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Jane Austen Names

  1. Frederica

    • Origin:

      Feminine variation of Frederick, English from German

    • Meaning:

      "peaceful ruler"

    • Description:

      Frederica is an interesting possibility for the parent unintimidated by its old-fashioned formality, and who can appreciate the vintage charm and verve lurking beneath its stuffiness.
  2. Fanny

    • Origin:

      Diminutive of Frances, English from Latin

    • Meaning:

      "from France; free man"

    • Description:

      As this word is less often used to mean derriere, it becomes more possible to view Fanny as the kind of appealingly quaint nickname name, like Josie and Nellie, that many parents are favoring now.
  3. Price

    • Origin:

      Welsh

    • Meaning:

      "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.
  4. Bates

    • Origin:

      English diminutive of Bartholomew

    • Description:

      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".
  5. Dixon

    • Origin:

      Scottish

    • Meaning:

      "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.
  6. Fairfax

    • Origin:

      English

    • Meaning:

      "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.
  7. Crawford

    • Origin:

      English

    • Meaning:

      "ford where crows gather"

    • Description:

      A common surname in Scotland, but a starchy first name choice.
  8. Jennings

    • Origin:

      English surname

    • Meaning:

      "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.
  9. Reynolds

    • Origin:

      English from German

    • Meaning:

      "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.
  10. Norris

    • Origin:

      French

    • Meaning:

      "northerner"

    • Description:

      Somehow more modern and likable than Morris or Doris.
  11. Thorpe

    • Origin:

      English

    • Meaning:

      "farm, village"

    • Description:

      Brusque and charmless, two things you don't want your son to be.
  12. 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.

  13. Dennison

    • Origin:

      English

    • Meaning:

      "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.
  14. 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.
  15. Yates

    • Origin:

      English

    • Meaning:

      "gate"

    • Description:

      A preppy English surname. Newscaster Megyn Kelly used it as a middle name for her son in 2009.
  16. Patty

    • Origin:

      Diminutive of Patricia

    • Meaning:

      "patrician"

    • Description:

      Replaced Patsy as the midcentury's popular, peppy babysitter.
  17. 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.
  18. 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.

  19. Donavan

    • Description:

      Donavan is a masculine name representing a variant spelling of the more common Donovan. With Irish origins, it derives from the Gaelic surname Ó Donndubháin, meaning 'descendant of Donndubhán' (dark brown-haired man). This alternate spelling maintains the name's Celtic heritage while offering a slightly different visual identity. Donavan gained moderate popularity in the United States during the 1980s and 1990s, influenced partly by various athletes and musicians bearing similar versions of the name. The name carries connotations of strength and traditional masculinity while remaining approachable. Though less common than Donovan, this spelling variation provides a subtle uniqueness without sacrificing recognizability or pronunciation clarity.
  20. Drummond

    • Origin:

      Scottish

    • Meaning:

      "ridge"

    • Description:

      At one time associated with the fictional detective Bulldog Drummond, this formal surname name does boast the cute nickname Drum.