Family Names

Parents who like Ben and Benjamin but find those forms too popular sometimes consider Benedict as a more distinctive choice. Unlike the Old Testament Benjamin, Benedict is the name of the saint who formed the Benedictine Order and of fifteen popes,including a recent one.

Caridad is a theological Virgin name, representing Our Lady of Charity, and a popular saint's name in Cuba. Would make an interesting choice, in the manner of the more familiar Soledad, Our Lady of Solitude.

Carmina is a feminine name of Latin origin that derives from the word 'carmen,' meaning 'song,' 'poem,' or 'verse.' The plural form 'carmina' literally translates to 'songs' or 'poems,' giving the name artistic and musical associations. While relatively uncommon in English-speaking countries, it has stronger usage in Italy, Spain, and Latin American countries. The name carries a lyrical quality and evokes the beauty of musical expression and poetic artistry. Carmina's classical roots connect it to ancient Roman culture, where poetry and songs were highly valued art forms. The name gained some recognition through Carl Orff's famous musical composition 'Carmina Burana.' For parents, Carmina offers a melodious choice with cultural depth, artistic associations, and a timeless, elegant quality.

Celeste is a softly pretty and somewhat quaint name with heavenly overtones, which kids might associate with Queen Celeste of Babar's elephant kingdom. She's a light and lovely choice that's finally getting noticed.

Celestine is a pretty, crystalline extension (actually a diminutive) of Celeste that would make a choice that is both delicate and strong. It is also a popular name in France.

French-Canadian singer Dion made us notice this variation. Although many parents would prefer the homonym Selene, which has a different derivation and means "moon," Celine has been a Top 1000 name every year since 2012, and was also on the list each year from 1994 to 2005. Celine is also a newly-chic French fashion label.

Relatively popular in Spain until the middle of the 20th century, this sweet and lively Spanish virtue name is also a Marian name, short for María de Fe. In Galician, it is sometimes also short for Fernanda, meaning "brave voyager".

Hannah is one of the nation's top biblical girls' names — it surpassed Sarah in 1998, and ranks in the Top 100 along with Elizabeth, Abigail, Chloe, and Naomi. Hannah is a name with many sources of appeal: Old Testament roots, soft and gentle sound, and a homey yet aristocratic image.

A biblical place name with trumpeting verve and strength.

Elaboration of Rachel sometimes seen in France, but more rarely here.

Attractive name popular in the Latino community, long identified with half-Bolivian actress Raquel Welch. Similarly to the Hebrew form Rachel, Raquel is past its peak. Nonetheless, it retains a certain sparkle and would feel newly refreshing for a baby today.

This regal French name is a descendant of the Latin Regina, as is the Spanish Reina. Reine is also a male name in Scandinavia.

Reinier is a masculine name of Germanic origin, derived from 'Rayner' or 'Rainer,' which combines the elements 'ragin' (counsel) and 'heri' (army), meaning 'wise army' or 'judgment warrior.' Popular in the Netherlands and other Dutch-speaking regions, it also appears in variations across Germanic and Scandinavian countries. Historically associated with nobility, including Reinier of Trit, a knight of the Fourth Crusade. While not widely used in English-speaking countries, the name maintains steady popularity in its regions of origin. Reinier conveys strength, wisdom, and leadership qualities, appealing to parents seeking a traditional yet distinctive name with historical depth.

Chic in the fifties, now kept in the public eye mainly by actress Zellweger. Variations include Rene, Renae, and Renny.

After a 60 year slide down the popularity ladder, Robin made a turnaround in 2020 and began climbing back into favor for baby girls. One reason may be its new status as one of the most evenly-divided gender neutral names.

To many people, Ronald is off playing shuffleboard with Donald, though others aren't swayed by its old man image. In the Top 10 in the late 1930s through the mid-1940s, the name later came to be strongly associated with President Reagan, along with his nicknames, Ron and Ronnie—as well as with the McDonald franchise mascot. A more youthful bearer is the likable character Ron Weasley in the Harry Potter series. In the early days of Hollywood, Ronald Colman was a dashing matinee idol.