Names That Mean Wood

Yardley is an English surname with a distinguished vibe, a la Chauncey and Clancy. Extremely rare for either sex, it would make a stand-out choice that still fits in with current trends.

Blakeley is one of the many -ley ending surnames that is being adopted as a first name, updating the 80s darlings Blake and Ashley.

Blakeley is one of the many -ley ending surnames that is being adopted as a first name, taking the 80s unisex darling Blake into the new millennium.

Family surname or feminist statement name? Either way, this literary surname has a cool, current sound.

Faraday is a whimsical Scottish surname that works equally well as a first name for girls or boys.

This unusual (to the American ear) unisex name is used throughout Scandinavia and Germany.

Yardley, a surname redolent of British soaps and perfume, was used for her daughter by Megyn Kelly.

Blakesley is the name of a village in England, also sometimes found as a surname along with Blakely and Blakeley, turned into a first name for their daughter by reality stars Trista and Ryan Sutter. Blakesley joins other -ley ending names -- Hadley, Finley -- as one of the most popular forms of unisex names with a girlish spin.

This unisex nature name ranks among the most popular girl names in Norway.

This light, airy name has been given to a few dozen American girls since the early 2000s. It's a legitimate Italian word, but it's more likely to be inspired by the word "angel" backwards.

This mini-member of the Ivo-Yves family of names is unlikely to appeal to English speakers, as it sounds like "ew".

A unique alternative to the West- names that are suddenly everywhere — like Weston, Westley, and West itself. Westwood lends itself to two stylish nicknames, West and Woods.

One of the rarer tree names, Birch evokes imagery of the beautiful paper-white bark tree.

Although a unisex name, the most notable people named Birch are men, such as Indiana senator Birch Evans Bayh Jr.

Birch trees are very symbolic in many cultures. In Russia, birch trees are emblematic of grace, beauty, and strength. In Celtic culture, birch trees represent growth, stability, and adaptability.

Name of the "god tree," a tall cedar native to India that also grows in California and England. Not a prime baby name candidate.

Notable British surname associated with fashion designer Vivienne.

A decade or two ago, we might have stopped with Blake, but today the surname Blakely or Blakeley sounds more modern as a first name.

Possibility for fans of science fiction writer Ray.

Famously borne by Atagulkalu or Attakullakulla, a Cherokee leader known to the English as Little Carpenter. The English translation reflected both his given name and slight physique.

This Scottish name for girls has been sued since the 19th Century as a feminine given name, and has a surprisingly feminine sound for a feminization.

Originally spelt Ceoftefne, this English surname and place name is formed from a Celtic element meaning "wood" and a Norse word meaning "meeting place". It was originally a place name in Lincolnshire, England, and is now used as a generic name for traditional divisions of that county.