English Names

Similar in sound to Emily, Ainsley, and Wrenley, this stripped back from of Enley or Henley is a contemporary choice, chosen by influencer Kat Pond in 2026, for her daughter Louella's middle name. As a variation of Enley and Henley, it could mean "high meadow", though other sources suggest "Engla's meadow".

Enly

A famous seventh-century saint and church historian whose name has not survived as well as his works. Known as the Venerable Bede, this Benedictine monk is considered the first known writer of English prose, and highly influential via his The History of the English Church and People.

Bede

Enterprise

Might make a good middle name for the child of a musician, though people could think you were honoring your BMW. 

Beamer

One time joke name, à la Lily Tomlin's bossy telephone operator, Ernestine is ready for a possible reevaluation, like cousins Josephine and Clementine.

Ernestine

This occupational choice is less appealing than such brethren as Baker and Baxter. 

Beaman

We think Esmarie rolls off the tongue better.

Esmaria

Could be a possible and more modern, namesake for Uncle Neal. 

Beal

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 contemporary bearer of this unusual and evocative name.

Bayard

Given to six boys in a recent year, Eternal is a spiritual choice, often associated with an everlasting spirit (such as God) or an infinite time (such as the afterlife), though it equally connects to eternal love more generally and to something timeless and enduring. 
 
A big name to carry, though potential nickname Ernie might ground it a little.

Eternal

A more unusual, if slightly snooty, masculine Bailey alternative. 

Baxley

Ethel is one of those vintage names that will always will be out...or will it? A generation ago we might have said the same for now-fashionable names like Florence and Ida. Even if Ethel rises, Etheline might sound too much like a chemical compound.

Etheline

Vintage Etta meets Ottilie and Amelie in this playful choice, with could be interpreted as meaning "little meadow" or "prosperous in battle", depending on whether you see it as a blend of Etta and Lee, or as a variation on the aforementioned Ottilie. It first appeared in the US stats in 2021.

Ettalie

Popular in France in the early 20th century, this is the French form of the virtuous Eudoxia, a Greek name associated with good deeds and good judgement. Notable bearers include Eudoxie Bridges, model, philanthropist, and wife of the rapper Ludacris, and Eudoxie Yao, a model, singer, and influencer



Eudoxie

An elaborate alternative to stylish Evangeline, Evangelisa is a rare choice with familiar and popular sounds. Ultimately deriving from the Greek euangelos meaning "bringer of good news", this form may be interpreted in several different ways.
 
On one hand, it may just be viewed as an elaboration of Evangeline, however, it could also be a blend of Elisa and Evangeline. In the latter case, it could be interpreted as meaning "bearer of good news, pledged to God". 
 Alternatively, it may be a spin on the name Evangelista, usually said to mean "preacher, Evangelist", and therefore closely connected to the main writers of of the New Testament, John, Mark, Matthew, and Luke, though it could also be a spin on the wordevangelize (meaning "to preach the gospel").
 
Used occasionally in the Philippines, the US, Zambia. and England, it is a very rare option, but with nicknames Eva, Evie, Angie, and Isa, it could make an interesting one to consider.

Evangelisa

A sleek and pretty alternative to the rising star Evangeline, Evangelise may be interpreted in a variety of ways. On one hand, it may simply be an elaboration of Evangeline, ultimately from the Greek euangelos meaning "bringer of good news", however, it may also be a blend of Elise and Evangeline and thus interpreted as "bearer of good news, pledged to God".
 
Alternatively, it may be a spin of the words evangelize (meaning "to preach the gospel") or Evangelist, associated with the four main writers of the New Testament, John, Mark, Matthew, and Luke. 
 
A rare choice, it is occasionally used in Nigeria and South Africa, though its sounds could make it a unique but familiar sounding option, and an interest way to the nickname Evie.

Evangelise

Appearing in Mark Lawrence's high fantasy novel, The Book That Wouldn't Burn, Evar is a contemporary, literary creation. Borne by a character raised outside of time, in a mysterious library, Evar may be a play on the word "ever".
 
Alternatively, it may be inspired by the Greek name Evaristus, meaning "well pleasing" or by Scandinavian Ivar, meaning "yew wood" or "archer". It is, however, also the abbreviation for a type of surgery called Endovascular Aneurysm Repair, used to fix abdominal aortic aneurysms.

Evar

Bassett

Perfect choice if your baby has grandpas named Barry and Eric, but also a bit military. 

Barric

One of those short, travelling-lite names with a variety of possible meanings, Evo could be considered: a variation of Ivo, which means "yew" from its Germanic roots and "God is gracious" from its Slavic ones; a masculine form of Eva or Eve meaning "life"; a short form of names such as Evan, Evander, Evren, Everett, and so on; a play of the word "evolve" meaning "to develop, grow". 
 
Borne by former Bolivian president, Juan Evo Morales "Evo", it hasn't appeared in the US stats since 2009.

English names -- names originating in the English language -- rank among the top names in the US, the UK, and other English-speaking countries, along with such European countries as Sweden, Germany, and France.

 in the US Top 300 include Georgia, Juliet, Lily and Olive for girls, and Emmett, Miles, Oscar, and William for boy.

 include Alfie, Lily, Edward, and Ella. In Sweden, the English girls' name Alice ranks near the top of the list, while the English boys' nickname Tom is fashionable in France.



Less conventional English names that rank highly in the US include, for girls, Kendall, Kinsley, Madison, Marley, Peyton, Presley, Sutton, Willow, Winter and Wren, For boys, this group includes Archer, Brooks, Carter, Fletcher, Graham, Huxley, Mason, Reed, Sawyer, and Wilder.

 that carry a lot of style value include, for girls, Araminta, Arden, Azalea, Birdie, Blythe, Clover, Lilac, Lavender, Posey, and Waverly. For boys, unique English names to consider include Birch, Booker, Dane, Garrison, Hale, Kit, Oberon, Shaw, Tobin, and Winston.



Our collection of English baby names also includes surname names such as Lancaster and Huffington, nature names such as River and Marigold, English word names such as Love and Journey, along with place names like Devon and occupational names such as Driver.



Browse Nameberry's complete range of English names for girls and boys, continued, below, or consult our individual lists of 

. The English origin names below are ordered by their current popularity on Nameberry.

English names including girl names and boy names of English origin from the English language and culture (Page 91)

1450+ English Names (with Meanings & Popularity)