Fish Names

Sunshine was seen as a quintessential hippie name of the 70s, reaching as high as Number 536 in 1975. Now such names are making a bit of a retro comeback, seen, for example, as a character on Glee.

Plausible word name, denoting strength and stability, currently given to a small handful of boys in the US each year.

Better for a dog.

With the rise of such working names as Gardener, Miller, and Bailey, someone out there might want to dub their child a Wizard — though we're not sure this exactly classifies as an occupation.

The archetypal diminutive, in every sense of the word. Bitsy enjoyed some use as a nickname in the era when children were named after family members and then called by a cute pet name: Chip, Skip, Babe, Bitsy. As a full name, it has made the US list only three times: in 1943, 1958 and 1962.

A modern version of the dated Betty. You might want to consider varying Elizabeth, too, to the Italian Elisabetta.

This attractive mini-name combines multiple trends: the R initial, vowel-ending boy names, and a fantastical meaning.

Unique choice, with a pleasant antique feel.

Wave made, well, waves when it was revealed to be the name of Cardi B and Offset's son. Evocative of crashing waves at the beach, large surfing barrels, and tumultuous and stormy seas, Wave is a name with a lot of personalities.

Finola, the readily accessible version of some of the more problematic Gaelic versions of the name, would make a welcome addition to the stockpot of Irish girls' names.

Flo is an antiquated nickname not often used these days, possibly because "Aunt Flo" is a euphemism for a period.

Hurricane is a storm, but it's also an American name, thanks to rising tennis star Hurricane Black -- whose sister's name is Tornado. There's no reason this tempestuous choice can't work for boys too, inasfar as the name can work for any child. As a name, Hurricane is definitely original and attention-getting, but is it a name you'd want to carry around for life?

Unusual alternative to Fisher with a brisker surname appeal.

If you like the idea of King and Prince but find them too sophisticated, this might be the name for you.

Gill is a masculine name with multiple origins, functioning both as a standalone name and a diminutive of Gilbert or Gillian. Derived from the Old Norse 'gísl' meaning "hostage" or "pledge," it also has Middle English connections to Saint Giles. In some regions, particularly Scotland, Gill relates to the Gaelic word for "servant." As a surname-turned-first-name, it carries an understated strength and simplicity. Gill has maintained modest popularity throughout the decades, appreciated for its brevity and unpretentious style. The name suggests someone practical, reliable, and straightforward. Its single-syllable simplicity gives it a modern feel despite its ancient origins, making it a timelessly appealing choice.

Your teenager will either love you or hate you for choosing this name. Better: Fox.

Glimmer is shimmery but a little too showy, as is Glitter, a character on a TV sitcom-- while Glimmer appears in The Hunger Games.

An ancient city in Assyria, where Jonah was sent to spread the word of God.

We've had Apples, Plums, Peaches, Cherries, and Berries added to the fruit basket: you could be the first to pick a Tangerine.

This popular Indian name is heard in the US. Bollywood actor Akshay Khanna has a son named Arnav.