Jane Austen Names
- Fitzwilliam
Origin:
EnglishMeaning:
"son of William"Description:
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 could be used to honor a dad named William, Roy, Gerald or Patrick.
- Crawford
Origin:
EnglishMeaning:
"ford where crows gather"Description:
A common surname in Scotland, but a starchy first name choice.
- Bates
Origin:
English diminutive of BartholomewDescription:
Bates is a fresh version of Bartholomew, and feels more wearable than Bart. Bates could be considered a patriotic choice for American parents - Katharine Lee Bates was an author and professor best known for penning the words to "America the Beautiful".
- Norris
Origin:
FrenchMeaning:
"northerner"Description:
Somehow more modern and likable than Morris or Doris.
- Price
Origin:
WelshMeaning:
"son of Rhys"Description:
Some names referring to expensive things -- Tiffany, Armani, Porsche -- are in fact declasse, but Price transcends that label with its simplicity and strength.
- Steele
Origin:
EnglishMeaning:
"steel"Description:
This steely surname has a macho image that might feel more appropriate for a romance novel than a baby. But on the upside, it's also sleek and modern, familiar yet unusual, given to only around 100 boys per year in the US.
- Dixon
Origin:
ScottishMeaning:
"son of Dick"Description:
A relatively common surname, Dixon would be an inventive way to honor an ancestral Richard or Dick, the X form a lot livelier than the Dickson spelling, just as Dix is a more modern short form than Dick; it would be right at home alongside Dax and Jax.
- Jennings
Origin:
English surnameMeaning:
"son of John"Description:
Jennings is a common English surname that originated as a patronymic for the child of someone named Jen, a short form of John.
- Abbot
Description:
Abbot is a masculine name with English origins, derived from the Late Latin 'abbas' (from Aramaic 'abba,' meaning 'father'). Historically, an abbot is the male superior or head of a monastery, giving the name strong religious and leadership associations. As a surname, it was often occupational, indicating someone who worked at an abbey or served an abbot. Though never widely popular as a first name, Abbot has aristocratic and scholarly connotations that appeal to parents seeking a distinguished, traditional name with substance. It fits among surname-as-first-name trends while offering a less common alternative to popular Abbott variations. The name projects authority, wisdom, and a certain old-world dignity. Its historical depth provides meaningful connections to religious heritage and educational traditions, particularly in connection with monastic learning.
- Pratt
Origin:
EnglishMeaning:
"trick, craft"Description:
In British slang, a "prat" is an idiot -- enough said.
- Bennet
Origin:
Variation of Bennett, English form of Benedict, LatinMeaning:
"blessed"Description:
This spelling of Bennett is typically seen as a surname, but gets moderate use as a first name for baby boys and girls.
- Elton
Origin:
EnglishMeaning:
"from the old town"Description:
Elton is an unassuming, lesser-used place name belonging to several towns in the British Isles, the US and Canada, and even a lake in Russia. The singer Elton John gives it a bit of extra pizzazz.
- Yates
Origin:
EnglishMeaning:
"gate"Description:
A preppy English surname. Newscaster Megyn Kelly used it as a middle name for her son in 2009.
- Fairfax
Origin:
EnglishMeaning:
"blond"Description:
If this name makes you think of Victorian novels, it's because Fairfax was part of Mr Rochester's name in Jane Eyre, and the surname of a minor character in Jane Austen's Emma. It has a distinctly aristocratic feel, despite its straightforward meaning. Fairfax is also a city in Virginia.
- Phillips
Description:
Phillips originated as a patronymic surname meaning 'son of Philip' and has transitioned into occasional use as a masculine given name. The name Philip itself comes from Greek elements meaning 'lover of horses.' As a first name, Phillips maintains its connection to this heritage while having a distinctive surname feel that follows the trend of using family names as first names. While not among the most common given names, Phillips has a formal, distinguished quality that appeals to some parents. It offers the friendly nickname options of Phil or Flip, providing versatility. The name connotes stability, tradition, and a certain professional quality that can serve well throughout life.
- Hetty
Origin:
English diminutive of Henrietta, English, or Mehetabel, HebrewMeaning:
"estate ruler; God makes happy"Description:
A classic short form of Henrietta, also seen as a nickname for Mehetabel.
- Reynolds
Origin:
English from GermanMeaning:
"powerful counsel"Description:
The surname Reynolds derived from the given name Reynold, which was common during the Middle Ages. Reynolds Woodcock was the name of the designer character played by Daniel Day Lewis in Phantom Thread. Reynie is a possible short form.
- Dennison
Origin:
EnglishMeaning:
"son of Dennis"Description:
A case in which the son is now more attractive than the father. There have been Colonial settlers surnamed Dennison on this side of the Atlantic since 1623.
- Jebb
Description:
Jebb is a masculine name of English origin, typically derived from a surname which itself was a medieval diminutive of the name Jacob. The biblical name Jacob comes from Hebrew, meaning 'supplanter' or 'holder of the heel.' Jebb has a concise, strong quality with its single syllable and distinctive double consonant ending. While uncommon as a first name, it gained some recognition through notable bearers of the surname, including Sir Joshua Jebb, a 19th-century English prison reformer, and Richard Jebb, a classical scholar. The name has a rugged, outdoorsy feel reminiscent of the American frontier, which may appeal to parents seeking a masculine-sounding name that's brief yet distinctive. Its rarity gives it a unique quality while still being easily pronounced.
- Gardiner
Description:
Gardiner is a masculine name of Old French and English origin functioning primarily as a surname before its occasional use as a first name. Derived from the occupational term for one who tends or works in gardens, it literally means "gardener" or "keeper of the garden." As a first name, Gardiner carries aristocratic and professional connotations, with historical associations to prominent families particularly in Britain and New England. While uncommon as a first name, it appeals to parents drawn to occupational surnames and traditional English naming patterns. Gardiner suggests qualities of nurturing, cultivation, and patience, with subtle connections to nature and growth. The name has a distinguished, classic quality that evokes landed gentry and refined tastes.