Updated November 2023
Across 2 pages
of 2
English from German
"bright fame"
Robert was the Number 1 boys' name in the US in both 1925 and 1950, and in fact was in the Top 25 for more than a century, giving it true classic status. Strong if not quite stylish, Robert remains…
Hebrew or Egyptian
"drop of the sea; bitter; beloved; love"
Mary is the English form of Maria, which ultimately was derived from the Hebrew name Maryam/Mariam. The original meaning of Maryam is uncertain, but theories include "drop of the sea" (from Hebrew…
Latin
"bald, hairless"
Calvin is a slightly quirky but cozy name that has a fashion edge thanks to Calvin Klein. It has been steadily on the popularity list since records were kept, never lower than Number 250, peaking in…
English variation of Greek Dorothea
"gift of God"
In the 1930s, Dorothy left Kansas and landed in the Land of Oz; by the '80s she had become a Golden Girl, living in Miami with roommates Blanche and Rose, giving her a decidedly older image. But…
German
"famous throughout the land"
Roland is a chivalrous old name made famous by the supposedly eight-foot-tall romantic hero and nephew of Charlemagne, celebrated in medieval poetry and song. It is more widely heard in the US now in…
German and English
"rocky land"
Pleasant but uninspired surname name somewhat connected to writers Ellison and Coben. After three decades off the US Top 1000, it reentered in 2013, maybe because it's an unusual example of the…
Sioux Indian
"firstborn daughter"
Rode two rockets to fame, with actress Winona Ryder and singer Wynonna Judd. Winona entered the Top 1000 for the first time since 1957 this past year in 2022, following in the footsteps of trending…
French medieval variation of Marie, Hebrew
"drop of the sea, bitter, or beloved"
Marian's (and sister spelling Marion's) image has gone through a sea change of late, recalling less middle-aged matron and more Robin Hood's romantic Maid Marian. Some influences: the SJ Parker-M.…
Spanish variation of Carmel or Latin
"garden or song"
While the variation Carmine is more familiar for boys, Carmen has also been used as a masculine name; consider the very macho Carmen Basilio — the American boxer famous for defeating the great Sugar…
Variation of Helen, Greek
"torch; shining light"
The Hellen spelling of this ancient Greek name refers directly to the Hellenes, another name for the Greek people. The mythological Hellen, related to the sun god Helios, was actually male, though…
Spanish, feminine variation of Juan
Pervasive in all Spanish-speaking cultures, Juanita, like Juana, has not emigrated.
Elayne is a feminine name representing a variant spelling of Elaine, which derives from the Old French form of Helen, ultimately from Greek origins meaning 'bright' or 'shining light.' This name…
French
"northerner"
Somehow more modern and likable than Morris or Doris.
English
"place by a stream"
As passé as Hilton and Milton.
Elenore is a graceful feminine name that serves as a variant of Eleanor, which derives from the Provençal name Aliénor, introduced to England by Eleanor of Aquitaine in the 12th century. The name has…
"marshy land near the sea"
Out playing shuffleboard at his condo and not expected back for several generations -- unless it morphs into a girls' name, a la Sydney.
Japanese
"generous"
Several artistic Hiroshis make this one of the more plausible Japanese imports.
Modern invented name
Australian opera singer Nellie Melba—self-named for her hometown of Melbourne—inspired this now-dated name more associated today with a peach dessert and dietetic toast.
Wanita is a feminine name with multiple cultural origins. In Spanish, it's a diminutive form of Juana (the feminine form of Juan/John), meaning 'God is gracious'. However, it's also recognized as an…
Jeane is a refined feminine name, representing a variant spelling of Jean or Jeanne. Ultimately derived from the Hebrew name Yochanan, meaning 'God is gracious,' it traveled through medieval French…