By Pamela Redmond · Updated September 2026
Across 73 pages
of 73
English
"ridge where charcoal is burnt"
Name of a poet, this will be one for consideration by literary parents. The name fits well with the current trend towards surnames as given names, but beware the three syllable pronunciation, which…
"shorn head"
Clumsy when used as a first name.
"dweller by the apple orchard"
This is an English surname dating back to 1086, but we don't see it having much of a first name future in the twenty-first century.
"land near the port"
There are two lovely Portlands, in Maine and Oregon, but not many babies with their name.
"maker of drinking and storage vessels"
Could join such up-and-comers as Miller and Gardener, though the "potty" and Harry Potter associations are strong and potentially unappealing these days.
, English, diminutive of Clement
Laid-back and humble, with a distinctive down-home charm.
"of the cliff"
Best known from actor-comedian Cleavon Little, Cleavon feels less soap opera than Cliff and quite really on-trend right now.
"hill of the church"
Distinguished though it is, it will never shake its portly cigar-smoking image.
English word name
"Christ festival"
Very occasionally given to babies born on December 25th, Christmas is a bold, declarative choice. When it is used, it is usually in the middle spot, with notable bearers including Danish politician…
"maker of breeches"
One of the most distinguished names in literature could become a hero name in a family of poetry-lovers -- or be seen as a trendy new occupational name.
"dweller by the hollow"
Perhaps if there's a Putnam in your background.
English, modern combination of Quan and Octavius
One of the more imposing and intriguing of the combo names.
"scribe"
Heard in a sixties spy movie, The Quiller Memorandum , this uncommon occupational name has an offbeat charm.
English from Quintus; diminutive of Quinton
Clint with a glint; used for flinty characters in old TV westerns and soap operas.
English and French surname
"clergyman of a chapel"
Chaplin carries two very distinctive images: the beloved Little Tramp and a minister, often to the military. It was the baby-name choice of Ever Carridine in 2010.
"clearing"
Only if you don't mind hearing yourself saying, "Come quickly, Quixley."
"settlement of free men"
Carleton has a great meaning behind it, and should really have more popularity than it has found to date. You can shorten it to Carl or keep it upscale and formal in the longer form. Baseball Hall of…
"reedy stream"
Upper-crusty surname name.
"red cliff"
Harvard's sibling.
"calf-herder"
Putting a C before Albert doesn't make this old occupational name any more contempo.
