English Names

A surname-style choice, Rydon could be a trendy spin on Ryder meaning "mounted warrior", or it could combine the Old English elements ryge and dun meaning "rye" and "hill". While it could work in the US, in the UK, this name is likely to be associated with the contractor responsible for the refurbishment of Grenfell Tower and with the subsequent tragedy.

Rydon

Typically used as a nickname for Saffron, Saffy could equally be used for Serafina, Sapphire, Safiyya, or even Sofia for those looking for something unexpected. Also spelled as Saffie, this particular form appears in the title of the 2001 children's book, Saffy's Angel by Hilary McKay in the BBC sitcom Absolutely Fabulous.

Saffy

While Haidee may sound like a variant of Heidi or Hailey, it's actually a separate name with a literary history. First appearing in Byron's epic poem Don Juan (1819), it was likely inspired by the Greek word aidoios meaning "modest, reserved". 
 
It was later used (in the form of Haydée) in The Count of Monte Cristo by Alexander Dumas in 1844.

Haidee

Salesia is a feminine form of surname Sales, notably associated with the Roman Catholic saint, Francis de Sales who was commended for his deep faith and mild approach to religious divides. A rare choice, it has zippy and intriguing sounds and a nature-inspired meaning.

Salesia

Classic Samuel meets stylish Brooks in this distinctive surname-style choice, which might also appeal to fans of Samwise, Hawthorne, and Elwood. Derived from the Old English Semebre, it refers to someone who lived near a sandy stream, giving it a nature connection too. It has seen very occasional use as a given name.

Sambrooke

Sage, Rosemary, Saffron, Ginger, and Cassia are used as names, so how about Samphire? This unusual name is given to a plant from the parsley family that grow on seaside cliffs but it's also used to refer to other coastal plants that resemble it. Similar in sound to Sapphire, Saphira, Samantha, and Samara, this undiscovered name could make a bold choice with familiar sounds and grounded nickname options, Sam, Sammy, and Saffie.
 
Derived from the French herbe de Saint Pierre, it was corrupted in English to sampiere and then to samphire. As such, the name means "St Peter's herb", in honor of the patron saint of fisherman. 
 
Appearing in Shakespeare's King Lear and in a number of food recipes, Samphire can be pronounced as SAM-fie-uh or as SAM-fuh, depending on region. A one of a kind choice, this nature, herb, food and sea-related name has yet to appear in the US stats.

Samphire

A nature name, a word name, and an sea-inspired option, this as yet undiscovered name might just fit in with the likes of Samuel, Saint, and Sage. Used to describe a plant that grows near the sea, Samphire is grounded by popular nicknames Sam and Sammy, though Ira, Sai, or Saffy might appeal to those who prefer something more unusual.
 
The edible plant takes its name from the French herbe de Saint Pierre, which was corrupted in English to sampiere and then to samphire in the 16th century. It was named for St. Peter, the patron saint of fisherman, making this a very offbeat choice to honor a Peter (or a fisher). 
 
Samphire can be pronounced with three syllables, SAM-fie-uh, or with two, SAM-fuh, depending on regional differences, and it has yet to appear in any name data.

This cool, sauntering boy's name would fit in and stand out in a classroom today. Other similar diminutives more distinct than Xander or Zander include Saunders, Sander, and Sanders. 

Saunder

With the new fashion in the US for S-ending surname-names, Saunders could see some use.

Saunders

Whether you think of the chocolates or the naked long-haired lady on the horse, Godiva is a name with baggage no child should have to carry. 

Godiva

Gilda, although related to the words gold and gilded, has definitely tarnished.  It once shimmered with the seductive image of Rita Hayworth in the film Gilda, then was associated with the beloved early Saturday Night Live star Gilda Radner.  In opera, Gilda lives on as the name of the daughter of Rigoletto.

Gilda

Associated with a historic region of Europe, a luxury hotel group, and to a type of cabbage, Savoy comes from the Latin sappinus, via the French Savoie. Meaning "fir (tree)", it has appeared sporadically in the US charts for boys since the 20th-century, though it has only ever been given in small numbers.

Savoy

Bringing to mind a luxury hotel group and a type of cabbage, Savoy was also the name of a historic region of Europe. Derived from the Latin sappinus via the French Savoie, it means "fir (tree)", and has been appearing sporadically in the US stats since the 20th-century. Predominantly given to boys (in small numbers), it has very occasionally ranked for girls too.

Gerry was hep along with poodle skirts and banana splits. 

Gerry

Seaella is a newly created compound name, pairing the word "sea" with the suffix -ella. Similar in sound to Sienna, Ciella, and Sierra, it has various meanings, depending on which form of Ella you choose to consider.
 
From its Germanic roots, the name could mean "the sea is all" or "completely the sea", while from its English origins, "sea fairy maiden" could be an option. Alternatively, it you view Ella as a diminutive of Ellen or Elena, then "light of the sea" or "shining sea" may work. However, -ella can also just be a feminizing suffix, so "sea, ocean" is an equally legitimate meaning.
 
Appearing in birth announcements on social media, Seaella has yet to feature in any official stats.

Seaella

A wild word name with connotations of strength, safety, and protection, Secure manages to fit with gentler word options like Truce, Peace, and Haven, while equally matching the likes of Valor, Noble, and Stone. Influencers Rissa and Quan chose this bold word name for their son in 2025, who joined brothers Shine and Saviour. Secure has yet to make the US stats, but it feels like a name that could, given currently trends. 

Secure

Selinda has a more natural sound and feel than many compound names, and might make an original way to honor grandma Linda. You can also think of it as Melinda, starting with an S.

Selinda

Chosen by influencer India Blue (also known as Indy Blue) for her son's middle name in 2025, Severe may be viewed as a word name, with various meanings, including "stern, strict", "great, intense", or "plain, restrained" (usually in regards to someone's appearance". As such, it may link to the "very demure" trend that year, though the content creator may have also chosen it as a nod to brother's name, Seven. 
 
Alternatively, Severe is a spelling variation of Sévère (SEH-VEHR), a French form of Severus, a Latin name meaning "stern, strict".

Severe

A unique surname style choice, Sewall may appeal to fans of Louisa May Alcott or those looking for a rare sea-inspired option. Also spelled as Sewell, it likely comes from the Middle English given name, Saeweald, meaning "sea power", although alternative theories are that if comes from Sigeweald ("victorious authority") or Saywell (place name meaning "seven spring"). 
 
Given to a handful of boys over the years, it was notably the middle name of Louisa May Alcott's younger sister — and the inspiration for the character of Beth March — Elizabeth Sewall Alcott. It was chosen in honor of her maternal grandmother's maiden name.

Sewall

A rare, surname style choice, with a hint of Saul, Sol, and Sully about it, Sewall has been notably borne by geneticist Sewall Wright and automobile pioneer Sewall K. Crocker, who made the first successful cross-country automobile trip. It was also the middle name of Louisa May Alcott's younger sister (and the inspiration behind Beth of Little Women), Elizabeth Sewall Alcott, chosen because it was her maternal grandmother's maiden name.
 
Also spelled as Sewell, this English surname likely came from the Middle English given names Saeweald and Sigeweald, meaning "sea power" and "victorious authority" respectively. Another possibility however is that it was adapted from a place name, which likely meant "seven springs".

English names -- names originating in the English language -- rank among the top names in the US, the UK, and other English-speaking countries, along with such European countries as Sweden, Germany, and France.

 in the US Top 300 include Georgia, Juliet, Lily and Olive for girls, and Emmett, Miles, Oscar, and William for boy.

 include Alfie, Lily, Edward, and Ella. In Sweden, the English girls' name Alice ranks near the top of the list, while the English boys' nickname Tom is fashionable in France.



Less conventional English names that rank highly in the US include, for girls, Kendall, Kinsley, Madison, Marley, Peyton, Presley, Sutton, Willow, Winter and Wren, For boys, this group includes Archer, Brooks, Carter, Fletcher, Graham, Huxley, Mason, Reed, Sawyer, and Wilder.

 that carry a lot of style value include, for girls, Araminta, Arden, Azalea, Birdie, Blythe, Clover, Lilac, Lavender, Posey, and Waverly. For boys, unique English names to consider include Birch, Booker, Dane, Garrison, Hale, Kit, Oberon, Shaw, Tobin, and Winston.



Our collection of English baby names also includes surname names such as Lancaster and Huffington, nature names such as River and Marigold, English word names such as Love and Journey, along with place names like Devon and occupational names such as Driver.



Browse Nameberry's complete range of English names for girls and boys, continued, below, or consult our individual lists of 

English names including girl names and boy names of English origin from the English language and culture (Page 114)

English Names (with Meanings & Popularity)