1450+ English Names (with Meanings & Popularity)
Across 73 pages
of 73
Sterling
English
"of the highest quality"
A name with some sterling qualities, most associated with the British currency and silver markets, though it could easily be read as virtuous, celebratory choice, like Merritt or Goldie. Sterling is…
Barley
English
"grower or seller of barley"
A bit too bad-boy (think bars, beer, Harley) for us, as well as being the name of a grain.
Spring
Word name
Spring doesn't sound half as contemporary as Winter, which has become the cool season name.
Barnes
English
"someone who lives or works near the barn"
This is a solid surname choice for people looking for a change from Cooper, Parker and Carson. Australian parents will probably instantly associate this name with famous rock legend Jimmy Barnes, but…
Barnett
English
"place cleared by burning"
Has some creative credibility via abstract painter Barnett Newman, but we'd prefer his nickname, Barney.
Barnum
English contraction of "baron's home"
"baron's home"
Inevitable circus association.
Haidee
Literature, English
"modest, reverant"
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…
Snow
English word name
There's definitely a cold front of names for winter babies moving in, with Summer, Spring and Autumn giving way to Winter--plus North, January, Frost--and Snow. This name feels brisk, fresh, pure,…
Hadleigh
Spelling variation of Hadley, English
"heathery field"
Hadley, an old surname-name best known as the name of author Ernest Hemingway's "Paris Wife," only recently broke onto the scene in a big way. While Hadley has considerable appeal, spelling…
Barton
English
"from the barley settlement"
More user-friendly, though less substantial, than Bartholomew.
Bassett
English, originally a nickname for a short person
Nothing but a hound dog.
Bates
English diminutive of Bartholomew
Bates is a fresh version of Bartholomew, and feels more wearable than Bart. Bates could be considered a patriotic choice for American parents - Katharine Lee Bates was an author and professor best…
Sinclair
Scottish
"from the town of St. Clair"
The most famous Sinclair was the (male) writer Lewis, but these days the name works at least as well for a girl.
Baxter
English occupational name
"baker"
An x makes any name cooler, so that Baxter has a bit more pizzazz than the original Baker. Baxter had some currency as a first name a century ago--it was on the popularity lists sporadically from…
Bayard
French
"russet-haired"
An old English redhead name -- one of the few that doesn't begin with the letter r -- with references both to a famous French knight and a magical horse. Civil Rights leader Bayard Rustin is a…
Beacon
English word name
"signal light"
A word name with an appealing and illuminating meaning.
Beal
English from French
"fair, handsome"
Could be a possible and more modern, namesake for Uncle Neal.
Beaman
English occupational name
"beekeeper"
This occupational choice is less appealing than such brethren as Baker and Baxter.
Beamer
English
"trumpet player"
Might make a good middle name for the child of a musician, though people could think you were honoring your BMW.
Babe
Word name or diminutive of Barbara
You can call your baby "babe," but don't name her that.