Updated November 2023
Across 2 pages
of 2
English variation of Jacob, Hebrew
"supplanter"
James is one of the classic Anglo-Saxon names, a stalwart through the ages that is more popular—and yes, stylish—than ever today. It recently came out Number 1 in a poll of America's favorite boys'…
Aramaic
"twin"
A solid classic with plenty of history, Thomas strikes the balance between strength and gentleness. A favorite in the UK, a staple in France, and Australia, and never absent from the US Top 100,…
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…
German
"dominant ruler"
A classic old Norman name popular for a thousand years and favored for kings (Richard Nixon was named for Richard the Lionhearted), as well as the hoi polloi (as in every Tom, Dick and Harry),…
Scottish, Norse
"ruler's counselor"
A strong, if slightly dated sounding choice, Ronald made the US Top 10 in the late 1930s through into the mid-1940s, before it became heavily associated with President Reagan, as well as with the…
Anglicization of Eibhlín, Irish, German
"desired; or water, island"
The Gaelic Eileen was a mid-century darling that was on a long downward slide for decades. And then, in 2012, it took an unexpected pivot and has been inching upward in the US, perhaps inspired by…
Greek
"foreign woman"
Barbara is back and among the fastest-rising names of recent years! Credit goes to 2023's breakout movie Barbie , which gave a new stylish feel to the classic Barbara and set it up to rank alongside…
Hebrew
"a plain"
This Old Testament place name was in the Top 10 fifty years ago, but now Sharon, along with sound-alike Karen, have fallen out of favor.
Latin
"noble, patrician"
Patricia still sounds patrician, though its scores of nicknames definitely don't. Wildly popular from the forties (alternately Number 3 and 4 throughout the decade) to the sixties, Patricia has been…
English, combination of Mary and Ann
"drop of the sea, bitter, or beloved + grace"
Combination of Mary and Ann which has been more popular than Marianne in recent years, although still below the Top 1000, after a peak in the 1940s. Mary is the English form of Maria, which…
Ronny is a masculine name that originated as a diminutive form of Ronald or Ron. Ronald derives from the Old Norse name Rögnvaldr, combining 'regin' (advice, decision) and 'valdr' (ruler), meaning…
Ruthann is a feminine name that combines the classic biblical name Ruth with the suffix 'ann.' Ruth derives from Hebrew origins, meaning 'friend,' 'companion,' or 'vision of beauty.' This combination…
"peaceful ruler"
Fredric is a streamlined spelling variant of the traditional Frederick. Frederick has been borne by numerous European rulers, giving the name royal associations. Fredric gained some usage in the…
Short form of Katherine, Greek
"pure"
Kaye and its more popular sister Kay, once common short forms of the perennially popular Katherine, are now on the endangered list, given to fewer than 50 baby girls each year. But maybe that makes…
Compound name, combining Rose and Ann
"graceful rose"
A shaper, more succinct variation on Roseanne, Rosanne or Roseanna, Roseann was popular in the 1940s.
Jacquelynn is a feminine name representing an elaborated spelling variant of Jacqueline, which originated as a feminine form of Jacques, the French equivalent of James. Ultimately derived from the…
Carlyn is a feminine name combining elements of Carol and Lynn, though it can also be considered a variant of Caroline or Carolyn. With Germanic origins, it relates to the root 'karl' meaning 'free…
Darleen is a feminine name that originated as a variant of Darlene, which combines the English word 'dear' with the suffix '-lene.' This name gained popularity in the United States during the…
Feminine variation of Edwin, English
"wealthy friend"
Edwina may still be taking tea in the parlor, but we can see her joining friends like Matilda and Josephine for a comeback, especially if pronounced like Edwin rather than Edween. She had a very…
Susann is a feminine name that represents a variation of Susan, which derives from the Hebrew name Shoshana, meaning 'lily' or 'rose.' This particular spelling with the double 'n' ending gives the…