Name Image
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All-American Names
American names come from a range of sources as diverse as the U.S. itself. There are names that carry a strong American image, such as Liberty or Landry. Native American names such as Tallulah and Dakota certainly are in the mix. Names that relate to American places, such as Sierra and Brooklyn, qualify as all-American names, as do names created here and rarely used anywhere else, from Beyonce to Blue. Names with an all-American image may also be names inspired by American heroes like Lincoln and Kennedy or names that evidence American ideals, from Indie to Apple. Here are some of the names with the most distinctly all-American image.
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Athletic Baby Names
If you're a sports fan, you may find baby name inspiration while watching a football game or a tennis match. While the legendary stars of sports history usually had regular guy names like Joe and Jimmy and Michael and Mickey (not to mention Billie Jean), some of the newer luminaries, as well as the surnames of classic athletes, offer options for baby names that go beyond the perimeters of that limited playing field.
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Attitude Names for Boys
Attitude names for boys take the idea of cool baby names one step further: they're a little bit badass, a little bit distinctive, and a lot cool. Cool attitude boy names include animal names like Bear and Fox, in-your-face word names like Danger and Rebel, and "I dare you to make fun of my name" names like Waldo and Thelonious. The cool, creative baby names for boys here are some that we think have swagger, sass, and attitude.
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Attitude Names for Girls
Attitude names are cool baby names that project sass, spunk, and confidence. These cool-kid qualities may appeal for both girl and boy babies and are increasingly desirable for parents. Attitude names for girls may be inspired by amazing heroines, an unusual letter or sound, or simply a badass image, such as Luna and Scarlett.
Along with Luna and Scarlett, other attitude names for girls in the US Top 1000 include Eloise, Freya, Monroe, Ophelia, Presley Scout, Winter, and Xiomara. Many word names for girls come with attitude; among them, Blue, Hero, Love, and Story.
If you want your daughter to possess moxie and sparkle, an attitude name is a good place to start. The cool names here are some of the best girls' names with attitude. -
Baby Names Headed for Harvard
Some baby names sound so intelligent, so serious, so destined for success that we can just see them on the Harvard acceptance letter. Here, examples of conservative cool baby names.
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Baby Names So Far In They're Out
One of the cornerstones of our work reinventing the way people look at baby names is our list of So Far In They're Out Names. These are trendy names, those that are very in today (or this decade) but are likely to be very out tomorrow. Being popular is not enough to land a name on this list: Names such as Emma and Noah, Charlotte and James may move in and out of fashion but they're hardly trendy. Names here are those that are very very in....until they're very very out.
The up side of trendy names: Kids usually like having names that help them fit in with the crowd, they're easy to understand, they're perfectly in style. The downside: They tend to move out as precipitously as they came in and to linked forever more to this era. Examples of past names that were so far in they were out include Jennifer and Jason, Jessica and Joshua, Ava and Aiden, Katelyn and Kevin. Names that are So Far In They're Out today might include: -
Baby Names Sure to Shock Grandma
The unusual and unique baby names on your list are likely to shock Grandma, especially since she probably thinks you should name the baby Helen, after her. But even if she's more open-minded than that, the following rare baby names will probably render her speechless—which may be the effect you're after.
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Badass Baby Names
Badass baby names carry a cool, macho image that works for either gender. These badass names, such as Ace and Axel, suggest the person who rides a motorcycle and sings in a rock band, who can carry a hikers' pack but would never carry a briefcase.
Along with Ace and Axel, other badass baby names in the US Top 1000 include Blaze, Dash, Fox, Harley, Jagger, Justice, Ryker, and Wilder. Many badass names are also impressive occupations, among them Hunter, Pilot, Ranger, and Sargent.
Badass names are cool names with extra attitude, and they kick butt in every sense of the term. The badass baby names for girls and boys include: -
Badass Princess Names
Badass princess is an image that appeals not only to contemporary little girls but to their parents when choosing a name. These unusual girls' names are attractive not so much because of their sound or their style but because of the complicated image they convey. These are rare baby girl names that are both decidedly feminine and rooted in tradition, but are not at all conventional or conservative. They’re creative and edgy, but not invented or unorthodox like Aurelia and Magnolia. Along with Aurelia and Magnolia, other badass princess names in the US Top 1000 include Anastasia, Antonella, Aurora, Clarissa, Emmeline, Estelle, Evangeline, and Tatiana. Among the quirkier, more unique badass princess names are Alouette, Fuchsia, Theodosia, and Xanthippe. Here, some badass princess names we recommend you consider. If you prefer more classical names, take a look at our list of Princess Names.
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Beautiful Bohemian Names for Girls
By Pamela Redmond Bohemian names for girls might be inspired by free-spirited heroines of the arts or politics, by the natural world, or by international cultures. While Bohemian names are by their very nature unique, some Bohemian girl names are finding new popularity. Along with Luna and Iris, Bohemian girl names ranking among the US Top 1000 include Hazel, Clementine, and Ophelia. Unique Bohemian girl names that strike the right style note now include Una, Vita, Persephone, and True. Bohemian names carry an artsy, indie image you may be seeking for your baby girl. You can find Bohemian names for girls both vintage and contemporary, classic andinvented, though all are at least a little bit off the beaten track. Bohemian baby names usually defy expectations in some way, by bending traditional gender images or standards of beauty or even the traditional definition of a name. If you'd like to see more bohemian names, browse our list of Bohemian Names for Boys or browse our overall list of Bohemian Baby Names for both genders.
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Bohemian Baby Names
Bohemian baby names carry a lot of attractive qualities. They're both creative and earthy, relaxed yet distinctive. Bohemian or hippie names may reference heroes from the arts or politics, real or imagined: think Dylan and Ophelia. Some bohemian names are antique or vintage, while others are inspired by nature or spiritual qualities such as Peace or Justice. This list includes the best bohemian names today for both girls and boys: For even more choices, see our lists of Bohemian Names for Girls and Bohemian Names for Boys.
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Bold Bohemian Names for Boys
Bohemian names for boys may reference artistic or political heroes, inspiration spiritual qualities, or the natural world. Bohemian boy names might be antique or modern, traditional or invented. But to qualify as bohemian, these names, such as Felix and Fox, definitely have an indie feel.
Along with Felix and Fox, other bohemian boy names in the US Top 1000 include Arlo, August, Bodhi, Kai, Otis, Raphael, Soren, and Wilder. Lesser-used boho boy names that might appeal include Cormac, Huck, Oak, and Ziggy.
If you're looking for a bohemian or hippie style name for your baby boy, consider the following. If you're naming a daughter, check out our list of Bohemian Names for Girls. Or browse our list of Bohemian Baby Names for both genders. -
Boy Names Dads Like More Than Moms
All parents bring their experiences with their own names to bear on the naming of a child, which is why dads may sometimes have stronger feelings about boy names while moms may be more sensitive around names for girls. Traditionally, dads have a preference for strong classic or he-man names for their sons, names that confer a clear measure of masculinity on a baby boy. Dads may also be more likely to favor names that reference athletes or sports, cool guys or rock gods, like the choices here.
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Boy Names for Girls
Some of the coolest baby girl names are not girls' names at all but boys' names -- many of which have officially become unisex names. We're seeing more and more fomerly 100% boy names being used for girls, from nicknames like Sam and Charlie (now 50-50 by gender!), to occupational or surnames such as Sawyer or McKinley to formerly masculine names such as Quincy and Jude that have become truly unisex. Here, some boy names that can work for girls.
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Boy Names Kids Consider Cool
What are the cool boy names from the point of view of other kids? Choosing a name that other kids consider cool may be more important than one you think is cool yourself.
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Classic Baby Names with a Twist
What if you love classic baby names but want something more original? Or if you're looking to honor a relative but want to spin their classic name a bit differently? Without getting into too-crazy spelling variations or too-easy international forms, here some twists on classic baby names.
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College Baby Names
When you're on the prowl for the perfect name, anything can be an inspiration. Colleges around the country provide an endless possibilities for noteworthy baby names. Check out this list of baby names, each derived from the name of a college or university:
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Cool Cowboy Baby Names
Cool baby names that say cowboy boots and stirrups are as hot in Brooklyn as they are in Bozeman. The romanticized image of a cowboy and all that it stands for – heroism, adventure, and dashing good-looks – has inspired parents to seek out names that embody those ideals. Names for cowboys are rugged, casual, and handsome, such as Wyatt and Luke. Along with Wyatt and Luke, cowboy names ranking in the US Top 100 include Levi, Colton, Dylan, Wilder, Sawyer, Silas, Austin, and Maverick. Unique cowboy names gaining attention – especially in the Western states – include Ryder, Gunner, and, well, West. The appeal: Cowboy names are decidedly masculine without being formal or traditional. Browse our entire posse of cowboy names for baby boys here.
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Cool Cowgirl Names
Cowgirl names for baby girls, Western names with a bronco-busting outdoorsy feel, are pretty much always in style. Cowgirl names might be vintage, like Bonnie and Lula or newly-minted, such as Blaze and River. Additionally, they might be conventionally feminine or gender neutral.
Along with Bonnie and River, other cool cowgirl names in the US Top 1000 include Callie, Dakota, Hadley, Josie, Liberty, Millie, Shiloh, and Sierra. Other girl names that feel at home in the West include Abilene, Cheyenne, Mamie, and Wynonna.
Some of these country girl names are inspired by famous cowgirls and pioneer women, Western places or nature, while others simply have a cowgirl feel. Western names for girls that might for your little cowgirl include the following. -
Cool Guy Names
Many of us name babies based on who we want them to grow up to be, and all of these names nudge your son toward cool guy status. Many of us name babies based on who we want them to grow up to be, and all of these names nudge your son toward cool guy status. It’s hard to picture a man named Dash or Rhett as being anything but exceptionally rad, and that’s exactly the point.
Along with Dash and Rhett, other cool guy names in the US Top 1000 include Chase, Finn, Levi, Luke, Miles, Otis, Ryder, and Wyatt. Many cool guy names are also word names, such as Chance, King, Ransom, and West.
These are the cool names of the guys who are good-looking but not pretty, tough but also tender, bad boys but in the best possible way. If this is your prime criteria for a name, forget name style (though many of these are stylish) and focus on names that convey the cool guy image. -
Cool Midcentury Baby Names
Cool baby names from the middle of the 20th century are coming into style on the heels of midcentury houses and furniture. True, some baby names popular from the 1940s through the 60s may feel like dowdy, overplayed Baby Boomer names just heading into retirement and not due back in style for another generation or two. But some cool guy and girl midcentury names, with their sleek lines and no-nonsense feel, are starting to feel fresh again to the adventurous baby namer.
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Cool Names That Mean Blond
By Pamela Redmond Blond baby names include names for boys and girls meaning white, fair, golden, or blond. Along with popular blond (or blonde) baby names in the US Top 1000, like Aubrey, Blake and Finn, you can find many more unusual names meaning blond on this list, like Fenella (which is more popular in England), Flavia and Finnian. If your baby has blond hair -- or you're expecting a little towhead -- here's a selection of the best boy, girl, and gender-neutral baby names that mean fair or blond.
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Cool Vintage Baby Names
Vintage baby names are very cool these days....and cool vintage names are very Nameberry. So does that mean that all vintage baby names are cool names? Not exactly. Elmer and Eunice are certainly vintage, but they don’t possess that cool-factor. We’ll take Emmett and Elsie instead. Along with Emmett and Elsie, other cool vintage baby names in the US Top 500 include Ada, Calvin, Georgia, Hazel, Otto, Roman, Ruby, and Walter. More unique vintage names for babies that fall outside of the popularity charts include Barnaby, Tess, Leopold, and Winifred. Coolness can be fleeting – maybe one day Elmer and Eunice will become fashionable again. Here are some of the coolest vintage names for babies – at least by popular agreement – right now.
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Coolated Boys' Names
Cool boys' names can sometimes be made from less-than-cool ones. With a bit of ingenuity you can ramp up a name you like to a similar one that's cooler, or tone it down if you want to go in a quieter direction. Here are some examples:
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Coolated Girls' Names
Cool girls' names can sometimes be made from less-than-cool ones. Sometimes, all you have to do is add an a to the end to bump them up several coolness levels: Natalie to Natalia, Susan to Susanna -- you get the picture. The point is that with a bit of ingenuity you can ramp up a name you like to a similar one that's cooler, or tone it down if you want to go in a quieter direction. Here are some examples:
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Country Boy Baby Names
Country boy baby names are favorites on the US popularity list. Along with such classic country boy names as Wyatt and Levi, other country names in the US Top 100 for boys include Jackson and Hunter, Landon and Maverick.Other popular boy names with a country feel include tough guy country names Ryder and Waylon along with sweet country boys Beau and Rhett. Unique country boy names include Bear, Ridge, and Gatlin.Some other notable country boy baby names: Finn and Sawyer, as in country boy literary heroes Huck and Tom. Nature names River and Colt along with Biblical names Jonah and Caleb also qualify as country boy baby names.If you're searching for a country boy baby name for your little boy, whether you're raising him in Montana or Manhattan, these qualify.
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Creative Baby Names
Creative baby names can be drawn from the worlds of art, music, design, or literature. Creative baby names for boys and girls include the following.
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Cute Baby Names
Cute baby names might be on board for your doll, your pet, your bump, or maybe even your baby. What makes a name cute? Nickname-names often qualify as cute, as do names that end in o or the ee sound. The biggest concern: That your adorable baby will outgrow his or her cute name. But cute baby names often come complete with buttoned-up formal versions. Or...you can just embrace the cute! Here are some prime examples of cute baby names that are in style today. For more information and many more names, check out our complete guide to cute names for boys and girls.
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Cute Baby Names for Boys
Cute baby names mix up the informal and the unexpected. They're names sometimes found on pets and comic strip characters, but most of them would wear well on a real boy, too. Formal name options can make these even more wearable for the long haul. For more information and many more names, check out our complete guide to cute names for boys and girls.
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Cute Baby Names for Girls
Babies are darling, so no wonder some parents opt for the cutest of cute baby names when it comes to naming their daughters. Some of these cute names, such as Annie and Sophie, do wear well, even into adulthood. Other cute baby names might be better as nicknames for formal names—or reserved for kittens and doll babies.
Along with Annie and Sophie, other cute girl names in the US Top 500 include Chloe, Daisy, Ellie, Hattie, Lucy, Maggie, Olive, and Sadie. Many vintage names for girls fall into the cute category; among the most usable are Dottie, Lula, Tillie, and Winnie.
If you need a cute name for your adorable baby daughter, consider these options. For more information and many more names, check out our complete guide to cute baby names. -
Exotic Lite Baby Names
Maybe you want an exotic name for your baby....but not too exotic. Something international, yet recognizable to most Americans. Your category? Could be the Exotic Lite baby names here, from a range of cultures.
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Fancy Boy Names
Fancy boy names are those that sound posh, elegant, sophisticated, rich -- you know, fancy. Boy names that sound fancy might have an aristocratic connection or an upscale feel. If you find some of these fancy boy names a bit much, you would be right: Fancy often means elaborate, effete, unique, over the top. Whether you want a fancy name for your son or want to steer clear of fancy names, these are the boy names with a fancy feel today.
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Fancy Girl Names
Fancy girl names are names that feel posh, aristocratic, elaborate, elegant -- unique in an upscale way. Many fancy girl names are a whole lotta name. Too much name? That's for you to decide. If you're looking for a sophisticated girl name that will definitely set your daughter apart from the crowd, consider one of the oh-so-fancy names for girls.
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Fancy, Elegant, Sophisticated Baby Names
Fancy baby names are those elegant, sophisticated choices that have a posh, upscale feel. Fancy names are those that go beyond the merely long and elaborate. Fancy baby names are rare, precious, almost too dressed-up for everyday use. And true, the modern Antonina might be better known as Toni while Ozymandias would inevitably be called Oz. But perhaps you love the idea of giving your baby an elaborate fancy name on the birth certificate, to keep in reserve in case one ever finds oneself meeting royalty. Here is our complete collection of fancy names for boys and girls, many of them with more down-to-earth short forms.
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Feminine Girl Names
If you like decidedly feminine girl names, consider this collection of names with (usually) soft sounds, (often) vowel endings, and (always) a decidedly sweet, dainty image. Of course, girls' names can also be strong, powerful, wise, and all these other positive qualities that can apply to both genders, but these girls' names have an overarching feminine image.
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Forever Geeky Names
Some baby names just seem irredeemably geeky, on a permanent no list for the modern child. The baby names here qualify for now on the boys' side -- though we've learned in the world of baby naming, to paraphrase Heidi Klum, one day you're out, and the next day you may be very very in.
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Girls' Names With Gravity
For many parents, girls' names (and boys' names too) should carry more than an attractive sound and appealing image; they should have real history behind them. These names relate to a range of impressive personages, real and imagined, and also have both breadth and depth in terms of the meaning they convey. Inspired by a fascinating discussion on our forums, here are some girls' names with history and weight.
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Girly Girl Baby Names
Girly girl baby names are the most elaborately feminine of baby names. They have become newly fashionable, as today’s brave parents are not intimidated by names that go beyond three syllables. Some girly girl baby names, such as Cassandra and Isabella, have been in use for decades. Others, including Valentina and Luciana, have more recently been discovered by American parents. Along with Isabella and Valentina, other girly girl baby names in the US Top 1000 include Anastasia, Arabella, Evangeline, Francesca, Juliette, Liliana, Savannah, and Scarlett. Girly names that remain under-the-radar in America include Georgiana, Mirabelle, Raphaela, and Seraphina. Choosing a girly name won’t guarantee your baby girl will be super feminine– after all, your Ariana could always decide to go by Ari – but if you’re hoping for a daughter who wants to dance ballet and covets all things pink, these names certainly fit that image. Here are some super feminine baby names for your own girly girl.
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Gothic Baby Names
Gothic baby names relate to the culture that combines horror with romanticism. Gothic can refer to the medieval or the modern; Gothic style encompasses music and architecture, literature and fashion. Names inspired by goth culture are a little shadowy and a lot mysterious, such as Damien and Ophelia. Along with Damien and Ophelia, other Gothic names in the US Top 1000 include Andre, Jasper, Jett, Luna, Raven, Scarlet, Wolf, and Zelda. Gothic baby names with a distinctly dark image include Jezebel, Onyx, Wednesday, and Blackwell. Names for a goth baby can include those related to goth icons, goth styles, or goth imagery. Here are some boy and girl names that, for a range of reasons, might be considered Gothic. Baby appropriate? In a dark sort of way...
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Hipster Baby Names
Hipster baby names are names that are favored by hip, stylish parents, none of whom want to be accused of using hipster names for their children. That makes hipster names a moving target -- as soon as a name becomes identifiably hipster, hip parents start to avoid it. What qualities are shared by hipster names? They're usually conventional names but not popular ones. They might be quirky and edgy but may also have deep roots. Old-fashioned nickname-names often strike a hipster vibe, as do mythological names and boys' names used for girls. The letters O, Q, X, and Z are often found in hipster names. The hipster baby names most often heard around Brooklyn, Austin and Madison these days (though we can't resist pointing out that the names Brooklyn, Austin and Madison are nowhere among them).
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Midcentury Baby Names
Midcentury furniture may be in, but midcentury baby names, not so much. These are the names of the Baby Boomers, new or about-to-be grandmas and grandpas of today, and their names feel middle-aged to young parents. Wait a generation or two, and given the hundred year rule, you might look for these midcentury names to make a comeback as baby names in the 2040s and 2050s.
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Mystical Names
Mystical names summon figures of mythology and legend, of magic and mystery. The mystical names here hail from a range of different cultures and stories. Some names, such as Lilith and Phoenix, remain strongly tied to their myth of origin. Others, like Jason and Maya, are so far removed that many may be unaware they are mythological names. Along with Jason and Maya, other mystical names in the US Top 1000 include Bodhi, Cassandra, Cohen, Daphne, Finn, Gabriel, Thalia, and Veda. Baby names with general ties to mysticism and mythology include Hero, Rune, Saga, and Serendipity. For even more mystic baby names, check out our lists of Mythology Girl Names and Mythology Boy Names.
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Names All Your Friends Will Think Are Cool
By Emma Waterhouse Cool baby names can be cool for a number of reasons: they might contain fashionable sounds, like V, X or Z; they might have a cool pop culture connection; or they might just be a little bit edgy and hipster. Many of the cool baby names in our list are outside of the US Top 1000. Celebrity parents are the masters of cool and unique baby names, from edgy word names for boys like Fox and Bear, to cute and quirky names for girls, like Clementine and Tallulah. If you're looking for a super cool baby name that all your friends will wish they'd thought of first, our list of awesome eye-catching baby names for boys and girls is a great place to start!
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Names No Boy May Be Cool Enough For
You have to be pretty damn cool to name your kid Elmer, cool in that I-like-it-and-I-don't-care-what-the-world-thinks kind of way. Except you're not the one who's going to have to deal with having the name Elmer when you play Little League. You're not the one who's going to have to introduce yourself as Elmer to girls at parties. In fact, if you think it's so cool, maybe you should change your own name to Elmer rather than laying it on a poor little kid. The point: While we can appreciate the contrarian cool inherent in these clunky names, we fear that few children at this point in time are cool enough actually to live with them.
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Names No Girl May Be Cool Enough For
You have to be pretty darn cool to name your kid Hortense, cool in that I-like-it-and-I-don't-care-what-the-world-thinks kind of way. Except you're not the one who's going to have to deal with having the name Hortense when you play soccer. You're not the one who's going to have to introduce yourself as Hortense to boys at parties. In fact, if you think it's so cool, maybe you should change your own name to Hortense rather than laying it on a poor little kid. The point: While we can appreciate the contrarian cool inherent in these clunky names, we fear that few children at this point in time are cool enough actually to live with them.
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Names That Mean Beautiful
By Pamela Redmond Baby names that mean beautiful come from a range of cultures and represent a variety of styles. Beautiful baby names might literally mean beauty or beautiful, such as Astrid and Bella, but also includes those with meanings like handsome and fair.
Along with Astrid and Bella, other names meaning beautiful in the US Top 1000 include Alana, Beau, Bonnie, Ingrid, Jamal, Jolie, Memphis, and Zain. Other intriguing names that mean beautiful include Mika, Nomi, Callista, and Rumi.
A meaning of beautiful or pretty is one that appeals to many parents of baby girls, and what would a little girl like more than a name denoting beauty? But there are also boy names with the meaning of beautiful or handsome, qualities prized in either gender. Here are some baby names that for boys and girls that mean beautiful. -
Names That Mean Dark
Expecting a baby with dark hair, or eyes, or skin, or simply looking for a name that means (or suggests) darkness? You could search for names that literally mean black, dark, or night. Or you might prefer to browse for names that suggest dark things, such as Jett or Raven.
Along with Jett and Raven, other dark baby names in the US Top 1000 include Blake, Colton, Delaney, Kiera, Layla, Melanie, Phoenix, and Sullivan. Many word names conjure images of darkness, such as Ebony, Mahogany, Sable, and Midnight itself.
The names here either mean dark or reference dark things or nighttime and would be perfect for a brown-eyed baby girl or dark-haired baby boy. -
Names That Mean Handsome
Baby names that mean handsome can help your little boy's self-image. A number of names imply good looks, from Keeley and Keefe to Bello and Beau. Names for good-looking babies come from many cultures, including Japan, Ireland, and Hawaii. Any of the names on this list would be appropriate for your beautiful baby boy. Handsome baby names for boys include:
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Names That Mean Happy
Happiness is a wonderful meaning for a baby's name, suggesting an upbeat personality and a positive future. Names that mean happy, happiness, joy, bliss or some other upbeat feeling include ancient mythological names along with modern word names. Names with happiness-related meanings come from a range of cultures and origins, from the Hebrew Asher and Naomi to the Japanese Nara and Miyuki.
Along with Naomi and Asher, other names that mean happy in the US Top 1000 include Abigail, Beatrice, Bonnie, Delilah, Eden, Felicity, Felix, and Tate. Happy names that are more unique among American parents include Blythe, Lettie, Onni, and Seeley.
If you’re hoping your child is joyful and lively, a happy baby name is a good place to start. Here are some names for a happy baby. -
Names That Mean Luck
Baby names meaning luck may not be enough on their own to bless your child with good fortune, but as they say, it couldn't hurt. Names meaning luck or lucky or fortunate include a wide range of different styles and include names with luck-related meanings as well as word-names that literally mean luck, such as Asher and Felicity.
Along with Asher and Felicity, other names that mean luck in the US Top 1000 include Benedict, Bennett, Chance, Evangeline, Felix, Fisher, Iris, and Jade. Other lucky baby names you may consider include Beatrix, Clover, Penny, or even Lucky itself.
Names for a lucky baby can also be related to good luck charms, like four-leaf clovers or the number seven. Here are some baby names for girls and boys that mean lucky. -
Names That Mean Ruler or Royal
Names with royal meanings are not necessarily actual royal baby names, such as George and Charlotte, but names that mean king, prince, queen, royal, or ruler. Choosing a baby name with a royal meaning is one of the many positive ways you can give your child a name to live up to. There are names that mean ruler or royal in every style, from a range of cultures, for girls and for boys. A complete list of our names that mean royal or ruler is here.
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Names That Mean Strong
Baby names that mean strong may help arm your boy or girl for whatever lies ahead. Strength-related name meanings have become more popular to parents in recent years, as they prepare their children for challenging times. Names for strong babies come from a variety of different cultures and encompass many different styles, from succinct, no-nonsense names like Drew and Zeke to long and romantic names like Gabriella and Valentino.
Along with Gabriella and Zeke, other names that mean strong in the US Top 1000 include Anders, Audrey, Bridget, Ethan, Gabriel, Griffin, Valentina, and Valerie. Other strong names worth considering include Evander, Trudy, Valencia, and Zale.
A name meaning strength won’t guarantee your child will be powerful, but it certainly can’t hurt. The following are baby names that include strength or power in their meaning. -
Names with Inspirational Meanings
Baby names with inspirational meanings or from spiritual sources strike an uplifting chord. Inspirational baby names are virtuous in nature, with meanings like comfort, generous, and bliss. Names with inspiring meanings might encourage your child to embody the virtue behind their name. This list includes classic virtue names like Justice and Grace, as well as names with subtler inspirational meanings, such as Grady and Veronique. Consider these names if you want to set your child up for a lifetime of inspiration.
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New Baby Names on the Rise
These new baby names have only recently been born, but are rising through baby names popularity lists and we predict will be used more frequently in the future. The new baby names to pay attention to include the following.
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Offbeat Baby Names
Offbeat baby names are those that are just a little bit quirky, a tiny bit unusual, off the beaten track. Here are some offbeat baby names you might want to consider today.
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Old Lady Names
by Pamela Redmond Old lady names are cool by virtue of their very disdain for fashion. These kind of old school girls' names are connected to tradition rather than modernity and gloss. What gets confusing is whether stylish vintage names like Adeline or Cora really qualify as Old Lady Names anymore, or if a name needs to be a bit dusty and unfashionable to qualify as Old Lady. Along with Adeline and Cora, other old lady names in the US Top 500 include Clara, Elsie, Evelyn, Iris, Mabel, Miriam, Ruth, and Vera. If you prefer the clunky-cool variety of old lady names, consider adding Cornelia, Dorothea, Geraldine, or Henrietta to your list. We've tried to make this list inclusive, pulling in all types of Old Lady Names. For more on the If you're interested in learning even more about these kinds of vintage names check out our original blog on Old Lady Names for more commentary and ideas.
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Old Man Names
Old man names have been used for so long now that they've morphed into popular baby names: Henry and Samuel rank among the top names in the US, while in the UK, Harry, Leo, and Oscar are all among their most popular baby names. But don't worry, there are plenty more where those came from. To qualify as a cool old man name, a name has to feel both classic and slightly moth-eaten, like the perfect vintage suit. Along with Henry and Samuel, other old man names in the US Top 500 include Arthur, Cyrus, Theodore, Otto, Silas, Harvey, Victor, and Frederick. Old man names more common in the UK than in the US include Albert, Ralph, Stanley, and Wilfred. Like Biblical boy names, old man names are constantly being revived by parents. Today's newest choices include such relics as Herbert, Harold, and Clyde. Here are the names for boys we consider Old Man Names.
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Old People Names
Old people names -- or rather, #oldpeoplenames -- is a Twitter phenomenon, whereby people contribute their ideas of which baby names are, you guessed it, old people names. Some of the ideas that pop up on Twitter, from Marvin to Myrtle, are good ones, while others miss the mark. True old people names still carry the whiff of the nursing home, even if they're newly considered fit for babies.
Here, the names we consider Old People Names.
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Patriotic Baby Names
Baby names with a patriotic flavor honor the land of the free and the home of the brave. Whether you're having a fourth of July baby, or you're just a proud American, here is a list of patriotic baby names sure to pay tribute to America.
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Posh Baby Names
The following names are the names most indicative of the upper class in Britain over the last thirty years based on peerage birth announcements compared with national statistics. In other words, these names are uncommon choices in Britain except for among the upper class where they are well used. The Brits call these Posh Baby Names, while to Americans these names may feel simply British or Eurostyle...which may feel posh or wealthy or upper class. Compiled by Eleanor Nickerson of British Baby Names.
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Pretty Girl Names
Pretty girl names are pretty—attractive, feminine, sometimes frilly—in themselves. They also conjure the image of a pretty girl. And some of these names literally mean pretty or beautiful, such as Jolie and Belle.
Along with Jolie and Belle, other pretty girl names in the US Top 1000 include Arabella, Camilla, Eden, Felicity, Jasmine, Lucia, Natalia, and Sophia. Bonita, Lavender, Mirabel, and Siran are among the pretty girl names that are less common with American parents.
While prettiness may ultimately be in the eye (and ear) of the beholder, we think these names say Pretty Girl. To go in a slightly different direction, we've also got a list of Cute Names for Girls. -
Prince Names
The prince names here are those chosen by royal families around the world for their little boys over the past decade or so. Your idea of prince names can be expanded to include those used over past generations—Charles and William, say—and to extend to fictional princes such as Phillip or...well, maybe not Charming. Along with Charles and William, other prince names in the US Top XX include Alexander, Carlos, Emmanuel, Felix, Louis, Magnus, Nikolai, and Pablo. Among the more extravagant recent prince names are Baudouin, Guillaume, Konstantinos, and Valdemar. Some of the real little princes have three or four middle names, as used to be custom in the royal families. For more details, see our blog on prince names.
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Princess Names
The princess names for girls here are those chosen by royal families around the world over the past decade or so. Your idea of princess names can be expanded to include those used over past generations—Anne and Elizabeth and even Diana, say— and to extend to fictional princesses such as Ariel and Aurora.
Along with Elizabeth and Aurora, other princess names in the US Top 100 include Alice, Amelia, Ariana, Charlotte, Isabella, Josephine, Lily, and Sophie. The more exotic princess names, including Fabiola, Khadija, Leonore, and Ulrike, come from the royal families of countries such as Morocco, Sweden, and Austria.
Many of the real little princesses have three or four middle names, some of which are also included on this list. For more, check out our list of royal baby names. -
Redhead Baby Names
Expecting a little redhead? Or maybe you love the color red or are expecting a baby born under one of the fire signs of the zodiac. Here are some baby names that mean red or redhead.
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Relaxed Baby Boy Names
These are baby boy names that are casual, laid back and friendly.
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Rock Star Baby Names
These rock and roll baby names are sure to bring out the star in your little one. Inspired by the rockers themselves, or the subjects of their songs (Jude, Layla, and Roxanne for instance), these names are the most edgy, interesting, or relevant of the rock star choices.
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Romantic Baby Names for Girls
There has been an upturn in the use of romantic baby names for girls in recent years -- think Isabella and Sophia. Some of these romantic baby names are classic, some are popular, but we're also including several names here that are more unusual. Here's a list of girls' names that have a romantic image and feel.
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Royal Baby Names
Royal baby names on this list are those used by royal families in recent years. Along with the traditional George, Charlotte, and Louis, other royal names making news range from the down-to-earth Archie to the fashionable Leonore to the popular Emma. The royal boy and girl names here include those used by British royal parents as well as those from other countries throughout Europe, including Spain, the Netherlands, and Sweden. Along with Archie and Charlotte, other royal names in the US Top 1000 include Eloise, Oscar, Josephine, Carlos, Alice, Emmanuel, Isla, and Gabriel. We see some of the recent Scandinavian royal baby names as possible hits in the US, including Estelle, Maud, Ingrid, and Joachim. Many of the names of contemporary royal children have been used by royal families over the centuries, such as Alexandra and Arthur. Others, such as Archie and Savannah, are newcomers to the royal name lexicon. Royal baby names include:
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Rustic Baby Names
Rustic baby names with that down-home country feeling can be drawn from nature names, Western names, earthy names -- many different sources. Names we'd call country or rustic include both classic and unique baby names, from Levi to Leaf, Hazel to Huck. Think golden afternoons, winding country roads, worn fences and simple pleasures. If your preference is for plain-feeling, rustic names, browse this list of country names with a rustic feel.
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Serious Names
Serious names used to be favored for boys but recently it's been serious names for girls that have gotten more attention, as parents try to do everything they can to help their daughters succeed in a serious world. Serious names are easiest to define by what they're not: They're not invented, not nicknames, not celebrity influenced (unless that celebrity is the Notorious RBG), not creative or fanciful in any way. They probably do not start with or even contain an X, a Z, or a Q. Serious names are somber, straightforward, buttoned-up, ready for a future as a lawyer, an accountant, or maybe President. Serious names for boys and girls include the following.
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Short & Strong Girl Names
Looking for girl names that are unfussy and straightforward? Here are some choice baby girl names that are both short and strong. If you're having a boy, check out our post on strong boy names
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Southern Baby Names
There's something about the South that says charm, hospitality and courtesy.
In the American South, parents often pass down family names to their children. The need to distinguish children from their relatives led to many of what we consider Southern naming traditions, including double-barreled names and children going by their middle names.
Southern names in the US Top 300 include Cash, Daisy, Delilah, Georgia, Tucker, and Wyatt. In the South, popular names for girls include Ava, Paisley, Scarlett, and Skylar. Carter, Elijah, John, and Mason are among the top names in the Southern states.
This list of Dixie baby names may inspire a choice for your southern belle or gentleman. -
Space Baby Names
There are cool star names like Uma and Bono, and then there are the even more extreme astronomical star and constellation names, which might appeal to parents looking for baby boy or girl names that are unique and celestial—in other words, a heavenly name. Along with Atlas and Nova, other Space names in the US Top 1000 include Aurora, Leo, Luna, Miranda, Orion, Phoebe, Samson, and Titan. Other stylish Space baby names include Elio, Juno, Kepler, and Vesper Space names for babies include all things planetary and nebular, from names of stars to satellites. If you are looking for baby names related to space, here are some stellar ideas:
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Spiritual Baby Names
Spiritual baby names suggest qualities we'd all like our children to aspire to and fit our new definition of cool. While they seem as if they can work for both genders, most spiritual baby names have been veering toward the feminine side. A few, such as Trinity, Destiny, Sky, and Genesis, are already staples on the girls' popularity lists.
Along with Genesis and Trinity, other spiritual baby names in the US Top 1000 include Bodhi, Eden, Haven, Justice, Mercy, Messiah, Miracle, and Saint. For less common but still stylish spiritual baby names, you might consider Galilee, Honor, Loyal, or Sunday.
Spiritual names deriving from a range of religions and beliefs are, for many parents, a modern substitute for biblical or saints' names. Here, some spiritual names that might be right for your baby. -
Strong Boy Names That Mean Power
Powerful boy names might be those that literally mean power or strength, such as Andrew and Ethan, or those that simply sound macho: Rock is an exaggerated example.
Along with Ethan and Andrew, other powerful boy names in the US Top 1000 include Brian, Everett, Garrett, Griffin, Harvey, Kenzo, Merrick, and Zane. Other strong and powerful names for boys that may appeal include Evander, Fort, Oswald, and Quinlan.
If you're looking for a decidedly powerful name for your baby boy, consider these boys' names that have strong or powerful in the meaning or give the impression of conventional masculinity. For more on this topic, see our blog on names that mean strength. -
Stylish L Baby Names
L is the letter that lends style to almost any name that contains it these days, whether at the beginning, in the middle, or -- most fashionably of all -- in a couple of different places. Also stylish are baby names that not only contain the letter L but its sound, as in Ella and Elliot. Here, fashionable baby names made all the lovelier by the letter L.
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Superhero Names
Superhero baby names take their inspiration from the superheroes of the large and small screen and the pages of comic books. You are probably not going to name your baby Black Panther or Spiderwoman, but you may want to use some of the names of superheroes used in their "real" lives. If you are inspired by the mythic worlds of crime-fighting and city-saving, a superhero name could be right for your child. Potential names for your little superhero include the following:
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Too-Cool Baby Names
Maybe you can't be too rich or too thin, but if you're a baby name, it just may be possible to be too cool. While the line of what constitutes a too-cool baby name seems to get redrawn every day, these choices will probably be on the wrong side of it for a long time to come:
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Unique High-Energy Baby Names
Energetic baby names are bright, bold, brave names with a real sense of mischief and fun! Along with names with dynamic meanings, like Dart, Dash and Moxie, there are also plenty of cool baby names which simply sound charged full of energy, like Calypso, Maximus, Oona and Bellamy. Popular sounds in these high-energy baby names include the -er ending of peppy picks like Piper, Vesper, Wilder and Juniper; the -o ending of energetic options like Ivo, Arlo, Cleo and Indigo; and strong, spiky consonant sounds like those in Viva, Xander and Zebedee. Although most of these bold and uncommon baby names fall well outside of the US Top 1000, a few -- like Piper, Hadley, Sawyer and Mateo -- are in the current Top 200, striking the perfect balance between funky and familiar. Others, like Arlo, Palmer and Roscoe, are rising fast. Whatever your style, if you're looking for a feisty baby name for your little firecracker, our list of high-energy baby names is a great place to start!
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Urban Prairie Names
Urban Prairie is the hottest new style on the fashion runways, and one that translates perfectly to baby names. These names are a little bit city and a little bit country, sophisticated yet artless, traditional yet edgy, so far out they're very very in.
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Victorian Royal Baby Names
Queen Victoria named six of nine children after either herself or her husband Prince Albert, making the royal baby names from the 19th and early 20th centuries a cozy bunch. The full list of royal names from the Victorian era includes:
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Yupster Baby Names for Boys
Yupsters -- a blend of yuppies and hipsters -- prefer baby names that are to the left of the most popular list but far to the right of most choices on this site. The Yupster Baby Names are classic as well as cool, embodying style along with history. The only problem is that you may hear them far more than you want to in the years to come.
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Yupster Baby Names for Girls
Yupsters -- a blend of yuppies and hipsters -- prefer baby names that are to the left of the most popular list but far to the right of most choices on this site. The Yupster Baby Names are classic as well as cool, embodying style along with history. The only problem is that you may hear them far more than you want to in the years to come.
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