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Favorite Names

Barryl
By Barryl
Updated Mon May 22 2023
  1. Peregrine

    • Origin:

      Latin

    • Meaning:

      "traveler, pilgrim"

    • Description:

      Peregrine is considered to be an elegantly aristocratic name in England, but has never made it to the U.S., where it has been seen as extravagantly eccentric. In the new naming climate, though, it's not beyond consideration — in fact it's already been chosen by at least one Berry.
  2. 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.
  3. Vere

    • Origin:

      English from French

    • Meaning:

      "alder"

    • Description:

      Upper-class surname in England that might be prime for adoption here.
  4. Sulien

    • Origin:

      Welsh

    • Meaning:

      "sun born"

    • Description:

      Said to be the name of the most learned man in ancient Wales, in this country it would be open to mispronunciation, making it rhyme with Julien.
  5. Jove

    • Origin:

      Mythological name

    • Description:

      Another name for Jupiter, king of the Roman gods, this jovial name is eminently ready for modern use. Feminine variations include Jovita and Jovie.
  6. Perrin

    • Origin:

      Variation of Perry or Peter, English or Greek

    • Meaning:

      "dweller near the pear tree or rock, stone"

    • Description:

      Perrin has been in long use as a surname, derived from Peter, and is now used quietly as a first name. It may rise higher now that it's a character name in the popular TV adaptation of Robert Jordan's fantasy novel series The Wheel of Time. Twenty-six baby boys were named Perrin in the US last year, along with six baby girls.
  7. Tolliver

    • Origin:

      English and Scottish occupational name

    • Meaning:

      "metalworker"

    • Description:

      If you're tired of Oliver, you might consider this energetic three-syllable surname instead, so you could have a little Tolly instead of an Ollie.
  8. Redmond

    • Origin:

      Irish variation of Raymond

    • Meaning:

      "wise protector"

    • Description:

      We love this partly for purely personal reasons, since it is one of our surnames. We used it as the middle name of a son –and it can make a good first choice too. Redmond – also found as Reamann or Raemonn – is the Irish form of the Germanic name that occurs in modern English as Raymond.
  9. Silo

    • Description:

      Silo is an uncommon masculine name with multiple potential origins. It may derive from Latin roots, possibly related to the word for a grain storage structure, or it could come from Germanic elements. The name also appears in ancient history as that of a king of Asturias in Spain during the 8th century. Silo has a distinctive, minimalist quality with its brief two syllables and open ending. The name's rarity makes it an intriguing choice for parents seeking something genuinely unique with historical echoes. Despite its brevity, Silo carries a certain strength and clarity. Its uncommon nature means most bearers of this name would likely be the only one in their community.

  10. Ridge

    • Origin:

      English word name

    • Meaning:

      "an elevated body part or structure"

    • Description:

      Ridge may be the quintessential daytime drama name, but it's still better than most. This is one word name rising rapidly through the ranks, reentering the US Top 1000 in 2015 for the first time since 1989.
  11. Pilar

    • Origin:

      Spanish

    • Meaning:

      "pillar"

    • Description:

      The fact that this Spanish classic, which honors the Virgin Mary, does not end in the conventional letter 'a' gives it a special sense of strength, elegance, and style, making it a worthy choice.
  12. Serge

    • Origin:

      French variation of ancient Roman family name Sergius

    • Meaning:

      "servant"

    • Description:

      Old saints' and popes' name that went to France in the 1920s with the Russian Ballets Russes; in its Russian form, Sergei, it retains an artistic, almost effete air.
  13. Phelan

    • Origin:

      Irish

    • Meaning:

      "wolf"

    • Description:

      Phelan, pronounced FAY-lan or FEE-lan, is an appealing Irish surname name, with a rich history in Irish myth and religious and secular life. One bearer was a fiercely loyal follower of the legendary warrior Finn MacCool, another was a missionary saint.
  14. Sloan

    • Origin:

      Spelling variation of Sloane

    • Description:

      Less popular than the Bueller-inspired Sloane but following on its coattails, this name ranks toward the middle of the Top 1000, but we see both spellings sticking around for years to come.
  15. Thisbe

    • Origin:

      Greek mythological name, meaning unknown

    • Description:

      Thisbe, the name of a beautiful but tragic lover in mythology, is lively and cute -- in a slightly thistly, prickly way. Ovid retold the story of Thisbe and Pyramus, young lovers in ancient Babylon kept apart by family rivalry, which was the inspiration for Romeo and Juliet. A modern bearer of the name is writer Thisbe Nissen.

      In Sarah Dessen's novel Along for the Ride, the baby daughter is named Thisby, nn Isby.

  16. Silvius

    • Origin:

      Latin

    • Meaning:

      "wood, forest"

    • Description:

      With the rise of ancient Roman names, the now-obscure Silvius may be rediscovered. Sleek and silvery, Silvius was the name of several legendary kings and an early saint. It survives in the contemporary world in its Spanish and Italian form Silvio, used for the character played by Steven Van Zandt on The Sopranos, while its traditional form appears in the Shakespeare play, As You Like It.
  17. Coltrane

    • Origin:

      Irish surname

    • Meaning:

      "descendant of Coltarán"

    • Description:

      The great sax player John Coltrane could be a cool naming inspiration for a jazz fan.
  18. Silvan

    • Description:

      Silvan is a masculine name derived from Latin 'silva' meaning 'forest' or 'woodland.' It relates to the Roman deity Silvanus, who was the god of woods and wild fields. The name carries nature-based connotations of forests, trees, and woodland settings, making it appealing to parents drawn to names with environmental themes. Silvan has variations across European languages, including Silvanus (Latin), Silvano (Italian/Spanish), and Sylvan (French-influenced spelling). While never extremely common, the name has maintained steady usage particularly in German-speaking regions, parts of Eastern Europe, and among families with Romanian heritage. Silvan has a gentle yet masculine quality, offering a subtle nature connection without being overtly trendy.

  19. Abbott

    • Origin:

      Hebrew, Aramaic

    • Meaning:

      "father"

    • Description:

      Abbott is a neglected masculine surname with religious overtones as the head of a monastery. Though the feminine nickname Abby could be a slight drawback, Abbott is still an attractive offbeat possibility.
  20. Orelia

    • Description:

      Orelia is a melodious feminine name with Latin roots, derived from 'aurum' meaning 'gold.' It's closely related to Aurelia and can be considered a variant form. The name evokes a sense of preciousness, warmth, and radiance—qualities associated with gold. Orelia has a romantic, slightly antique feel with its flowing syllables and soft ending. While never extremely common, the name has seen occasional usage throughout Southern Europe, particularly in Spain and Italy, and among Hispanic communities. In recent years, Orelia has gained some attention from parents seeking a distinctive yet accessible name with classical origins. Its similarity to more familiar names like Olivia and Amelia makes it approachable, while its relative rarity offers uniqueness.