Alice in Wonderland Names

  1. Panya
    • Origin:

      African, Swahili; or, Russian, diminutive of Stephania
    • Meaning:

      "mouse, tiny one; or, crowned one"
    • Description:

      Panya is a multicultural possibility with a sound that's pleasing to the English-speaking ear, though the Swahili translation, which might also be "rat," makes it less than savory as an African name.
  2. Maryann
    • Origin:

      English, combination of Mary and Ann
    • Meaning:

      "drop of the sea, bitter, or beloved + grace"
    • Description:

      Combination of Mary and Ann which has been more popular than Marianne in recent years, although still below the Top 1000, after a peak in the 1940s.
  3. Cat
    • Origin:

      Diminutive of Catherine, Greek
    • Meaning:

      "pure"
    • Description:

      May be the most modern, stylish Catherine nickname: more unusual than Kate or Cate, with an animal and word name edge. Cat Power is a trendy folksinger.
  4. Bayard
    • Origin:

      French
    • Meaning:

      "russet-haired"
    • Description:

      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.
  5. Dodgson
    • Description:

      Dodgson is an uncommon masculine name that originated as an English surname derived from the name Roger or Dodge. It gained literary significance through Charles Lutwidge Dodgson, better known by his pen name Lewis Carroll, the author of "Alice's Adventures in Wonderland." As a first name, Dodgson represents the trend of transforming surnames into given names, though it remains quite rare. The name carries intellectual and creative associations due to its literary connection, potentially appealing to parents with appreciation for classic literature or unconventional naming styles. Pronounced "DOJ-son," the name has a distinctive British quality and stands out for its uniqueness. While unlikely to appear on popularity charts, Dodgson offers literary prestige and an unmistakable identity for those seeking a truly uncommon name with historical significance.

  6. Pat
    • Origin:

      Diminutive of Patrick
    • Meaning:

      "noble, patrician"
    • Description:

      As seen on SNL, Pat is the ultimate androgynous name. Stick with long form Patrick, and make sure everyone calls him Patrick.
  7. Gryphon
    • Origin:

      Mythological animal name or form of Griffin, Welsh
    • Meaning:

      "strong lord"
    • Description:

      Rare but rising, Gryphon is an intriguing name that combines several stylish associations. The Gryphon spelling relates directly to the fierce legendary creature that's eagle in front, lion behind. But there's also the authentic boys' name Griffin, a name that's maintained consistent popularity for a quarter century without getting too popular.
  8. Lorina
    • Origin:

      Variation of Laura
    • Description:

      Lorina is a fanciful name that comes to us via Alice in Wonderland. Lorina was one of Alice's sisters. Such names that are really diminutives feel old-fashioned today, the strong and classic Laura being preferable. But if you're looking for either unique baby names or girl names starting with L, you might want to add Lorina to your list.
  9. Queen
    • Origin:

      Word name
    • Meaning:

      "queen"
    • Description:

      Queen has seen a revival in recent times, reaching its record high in 2018 with 280 births — it has remained steady since then. Previously, Queen saw a peak in the 1920s, but its origins go back even further than that. Queen was a noted name among enslaved people in America, along with other royal choices such as Duke, Squire, and Prince.
  10. Carroll
    • Origin:

      Anglicized variation of Irish Cearbhall
    • Meaning:

      "hacking with a weapon"
    • Description:

      This name was consistently in the boys' Top 200 until WW2. It's a name with so many dimensions to it: the hyper-masculine meaning, the surname-as-firstname trendiness, and the softer sound and connotation since homophone Carol was favoured in the 1940s and '50s for daughters. We think it's time for a resurgence of Carrolls amongst the boys.
  11. Tertia
    • Origin:

      Latin
    • Meaning:

      "third"
    • Description:

      Tertia—which is occasionally used in the UK, but rarely in the US, would make an unconventional but interesting possibility for the third child in a family. Terza and Terzo are lively Italian female and male variations.
  12. Lory
    • Description:

      Lory is a feminine name with multiple possible origins. It can be a diminutive of Dolores (from Spanish, meaning 'sorrows'), Lorraine (a French place name), or Laura (from Latin, meaning 'laurel'). The name may also relate to the colorful lorikeet bird, giving it a bright, natural association. Lory has a light, playful quality with its simple two syllables and friendly sound. Though more common as a nickname, Lory can stand independently as a full given name. It enjoyed modest popularity in the mid-20th century but remains relatively uncommon today. The name has an approachable, unpretentious character that balances femininity with simplicity. Lory offers a vintage charm while still feeling contemporary enough for modern use.