Chicken Names

  1. Bitsy
    • Origin:

      Diminutive of Elizabeth, Hebrew
    • Meaning:

      "pledged to God"
    • Description:

      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.
  2. Umbrielle
    • Origin:

      Latin
    • Meaning:

      "one in the shadow"
    • Description:

      Pretty French sound, but there might be a lot of "umbrella" cracks.
  3. Magda
    • Origin:

      German variation of Magdalen
    • Description:

      On "Sex and the City," Magda was the elderly nanny from the old country -- which is what this name sounds like. While Magdalene and Magdalena are enjoying fresh life, Magda still feels dated.
  4. Yoko
    • Origin:

      Japanese
    • Meaning:

      "good girl; ocean child"
    • Description:

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

      English
    • Meaning:

      "queen"
    • Description:

      Wisecracking waitress name stuck in the luncheonette. Started as nickname for girls named Regina -- queen in Latin -- now mostly a canine choice.
  6. Daffodil
    • Origin:

      Flower name, from Greek
    • Meaning:

      "asphodel"
    • Description:

      Yes, though it seems so extreme, girls were actually sometimes given this name a century ago; now it is so uncommon it would make a strong springtime statement. Biggest obstacle: the nickname Daffy.
  7. Gidget
    • Origin:

      Modern invented name
    • Description:

      Gidget was the surfer girl who started it all. She was the subject of six novels by Frederick Kohner, and the 1959 film in which she made her theatrical debut, starring Sandra Dee, helped make surfing a popular sport.
  8. Bernadine
    • Origin:

      German
    • Meaning:

      "brave as a bear"
    • Description:

      As dated as the old Pat Boone song.
  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. Kiwi
    • Description:

      Kiwi is an uncommon feminine name derived from the flightless bird native to New Zealand, which also lends its name to the kiwifruit. The term comes from the Māori language, where it is an onomatopoeic word imitating the call of the bird. As a given name, Kiwi has gained limited use in Western countries, appealing to parents seeking unique nature-inspired names. It conveys associations with New Zealand culture, as the kiwi bird is a national symbol. The name projects qualities of uniqueness, exoticism, and natural simplicity. Despite its rarity, Kiwi has seen modest growth in usage as part of the trend toward distinctive fruit and nature names in the 21st century.
  11. Sugar
    • Origin:

      Literary and word name
    • Description:

      You can call your daughter Sugar, but only as a term of endearment. Her real name has to be something, almost anything, else.
  12. Laramie
    • Origin:

      Wyoming place-name, French
    • Meaning:

      "canopy of leafy boughs"
    • Description:

      Swaggering western place-name with a lot of cowboy bravado and panache.
  13. Henning
    • Description:

      Henning is a masculine name with Scandinavian and Germanic origins, particularly popular in Denmark, Norway, and northern Germany. It likely developed as a diminutive of Heinrich (Henry), derived from Germanic elements meaning 'home ruler.' With a history dating back to medieval times, Henning has maintained steady usage in Nordic countries while remaining uncommon in English-speaking regions. The name has a strong, crisp sound with its double 'n' and straightforward pronunciation. Notable bearers include various Scandinavian athletes, authors, and historical figures. Henning conveys a sense of reliability and Nordic heritage, appealing to parents looking for a name with cultural roots and a distinctive yet accessible quality.
  14. Shadow
    • Description:

      Shadow as a masculine name falls into the category of modern word names, drawing from the natural phenomenon rather than traditional naming conventions. This unconventional choice emerged primarily in English-speaking countries during the late 20th century, reflecting growing interests in distinctive, nature-inspired naming. The name evokes imagery of mystery, protection, and constant companionship. As a given name, Shadow remains quite rare, appealing to parents seeking something dramatically unique with a touch of intrigue or gothic sensibility. The name carries associations with depth, complexity, and a certain enigmatic quality. While uncommon in official records, Shadow occasionally appears as a nickname or middle name, particularly in communities embracing alternative naming traditions.

  15. Henri
    • Origin:

      French and Finnish variation of Henry, German
    • Meaning:

      "estate ruler"
    • Description:

      The chic Euro spelling of Henry is rising along with the original form.
  16. Cher
    • Origin:

      French
    • Meaning:

      "beloved"
    • Description:

      For years there was only one Cher, and then along came the charming heroine of the movie "Clueless." The world now officially has enough Chers in it.
  17. 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."
  18. Sunshine
    • Origin:

      Word name
    • Description:

      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.
  19. Ernestine
    • Origin:

      Feminine variation of Ernest
    • 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..
  20. Alberta
    • Origin:

      English, feminine variation of Albert
    • Meaning:

      "noble, bright"
    • Description:

      This jazzy old name could make a comeback, the way Josephine and Ella have. In England the name was popularized by Queen Victoria's daughter Princess Louise Caroline Alberta, after whom her governor general of Canada husband named the North American province. Jazz singer Alberta Hunter was a noted bearer.