Names That Mean Free

A sixties-style name that might work best as a middle.

Carleton has a great meaning behind it, and should really have more popularity than it has found to date. You can shorten it to Carl or keep it upscale and formal in the longer form. Baseball Hall of Fame catcher Carlton Fisk lends the name some sporty credentials, while American artist Carleton Wiggins confirms this name's Victorian earnestness.

The way the French allude to Charlie Chaplin could make a charming name on its own, or a hip nickname alternate to Charlie or Chuck. It's also used in the Creole community.

The name of an important figure in the Book of Judges, a judge from Gilead who helped the Israelites defeat the hated Ammonites. Jephthah and its various derivative spellings have seldom been used as first names since Biblical times, but that may change going forward, thanks to Duck Dynasty castmember Jules Jeptha "Jep" Robertson.

Name that makes a strong philosophical statement -- but might ironically be a lot for a child to carry.

This would make an interesting South American heritage choice. One famous bearer was Quispe Sisa, an Inca princess in the 16th century. It is also a surname.

Less well known internationally than Saoirse, but equally appealing, this Irish name is also spelled Saorla or Saorlaith.

Alternative spelling of Charlie that's popular for baby boys in Belgium.

This Yoruba praise name is used throughout West Africa, and has an empowering meaning.

Frank is cool again. Frankie is cute. But frankly, Frankito is a couple of diminutives too many.

Franklin is making a comeback as a boy name, with its clunky vintage charm. Some parents are beginning to consider Franklynn as a feminized version of the name, likely drawn by trendy nickname Frankie.

The Czech and Slovak version of Carolina.