By Pamela Redmond · Updated September 2026
Across 73 pages
of 73
English
"marshy land near the sea"
Out playing shuffleboard at his condo and not expected back for several generations -- unless it morphs into a girls' name, a la Sydney.
English word name
Nice sound, but double meaning -- shady glen or shady character.
"jet"
Although this is a legitimate name, most people would associate it with a line of Volkswagens -- you'd be better off choosing a Mercedes.
"valuable"
Worthy joins the likes of Chosen, Wise, Noble, Merit, and Prosper: strong, virtuous word names that some may worry creates a level of self-entitlement, while others enjoy as reminders that their…
"where birches grow"
The Brits say BARK-lee, but we pronounce it the same as the name of the California college: either way it's quite pretentious and of another era.
"peasant, farmer; connection"
For 007 fans, a great middle name choice -- or even a first, Bond fits into the trend of one-syllable surname-style names like Banks, Brooks, Boone, Beck, and Briggs. As an English surname, it comes…
Color and surname
Most color names, like Scarlet and Violet, are definitely female, but not this one. Brown is as rich and warm as the tone it denotes, though we must admit the Italian version Bruno has more spark and…
"red-haired"
Sleek, unisex surname rarely heard for girls -- which could be seen as an asset.
"citizen of Rome"
Originally a surname deriving from the Roman twin Romulus, this attractive name was introduced to the English-speaking world as a first name by painter Augustus John who used it for his son. Romilly…
"dweller in open country"
An uncommon surname name with that energetic -er ending. Might appeal especially to baseball fans.
Word name
"always, eternally, continually"
A word name that parents might choose to reflect the eternal love they feel for their child, Forever is a bold choice, but grounded perhaps by the familiar ev sound heard in Everett and Evan and the…
"army guard"
With Yale and Brown in the mainstream, why not this upscale college name and surname as well.
English variation of Cecilia
"blind"
This frilly Victorian name is a variant of Cecilia and Cecily, with which it might well be confused. Cicely was a surprise choice for comedienne Sandra Bernhard. Literary Cicelys can be found in Sir…
"loaf-keeper"
If it's royalty you're after, stick with Earl or Prince -- this is too deified.
"boundary valley"
A surname-style choice that could work as an alternative to Marshall, Mason, or Arden. A topographical name referring to someone who lived near the boundary of a valley, it could lead to nickname…
English, diminutive of Moses
"delivered"
If Gus and Max have made it, why not Moe? Can it be the lingering Three Stooges effect? We think that Moe, like Joe, is one of the friendliest and most open of regular guy nickname names and should…
"divine ruler"
Clad in armor. But while this name may have been forbiddingly antiquated not that long ago, the connection to the trendy nickname Os or Oz makes it a real possibility.
"saddle-maker"
Sadler is another new entrant in the trendy occupational surname category, one particularly prime for a horse lover.
English word name, diminutive of Sylvester
A bit too cunning.
"building site"
A solid, brief but not brusque single-syllable surname with a presidential pedigree.
