabeth Shue, Elisabeth Moss, and Elisabeth Hasselbeck. The name's pronunciation is usually just like the Z version, but some parents choose this because they want to discourage the Liz or Lizzie short forms and so pronounce it as if it has Lisa in the middle.

Midcentury Irish-American favorite, never used in Ireland itself, being the generic word for "girl"; rarely given today.

Rodney peaked at Number 33 in 1965 and has been on a steady decline ever since. As its popularity history indicates, this name is more fitting for someone born in the mid-twentieth century instead of the twenty-first century. It's likely this name will continue trending downward for another generation or two before it has its chance to turn back around.

Patrice is a more modern-sounding and polished unisex alternative to Patricia.

Patrique is a stylized variation of Patrick, giving the classic masculine name a French flair. The traditional Patrick derives from Latin 'patricius' meaning 'nobleman' and has strong Irish associations through St. Patrick. This alternative spelling maintains the name's distinguished history while adding a touch of continental sophistication. Though uncommon in most English-speaking regions, Patrique might appeal to parents seeking a familiar name with a unique twist or those with French heritage. The name carries the same positive connotations as Patrick – strength, dignity, and cultural significance – while setting itself apart with its distinctive spelling and pronunciation that emphasizes the second syllable.

Adriene is a feminine name that serves as a variant spelling of Adrienne, the French feminine form of Adrian. Originating from the Latin name Hadrianus, it refers to someone from Hadria (modern Adria), an ancient town in northern Italy. The spelling Adriene offers a slightly simplified version while maintaining the sophisticated sound of the traditional form. Though less common than Adrienne, this variant has maintained steady if modest usage. The name carries connotations of elegance and refinement with its French associations, while still feeling accessible. Notable bearers include various actresses and writers, though the spelling Adriene is less frequently seen in public figures than Adrienne. The name combines classical roots with a gentle, feminine sound.