English Names

Not quite Dora or Daria, this name is often dismissed in favor of its more familiar counterparts, but it has versatile appeal, given that it has a number of different origins. It can be considered a feminine form of Dorian, a variation of Dorothy, an elaboration of Dora, or a variation of the Hebrew name Dor, meaning "generation". Also spelled Doria, it is borne by Doria Loyce Ragland, the mother of Meghan, Duchess of Sussex.

Dorya

Dickinson is a possibility for Richard's boy, though that Dick nickname is problematic no matter how you get to it. 

Dickinson

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 novel Destry Rides Again by Max Brand, subsequently adapted for the big screen. 

 It has only ranked in the US Top 1000 once, in 1964 at #637, after a popular TV series based on the novel was aired that year. It was given to fewer than 10 baby boys in the latest year on record.

 Steven Spielberg and Kate Capshaw named their daughter Destry in 1996.

Destry

A case in which the son is now more attractive than the father. There have been Colonial settlers surnamed Dennison on this side of the Atlantic since 1623. 


Dennison

Dune is a haunting and evocative sandy-beach name, which also has sci-fi connections. Dune is a science fiction franchise that was launched by Frank Herbert's 1965 novel. Some interesting Dune character names include Alia, Leto, Siona, Bellonda,and Tamalane.
 An alternate spelling is Doon, created by photographer Diane Arbus for her daughter; it came to her as she walked along the beach.

Dune

Dyan is an early 'creative spelling' publicized by actress Dyan Cannon, but a creative spelling can't revive an uncreative name. Modern parents would much prefer the classic Diana.

Dyan

Dylana

Not to be confused with the Irish boy name, Éanna, this un-accented form is occasionally used as a feminine name in the US, likely inspired by Ianna, Giana, Jeanna, and Juana, all feminizations of John. It could be be pronounced as ee-an-uh or ee-ah-nuh depending on preference. 

Eanna

Earlene is even more out of style than Earl. These are among the names that have not been revived ala the Hundred Year Rule.

Earlene

A word that's been used, very infrequently, as a name for hundreds of years. Interesting sound and meaning. 

Early

North and West are easier on the ear, but this works fine if it has some significance for your family. Could be lengthened to Easton.

East

Modern word name East meets old favorite Lynn in this contemporary compound name, first appearing in the US stats in 2016. Also spelled as Eastlyn, the two variations were given to 20 babies collectively in a recent year. It may remind classic literature fans of Ellen Wood's 19th-century sensation novel, East Lynne.

Eastlynn

Eccentricity

Neutral color, but as a name, too much of an oddity. 

Ecru

Spiritual, stylish, nature-connected, and bright, Eden-Rose is a hyphenated choice, given to around 20 babies in England and Wales each year. 

Eden-rose

A rare choice that may inspire fans of Eddie, Esme, Edie, and Enya, Ednie may be considered a variation on the Hebrew Edna (meaning "rejuvenation, delight"); the vintage Edith via the Medieval nickname, Edeny (meaning "prosperous in battle"), or the Old Norse Idony and Iðunn (meaning "love again"). 
 
Also used as a surname, another theory is that it comes from any of the Ed- names (think Edmond, Edwin, Edward).

Ednie

Used in Indonesia, Nigeria, Japan, Cameroon, and occasionally in the US, Eko is a multicultural and unisex choice that may be used as an English variation of the Greek Echo, a wordy choice from mythology borne by a nymph curse to only repeat what others said to her. Alternatively, however, it is a Javanese variant of the Sanskrit Eka, meaning "one, first", a Yoruba name, possibly from Ekundayo meaning "tears become joy", an Akan name meaning "born on Thursday" or an Efik choice, possibly meaning "war".
 
It was chosen for 7 boys in the US in a recent year.

Nature surname with an aristocratic edge. Spelling it DeForest distances it from deforestation.

Deforest

This old-time name for a sofa would not be comfortable as a baby name. 

Davenport

Obscure, though legitimate, name that could be used to honor a relative named Barton or Martin. 

Darton

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 

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

English Names (with Meanings & Popularity)