International Baby Names
By Sophie Kihm · Updated September 2026
Across 21 pages
of 21
English surname
"dweller by the west wood"
Notable British surname associated with fashion designer Vivienne.
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.
Scottish surname from a diminutive of William
"resolute protection"
William was such a popular name, thanks to the Conquerer, in early England that it gave rise to a range of nicknames, including the distinctly Scottish Wilkie. Heard mostly as a surname these days,…
English word name
Actor Wood Harris, best known for his role as Avon Barksdale in The Wire , brought this one into the lexicon. Wood is Harris's nickname -- his real name is Sherwin David -- but it's the name he's…
English and Scottish surname
"from the ford in the woods"
Woodford is a vintage surname name that rejoined the charts in 2022 thanks to the recent trend of woodsy names for boys. You can take your pick of two stylish nicknames: Ford or Woods.
Nature name
"one who lives by the woods; area covered in trees"
Woods is a nature name that is a cousin to the stylish Brooks and Forest, evoking the entire world of trees. Sometimes used as a diminutive of Woodrow or Edward, Woods is rugged and outdoorsy, with a…
English, Scottish
"son of Roy; son of Royce"
Roy, Royce, Royal, and Rory are all in the US Top 1000, where they join a plethora of surname-inspired names ending in -son . Royson is a new consideration, with a smart, handsome feel to it,…
Royal and Rory are both in the US Top 1000 for girls where they join a number of surname-inspired names ending in -son , from long-time favorite Madison to the newer Emerson. The yet to rank Royson…
English, Scottish, French, Spanish
"bell ringer; handsome, beautiful; beauties"
Belles may look like a playful nickname to any of the stylish belle related names — and it could easily be used as such — however, it is also an occupational English surname, originally given to bell…
Scottish
"son of Rath; son of grace and prosperity"
Mc- names beyond McKenzie are catching on, with Mccoy and Mac now in the US Top 1000 for boys. Rugged but cool McRae might be another possibility, given to just five boys in a recent year. A name of…
Scottish surname and place name
This Scottish surname and Scottish and Australian place name has a pleasant airy and breezy sound to it. Camden mayor Lara Symkowiak chose the name for her daughter born in 2016.
"place name"
Scottish place name
Not yet on the place-name map, this name has Shakespearean ties via the Duke Of Albany character in King Lear .
A capital place-name possibility.
Scottish surname
"son of the blond one"
For theater-loving parents — an homage to one of our premiere playwrights.
Alford is an English surname-turned-first-name with Old English origins, derived from 'ald' meaning old and 'ford' meaning river crossing, literally signifying "old river ford." As a given name, it…
Spelling variation of Alan
"handsome, cheerful"
This extra-L variation of Alan isn't quite as popular in the US as the original. Both spellings remain popular in Ireland and England.
Allister is a variant spelling of Alistair or Alastair, which derived from the Scottish Gaelic form of Alexander. The name ultimately traces back to Greek origins meaning "defender of mankind." This…
"an Irishman, from the land of the Gaels"
Nice Scottish sound, but too tied to sweaters and socks.
"strong arms"
Last name occasionally used as a first, can be seen as a Lance Armstrong athlete-hero name.
