Aussie Inspirations - PLACES
- Manly
Description:
Manly is an unusual masculine name deriving from Old English, literally meaning 'masculine' or 'resembling a man.' As a given name, it emerged during the Victorian era when virtue names and descriptive names were fashionable. Though uncommon today, Manly experienced modest popularity in the United States in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. The name carries obvious associations with masculinity, courage, and strength. Some bearers may have been named after Manly Hall, a notable Canadian author, or in reference to Manly Beach in Australia. The direct meaning can make it feel somewhat heavy-handed in modern contexts, which has contributed to its decline. Today, it's an extremely rare choice that stands out for its straightforward meaning.
- Sunshine
Origin:
Word nameDescription:
Sunshine was seen as a quintessential hippie name of the 70s, reaching as high as Number 536 in 1975. Now such names are making a bit of a retro comeback, seen, for example, as a character on Glee.
- 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.
- Forster
Origin:
English, variation of FosterMeaning:
"scissors maker"Description:
Forster, a variation of Foster or potentially even Forester, is associated with British novelist E.M. Forster, author of A Passage to India, Howard's End, and A Room with a View. But if you choose Forster, you'd always have to force that 'r'.
- 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. Scottish curler Hamilton McMillan Jr pulls it off though, with nickname Hammy.
- Tarra
Description:
Tarra is a feminine name with multiple potential origins. It may be a variant spelling of Tara, which has rich cross-cultural roots including the Irish hill of Tara (royal seat in ancient Ireland) and Sanskrit origins meaning 'star.' In Hindu tradition, Tara is a goddess of compassion. The doubled 'r' gives Tarra a distinctive edge while maintaining the melodic quality of the original. This spelling variation remains less common than Tara, allowing for uniqueness while preserving the name's essential sound and cultural connections. The name has occasionally appeared in popular culture but has never reached high popularity rankings in most Western countries. Tarra offers a subtle twist on a name with deep historical and cross-cultural significance.
- Ocean
Origin:
English, nature nameDescription:
Ocean is a nature name that comes right out and states its meaning and association. Full of power and depth, Ocean is one of the fastest-rising baby names for both girls and boys, making the US Top 1000 for both genders in 2021. Oceane, the version that's trendy in France, was used for only 11 baby girls in the US in the same year. Ocean-lovers who want to be less obvious can choose such subtler names that mean ocean as Jennifer or Marissa, but coming right out and using Ocean is a perfectly valid way to go.
- 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.
- Bonny
Description:
Bonny is a charming feminine name of Scottish and English origin that literally means 'pretty,' 'attractive,' or 'fair.' It derives from the Old French word 'bon' meaning 'good.' The name gained recognition through the Scottish folk song 'My Bonnie Lies Over the Ocean.' While primarily used as a given name for girls, Bonny has occasionally been used for boys as well. Throughout history, it has been more commonly used as a nickname or term of endearment rather than a formal name. Bonny enjoyed modest popularity in the early to mid-20th century but has since become less common, giving it a sweet, vintage appeal for modern parents seeking something simple yet distinctive.
- Mackay
Origin:
GaelicMeaning:
"son of Aodh"Description:
MacKay is the Anglicized form of Mac Aodha, meaning "son of Aodh" in Gaelic. Aodh is the origin of names such as Aidan and Hugh, making McKay a subtle way to honor people with those names. It could also work as an alternative for of Mackayla, derived from Michael, or to honor a Kay.
- Grove
Origin:
Nature nameMeaning:
"grove of trees"Description:
If you find Grover too fusty and furry, this is a much cooler-sounding alternative.
- Cable
Origin:
FrenchMeaning:
"rope"Description:
Drop the C and arrive at an established biblical name.
- 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.
- 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.
- Bridge
Origin:
Word nameMeaning:
"bridge"Description:
A new name with the potential for spanning across a far-reaching future. Bridges and Bridger are other possiblities.
- Fingal
Origin:
GaelicMeaning:
"fair stranger"Description:
Originally a nickname for Viking invaders, it gained fresh impetus in the 18th century when James Macpherson made Fingal the central character in his Ossianic poems. An offbeat addition to the Fin- family of names.
- 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.
- 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.
- Hobart
Origin:
English and Dutch variation of HubertDescription:
More user-friendly than the original.
- Howe
Origin:
GermanMeaning:
"hill"Description:
The minimalist Howard.
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