English Names

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

Similar in sound to the French "Thibault", which is far more popular, Tybalt is best known as the bloodlustful and brawling cousin of Juliet in Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet. Perhaps this connotation has kept parents from using Tybalt. However, given the recent fad for all things Theo, Tybalt might offer a familiar yet unusual option for parents who like the meaning but want to swim against the current. Cute nicknames Ty and Tibby might also appeal.

Tybalt

The name of the famous British man of letters might just appeal to some English majors as a more interesting alternative to Zachary. An appropriate playmate for Russell Crowe's boy Tennyson.


Thackeray

Daulton

Butler name, and also that of the rat in Charlotte's Web.

Templeton

Rather formal word name that has been used occasionally over the years, most notably for the autism activist and animal expert Temple Grandin. 

Temple

Similar in style or sound to Prescott, Maverick and Beckett, this far rarer name feels formal and strong. Notably borne by socialist Talcott Parsons, nicknames Tal or Otto might soften it a little. Alcott is a similar option with a literary ties. 

Talcott

Talbot

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

Variously spelled as Swithun or Swithin, this distinctive sounding name is belonged to St. Swithun, an Anglo-Saxon bishop known as the patron saint of Winchester and of the weather — making him the saint to pray to during a drought. More popularly however, the name may evoke the Old English proverb, which predicts that whatever the weather is on St. Swithin's feast day (July 15), will continue for the next 40 days. 
 
(A bit of trivia: there is actually scientific evidence behind this! The feast day tends to coincide with the jet stream above the UK settling into a pattern that typically continues until the August, which might explain why the weather remains similar from that point.)
 
Blending the Old English elements, swiþ and hun, Swithun is an animal and nature related choice, meaning "strong bear cub". Neither Swithin or Swithun have appeared in the US stats, though Swithin was used in the UK (very occasionally) in the 2000s.

Swithun

Old-fashioned, conjuring up an ardent suitor in a bow tie and straw boater. 

Swain

Climbing a mountain somewhere with Radcliff and Heathcliff. 

Sutcliff

Most people's sole association with this name is Oprah companion Stedman Graham -- cool and sophisticated. 

Stedman

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

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 127)

English Names (with Meanings & Popularity)