NAMES FROM THE TV SHOW THE 100
- Abigail
Origin:
HebrewMeaning:
"my father is joyful"Description:
Abigail has been in for so long -- the name has ranked in the US Top 100 since the late 1980s -- it's amazing that it isn't more out by now. But Abigail's biblical and historic roots make it a fashionable classic rather than a passing fad.
- Aleks
Description:
Aleks is a masculine name representing a streamlined, modernized spelling of Alexander, which derives from Greek elements meaning 'defender of the people.' This simplified variant is particularly common in Eastern European countries, including Poland, Slovenia, and other Slavic regions, though it's growing in popularity worldwide as parents seek shorter forms of traditional names. Aleks maintains the strength and historical gravitas of Alexander while offering a more contemporary, international feel. The name's brevity makes it practical and distinctive in Western contexts while still honoring its classical roots. Notable bearers can be found in sports, arts, and literature throughout Eastern Europe, contributing to its cross-cultural appeal.
- Alie
Description:
Alie is a feminine name with multiple possible origins. It can be a variant of Allie (short for Allison, Alice, or Alexandra), or derive from names like Aaliyah or Aliya in Arabic traditions, where it means 'exalted' or 'rising.' This short, sweet name offers versatility across cultures and has maintained modest usage throughout the years. Alie appeals to parents seeking a simple yet distinctive name that works well internationally. Its brevity makes it straightforward to spell and pronounce, while its various cultural connections give it depth of meaning beyond its compact appearance.
- Anya
Origin:
Russian diminutive of AnnaMeaning:
"grace"Description:
Anya is a Russian variation of Anna, which came from the Hebrew name Hannah. Anya is the form found most frequently in Russia, Poland, and other East European countries, while Anja is the spelling usually preferred in Germany Norway, Denmark, Germany, Sweden, and The Netherlands. In the Hungarian language, Anya also means mother.
- ARKER
- Bellamy
Origin:
English and Irish from FrenchMeaning:
"fine friend"Description:
Bellamy is a surname name with an admirable meaning and upbeat rhythm, similar to jovial choices like Rafferty, Barnaby and Willoughby.
- Caris
Origin:
Welsh, GreekMeaning:
"love; grace, kindness"Description:
Beautiful meanings no matter which origin you want to go with. But either way, it rhymes with Paris.
- Charlotte
Origin:
French, feminine diminutive of CharlesMeaning:
"free man"Description:
Charlotte, the name of the young Princess of Cambridge, is the latest classic name to join Sophia, Emma, Olivia, and Isabella at the top of the popularity list. It is now among the most popular girl names in many English-speaking and European countries.
- CLARKE
- Echo
Origin:
Greek mythology nameMeaning:
"echo or sound"Description:
Although this is traditionally seen as a female name, via the classical mythological nymph who pined away for Narcissus until all that remained of her was a disembodied voice — it can also be used for boys. Remember that old song, 'Little sir echo, how do you do?'
- Eli
Origin:
HebrewMeaning:
"ascended, uplifted, high"Description:
With its sharp, succinct sounds and cool, laidback style, Eli is a popular choice among parents today. Compact and punchy, it is a Biblical name with plenty of charm.
- Eliza
Origin:
HebrewMeaning:
"pledged to God"Description:
Eliza is a name with a wonderful combination of streamlined zest and Eliza Doolittle charm and spunk. It's a classic that's popular right now -- but not too popular.
- Finn
Origin:
IrishMeaning:
"fair or white"Description:
Finn is a name with enormous energy and charm, that of the greatest hero of Irish mythology, Finn MacCool (aka Fionn mac Cuumhaill), an intrepid warrior with mystical supernatural powers, noted as well for his wisdom and generosity.
- GUSTUS
- Ian
Origin:
Scottish version of JohnMeaning:
"God is gracious"Description:
Ian is Scottish form of John, derived from the Hebrew name Yohanan. It is an Anglicization of the Scottish Gaelic Iain, which is also a viable spelling. Ian was introduced to Americans by Ian Fleming, creator of James Bond.
- Indra
Origin:
SanskritMeaning:
"possessing drops of rain"Description:
In the ancient Hindu religion, Indra is the warrior god of sky and rain, though in modern America, this might make a better girls' than boys' name. You can spell it Indre, like the French river, if you prefer.
- Isaiah
Origin:
HebrewMeaning:
"Salvation of the Lord"Description:
Isaiah, like brethren Isaac and Elijah, is a once neglected biblical name now firmly back in favor, already surpassing such long-popular Old Testament stalwarts as Aaron and Adam. Isaiah has ranked on the US Top 1000 list for boys every year but two, 1969 and 1970.
- Jarod
Description:
Jarod is a masculine name of Hebrew origin, considered a variation of the biblical name Jared, meaning 'descent' or 'he who descended.' This modern spelling gained significant popularity in the United States during the 1980s and 1990s, partly due to the television series 'The Pretender,' which featured a protagonist named Jarod. The name has a strong, contemporary sound while maintaining traditional roots. Jarod projects confidence and intelligence, with a slightly unconventional edge compared to more common biblical names. Though its peak popularity has passed, it remains a recognizable name that carries a balance of uniqueness and familiarity.
- Jasper
Origin:
PersianMeaning:
"bringer of treasure"Description:
Jasper originated as a variation of the Latin Gaspar, which ultimately derived from the Persian word ganzabara, meaning "bringer of treasure." As a given name, Jasper’s etymology is unrelated to that of the gemstone, which comes from a Semitic word meaning "speckled stone." Jasper is the usual English form for one of the Three Wise Men who brought gifts to the infant Christ according to medieval tradition and appears in the Bible as a reference to the stone itself in Revelations 4:3.
- Keenan
Origin:
IrishMeaning:
"ancient"Description:
This name of three ancient saints, one Wayans brother, and an NFL wide receiver makes an energetic choice.
- Lexa
Description:
Lexa is a feminine name with multiple origin possibilities. Most commonly, it's considered a shortened form of Alexandra, which derives from Greek elements meaning 'defender of mankind.' It also functions as an independent diminutive of Alexis or Alexa. In Slavic languages, particularly Czech and Slovak, Lexa can be a nickname for names containing the Alex- element. The name gained modest recognition following the introduction of the character Commander Lexa in the television series 'The 100' (2014-2016). With its crisp, modern sound combining the popular 'Lex' sound with a feminine ending, Lexa appeals to parents seeking short, strong feminine names that balance contemporary style with classical roots.
- Lincoln
Origin:
EnglishMeaning:
"town by the pool"Description:
Lincoln cracked the Top 50 for boys' names for the first time in 2016, more than 150 years after the death of its most famous bearer. This is especially remarkable because, as crazy as it seems now, Lincoln was deeply out of fashion as recently as the late 90s, consistently hovering near the bottom of the Top 1000.
- Lorelei
Origin:
GermanMeaning:
"alluring, temptress"Description:
The lovely Lorelei, a name from old German legend, was a beautiful Rhine River seductress whose haunting voice led sailors to hazardous rocks that would cause them to be shipwrecked. And this siren image clung to the name for ages.
- Marcus
Origin:
LatinMeaning:
"warlike"Description:
Though ancient, Marcus now sounds more current than Mark, in tune with today's trend towards us-ending Latinate names.
- Maya
Origin:
Sanskrit, English, Hebrew, EstonianMeaning:
"illusion, magic; mother; water; beloved, bitter, drop of the sea"Description:
Maya, which has an almost mystical image, has been steadily climbing in popularity in the US and the English-speaking world, along with a range of other countries, including France, Germany, Israel, and Brazil. It's ranked in the US Top 100 since the turn of this century, but has never risen to the top of the list, which you may consider a good thing.
- Myles
Origin:
Spelling variation of Miles, English form of Latin and Old GermanMeaning:
"soldier and merciful"Description:
This alternate spelling of Miles has its fans, among them Myles-parents Eddie Murphy and Lars Ulrich. Pro basketball player Myles Turner uses this spelling. The Myles spelling is also associated with Pilgrim Myles Standish and so can make one of the classic Thanksgiving baby names.
- NIYLAH
- Octavia
Origin:
LatinMeaning:
"eighth"Description:
Octavia began as the Latin, then Victorian name for an eighth child. While there aren't many eighth children anymore, this ancient Roman name has real possibilities as a substitute for the overused Olivia; recommended for its combination of classical and musical overtones. It was chosen for his daughter by Kevin Sorbo.
- Raven
Origin:
Word and animal nameDescription:
Bird name Raven, once a symbol of pride for both African-American and Wiccan parents, is finding new life as a superhero name. Raven Darkholme is the real name of Mystique, heroine of the X-Men films played by Jennifer Lawrence. And there is another Raven superheroine in Teen Titans. Some parents may still choose Raven to signal black pride or mystical powers or maybe even Edgar Allan Poe fandom, but we are guessing most inspiration is coming from the comics.
- REKHA
- Rivo
Origin:
EstonianDescription:
A variant of Estonian Riivo, of uncertain meaning, that fits right in with cool water names like River and Rio.
- Roma
Origin:
Italian place-nameDescription:
Never as popular as Florence; today's parents might prefer Venezia, Verona, or Romy. It is also a Hindu name meaning "one with shiny hair" and is another name for the goddess Lakshmi.
- Ryder
Origin:
British surnameMeaning:
"cavalryman, messenger"Description:
Ryder, one of the current favorite er-ending boys’ names, has been in the spotlight since Kate Hudson and her rocker husband Chris Robinson chose it for their son in 2004. Very popular in several provinces of Canada, Ryder was chosen by John Leguzamo for his son and adorns Boy Meets World star Ryder Strong.
- Thelonious
Origin:
Latinized variation of German Tillman, “one who plows the earth”Description:
One of the coolest of names, thanks to legendary jazz pianist Thelonious Sphere Monk, who inherited this Latin-sounding German name from his father. It has been used very sparingly since the 1960's, with just a sprinkling of baby boys receiving the name each year, though it's one of the unique baby names we predict will get much less unique as more parents embrace its quirky charms.
- Tristan
Origin:
CelticMeaning:
"noise or sorrowful"Description:
Tristan -- known through medieval legend and Wagnerian opera -- has a slightly wistful, touching air. This, combined with the name's popular "an" ending, makes Tristan very appealing to parents seeking a more original alternative to Christian.
- Wells
Origin:
Surname from place nameMeaning:
"spring"Description:
Wells is a newly-famous baby name thanks to pregnancy guru Rosie Pope, who uses it as the short form of the buttoned-up Wellington, name of her youngest child.