Name Image
By Sophie Kihm · Updated September 2026
Across 14 pages
of 14
Irish
"rough, fierce"
While Larkin takes this name from bird to surname, there are actually more female Larkins these days than male, and it's a name that works as well for either gender. It has the literary connection to…
German
"bear strength"
There are a surprising number of baby boys named Barrett each year in the US -- nearly 1800 -- along with 30 baby girls. Which is more than many people might guess. Barrett does have an appealing…
English
"stony town"
Seems to stand at attention and salute.
"little lord"
Tiernan is the slightly edgier and sharper cousin of Kiernan. This is one Irish surname that is attractive but distinctive; Tierney is another, related, option. Tiernan was a popular name in early…
Pet name for Charles
Only if you're madly nostalgic for sixties TV.
Wright is a masculine name that originated as an English occupational surname referring to a craftsman or builder—specifically a woodworker or carpenter (from the Old English "wyrhta," meaning…
Scottish
"bard, poet"
If you like the idea of Tadhg but don't feel like the spelling works where you are, Teague might work as an alternative. It could also fit the bill if you're seeking a unique single-syllable first or…
"searcher"
Upper crust-y surname Sheridan gains some energy when used for a girl.
English from Latin
"pebbly place"
Calloway is one of those irresistibly jaunty, animated three-syllable surnames, like Sullivan and Finnegan — but this one has the added attraction of jazzy ties to the immortal "Dean of American…
Hutchinson is primarily known as a surname derived from the medieval given name Hugh, with the suffix "-kin" (diminutive) and "-son," meaning "son of little Hugh." As a first name, it represents the…
Spelling variation of Gentry, English
"aristocracy"
Jentry is an upwardly-striving word name that's gaining ground for girls as a new spin on Jennifer or Jenna. If classy is what you're after, a name with a genuine pedigree would serve you better.…
English surname
"hare land"
Arlen might be thought of as an update on the midcentury Arlene or as a unisex surname-name. Arlen was given to 22 girls in the US last year vs 57 boys and those numbers may grow with the fashion for…
English occupational name
"summoner"
Billionaire Sumner Redstone, the nonagenarian owner of CBS and Viacom, practically has a monopoly on his first name — for now. But Hunter, Asher, and Ryder have ushered in a major vogue "-er" names,…
"dark, dark-haired"
Kerry is the name of one of the most beautiful and lush counties of Ireland was a seventies favorite. Related, updated versions might include Cerys and Keira.
"riverbank with a winch"
Windsor may have male references, such as Britain's royal House of Windsor and a tie's windsor knot, but this name also has a definite feminine feel, as in Windsor Rose. That seems appropriate, as…
English, diminutive of Melissa
A name that works until your daughter is, say, six.
"cold stream"
English place name turned handsome surname name.
Welsh
"small"
This tailored Welsh surname is an attractive option for girls, fitting in with other single-syllable prepster girl names such as Sloane and Quinn. Vaughn can also be spelled Vaughan, as in the…
Danish variation of Nicholas; Dutch diminutive of Cornelius
Gives middle-aged Neil a new lease on life.
French variation of Taylor
"tailor"
Thayer is an affable, less-common alternative to Taylor, with a much more indirect connection to its occupational source. Actor Thayer David (born David Thayer: Thayer was his father's first name)…
