Uni Names for 2016

Alix is a traditional male name with French origins, though it's increasingly used for both genders in modern times. As a masculine name, it represents a classic French variation of Alex or Alexander, ultimately derived from the Greek name Alexandros, meaning 'defender of men.' While the spelling Alix appears medieval and sophisticated, it offers a distinctive alternative to the more common Alex. In France, the name has historical significance as a male name dating back centuries, though in English-speaking countries the spelling is sometimes assumed to be feminine. This brief, elegant name carries cultural sophistication while maintaining the strong, classic qualities associated with Alexander.

A short but strong biblical name with multicultural appeal, Asa is enjoying new visibility thanks to hot young actor Asa Butterfield of Hugo fame.

The name August is at its highest point since the 1890s, when it ranked among the Top 100 boy names in the US – and deservedly so. With its great meaning, historic roots, and cool nicknames, 2024 saw August officially re-enter the Top 100.

Avery is a hugely popular name in the US, especially for girls. But while nearly four times as many girls as boys are named Avery today Avery's popularity is starting to soften for girls while it continues to strengthen for boys.

Extremely amiable, open-sounding surname that's gradually being taken over by the girls.

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"

In the USA, Blair is gaining momentum, rising quickly for the last 10 years and likely to continue to climb. In England and Wales, where Blair has political connotations – calling to mind former prime minister Tony Blair – it is much less common, although it is in use for boys in its native Scotland.

As modern as it sounds, Blaise is an ancient Christian martyr name. In Arthurian legend, Blaise is the name of Merlin the Magician's secretary. Its relation to the word and name Blaze gives it a fiery feel. Amanda Beard named her baby boy Blaise Ray.

Brit is a masculine given name with Scandinavian and Dutch origins. It's derived from Old Norse, where it originally meant 'from Britain' or 'Briton.' In some contexts, it can be considered a short form of names like Britton or Brittany. While more commonly used as a feminine name in America, Brit maintains masculine usage in Scandinavian countries and the Netherlands. The name has a strong, concise quality with just one syllable, making it distinctive and memorable. Brit has never been among the most popular names in the United States, remaining a relatively uncommon choice that carries a subtle European flair and cultural connection to Great Britain.

Alaska's Denali National Park is the home of the highest mountain in the US, officially renamed Denali in 2014, endowing the name with a lofty feel. There were 20 boys and 55 girls given the name in 2014.

This Biblical name was rising dramatically for boys, but has plateaued in recent years. Although it's more popular for girls, it's a delightful unisex choice. Eden is one of the Top 100 Boy Names in France.

Eliot is the sleekest spelling of the original, very occasionally used for girls, perhaps to honor novelist George Eliot.

The combination of Emily and Emma's popularity -- and the fact that Desperate Housewives star Teri Hatcher's daughter is named Emerson -- have put this formerly strictly boys’ name, embodying the gravitas of Ralph Waldo Emerson, in the limelight for girls.

This cross-cultural name, found in Wales, Brittany, and Spain, is a surprise star in the U.S in recent years, largely thanks to actor Gael Garcia Bernal. Also written as Gaël, it's a popular choice across Spain, Mexico, Chile, Uruguay, and France, and as of 2024, it ranks in the US Top 100.

The girls have Violet and Scarlet and Ruby and Rose, but for the boys there's a much more limited palette of color names. Gray (or Grey), is one exception, which could make for a soft and evocative--if slightly somber-- choice, especially in the middle. Kaitlin Olson and Rob McElhenney recently named their son Leo Grey.

Indigo is one of the most appealing and evocative of the new generation of color names. Color names have joined flower and jewel names -- in a big way -- and Indigo, a deep blue-purple dye from plants native to India, is particularly striking for both girls and boys. Although most people don't think of it like this, Indigo might also be considered among the most stylish Greek baby names in use today. Some cultural references: The Indigo Girls are a folk duo, 'Mood Indigo' is a classic Duke Ellington jazz composition, and there is a 1970's New Age theory that Indigo children possess special, sometimes supernatural abilities. Indigo is the name of a character in the Ntozake Shange novel Sassafrass, Cypress & Indigo, and was used for his daughter by Lou Diamond Phillips.

Jacobi is a masculine name derived from Jacob, which has Hebrew origins meaning "supplanter" or "holder of the heel." This form represents a Latin genitive case of Jacobus, essentially meaning "of Jacob" or "son of Jacob." Particularly used in Germanic and Jewish naming traditions, Jacobi carries scholarly and religious significance. While less common than Jacob or Jakob, Jacobi has gained modest popularity in recent decades as parents seek distinctive variations on traditional names. The name projects intelligence and sophistication while maintaining connection to the biblical patriarch Jacob. Jacobi appeals to families looking for names with substantial historical roots but contemporary feel, offering familiar sounds in a less common package.