Athletic Baby Names

An old surname with an intriguing sound an uncertain origin, although it may derive from a French word for "lantern" – perhaps referring originally to one who made or lit lanterns.

With Galway and Ireland in play as names (not to mention Shannon and Kerry), there's no reason this one can't work, too.

Could be used as a hero tribute by tennis fans to honor Australian champ Rod, considered by many to be the greatest male player of all time.

Kodai Senga, a Japanese professional baseball player and pitcher for the New York Mets, introduced this one to the US audience. Kodai, with its similarity to the more familar Koda and Kai, just might catch on here.

This name has two distinctive associations: the Southwestern natural formation of a gully or stream, and the Cincinnati Reds starting pitcher Bronson Arroyo.

Most parents would prefer BRADLEY or BRADFORD to get to eternally cool nickname BRAD--unless they wanted to honor cricket legend Donald Bradman, considered the greatest batsman of all time.

Variation of the popular religious name, boosted by megastar Portuguese footballer Cristiano Ronaldo.

Although usually spelled without the final 'e', this version commemorates tennis immortal Arthur Ashe. Seth Meyers' son Ashe was given his wife's maiden name.

This unusual name belonging to three generations of Deltha Lee O'Neals, the third being a football cornerback for the New England Patriots, could equally--or better--be used for a girl.

Although Ashanti is a much better known name via the female hip-hop singer, Asante is also an appealing way to honor Asante or Ashanti heritage. It's the name of a people and language based in Ghana.

The last name of one of the great modern American tennis champs could conceivably be used as a hero name by tennis-loving parents. On second thought, maybe save it for a middle spot.

The name of the Brazilian-born soccer great (whose name at birth was Edson) is popular in France and could make it here too.