Aussie Inspirations - PLACES
- Tasman
Origin:
Dutch, unknownDescription:
When Dutch explorer Abel Janszoon Tasman became one of the first Europeans to find Australia, he gave his name to a sea and to an island. in turn some parents have chosen to honor their homeland by choosing this name for their child. Tasma is the feminine version.
- Hyde
Origin:
Medieval measure of land, or English surnameMeaning:
"hide"Description:
Hyde, of course, is most familiar as a surname -- as in Mr. Hyde, evil alter ego of Dr. Jeckyll. Unless Hyde is a family name or you have some other excellent reason for using it, we think you could do better.
- Bell
Origin:
English and Scottish occupational nameMeaning:
"ringer of the bell"Description:
These days, it's more likely you'd call your daughter the popular Belle or Bella.
- Fairy
Origin:
English word nameMeaning:
"fairy"Description:
Fairy's reputation as a slur directed at gay men takes it off the table as a baby name option. Go with Pixie or Faye instead.
- Stirling
Origin:
ScottishMeaning:
"from the city of Stirling"Description:
Though the usual U.S. spelling is Sterling, this is the authentic Scottish family name version.
- Diamond
Origin:
Word name, English from GreekMeaning:
"diamond"Description:
Diamond sparkled all through the nineties--reaching as high as Number 150 in 1999. Although its shine has diminished quite a bit, it remains in use.
- Denham
Origin:
EnglishMeaning:
"village in a valley"Description:
Legitimizes the newly coined Denim, as does the Scottish place-name Denholm (both pronounced DEN-um).
- Hervey
Description:
Hervey is a masculine name with Norman-French origins, introduced to England after the Norman Conquest. Derived from the Old French 'Hervé,' which comes from Germanic elements meaning 'army' and 'warrior,' the name carries connotations of strength and valor. Historically, Hervey was more common among nobility in medieval England. While relatively rare today, it maintains an air of aristocratic heritage and classic sophistication. The name experienced modest popularity in the 19th century but has since become uncommon, giving it a distinctive vintage appeal. Hervey offers the appeal of traditional masculinity with historical depth and an elegant sound.
- Miami
Origin:
Place-nameDescription:
Miami -- or Florida, for that matter -- hasn't achieved the place-name stardom of southern sisters like Savannah and Georgia. Quincy Jones used it as his daughter KENYA's middle name.
- Eagle
Origin:
Nature nameMeaning:
"eagle, a bird"Description:
Solemn but soaring name with patriotic symbolism.
- Esperance
Description:
Esperance is a feminine name of French origin derived from the Latin 'sperare' meaning 'to hope.' It directly translates to 'hope' or 'expectation,' making it a deeply meaningful choice with positive connotations. The name carries spiritual significance in Christianity as one of the three theological virtues alongside faith and charity. Esperance has remained relatively uncommon in English-speaking countries but has some usage in France and French-speaking regions. The musical quality of its pronunciation and its uplifting meaning make it an appealing choice for parents seeking a name with both beauty and substance. As a virtue name, it conveys optimism and positive expectations for a child's future.
- Lorne
Description:
Lorne is a name of Scottish origin derived from the region of Lorne in Argyll, Scotland. While traditionally used as a masculine name, it has crossed over to become a unisex option, though remains less common for females. The name evokes the scenic landscapes of its geographical roots. For girls, Lorne carries a gentle yet distinctive quality, offering an uncommon alternative to more popular feminine names. Its usage for females peaked in the mid-20th century but has remained relatively rare. The name sometimes appears as a variant spelling of Lauren or Laura, though it maintains its own unique heritage and character.
- Hobart
Origin:
English and Dutch variation of HubertDescription:
More user-friendly than the original.
- Cable
Origin:
FrenchMeaning:
"rope"Description:
Drop the C and arrive at an established biblical name.
- Hamilton
Origin:
English and ScottishMeaning:
"treeless hill"Description:
Unless it runs in your family, or Alexander Hamilton is your particular hero, you might consider something less imposing -- and without the teasable nickname Ham.
- Tanja
Description:
Tanja is a feminine name with Slavic and Germanic roots. It's a variant of Tanya, which itself is a diminutive of the Russian Tatiana, originally derived from the Roman family name Tatius. The name gained popularity across Eastern and Northern Europe, particularly in countries like Russia, Germany, Finland, and the Netherlands. Tanja offers a slightly different spelling of the more common Tanya, giving it a distinctive European flair. The name saw increased international usage in the mid-20th century and continues to be appreciated for its melodic sound and cultural versatility. While less common in English-speaking countries, Tanja remains a beloved choice in many European nations for its elegant simplicity and rich cultural heritage.
- Crescent
Origin:
FrenchMeaning:
"increasing, growing"Description:
Crescent is an intriguing word name with a pretty sound and links to the moon. Cressie could make for a cute nickname, as used in the Worst Witch children's TV series, short for Crescentmoon.
- Howe
Origin:
GermanMeaning:
"hill"Description:
The minimalist Howard.
- Falcon
Origin:
Bird nameDescription:
There is a whole new species of bird names open to the baby namer, from the light and feminine Lark to the sleek and powerful Falcon.
- Cathie
Description:
Cathie is a feminine name that originated as a diminutive form of Catherine, which derives from the Greek name Aikaterine, possibly meaning 'pure.' This friendly, approachable variation peaked in popularity during the mid-20th century, particularly in the 1950s and 1960s when nickname forms were commonly used as given names. Cathie offers a warmer, more casual alternative to the more formal Catherine while maintaining its classic roots. The name has a vintage charm that evokes the mid-century era. While less common today than in previous generations, Cathie maintains appeal for parents seeking a familiar yet not overly used name with nostalgic connections. Its unpretentious quality and easy pronunciation give it an enduring accessibility.
