Fingernails On a Blackboard

  1. Reginald
    • Origin:

      English
    • Meaning:

      "counsel power"
    • Description:

      Now seen as the chap in the smoking jacket in a 1930s drawing-room comedy, Reginald has actually been on the US popularity list every year since 1880.
  2. Virginia
    • Origin:

      Latin
    • Meaning:

      "virginal, pure"
    • Description:

      A literary name and a place name with a grand yet familiar feel, Virginia has been in the US Top 1000 since records began in the late 19th century. Also familiar in Spain, Brazil and Italy, recent years have seen it rank around the #500 mark in the States.
  3. Xander
    • Origin:

      Diminutive of Alexander, Greek
    • Meaning:

      "defending men"
    • Description:

      Xander is a diminutive of Alexander, the Latin variation of the Greek Alexandros. Its meaning, "defending men," is taken from the Greek roots aléxein, "to defend," and andros, "men." Zander, pronounced the same way, is an alternate spelling.
  4. Shane
    • Origin:

      Anglicized variation of Sean
    • Meaning:

      "God is gracious"
    • Description:

      Shane ambled into the picture via the 1953 movie, adding a cowboy twist to its Irish essence. A variation of Sean with a hint of Shay and Zane, it is a popular choice in Ireland.
  5. Kayla
    • Origin:

      Hebrew
    • Meaning:

      "crown, wreath; fortress; who is like God?"
    • Description:

      Kayla is a modern invented name that emerged in the late 1950s. It may have been inspired by the similar sounding Michaela, though it could equally have come about as a combination of the then popular name popular name Kay and the familiar -la suffix.
  6. Lorraine
    • Origin:

      French
    • Meaning:

      "from the province of Lorraine"
    • Description:

      Sweet Lorraine might just be old enough to be ripe for reconsideration. This French place name has moved in and out of fashion in the few hundred years it's been used as a girls' first name, somewhat influenced by the alternative name of Joan of Arc--Saint Joan of Lorraine. It was quite popular from the 1920s to the fifties, but has pretty much been in limbo since then.
  7. Christian
    • Origin:

      Greek or English from Latin
    • Meaning:

      "anointed one or follower of Christ"
    • Description:

      The name Christian has fallen a bit from its 90's and 00's heights, but it's still quite popular. Once considered overly pious, Christian is now seen as making a bold statement of faith by some, while also having secular appeal for others. Christian's enduring popularity may be influenced by such celebrities as Christian Slater and Christian Bale, not to mention the fashion world's Dior, Lacroix, Louboutin and Audigier.
  8. Salome
    • Origin:

      Hebrew
    • Meaning:

      "peace"
    • Description:

      A soft and interesting Hebrew name long popular in France, where it has ranked in the Top 400 since 1986 (as Salomé). Ex-ER star Alex Kingston named her daughter Salome Violetta.
  9. Bryce
    • Origin:

      Variation of Brice, Scottish surname
    • Meaning:

      "speckled, freckled"
    • Description:

      This spelling of Brice relates the name to Utah's spectacular Bryce Canyon -- and is much more popular for both genders than the original Brice. Basketball's LeBron James named his son Bryce Maximus James, and in one of his early movies, John Cusack played a Bryce in Sixteen Candles.
  10. Travis
    • Origin:

      French occupational name
    • Meaning:

      "tollgate-keeper"
    • Description:

      Has a laid-back rural feel some would associate with country singer Travis Tritt; Kyra Sedgwick and Kevin Bacon chose it for their son. Travis Scott, born Jacques Webster Jr., a popular rap artist, is another famous Travis.
  11. Amber
    • Origin:

      Word name, English
    • Description:

      Though perhaps not as currently stylish as Ruby, Jade, or Pearl, Amber has a colorful history (remember the notorious Forever Amber heroine?). Unfortunately, it does come with the "Amber Alert" connotation for modern parents (and their children).
  12. Shiloh
    • Origin:

      Hebrew
    • Meaning:

      "tranquil"
    • Description:

      Haunting biblical and Civil War place-name; now unisex—especially after the mega-high-profile Brangelina couple picked it for their daughter. It debuted in the Top 1000 for boys in 2015.
  13. Brayden
    • Origin:

      English or Irish
    • Meaning:

      "broad hill or salmon"
    • Description:

      Brayden is the top spelling of one of the epidemically popular rhyming cousins of Aiden, hitting the Top 100 in 2005.. It has dipped a bit recently, but is still widely used. Other popular spellings include Braden, Braeden, Braydon, Braiden, Braedon and Bradyn. Take your pick.
  14. Dawn
    • Origin:

      English word name
    • Meaning:

      "dawn, sunrise"
    • Description:

      Associated with the first light of the day, and more figuratively with new beginnings and fresh starts, Dawn's heyday came in the 1960s and 70s in the US, Canada and the UK. It had been in the charts since around the end of the First World War but really began to take off in the 1950s.
  15. Brock
    • Origin:

      English
    • Meaning:

      "badger"
    • Description:

      Brock is a rock solid name, with a touch of preppy sophistication. It ranked solidly in the 200s-300s from 1975 until 2014, but has since tumbled a bit.
  16. Hank
    • Origin:

      Diminutive of Henry, German
    • Meaning:

      "estate ruler"
    • Description:

      Hank is a midcentury guy nickname (which actually dates back to the seventeenth century) of the Al/Hal/Dick school, which has been on recess from the playground for decades. Now it's just beginning to be given on its own again, appreciated for its earthy, sportsguy cool. Hanks Aaron and Greenberg (born Henry) and Hank Williams (born Hiram) Sr and Jr. are worthy namesakes.
  17. Blaine
    • Origin:

      Irish and Scottish
    • Meaning:

      "yellow"
    • Description:

      Attractive Scottish and Irish surname name of a seventh-century saint, associated with the illusionist and escape artist David Blaine.
  18. Sara
    • Origin:

      Hebrew
    • Meaning:

      "princess"
    • Description:

      Sara, the streamlined form of Sarah, makes this ancient name feel more modern, but perhaps a bit lighter weight.
  19. Loretta
    • Origin:

      English variation of Italian Lauretta; diminutive of Laura
    • Meaning:

      "bay laurel"
    • Description:

      Though Loretta has long ago lost its Latin flair, fashionable Sarah Jessica Parker's choice of it as the middle name of one of her twin daughters freshens it up a bit. It's one of several such names, like Anita and Rita that we can envision making a comeback.
  20. Ashley
    • Origin:

      English
    • Meaning:

      "dweller near the ash tree meadow"
    • Description:

      It may have peaked at #1 for girls in 1991 and 1992 in the US, but Ashley actually has a long history as a male given name, as evidenced by the sensitive Ashley Wilkes in Gone With the Wind. It's always been more popular for boys in England and Wales, where it currently ranks at #414.

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