Classic Baby Names · Middle Names, Surnames, and Nicknames
Telegraph Baby Names
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Fenella
Celtic
"white-shouldered one"
More unusual than Fiona and more user-friendly than Fionnuala, the engaging Scottish Fenella, has been scarcely heard in this country. Fenella first became known outside of Ireland when Sir Walter…
Ferdie
Ferdie is a diminutive form of Ferdinand, a Germanic name meaning 'brave journey' or 'ready for peace.' This charming nickname has been used as an independent given name throughout the 20th century,…
Ferdinando
Ferdinando is a masculine name with Germanic origins, representing the Italian and Spanish form of Ferdinand. Derived from elements meaning 'brave journey' or 'bold protector,' this regal name has…
Fergus
Scottish and Irish
"man of force"
In Celtic lore, Fergus was the ideal of manly courage, making it a charming, slightly quirky Scottish and Irish favorite. As a name, Fergus forms a link between Ireland and Scotland, as Gaelic…
Finn
Irish
"white, fair"
The most enduringly popular hero of Irish myth was Finn McCool, whose name is one of the coolest ever. When used for the female protagonist of How to Make an American Quilt , Finn established its…
Fitzwilliam
English
"son of William"
The Christian name of the dashing Mr. Darcy in Pride and Prejudice — it was his mother's maiden name— is just one of several Fitz names, including Fitzroy, Fitzgerald, Fitzpatrick, that…
Florrie
English, diminutive of Florence and Flora
A sweet Bobbsey-twin era nickname, fluffy and floral.
Fox
Animal name
Fox is one animal name backed by a longish tradition, and then popularized via the lead character Fox Mulder on X Files . Fox is simple, sleek, and a little bit wild, and could make an interesting…
Francoise
French feminine form of Franciscus or Francis
"Frenchman"
Also spelled Françoise, this variation of Francis (or Frances) was popular in France in the mid-20th century.
Fraser
Scottish from French
"strawberry"
Though TV's "Frasier" made the name famous, and Frazier is a well-used variation, Fraser is the original, used mostly in Scotland.
Freddie
Dininutive of Frederick, German
"peaceful ruler"
Just the kind of casual, flippant nickname that upscale Brits are putting on their sons' birth certificates, but few U.S. parents are.
Gerald
English and Irish from German
"ruler with the spear"
Both a saint's name and a presidential one via Gerald Ford—who was born Leslie—Gerald is a quintessential 1930s-40s name, when it ranked as high as Number 19. Hence all those nice middle-aged and…
Gigi
French diminutive
Joining the likes of Coco and Fifi, Gigi has a style but some may feel it lacks substance. Model and TV personality Gigi Hadid (born Jelena) has likely drawn attention to this name, while designer…
Glyn
Welsh
"valley, glen"
Very popular in Wales; this could make a nice middle name in honor of a Grandpa Glenn.
Gray
Color name, also diminutive of Grayson
The girls have Violet and Scarlet and Ruby and Rose, but for the boys there's a much more limited palette of color names. Gray (or Grey), is one exception, which could make for a soft and…
Guy
French
"wood"
The patron saint of comedians and dancers (also known as St Vitus) has a name that is both the ultimate everyman, and has a hint of British aristocracy. In the States, Guy was most popular in the…
Hamish
Scottish variation of James
"supplanter"
Just as Seamus/Seumus is Irish for James, Hamish is the Scottish form — one that's not often used here, but still redolent of Olde Scotland. If you're ready to go further than Duncan and Malcolm, out…
Harriet
English variation of French Henriette
"estate ruler"
Harriet has long been considered a stylish, upscale name in England, but it's still waiting to be revived in the US—though some parents seeking a solid, serious semi-classic are beginning to consider…
Hartley
English
"stag meadow"
Smart and sharp but with a touch of heart and charm, Hartley is a surname style name that could work as an alternative to Harley, Harvey, Artie, or Harry. Quietly used as a masculine name throughout…
Heart
English word name
"heart"
A love-filled word name most notably borne by Heart Phoenix, mother of River, Rain, Joaquin, Liberty, and Summer. She legally changed her name from Arlyn in 1988. Homophonous Hart, typically a male…