English Names

Pascoe was popular in medieval times and is definitely deserving of revival, especially for a child born in the Easter season. Other spellings are Pasco and Pascow.

Pascoe

Verle is a rare masculine name with Germanic origins, possibly derived from words meaning 'truthful' or 'honest man.' It may also be a variant of Verlin or Verlon, which share similar etymological roots. The name emerged in American usage in the early 20th century, peaking in popularity between the 1910s and 1930s but remaining uncommon even then. Verle has a distinct vintage quality and carries connotations of integrity and straightforwardness through its possible meaning. The name's simple pronunciation but unusual presence gives it a distinctive character that sets it apart from more common vintage revivals. Though it has declined in usage since mid-century, Verle might appeal to parents seeking a genuinely rare name with historical precedent and positive character associations.

Verle

Kimberly is a variation of the South African (and Australian) place name Kimberley, named after John Wodehouse, 1st Earl of Kimberley. The name comes from a Norfolk earldom (first spelled Chineburlai) and references the meadow or woodland clearing of a medieval Lady called Cyneburga.

 In the middle of the 20th century, shortened form Kim was given to men and women in roughly equal numbers, though Kimberly has always been more associated with women.

Kimberly

For now at least, Parton conjures up the larger-than-life image of Dolly. For an American boy, Patton or Peyton would probably be a better bet.

Parton

Daulton

Parr

Parkin

Strong, friendly surname choice, à la Bailey. 

Paley

Virle is an uncommon masculine name with obscure origins. It may derive from Latin roots related to 'virilis' meaning 'manly' or 'virile', or possibly represent a shortened form of longer names. The name could also have localized origins, as Virle exists as a place name in northern Italy. With its compact single-syllable structure, Virle has a concise, distinctive quality. Though rare in contemporary usage, the name offers a brief yet substantial option for parents seeking something uncommon. Its brevity contrasts with longer naming trends, potentially appealing to those preferring minimalist name choices.

Virle

Like Marvin and Melvin, Sheldon has been perceived as about as far out as you can get, though there are very pretty towns in Devon and Derbyshire that inspired it. Sheldon Lee Cooper is the lead (male) nerd character on the TV hit The Big Bang Theory, giving the name a brainy image. Nickname Shelly is sweet and naturey, in a retro kind of way.

Sheldon

Much more upscale and modern for a girl than a boy.

Vernon

This name may be related to the Latin Maximus, which means "the greatest," or to a British landowner's name, but for most modern parents, it's one of several ways to get to short form Max.

 Probably its most noted bearers is influential twentieth century painter and illustrator Maxfield Parrish, who was born Frederick but later adopted the maiden name of his maternal grandmother.

Maxfield

Obscure surname and Yorkshire and Lincolnshire place-name (where it's spelled Ferriby) makes a jaunty first.  Placed in the public eye by Manhattan socialite Ferebee Bishop Taube.

Ferebee

Writer Anne Tyler gave this apt name to the hippie child in her novel Amateur Marriage, but she wasn't the first -- it was also used by the Puritans. Today it would be quite a loaded choice.

Pagan

A masculine way to honor a feminine Page -- although that ett ending is typically found in girls' names. 

Padget

Packard feels as hefty and weighty as the old car. 

Packard

If blogger-in-chief Arianna's first name can rise through the name popularity charts, why not her surname?  Uffa is an Old English personal name (we don't see that one coming back) and the suffix ton usually designates a town or village.

Huffington

The cake company pretty much knocked this otherwise-pretty compilation name out of consideration for most parents.

Saralee

This dignified Old English surname was brought into the modern consciousness by author Armistead Maupin, who wrote the San Francisco stories Tales of the City. There was also a Civil War general named Lewis Armistead.

Armistead

A new entry in the fashionable occupational name category -- and a jolly job it must be -- with the added attraction of relating to the great early 20th century American artist James Abbott McNeill Whistler, of "Whistler's Mother" fame.

Whistler

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 124)

1450+ English Names (with Meanings & Popularity)