By Pamela Redmond · Updated September 2026
Across 73 pages
of 73
English, diminutive of Elizabeth
Commonly heard in the eighteenth century, but could cause middle-school titters today. Consider Letty or Tessie instead.
English
"of the cliff"
Best known from actor-comedian Cleavon Little, Cleavon feels less soap opera than Cliff and quite really on-trend right now.
, English, diminutive of Clement
Laid-back and humble, with a distinctive down-home charm.
English, diminutive of Taylor
"tailor"
Tay is occasionally used on its own, or as a nickname for the now fading Taylor.
English, feminine variation of Thomas, Aramaic
"twin"
Though rarely used now that many parents would rather appropriate men's names than sweeten them with feminine endings, Thomasina does have some vintage appeal. Thomasina Coverly plays a large part in…
"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…
English, contracted form of Thomasina
Tamsin is an offbeat name occasionally heard in Britain and just waiting to be discovered here. U.K. actress Tamsin Greig is a star of the show Episodes , Tamsin Olivier is the daughter of Joan…
English word name
"golden brown"
Y-ending color adjectives like Tawny and Rusty are nowhere near as stylish as the more sophisticated Lilacs and Violets.
English, from Persian, word name
A few boys have adopted fabrics like Denim and Suede; here's a singular one for the girls, with a distinctively silky sheen.
English surname
"crane"
This elegant surname has great potential to turn into an unusual first name, especially with its literary associations to both Stephen and Hart Crane. Crane is a surname that originated for a tall…
"the crane town"
A surname associated these days with Breaking Bad actor Bryan Cranston.
English variation of Columba
"dove"
In the currently popular solid, serious, two-syllable mold.
English occupational surname
"person who dressed leather after it was tanned"
Has a fresh occupational name feel, combined with old-fashioned Currier & Ives charm.
"famous, brilliant"
Years ago we might have said that this name was unthinkable, but with clunky, old-fashioned names being so popular right now — consider Augustus, Stanley, Wilfred, etc — what's to stop Cuthbert from…
"shining forest"
Forever the hapless cartoon husband of Blondie.
"tree stump"
Stockard Channing -- "West Wing" 's first lady -- picked this strong, Waspy first name over her original, Susan.
Dancer feels like a name ready to leap into the charts with its sense of life and joy; and if names like Hunter and Archer can be used, why not Dancer. There will be some danger of other kids…
"park with deer"
It's a hat, it's a race, and it's even been known to be a name. In Britain, it would be pronounced darby.
English place- and word name
This British river name sounds sleek and strong but perhaps a bit too energetic.
"deer town"
Obscure, though legitimate, name that could be used to honor a relative named Barton or Martin.
