English Names

An enthusiastic, upbeat choice that makes an unusual but positive word name. It might have seemed liked an odd choice a few years back, before Halo, True, Chosen, and Sunny made the rankings, but with the rising interest in wild word names and the popularity of Zaylee, it might not seem quite so out there any more. Six girls and 25 boys were given the name in a recent year. 

Zeal

The great-great-aunt in the purple hat, singing jazz. 

Elberta

Familiar-but-new, Zealand has a lot going for it with its spunky Z initial and globe-trotting vibes. Sparingly used for boys since the 2000s and even more occasionally used for girls since 2010, YouTube family The Labrants brought this name into the spotlight when they called their son Zealand in 2019.
 
Since then, the number of boys called Zealand has greatly increased, while for girls, it has seen a very modest increase in use. Givento 6 girls in a recent year (along with 110 boys), it remains a <a href="https://nameberry.com/list/210/place-names-off-the-map">a rare place name for babies</a>. 
 
In terms of etymology, Zealand is the English translation of the Dutch province, Zeeland (originally called Seelant), though it's more commonly associated with New Zealand, the Oceanic country named by the Dutch. The name translates to "sea land", making this <a href="https://nameberry.com/list/641/names-that-mean-ocean">an ocean inspired choice</a>.
 
Similar in style to Holland and close in sound to Zaylee, perhaps Zealand will see more use in the future.

Zealand

Zingy and energetic, Zippy is a lively nickname that doubles up as a word name too. For a more classic, grounded origin, you could look to the Biblical Zachary — or for rarer full forms, perhaps to Zebedee, Cyprian, Zephaniah, Zeppelin, Zephyr, or Zebulon might appeal. Alternative, you could see it as a word name, associated with jubilance, energy, speed, and brightness. 
 
While Zippy has never ranked in the US stats, it could fit in with the likes of Ziggy, Ozzy, Tripp, and Teddy.

Zippy

Bright and outdoorsy or vintage with a hint of clunkiness, Wilda may be viewed as a spin on the English word "wild" and as an alternative to the equally untamed Swedish Vilda. Alternatively, it could have emerged from names such as Alwilda (or Alvilda), giving it the meaning "to strive" or "to battle".
 
Familiar in the US in the first have of the 20th-century, when it ranked in the Top 500, Wilda might work as an unexpected vintage name, similar in feel to Wilma, Hilda, and Winifred. Alternatively, it could be viewed as an option for those who enjoy the likes of Wilder, Prairie, and Cove.

Wilda

Slightly rugged and windswept, Hindley notably appears in Emily Brontë's Wuthering Heights, borne by the elder son of the Earnshaw family. The name of two English towns, it combines the Old English elements leah and hind meaning "meadow, clearing" and "female deer" respectively. 
 
While it could appeal as an alternative to Linden, Hadley, Hartley, and Harley, in the UK at least, it would be heavily associated with the infamous Myra Hindley, one of the Moors Murderers.

Hindley

Unfashionable surname, best left in the forest with Robin Hood and his Merry Men. 

Sherwood

Despite its poetic associations, almost as dated as Sheldon, and more feminine. 

Shelley

One place-name that doesn't make the cut as a person name, associated with several commercial enterprises. We've seen it used by Chicago Cubs fans — Sheffield is the name of a major street bordering Wrigley Field.

Sheffield

Selvyn is a masculine name of English origin, likely developed as a variant of Selwyn, which combines the Old English elements 'sele' (hall, manor) and 'wine' (friend), meaning 'friend from the manor house.' This uncommon name carries an air of sophistication and refinement with its distinctive spelling. Selvyn has remained relatively rare throughout the English-speaking world, giving it a unique quality for those who bear it. The name has an elegant, somewhat aristocratic feel while maintaining a modern sound. Its rarity makes it appealing to parents seeking a distinctive name that still has authentic historical roots and is relatively easy to pronounce and spell.

Selvyn

Sinjon

St. JOhn is mainly (but rarely) used by Catholics in England -- there's one in Jane Eyre.  This would probably be too cumbersome for most American kids. 

St john

Kind of a combination of scoot and fleet, brought into public domain by actor Skeet (born Brian) Ulrich. We would recommend looking into the unsavory slang meaning of this name before choosing it for your child.

Skeet

Double whammy: the expression "Seward's folly" and inevitable sewer jokes. 

Seward

New twist on Bennett. Mack Sennett was the early movie director known as the innovator of slapstick comedy.

Sennett

Has diverse links to a Groucho Marx character, a bouncing ball, and late performance artist Spalding Gray. 

Spalding

Not only did rocker John Mellencamp name his son Speck, but he appended the middle name Wildhorse to it.

Speck

A video-game name ("Final Fantasy VII") with an unappealing sound and meaning. 

Squall

Seldon was seldom heard as a first name but that may change now that Elon Musk has used it for his 14th child, his fourth with Shivon Zilis. Little Seldon Musk's middle name is Lycurgus, the name of several legendary and mythological Greek figures.

Seldon

Associated with archetypal folksinger Pete Seeger. 

Seeger

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 

. The English origin names below are ordered by their current popularity on Nameberry.

English names including girl names and boy names of English origin from the English language and culture (Page 117)

1450+ English Names (with Meanings & Popularity)