Aussie Inspirations - PLACES
- 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.
- 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.
- Grove
Origin:
Nature nameMeaning:
"grove of trees"Description:
If you find Grover too fusty and furry, this is a much cooler-sounding alternative.
- 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.
- 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.
- Rainbow
Origin:
EnglishMeaning:
"rainbow"Description:
Colorful, yes, but also probably among the hippiest of hippie names. Holly Madison recently chose it for her little girl.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- Opera
Origin:
Word nameDescription:
A very distinctive musical choice, but be aware that many people will think you've named your child Oprah.
- Paterson
Origin:
EnglishMeaning:
"son of Peter"Description:
Paterson is a surname-name to continue a line of Peters and also the name of a city in New Jersey, hometown of poets William Carlos Williams and Allen Ginsberg.
- 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.
- Cable
Origin:
FrenchMeaning:
"rope"Description:
Drop the C and arrive at an established biblical name.
- 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.
- Hobart
Origin:
English and Dutch variation of HubertDescription:
More user-friendly than the original.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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'.