Pet Names · Dog Names
By Sophie Kihm · Updated September 2026
Across 370 pages
of 370
French variation of Magdalen
"woman from Magdala or high tower"
Sophisticated and sweet, delicate but substantial, Madeleine is the classic French variation of Magdalene. Once a Top 10 option in France, its popularity waned in the 70s, though it is slowly on the…
Spanish; Portuguese variation of Peter, Greek
"rock, stone"
Pedro is one of the most familiar Spanish names for boys , via baseball star Pedro Rodriguez and many others. Like its Anglo equivalent Peter, Pedro is not as popular as it once was. But it's among…
French feminine version of Clement, Latin
"mild, merciful"
Clementine is a Nameberry favorite that broke back into the US Top 1000 in 2014 after more than half a century off the list. A female variation of the more-unusual Clement, Clementine's meaning…
English botanical name and Latin
"wise and knowing"
A modern, multifaceted name, Sage is short, sweet, and strong. A unisex possibility, it is also a virtuous word name associated with wisdom, and a nature name linked to a fragrant herb. Currently,…
Spelling variation of Winter
Less month, more trendy, more times needing to spell it to people. This spelling variation entered the Top 1000 for the first time in 2013—and doesn't appear to be going anywhere any time soon.…
Hebrew, diminutive of Jacob
"supplanter"
This unpretentious, accessible, and optimistic ("everything's jake" -- meaning OK) short form of the top name Jacob is itself widely used, though more parents these days are opting for the full name…
Spanish and Italian, diminutive of Elizabeth
Elisa is one of the most appealing of this contingent of Elizabeth-related names. In the US, Eliza is much more stylish these days, but Elisa is very popular internationally — especially in Europe…
Diminutive of John
"God is gracious"
The ultimate midcentury nickname, retaining a good measure of retro charm, was chosen for her son by Mira Sorvino.
Variation of Cataleya, flower name from English surname
"Cattley's flower"
Variation of Cataleya, both of which are popular among Hispanic families in the US. Zoe Saldana played a character named Cataleya in Colombiana .
Italian from German
"rest; rook, crow; roar"
Cool and edgy meets sunny and beachy with this charming Italian option that might be more timeless than you think. Borne by St. Rocco, the 14th-century patron of the sick, known for helping those…
Spelling variation of Rhys, Welsh
"ardor"
This is the second most common boys' version of this attractive name, after the Welsh original Rhys. Reese takes the lead on the girls' side. thanks to the famous Ms. Witherspoon.
French
"she"
Combine the charming heroine of the movie Legally Blonde with supermodel Elle Macpherson and the trend toward all names beginning with "el"—Ellie, Ella, Eleanor—and you have one hit name. Elle Driver…
Spanish variation of Stephen, Greek
"garland, crown"
One of several Latino favorites on U. S. popularity list, Esteban sounds solid and strong. Esteban has ranked among the US Top 500 names for boys for half a century now, making it a familiar name…
Latin
"light"
Lucian is a sleeker, more sophisticated version of Lucius that is climbing in tandem with other Lu-starting names. Historically, the name was made famous by the ancient Greek satirist Lucian of…
Greek
"torch, shining light"
Helen is a name that has connoted beauty since ancient times – Helen of Troy was the the mythological "face that launched a thousand ships," over whom the ten-year Trojan War was fought. These days,…
Feminine variation of Guiomar, Spanish, Portuguese
"famous in battle"
The gorgeous and romantic name Xiomara popped into the Top 1000 from 2004-2011 after a contestant on America's Next Top Model increased interest in her rare name. Now Xiomara is back and more popular…
Scottish or Irish
"son of"
Mack, when "formalized" with the final k, makes an engagingly amiable choice, a far more uncommon alternative to the ubiquitous Max and Jack, with a nice, every-guy feel. Mack entered the popularity…
Danish, Norwegian
"stern"
This gentle Scandinavian name, soft and sensitive, is being discovered in a major way by parents in the US. It's most closely identified with the nineteenth century philosopher Soren Kierkegaard, but…
Spelling variation of Madelyn
Madelyn is the most popular, phonetically-clear spelling of the lovely and stylish French name. Madilyn edges it toward Marilyn, though that isn't necessarily a bad thing. Singers Madilyn Bailey and…
French variation of Michael
"who is like God"
Michelle is the feminine form of Michel, the French variation of Michael. Michael was derived from the Hebrew name Mihka’el, meaning "who is like God." The alternate spelling Michele, with one "L,"…
