Nature, Place and Word Names
Updated October 2026
Across 10 pages
of 10
English
"kindness, benefit; approval, support"
A warm-sounding word and virtue name used by the Puritans and still popular in parts of Africa, especially with the Favour spelling. It might be used as a nickname for the longer, perhaps even bolder…
English surname
"one who lives near a gate"
A fresher, less preppy alternative to Thatcher — one without Prime Minister associations.
English word name
Sweet but sharp, Lemon was given to a surprising 50 girls back in 2021, while in a more recent year, it was given to just shy of 30. Some parents may find it summery and refreshing, while others may…
Word name
For basketball fans, in honor of Magic Johnson. Or anyone who believes in magic.
Greek
"story of Odysseus; long journey"
Literally, the Odyssey is Homer's epic tale of Odysseus's long voyage home from the Trojan wars, but more figuratively, it is used to describe any long, challenging, or eventful journey. A rare…
Nature name
"hawk, a bird"
Animal names are on the rise, especially more of the aggressive Hawk-Fox-Wolf variety than cute little Bunnys or Robins, and Hawk is a prime example. Hawk is more commonly heard as a surname,…
"person in charge"
A commanding word name that feels occupational like Miller, Palmer, and Shepherd, while also fitting in with ambitious choices like Legend, King, Major, Maverick, and Saint. Referring to someone who…
Most will see this as a refreshing middle name possibility, but Bristol Palin baby daddy Levi Johnston used it as a first name for his new daughter, Breeze Beretta.
"descendant of Moses"
This evocative green nature name, heard much more frequently as a surname, is associated with playwright Moss Hart (born Robert), who co-wrote (with George S. Kaufman) such enduring Broadway comedies…
A recently entered name on the roster, Poet was used for her daughter by Soleil Moon (Punky Brewster) Frye, who obviously appreciates the advantages of an unusual name. This is a possible middle name…
"fort"
This evocative word name conjures up royalty, drawbridges, and medieval chain mail knights. The word castle was derived from the Latin castellum , meaning "fortified place." Castle was first recorded…
Egyptian
"fertile spot in a desert"
A distinctive word name with musical ties, Oasis was given to 20 girls in 2024, compared with 14 in 2023.
Word name or diminutive of Rocco
"rock or rest"
Rock definitely has a macho image, if a somewhat caricatured one, ala The Rock. But with the rise of word names and also of tough guy names, Rock feels more plausible than it did a generation ago.
"code"
Cypher has numerous pop culture references, including bands, a film, and characters known by the name. It first debuted on the charts in 2011.
"hard, shiny metal"
An unexpected metallic name, with similar sounds to Rome, Cove, and Coby, Chrome was given to 17 boys in the US in a recent year. Also the name of a Google web browser, it is an alloy metal, often…
English; diminutive of Adelaide
"noble"
You can't get much more feminine, sweet, and ladylike than Lady. Would make a cute nickname for up-and-coming Adelaide. Lady will also bring to mind the canine lover of the Tramp.
A word name with a touch of mystery surrounding it, Shadow is a bold, edgy choice for a baby which some may find a bit ominous. While it is predominatly used for cats, dogs, and other furry friends,…
English word name from Greek
"idea, speculation"
A wild word name, connected to ideas, explanations, speculation, and possibility, Theory makes a unexpected option. While some might sound oddly hypothetical for a real baby, it was nevertheless…
English and Italian from Arabic and Sanskrit
"void"
Zero has been documented as a given name before, but it's largely familiar as a stage name (such as Zero Mostel, born Samuel Joel Mostel) and comic book and anime characters. Nevertheless, fourteen…
Animal Name
Native to America, the coyote has long been associated with danger and independence and with the popularity of Fox, Tiger, and Wolf, plus that cool KAI sound, Coyote might have potential. Possibly…