Great Names from Books

This stuffy English surname and hotel name took on Twilight cool when attached to vampire Carlisle Cullen. Inspired by the character, it's more popular in this spelling than as Carlyle and more widely used for boys than for girls.

One of the names of the sun god Apollo, this is better known in its feminine form, Phoebe.

A little heavy on the fiber content; we prefer Bram. But Bran is also the Celtic god of the underworld, whose symbol is the raven.

This version of the sea god's name may be more ready for prime time than the Roman version, Neptune -- slightly.

Rosemarie had its moment in the sun back in the middle of the last century, when parents were looking for new ways to recycle traditional family names. So a child might combine her two grandma's names and become Rosemarie (or Annmarie or Maryjean), but these combination names feel dated now.

Darryl is a masculine name with ancient Celtic origins, derived from the Irish name 'Dáire' or 'Daire,' meaning 'fruitful' or 'fertile.' It entered common usage in English-speaking countries as both a given name and surname. Darryl experienced significant popularity in the United States from the 1950s through the 1970s, reaching its peak in the mid-1960s. Sports figures like baseball stars Darryl Strawberry and cultural references in television and film helped maintain the name's visibility. While its usage has declined since its heyday, Darryl retains a friendly, approachable quality. The name is often associated with reliability and straightforwardness, carrying a classic yet not overly formal feel with its characteristic double-r spelling.

Variant of Marianne or Maryann

Aurielle is a feminine name with French and Latin influences, derived from 'aurum' meaning 'gold.' It's a melodic elaboration of Auriel or Ariel, with the feminine '-elle' suffix adding elegance. The name evokes qualities of preciousness, brilliance, and celestial beauty. Aurielle gained modest recognition in the late 20th century as parents sought names with positive associations and beautiful sounds. Its connection to gold suggests value and radiance, while its similarity to 'aura' implies a special presence or energy. The name strikes a balance between uniqueness and accessibility, with familiar elements combined in a distinctive way. While never reaching top popularity charts, Aurielle appeals to parents seeking something both ethereal and substantial, with a touch of French sophistication.

This is one case where removing a letter makes a name more complicated, not more simple.

Hosteen is a masculine name derived from Navajo (Diné) culture, where it functions as an honorific title meaning 'elder' or 'respected man.' In traditional Navajo society, the term indicates a man of wisdom, age, and community standing. As a personal name, it carries connotations of dignity, wisdom, and leadership. While uncommon outside Native American communities, particularly the Navajo Nation, Hosteen represents indigenous naming traditions and cultural heritage. The name has special significance in the American Southwest, particularly in areas with strong Navajo presence like Arizona, New Mexico, and Utah. For those seeking a name with authentic Native American roots and meanings that honor wisdom and respect, Hosteen offers a distinctive choice with deep cultural significance.