Favorite Names
- Peregrine
Origin:
LatinMeaning:
"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.
- Shiloh
Origin:
HebrewMeaning:
"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.
- Sulien
Origin:
WelshMeaning:
"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.
- Pilar
Origin:
SpanishMeaning:
"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.
- Sloan
Origin:
Spelling variation of SloaneDescription:
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.
- Ridge
Origin:
English word nameMeaning:
"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.
- Redmond
Origin:
Irish variation of RaymondMeaning:
"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.
- Jove
Origin:
Mythological nameDescription:
Another name for Jupiter, king of the Roman gods, this jovial name is eminently ready for modern use. Feminine variations include Jovita and Jovie.
- Perrin
Origin:
Variation of Perry or Peter, English or GreekMeaning:
"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.
- 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.
- 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.
- Tolliver
Origin:
English and Scottish occupational nameMeaning:
"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.
- Serge
Origin:
French variation of ancient Roman family name SergiusMeaning:
"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.
- Tamerlane
Origin:
Turkic, MongolMeaning:
"iron"Description:
This Westernized form of the name of an ancient Mongol warrior, remembered primarily today through the works of Christopher Marlowe and Edgar Allan Poe, runs the risk of sounding pompous and pretentious.
- Thisbe
Origin:
Greek mythological name, meaning unknownDescription:
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.
- Vere
Origin:
English from FrenchMeaning:
"alder"Description:
Upper-class surname in England that might be prime for adoption here.
- Tage
Origin:
Swedish and DanishMeaning:
"to take, capture"Description:
One of the top baby names in Sweden, Tage is virtually unknown outside Scandinavia. Many English speakers would rhyme it with stage, but the correct pronunciation is two syllables with a hard G: TAH-gah.
- Everhart
Description:
Everhart is a masculine name with Germanic origins, functioning both as a surname and given name. Combining the elements 'ever' (meaning 'boar' or sometimes interpreted as 'strong') and 'hart' (meaning 'brave' or 'hardy'), the name essentially conveys strength and courage. As a first name, Everhart is quite rare, appealing to parents seeking distinctive names with historical roots and strong meanings. The name has a dignified, somewhat formal quality that suggests resilience and determination. Its connections to nature through the 'hart' element (which can also reference a male deer) give it additional depth, potentially appealing to those drawn to names with woodland or natural associations.
- Hartwell
Origin:
English surnameMeaning:
"stag stream"Description:
Lovers of Maxwell might like this more unusual – but no less distinguished – surname name, with its adorable nickname of Hart.
- Theroux
Description:
Theroux is primarily known as a French surname that has occasionally crossed over into use as a masculine given name. The surname originated from a medieval French personal name, likely derived from the Germanic element "theud" meaning "people" or "race." As a first name, Theroux remains extremely rare, gaining limited recognition primarily through association with famous bearers of the surname, such as travel writer Paul Theroux and actor Justin Theroux. The name has a sophisticated, literary quality with its French pronunciation and unique 'x' ending. While virtually absent from popularity charts, it appeals to parents seeking a distinctive, cosmopolitan name with European flair. The name's rarity ensures individuality while its surname origins give it a distinguished, intellectual character.