Weldon is a masculine name of English origin, derived from an Old English surname meaning 'hill near a spring' or 'well on a hill.' This place-name became a given name and gained modest popularity in the United States during the early to mid-20th century. Weldon carries a distinguished, somewhat vintage quality that conveys strength and reliability. While never ranking among the most common names, it maintains steady usage among parents drawn to traditional Anglo-Saxon names with clear meanings. The name projects an image of dependability and seriousness, often associated with southern American naming traditions. Weldon has experienced a slight revival among parents seeking uncommon vintage names.

Dapper-sounding choice with old American roots (Dabney Cosby was a 19th century Virginian architect who worked with Thomas Jefferson on some of that state's most iconic buildings). Dabney Montgomery was Martin Luther King Jr's bodyguard, giving this name yet more American history depth. Dab is a sweet nickname option for this name.

Louisiana is a geographic spin on the Louise theme. Pretty, if a bit of a syllable overload. Short form Lou or Lulu lightens it.

An attractive North Carolina unisex place name, Raleigh's soft sound is particularly appropriate for a girl.

The Zodiac name hasn't caught on like Leo or Aries, though it did appear in the US Top 1000 for five consecutive years back in the '70s.

Dacey is a delicate and lacy Irish name with real possibilities.

Pronounced Beecham, but still too fancy and fey. Likewise Beaufort (beautiful fort), Beaufoy (beautiful beech tree), and Beaumont (beautiful mountain).

Nonnie is a charming feminine name with several possible origins. It may function as a diminutive nickname for names like Yvonne, Leona, or Fiona, or it could be derived from the Italian 'nonna' meaning 'grandmother,' giving it a warm, familial quality. In some cases, it represents a pet form of Eleanor or similar names. Nonnie has a distinctly affectionate and playful sound, making it feel approachable and friendly. While uncommon as a formal given name, it has occasional usage in English-speaking countries, particularly in the southern United States. Its rarity makes it distinctive, while its sweet, simple phonetics give it an endearing quality that works well across different ages.

Not even for Brandy's twin brother.

Looking for a Texas name more distinctive than Austin and Dallas? Houston is a lanky, roguish place-name, right in style with its Texas accent and cowboy image.

Musical choice that may be a short form of Jasmine or Jazlyn, or might stand on its own like this or as Jaz, the spelling used by tennis duo Steffi Graf and Andre Agassi.

Charleston is one of those baby names that may become more popular thanks to its nickname Charlie, now used about equally for boys and girls. If you want to call your daughter Charlie but believe she needs a more formal name, you might try Charleston instead of Charlotte. And Charleston is a lovely city in South Carolina.

Sister is an old-timey nickname-name for girls, ranking in the Top 1000 as a proper name for girls until the beginning of the 20th century. But more often, Sister was used as a nickname in the truest sense of the word, not a short form ala Kathy but a nickname in the way that Chip and Bud are. Or maybe Junior is a more appropriate name analogy: Sister was sometimes the nickname given to the only girl in a family of boys, so literally a descriptive word name like Junior.

An old English redhead name -- one of the few that doesn't begin with the letter r -- with references both to a famous French knight and a magical horse. Civil Rights leader Bayard Rustin is a contemporary bearer of this unusual and evocative name.

A huve is 40 acres of land, so the occupational name Hoover refers to the farmer who owned and worked it. Hoover also relates to the rock band, the vacuum cleaner, the dam, and former FBI head J. Edgar.

The original southern Good Ol' Boy.

Williston is a masculine name with English origins, derived from the surname meaning 'son of William' or 'William's town.' William itself comes from Germanic elements meaning 'will, desire' and 'helmet, protection.' Williston maintains the strength and classic nature of William while offering a distinctive alternative. Though relatively uncommon as a first name, it has historical significance as a surname and place name across the United States, particularly in North Dakota and Vermont. Williston provides a formal yet approachable option for parents seeking a traditional-sounding name with connections to English heritage.

A smoosh name with plenty of both vintage and Southern charm. It combines the familiar Mae with up and coming Willa, and might remind people of jazz dancer Willa Mae Ricker.

Suellen is a smoosh name that combines two classic names into one that feels both mid-century and modern, a little like Carolyn, a bit like Elowen. Notably used by Margaret Hill in her novel, Gone with the Wind, Suellen peaked in the 1940s and is rarely used today.

A slow and sultry southern choice that's definitely cool for babies of either gender.