Names That Mean Guard

Like Ed, Eddie and Teddy, Ted is rarely used as an independent name – in the US, at least. In the UK, Eddie ranks just outside the Top 200, Teddy ranks just outside the Top 30, and Ted is a Top 200 pick.

With Theodore rising, Ted may have new life among parents who don't want to use the short form Theo. And TV's Ted Lasso makes it a quintessential nice guy name.

With Yale and Brown in the mainstream, why not this upscale college name and surname as well.

Iconic guitar manufacturer that could make for an edgy baby name for rock lovers – or petrolheads; a fender is also part of a car.

The name of an 11th-century Anglo-Saxon leader who rebelled against Norman rule feels weighty but not beyond revival for the adventurous baby namer.