Updated October 2026
Across 6 pages
of 6
Rennie is a feminine name that often serves as a diminutive of names like Renata, Irene, or Renee. It has Scottish origins where it can be derived from the Gaelic elements "raon" meaning "rule" or…
Short form of David, Hebrew
"beloved"
The nickname Davie is very hot right now -- for girls. Most Davies these days are female, but this is still a natural short form of the classic David.
Len is a concise masculine name that typically functions as a shortened form of longer names such as Leonard, Lennox, or Lennon. Derived from Germanic roots, Leonard means 'brave lion,' lending Len…
Essa is a feminine name with multiple cultural origins. In Arabic, it's a variation of Isa (the Arabic form of Jesus) and means 'God is salvation.' In Irish contexts, Essa derives from the Gaelic…
German and Russian variation of Isidore
"gift of Isis"
Isidore and variants are remarkably underused and ripe for revival, a la Theodore and company.
Ab is a short masculine name with multiple cultural origins. In Hebrew, it derives from 'אָב' (av) meaning 'father,' reflecting paternal significance in ancient societies. It appears in the Bible as…
Dessie is a charming feminine name with multiple origins. Primarily considered a diminutive of Desdemona (from Greek, meaning 'ill-fated'), it's also used as a nickname for names like Desirée (French…
Greek
"mother's gift"
Medora is a Greek name much less common here than, say, Melanie or Melissa. It has some literary references, including as the beautiful and passionate heroine of Lord Byron's poem The Corsair, and in…
English word name
"cardinal direction of north"
A lot of attention was drawn to this name when Kim Kardashian and Kanye West announced it as the name of their baby daughter, making it instantly unisex. North is a word name that's long been used,…
Norse
"ancestor's relic"
Olaf, though sainted and regal in Norway, is slightly oafish here. It is one of those names that has become completely familiar in the U.S. without ever becoming assimilated. Now that he's a comical…
Claud is a masculine name of Latin origin, derived from the Roman family name Claudius, which comes from the Latin word 'claudus' meaning 'lame' or 'limping.' It's a shortened form of Claude, which…
Diminutive of Cleveland
Appealing short form of the stuffy Cleveland, occasionally used on its own.
Budd is a short, strong masculine name with English origins, traditionally functioning as a nickname for names beginning with 'Bud' or as a reference to the word "buddy," conveying friendship. It has…
French
"dear one, sweetheart"
Rhythmic and energetic, Drury is of French origin, with the wonderful meaning of "dear one, sweetheart."
Diminutive of Edward et al
"wealthy"
The most minimalist of names, Ed is decidedly out -- though that usually means it's due to swing back in. More stylish these days: Ned or even Ted.
English
"island of the brook"
Though they sound exactly alike, this spelling makes it much more elegant than Bernie.
Alvah is a masculine name with Hebrew origins, meaning 'his highness' or 'sublimity.' Appearing in the Bible as a descendant of Esau, Alvah carries ancient roots and religious significance. The name…
German variation of Ernest
Concise and clipped European version of the earnest Ernest.
English topographical surname
"dweller in the open country"
Fielding is a surname style name, originally given to someone who lived in the country or worked in the fields, however it might also be considered a word name relating to sports (cricket and…
Dolphus is a masculine name with historical roots as a variant or diminutive of Adolphus, which derives from the Old High German name 'Adalwolf,' meaning 'noble wolf.' This shortened form emerged…