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Aussie Inspirations - PLACES

  1. Stirling

    • Origin:

      Scottish

    • Meaning:

      "from the city of Stirling"

    • Description:

      Though the usual U.S. spelling is Sterling, this is the authentic Scottish family name version.
  2. Scotland

    • Origin:

      Place-name

    • Description:

      Kim Basinger and Alec Baldwin's daughter Ireland opened up the map for names like Scotland, and now that it's been chosen by Kourtney Kardashian for her daughter Penelope's middle name -- in honor of daddy Scott Disick -- Scotland is sure to appear on more birth certificates. Can Scotlyn be far behind?
  3. Tasman

    • Origin:

      Dutch, unknown

    • Description:

      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.
  4. Shelly

    • Description:

      Shelly is a feminine name that originated as a diminutive of Michelle or as a reference to seashells, giving it both personal and nature-inspired origins. Popular during the 1960s and 1970s in English-speaking countries, Shelly has a cheerful, friendly quality that made it a favorite during this period. The name evokes coastal imagery and has a naturally pleasant sound. While it can stand alone as a given name, Shelly continues to serve as a nickname for Michelle, Rochelle, or Shelby. Though its peak popularity has passed, Shelly maintains an unpretentious charm and familiarity. The name's association with seashells gives it a subtle nature connection that appeals to parents drawn to ocean themes.
  5. Remo

    • Origin:

      Italian variation of Remus, meaning unknown

    • Description:

      Virtually unknown in the U.S., yet with its jaunty o ending and similarity to the stylish (yet unrelated) Remy, Remo may find some new followers.
  6. 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.
  7. 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.
  8. Fairy

    • Origin:

      English word name

    • Meaning:

      "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.
  9. Denham

    • Origin:

      English

    • Meaning:

      "village in a valley"

    • Description:

      Legitimizes the newly coined Denim, as does the Scottish place-name Denholm (both pronounced DEN-um).
  10. Crescent

    • Origin:

      French

    • Meaning:

      "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.
  11. Fowler

    • Description:

      Fowler is a masculine name of English origin that began as an occupational surname. It originally referred to a person who hunted wild birds or was a bird-catcher (from the Old English 'fugelere'). As a first name, Fowler is quite uncommon, representing the trend of using traditional surnames as given names. This practice became more popular in the United States during the 20th century, especially for boys. Fowler has a distinguished, somewhat aristocratic sound that appeals to parents seeking a name with historical roots and a professional tone. Its rarity as a first name makes it distinctive while still being recognizable and straightforward to pronounce and spell.
  12. Jervis

    • Description:

      Jervis is a masculine name with Germanic origins, being a variant form of Jarvis. The name ultimately derives from elements meaning "spear" and "warrior." Historically, it was more common as a surname, as in the notable British naval officer Sir John Jervis. As a first name, Jervis has never been widely popular but has maintained a steady, if minimal, usage over centuries. It has an aristocratic, somewhat old-world feel that distinguishes it from more common names. The name sounds similar to the more familiar Jarvis but with a softer pronunciation. Jervis might appeal to parents seeking a name with historical depth and a gentlemanly quality that remains uncommon.

  13. Forster

    • Origin:

      English, variation of Foster

    • Meaning:

      "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'.
  14. 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.
  15. Opera

    • Origin:

      Word name

    • Description:

      A very distinctive musical choice, but be aware that many people will think you've named your child Oprah.
  16. Hobart

    • Origin:

      English and Dutch variation of Hubert

    • Description:

      More user-friendly than the original.
  17. 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.
  18. Bell

    • Origin:

      English and Scottish occupational name

    • Meaning:

      "ringer of the bell"

    • Description:

      These days, it's more likely you'd call your daughter the popular Belle or Bella.
  19. Miami

    • Origin:

      Place-name

    • Description:

      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.
  20. 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.