Chicken Names

  1. Berenice
    • Origin:

      Greek
    • Meaning:

      "she who brings victory"
    • Description:

      A name with a surprising amount of history--it was the name of the wife of Ptolemy I of Egypt, occurs in the New Testament, and belonged to a fourth century saint. In the US, it has long been spelled and pronounced Bernice. Nicknames include Bernie, Berry, Binnie and Bunny.
  2. Hetty
    • Origin:

      English diminutive of Henrietta, English, or Mehetabel, Hebrew
    • Meaning:

      "estate ruler; God makes happy"
    • Description:

      A classic short form of Henrietta, also seen as a nickname for Mehetabel.
  3. Jojo
    • Origin:

      English, diminutive of Jo-beginning names
    • Description:

      Sprightly and engaging nickname for human, full name for pet. Author Jojo Moyes and dancer/singer Jojo Sliwa have propelled the name into the public eye.
  4. Ostara
    • Origin:

      Old High German
    • Meaning:

      "dawn"
    • Description:

      In Germanic mythology, Ostara is the goddess of springtime, fertility, and dawn. Her existence as a mythological figure was pieced together by scholar Jacob Grimm, who used evidence such as the German word for April (ostermonat) and parallels to the Anglo-Saxon Eostre. Ostara is also the modern German name for the Easter holiday.
  5. Ernestine
    • Origin:

      Femeninization of Ernest, English from German
    • Meaning:

      "serious, resolute"
    • Description:

      One time joke name, à la Lily Tomlin's bossy telephone operator, Ernestine is ready for a possible reevaluation, like cousins Josephine and Clementine.
  6. Sheldon
    • Origin:

      English
    • Meaning:

      "steep-sided valley"
    • Description:

      Like Marvin and Melvin, Sheldon has been perceived as about as far out as you can get, though there are very pretty towns in Devon and Derbyshire that inspired it. Sheldon Lee Cooper is the lead (male) nerd character on the TV hit The Big Bang Theory, giving the name a brainy image. Nickname Shelly is sweet and naturey, in a retro kind of way.
  7. Nacho
    • Origin:

      Word name or short form of Ignacio
    • Description:

      Not unless you want your son to grow up to be just like a wacky Jack Black character.
  8. Sephora
    • Origin:

      French variation of Tziporah, Hebrew
    • Meaning:

      "bird"
    • Description:

      This lovely name is a softened French version of Tziporah, the biblical wife of Moses. Unfortunately, in the US, it's become attached to the cosmetics franchise.
  9. Elfie
    • Description:

      Elfie is a charming feminine name with Germanic and Scandinavian roots. It originated as a diminutive form of names containing the element 'alf' or 'elf', which in Germanic mythology referred not to tiny creatures but to supernatural beings of great beauty and power. It can also be a nickname for names like Elfrieda or Elizabeth in some cultures. The name evokes qualities of whimsy, magic, and enchantment, with its fairy-tale associations giving it a playful, ethereal character. While never achieving mainstream popularity, Elfie has experienced periodic interest, particularly in European countries. Its brevity and sweet sound appeal to parents seeking something distinctive yet endearing. The name's magical connotations give it a sense of wonder and imagination.
  10. Busy
    • Origin:

      English, diminutive of Elizabeth
    • Meaning:

      "pledged to God"
    • Description:

      Yes, it's a word name, but Busy is also a rare pet form of Elizabeth. And yes, actress Busy Philipps was christened Elizabeth--she was given the nickname because she was such an active child. She must have been happy with the name, because she also gave her daughters adorable unique baby names, Birdie and Cricket.
  11. Baby
    • Origin:

      English word name, diminutive of Barbara, Latin
    • Meaning:

      "foreign woman"
    • Description:

      Baby is rarely seen as a given name — or even nickname — these days, although it did rank in the Top 1000 from 1989 to 2003. These instances can be accounted for in two ways. Firstly, infants whose birth certificates are not filled out on time are given generic placeholders for registration, such as Infant, Unknown, or Baby. But more influential during this decade was the 1987 movie Dirty Dancing, starring Jennifer Grey as Frances "Baby" Houseman. It's the origin of the famed line, "Nobody puts Baby in a corner."
  12. Sugar
    • Origin:

      Word name
    • Description:

      You can call your daughter Sugar, but it's probably best to keep it as a term of endearment. For sweet names, you try Dulcie, Honey, Mitsu, Amai, Sherine, Melita, Eulalia, or Melina, but Sugar does work as a generic nickname.
  13. Nugget
    • Description:

      Nugget is an unconventional masculine name derived from the English word for a small lump of gold or other precious metal. As a nickname-turned-given name, it emerged in contemporary naming culture as part of the trend toward unique, object-based names. Often used affectionately for something small but valuable, Nugget conveys qualities of preciousness and uniqueness. While extremely rare as a legal given name, it may be used as a term of endearment or pet name. The name carries casual, friendly connotations and might appeal to parents seeking an unusual, informal option with positive associations of value and distinctiveness. Its usage remains highly uncommon in official records.

  14. Laramie
    • Origin:

      Wyoming place-name, French
    • Meaning:

      "canopy of leafy boughs"
    • Description:

      Laramie was derived from the French word la ramée, meaning "leafy canopy." It was historically a French surname, but today it is a viable first name option for girls or boys. The balance is currently running at about seven girls for every boy named Laramie. The Wyoming city gives it more of a cowgirl Western than French vibe.
  15. Petal
    • Origin:

      English from Greek
    • Meaning:

      "leaf"
    • Description:

      Petal is the soft and sweet-smelling name of a character in the novel and film, The Shipping News. With the rise of such flower names as Poppy and Posy, we believe Petal — down-to-earth yet romantic — has its own appealingly distinctive style.
  16. Dancer
    • Origin:

      English word name
    • Meaning:

      "someone who dances"
    • Description:

      A word name that's appealing when applied to a person boogying or doing ballet; a different story in the context of Santa's reindeer.
  17. Fritzi
    • Origin:

      German, diminutive of Frederica
    • Meaning:

      "peaceful ruler"
    • Description:

      Like Mitzi, the bubbly Fritzi shows signs of rising again. Has a bit of a comic-strip feel.
  18. Brownie
    • Description:

      Brownie is an uncommon feminine name derived from the English word for the small chocolate dessert or from the color brown. As a name, it has a sweet, endearing quality with a touch of whimsy and nostalgia. While not commonly used as a formal given name, Brownie may appear as a nickname for someone with brown hair or eyes, or someone who enjoys baking or eating the dessert. In folk traditions, 'brownies' were helpful household spirits in Scottish folklore, adding a touch of magical association. The name has an informal, affectionate quality that some parents might choose for its uniqueness and warm associations. Though rare in official records, Brownie might be used as a middle name or a distinctive first name for parents seeking something unconventional with friendly, comforting connotations.

  19. Yoko
    • Origin:

      Japanese
    • Meaning:

      "good girl; ocean child"
    • Description:

      There are many in Japan, but for most Americans there's only one Yoko.
  20. Dandelion
    • Origin:

      Flower name, from French
    • Meaning:

      "lion's tooth"
    • Description:

      The bright yellow weed lends itself to a creative baby name, although we don't recommend the nickname Dandy.

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