User-created list
By hathorhasnot · Updated May 2023
Across 6 pages
of 6
English
"fortified town"
Slightly more modern than Walter, but only just.
Diminutive of Linda, English, Welsh
"pretty, soft, tender; lake"
Lynn arrived in the 1940s, spinning off from the wildly popular Linda to become a top mid-century middle (and first) name, ranking at #58 during its 1956 peak. Now, however, Lynn is out of the…
English occupational name
"coal miner"
This occupational surname could find new life with those wishing to honor someone in their heritage who was connected to the tough-as-nails breed that was the pre-modern coal miner. Coll and Collie…
Nature name
Like Sky and Sunshine, this fluffy name from the hippie 1970s has floated back onto the naming radar. It's similarity of Clyde and Claude help to ground it.
"knife maker"
Cooper would be a more engaging C-starting occupational choice.
English and Scottish
"treeless hill"
Unless it runs in your family, or Alexander Hamilton is your particular hero, you might consider something less imposing -- and without the teasable nickname Ham. Scottish curler Hamilton McMillan Jr…
Latin
"godfather"
Jupiter's partner Juno has entered the mainstream, so it's possible that her divine mate could follow. But not necessarily for boys — Jupiter is currently mostly female in the US, thanks to its…
"wide river crossing"
Brad in a Brooks Brothers suit.
Daven is a masculine name with multiple potential origins. It may be an Anglicized form of the Irish name Damhan (pronounced DAV-awn), meaning 'little stag,' or possibly a variant of Davin, a…
"lives where hawthorn hedges grow"
The great American novelist sets this above many other surnames (and nature names , for that matter), but it's still an imposing and adventurous choice. Do nicknames Hawk or Thorne make it more…
Color name
"deep reddish-brown"
With its rich aural relation to names like Aubrey and Audrey, this color name could be the next Amber, or Scarlett.
English variation of Afon, Welsh
"river"
An Anglicized form of the Welsh name Afon, Avon is the name of both river in the south of England and the name of a cosmetics company. Given to a handful of boys each year, the similar, unisex Aven…
Greek
"region offering peace and contentment"
Arcadia, a name for an unspoiled paradise, makes an attractive secular alternative to Nevaeh or Eden. For parents who want an unusual name with a friendlier nickname, Arcadia has the advantage of…
Greek place name
"daughter of Atlas"
Mythical wonderland makes strong, evocative first name.
Irish
"from the narrow forest"
A beaming, friendly Irish last-name-first-name waiting to be discovered, though anyone into American history might associate it with John C. Calhoun, a 19th century statesman who defended slavery.…
Spanish
"pretty"
Like Benita, had some popularity in the fifties.
Short form of David, Hebrew
"beloved"
The nickname Davie is very hot right now -- for girls. Most Davies these days are female, but this is still a natural short form of the classic David.
French
"faith"
Foppish name with a distinguished forebear, French general Marquis de Lafayette, who fought in the American Revolution. It accounts for the L in L. Ron Hubbard. Old-time short form: Fayette or Fate.
Alford is an English surname-turned-first-name with Old English origins, derived from 'ald' meaning old and 'ford' meaning river crossing, literally signifying "old river ford." As a given name, it…
