By Pamela Redmond · Updated September 2026
Across 73 pages
of 73
French
"warhorse"
Destry rides again, this time as a Western flavored baby name. Derived from the French surname Destrier, from an Anglo-Norman word meaning "warhorse", this rugged name was popularized by the 1930…
English
"home of the Wassa people"
Lincoln, Tyler, Taylor, Jackson, Jefferson, Harrison, McKinley, Grant, Kennedy, Carter -- yes. Washington -- probably not.
"from farm by a spring"
Although it connotes a sense of well-being, not likely to be a popular choice.
"from Denmark"
This rarely heard name pares down all the ultrafeminine Dan names to one that's much more powerful, for both boys and girls.
"from the western brook"
Pompous and pretentious.
"from the western cottage"
If you find West not substantial enough, this would make a more solid path to it.
"from the white ford"
Quintessentially, stylelessly preppy.
"carefree person"
Corliss, eccentric yet well-established, has an independent and artistic air.
"farm near the willows; willow town"
Energetic Willoughby is a familiar last name, but, as yet, makes for a unique choice in the first spot. An unexpected way to get to popular short forms Will and Billy, Willoughby could make an…
English, elaborated form of Cora
Famous as the name of the widow of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
"friend's farm"
This spelling of Winton has gotten considerable buzz via jazz musician Wynton Marsalis.
"friend's village"
Proper Bostonian.
"cottage near a stream"
One of many stuffy British W surnames that would subject an American boy to years of teasing before growing into it at age fifty.
Latin
"dove"
A beautiful English and French flower name deriving from the Latin word for dove. Sadly, in America this name is now forever linked with a tragic terrorist attack on a Colorado high school.
"dweller at the white cliff"
Haitian-born rap superstar and humanitarian Wyclef ("Fugees") Jean has lent this name a powerful musical beat.
"battle stone"
Dignified first name of poet W. H. Auden, less exposed than his currently stylish surname.
English surname
"wood clearing"
Yardley is an English surname with a distinguished vibe, a la Chauncey and Clancy. Extremely rare for either sex, it would make a stand-out choice that still fits in with current trends.
Scottish, English
"the gates"
Admirers of the haunting works of esteemed Irish poet and playwright William Butler Yeats might consider this surname-style name, especially for the middle spot. Ultimately derived from the Old…
English literary name
Alas, poor Yorick, your name is fated to remain locked forever as a skull in Hamlet .
"from the yew estate"
Brisk, preppy York is an underused classic with the potential to really shine in the 21st century. It's most familiar as a place name — York is a city in England — and surname. New York City and…
