Florida-inspired names

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 carries an air of distinction and heritage, suggesting someone connected to ancestral lands. Alford has never been extremely common as a first name but has maintained a steady, if modest, presence throughout the English-speaking world. It peaked in popularity in the early 20th century. The name evokes images of rural English landscapes and has an aristocratic quality. Alford offers the friendly nickname Al while maintaining a formal, distinguished full form that conveys strength and tradition.

Altha is a rare feminine name with ancient Greek origins. It likely derives from the Greek word 'althos,' meaning 'healing,' or could be a variation of Althea, which comes from 'althein' meaning 'to heal' in Greek mythology. Althea was the mother who inadvertently caused her son Meleager's death. Altha was moderately used in the United States in the late 19th and early 20th centuries but has become increasingly uncommon since then. The name carries a vintage charm with its soft sound and healing associations. Its brevity and classical roots might appeal to parents seeking a simple yet uncommon name with historical depth.

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 cute Cady.

Archer is an Anglo-Saxon surname that feels more modern than most because of its on-target occupational and Hunger Games associations. And it's a nice way to bypass the clunky Archibald to get to the cool nickname Archie.

Mythical wonderland makes strong, evocative first name.

With its rich aural relation to names like Aubrey and Audrey, this color name could be the next Amber, or Scarlett.

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 is currently more popular.

One of the most appealing of the newly hip occupational names, evoking sweet smells emanating from the oven. Much fresher sounding than than others that have been around for a while, like Cooper, and Carter.

One "bald" name we can get behind, thanks to pioneering African-American author James Baldwin – though the name is now also associated with the Baldwin brothers, particularly Alec.

Like River and Lake, a cool, refreshing modern water-related choice. This name is also associated with bay leaves, the bay laurel, the contemporary term of endearment, "bae", and the Old English word beġ meaning "berry"

The remarkable success of the girls' name Everly makes a revival of the name Beverly seem possible. More commonly a masculine name in the 19th century, it began to be used for girls in the early 1900s, reaching #14 ion the popular names list in 1937. Inspirations: Beverly Johnson was the first African-American model to appear on the cover of Vogue, Beverly Sills was a major American soprano, Beverly Cleary authored the beloved 'Ramona' books, and Beverly Goldberg is the beloved TV matriarch of 'The Goldbergs'.

Like Benita, had some popularity in the fifties.

One of the trendiest of the new two-syllable boys’ names that have swept the country in the past few years, including the rhyming Aidan, Caden, Kaden, and Jaden. It's been falling on the US Top 1000 lately but it is still among the most popular contemporary English names for boys..

Brad in a Brooks Brothers suit.

Bristol Palin, the daughter of former Alaska governor and Vice Presidential candidate Sarah Palin, grabbed her own share of headlines after her pregnancy and having appearing on Dancing With The Stars. She subsequently (almost) single-handedly propelled her distinctive name, derived from the name of a city in England, into the Top 1000 and up the charts.

This surname has a modern yet old New England feel, perhaps because of the association with the transcendental teacher and reformer Bronson (born Amos Bronson) Alcott, father of Louisa May. (One-time sitcom star Bronson Pinchot's full name is Bronson Alcott Pinchot.) A more muscular image comes via tough guy Charles Bronson.

A surname that sounds stylish — given the soaring popularity of Brooks — but is surprisingly rare.